A new Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum for primary schools might undermine parental rights and introduce children to confusing and inappropriate concepts about gender at too young an age.

Psychotherapist Stella O’Malley has been outspoken in warning that the curriculum lacks both transparency and clarity. “The word gender is mentioned but it’s not defined,” she told the Irish Catholic, pointing out that the Department has used the phrase “sexual identity” instead of the more standard “sexual orientation.” According to O’Malley, such imprecise language risks either concealing an agenda or betraying a serious lack of understanding.

Parents, she believes, are being sidelined: “The consultation process has been little more than a tick-box exercise. Parents – not lobby groups – should be at the centre of any consultation about what children are taught.”

Adding his voice from the political sphere, Senator Rónán Mullen warned that while the Department of Education insists the curriculum is “inclusive, empowering, and deeply relevant,” in practice it risks being intrusive and manipulative. He cautioned that introducing complex ideas about sexuality and gender identity to children who may not be developmentally ready could cause harm.