Sex and puberty are a "gift from god", according to a new sex education programme for Catholic primary schools.
The programme, called Flourish, has been developed by the Irish Bishops’ Conference for pupils from junior infants to sixth class.
It says when discussing LGBT issues, the teaching in relation to marriage between a man and a woman "cannot be omitted", sexual love belongs within a committed relationship, and marriage is a sacrament of commitment.
Cork Solidarity TD Mick Barry, says the lessons could be harmful.
"A child in the school who's LGBT, they're listening to this class being taught by this teacher.
"And basically what the teacher is saying, is that there's one type of relationship here, which is the type that God wants - and there are other types of relationships here which are different.
"I don't think that is helpful, I would say that it's harmful."
