Sir, - I feel the time has come to write my first letter to a newspaper in the hope that some of your readers may be able to enlighten me. Recently I attended an "Information Meeting for Parents" on the Relationships and Sexuality Education programme for national schools given by a teacher. The format consisted of a talk (with slides etc.) for 90 minutes followed by a question and answers session for about 20 minutes. The case for the RSE programme was well made, but the negative aspects were not addressed at all.
It is well documented that unnecessary disruption in the latency period (period of innocence) in children can cause serious psychological damage in later life including failing to reach full potential in one's chosen career. In view of this I asked the following question: "If a parent felt their child was psychologically damaged by the RSE programme, from whom should they seek legal redress?" Would it be the Department of Education, the school board of management or the relevant teacher? The question wasn't answered. I understand a similar question at a different RSE meeting in another area last year was also not answered.
Surely it has to be known who holds legal responsibility for this RSE programme. It is essential that a straight answer be given so that a proper debate can take place.
Who would have thought a few short years ago that the Department of Defence would have claims totalling millions of pounds made against them for hearing damage? I hope the many boards of management of national schools in Ireland will not find themselves in a similar position in years to come. - Yours, etc., Pat O'Sullivan,
Claremorris, Co Mayo.