Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming Calls on Norma Foley to Withdraw "Disgraceful" SPHE Material

10.10.2024

Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming has publicly called on his party colleague, Education Minister Norma Foley, to immediately withdraw certain materials being taught under the revised Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum according to Gript Media. Describing the content as a "total disgrace," Fleming emphasised that the explicit nature of the material is wholly inappropriate for school settings and should be removed without delay.

In a statement, Deputy Fleming said that "many people" had contacted him with deep concerns about the curriculum, which has been the subject of growing controversy in recent weeks. He explained that he shared their outrage, saying, "I personally viewed the video myself. I am totally against and appalled by the inclusion of some of the material contained in the teachers’ training course as part of the SPHE curriculum."

Concerns Over Explicit Content

The issue first gained national attention after a whistleblower video from SPHE teacher Mary Creedon surfaced online. In the video, Creedon recounted her shock at attending a training course at Dublin City University (DCU) for SPHE teachers, where she encountered what she described as graphic and inappropriate content. Creedon’s revelations have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from parents and educators who feel their concerns about the curriculum have been ignored. Some teachers involved in the SPHE curriculum development say the material, originally presented in teacher training, was clearly intended for classroom use.

"A Total Disgrace"

Seán Fleming did not mince words in his condemnation of the content. "It’s a total disgrace and no material of this explicit nature should ever be shown or discussed in schools with young boys and girls," he said. "It is totally over the top and should never be considered as part of the SPHE curriculum."

The backlash to the SPHE curriculum has been mounting, with parents and educators alike voicing outrage at what they describe as the sexualisation of young students. Fleming’s call to action is part of a broader wave of criticism directed at Minister Foley, who is now under pressure to explain how such material was included in the curriculum and why it has not yet been withdrawn.

Minister Foley Under Pressure

With public outrage growing and TDs from across the political spectrum calling for immediate changes, all eyes are now on Education Minister Norma Foley. Critics argue that her department has failed to ensure that the SPHE curriculum aligns with the values of parents and educators.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Minister will heed the calls from within her own party to remove the contentious material or if further political fallout will ensue. However, one thing is clear: the debate over Ireland’s SPHE curriculum is far from over, and it is likely to remain a flashpoint in discussions around education, childhood, and the role of schools in teaching sex education.

It is important to make this an election by lobbying your TD to take a stand on the matter. 

You can read the full story on this matter on Gript Media here.