AQW 13737/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 24/06/2024
Answered On Date: 27/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the implementation of new relationships and sexuality education laws in Northern Ireland’s schools; and (ii) to detail the list of stakeholders his Department will engage with in relation to this.

Answer:

The Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, introduced by the Secretary of State were effective from 1 July 2023. Guidance to support the changes made to the curriculum was issued to all post-primary schools on 1 January 2024.

The Secretary of State’s regulations also placed a duty on my Department to publish a report by 1 September 2026 on the implementation of the changes. Officials will take this forward in due course and this will include engagement with stakeholders.