The NCCA has removed a section from its document advising SPHE teachers that students were not to share what they discussed in class with anyone. Defenders of the requirement say it gives students a ‘safe space’ in which to discuss issues. Critics say it stops parents knowing what their children are being taught.

While the NCCA responded to a public backlash, the Health & Wellbeing SPHE curriculum textbook for Junior Cycle pupils, however, continues to say “What is shared in class stays in class” and carries a requirement for students to sign a ‘Contract’.

An advocacy group, Lawyers For Justice Ireland, say that such impositions on pupils in the classroom “flies in the face of child safeguarding principles of openness and transparency”.

“A guiding principle in Tusla’s ‘National Standards For The Protection And Welfare Of Children’ is that ‘safe and effective services are open, transparent and accountable’”, they say.

They added: “We need an immediate review and cessation of the Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum”.