Sir, - A lot has been written in these pages lately about the relationships and Sexuality Education programme, and it was refreshing to read a sensible comment on the subject from Helen Teevan Carmody (August 8th). Surely it is self-evident that a sound, sensitive programme will empower young people and not precipitate irresponsible behaviour. Would Fr. Tom Ingoldsby rather keep children in the dark and therefore out of trouble, as dictated by his contorted logic?
Those who feel that the topic is best dealt with by parents should not feel threatened by the introduction of the programme. It won't deny them the opportunity to sit down and discuss the content with their children at home in a caring environment. The schools don't want to exclude the parents, whose role in RSE is, of course, the most important.
However, can we seriously expect all parents to provide reliable teaching in the more "sensitive" areas? While most will approach sex education very thoughtfully, it is not unreasonable to believe that some will casually ignore what they consider the less desirable issues, abortion and homosexuality for instance. Not all children are fortunate enough to have clear-headed parents who are completely comfortable with all aspects of sexuality, a reality made manifest by commonplace examples of ignorant remarks.
Clearly there is a need for a parallel programme in the schools with parental involvement, and that is all it will be provided parents are responsible enough to give suitable guidance in the home. If they lack the maturity to do so, then obviously the programme assumes greater importance for the child. In short, the duty falls to the State to redress the disadvantage borne by children whose parents fail them in this regard. - Yours, etc.,
Alan Cox,
Newbridge, Co Kildare.