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.
She further argued that primary school children in 5th and 6th class should not be introduced to concepts such as gender divergence and sexual preferences.
“Just as we wouldn’t try to teach Hamlet to ten-year-olds, children are not mature enough for these topics,” she said.
O’Malley also warned that introducing “sexuality education” risks exposing pupils to inappropriate material, ranging from discussions of pornography to extreme sexual practices, none of which belong in the classroom.
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.”
In response to these concerns, O’Malley, together with psychiatrist Prof Patricia Casey, has founded Beir Bua, an organisation offering schools and parents evidence-based guidance rooted in respect for parental rights and child safeguarding.
Adding his voice from the political sphere, Senator Rónán Mullen writes in his Irish Catholic column this week to highlight similar concerns. He 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.
Mullen further argued that the State appears unwilling to acknowledge legitimate parental concerns, preferring instead to dismiss criticism as “misinformation.”
He emphasised that Catholic schools, founded to educate children in virtue and moral formation, have both a right and duty under the Constitution to resist State overreach.
As both O’Malley and Mullen make clear, the debate over the new SPHE curriculum is far from over.
For Catholic parents and educators, vigilance and active engagement will be essential to ensure that faith and family values remain central to the formation of young people.