Louth TD Paula Butterly has welcomed the stronger focus on domestic and gender-based violence in the updated SPHE curriculum for post-primary students.
Deputy Butterly raised the issue with the Minister for Education and Youth, who confirmed that relationship education and abuse prevention are now included at both Junior and Senior Cycle as part of the State’s wider strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
The Minister outlined the significant reforms already underway within the education system, highlighting the updated Junior Cycle SPHE specification, introduced in all schools from September 2023, and the new Senior Cycle SPHE specification, published in 2024 and being phased in nationally, with full implementation required by September 2027.
The Minister confirmed that these curriculum changes form a key part of the prevention pillar of Zero Tolerance: The Third National Strategy for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, demonstrating the important role education plays in preventing abuse and promoting healthy, respectful relationships from an early age.
Under the updated curriculum, students learn about:
- Respectful and healthy relationships.
- Recognising unhealthy and abusive behaviours.
- The importance of consent and personal boundaries.
- Identifying different forms of abuse.
- Understanding coercive control and gender-based violence.
- The causes and consequences of abuse.
- Supports available to those experiencing violence or abuse.
- The dangers of image-based abuse.
The Minister also confirmed that extensive teacher training is being delivered to support the rollout of the curriculum, with more than 10,000 teacher interactions through professional learning programmes since 2023 and over 100 teachers participating in DCU’s Graduate Diploma in SPHE and RSE.
The Louth TD said “As a strong advocate for raising awareness of domestic violence and gender-based violence, I believe education has a crucial role to play in prevention. Young people must be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to recognise healthy relationships, understand consent and boundaries, and know where to seek support if they or someone they know is experiencing abuse.”
“I am encouraged by the significant work already underway through the updated SPHE curriculum. Embedding these issues into education ensures that every young person has access to age-appropriate information that can help challenge harmful attitudes, promote respect and equality, and ultimately contribute to safer communities. The commitment to providing comprehensive education on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence at both Junior and Senior Cycle is extremely important. Equally important is ensuring teachers have the training and resources they need to deliver this learning effectively and sensitively.” said Deputy Butterly
“While the updated curriculum represents a major step forward, we must continue to build on this work. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent violence, challenge stereotypes and empower young people. I will continue to advocate for initiatives and programmes that support these objectives and help create a culture of zero tolerance towards domestic and gender-based violence.”
