Menu
06/06/2023
Alliance Welcomes Move On Sex Education In NI
Alliance have welcomed the news that the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, will update the curriculum on relationship and sexuality education (RSE) in Northern Ireland.
Mr Heaton-Harris has laid regulations in Parliament to implement recommendations by the UN's Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) for 'age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education' for adolescents, around issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Welcoming the news, North Down MLA Connie Egan, said: "This is a welcome move and not before time, given the Secretary of State had a legal duty to ensure RSE was compliant with CEDAW recommendations.
"It is especially welcome given the recent Education and Training Inspectorate report, which showed almost half of schools in Northern Ireland teach little or nothing about sexual consent, LGBTQ+ issues, sexual orientation or gender identity.
"I met with the Northern Ireland Office recently to urge them to take action on this important issue. While it's disappointing the Executive and Assembly are not sitting and therefore we were unable to deal with it locally, it is vital we are now finally going to have standardised, inclusive and evidence-based RSE on curriculums for schools here."
Mr Heaton-Harris has laid regulations in Parliament to implement recommendations by the UN's Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) for 'age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education' for adolescents, around issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Welcoming the news, North Down MLA Connie Egan, said: "This is a welcome move and not before time, given the Secretary of State had a legal duty to ensure RSE was compliant with CEDAW recommendations.
"It is especially welcome given the recent Education and Training Inspectorate report, which showed almost half of schools in Northern Ireland teach little or nothing about sexual consent, LGBTQ+ issues, sexual orientation or gender identity.
"I met with the Northern Ireland Office recently to urge them to take action on this important issue. While it's disappointing the Executive and Assembly are not sitting and therefore we were unable to deal with it locally, it is vital we are now finally going to have standardised, inclusive and evidence-based RSE on curriculums for schools here."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 June 2024
New £300,000 Devenish Island Jetty Officially Opens
Minister for Infrastructure, John O'Dowd, has officially opened the newly completed £300,000 jetty at Devenish Island. Funded by the Department for Infrastructure, Waterways Ireland has extended the island's east jetty by 60 metres, doubling mooring capacity at the heritage site from six to 12 vessels.
New £300,000 Devenish Island Jetty Officially Opens
Minister for Infrastructure, John O'Dowd, has officially opened the newly completed £300,000 jetty at Devenish Island. Funded by the Department for Infrastructure, Waterways Ireland has extended the island's east jetty by 60 metres, doubling mooring capacity at the heritage site from six to 12 vessels.
03 July 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Theft Of Livestock Trailer In Plumbridge Police in Strabane have issued an appeal for information following the theft of a livestock trailer from a property in Plumbridge.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Theft Of Livestock Trailer In Plumbridge Police in Strabane have issued an appeal for information following the theft of a livestock trailer from a property in Plumbridge.
03 July 2024
New Defective Premises Bill To Protect NI Homeowners
A new Defective Premises Bill to give NI homeowners the same protections as those in England and Wales, has been introduced by Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons. The Bill establishes a retrospective period of up to 30 years and a prospective period of up to 15 years in which a party can take action on defective premises.
New Defective Premises Bill To Protect NI Homeowners
A new Defective Premises Bill to give NI homeowners the same protections as those in England and Wales, has been introduced by Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons. The Bill establishes a retrospective period of up to 30 years and a prospective period of up to 15 years in which a party can take action on defective premises.
03 July 2024
Minister Murphy Outlines Ongoing Skills Agenda
Ministers have welcomed a "concrete roadmap for delivering transformational change" in NI's skills agenda, as Economy Minister Conor Murphy updated the Assembly on new interventions to underpin his Economic Vision.
Minister Murphy Outlines Ongoing Skills Agenda
Ministers have welcomed a "concrete roadmap for delivering transformational change" in NI's skills agenda, as Economy Minister Conor Murphy updated the Assembly on new interventions to underpin his Economic Vision.
02 July 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Condemns Sectarian-Motivated Attack On Houses In Antrim The Alliance Party has condemned sectarian attacks on two homes in the Redford grove development in Antrim, with MLA John Blair stating that "there is no place for hatred or intolerance in Antrim".
Other News In Brief
Alliance Condemns Sectarian-Motivated Attack On Houses In Antrim The Alliance Party has condemned sectarian attacks on two homes in the Redford grove development in Antrim, with MLA John Blair stating that "there is no place for hatred or intolerance in Antrim".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Some bright or sunny periods and a few passing showers, but some spells of drier weather too. A breezy day with blustery westerly winds. Rather cool. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Some late brightness this evening along with the odd shower. Then the rest of the night will be largely dry with clear periods. Chance of a shower later in north. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
