asked the Minister for Education whether he is satisfied with the present swimming instruction facilities for primary school children; whether his Department have considered the extension of such instruction for schoolchildren; and whether any plan exists to ensure that all schoolchildren are given an oppor tunity of learning to swim.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Swimming Instruction Facilities.
109.
No formal arrange ment exists for the provision of swimming facilities for primary school children.
Many primary schools, however make arrangements for swimming instruction outside the school where facilities are available locally.
Swimming instruction forms part of the physical education course taught in our training colleges and student teachers are encouraged to take out qualifications in life saving.
During the summer special courses are given for teachers, primary as well as post-primary, in physical education and in these swimming is given an important place.