asked the Minister for Education the future provision he intends to make for physical education equipment in schools, in view of the increasingly recognised importance of this subject in our school curriculum, and the inadequate provision currently available.
Written Answers. - Physical Education Equipment.
184.
In relation to national schools, I am not aware of any significant level of complaint that the provision for physical education equipment is inadequate. Capital grants for national school accommodation would cover the provision of a ballcourt together with nets and posts, and for gymnastic mats, balancing benches, bar box and climbing units where a general purposes area is available. Current or capitation grant to these schools would be expected to meet in some measure the cost of a variety of small items such as balls, ropes, hoops and bats.
In so far as vocational, community and comprehensive schools are concerned adequate provision is made in the annual budgets allocated to meet the needs of these schools. These budgets allow for the provision of necessary equipment including equipment for physical education.
The provision of physical education equipment in secondary schools which are privately owned and managed institutions is a matter for the schools themselves. Apart from the payment by my Department of a per capita grant of £140 per annum in respect of schools participating in the free education scheme (92 per cent participation rate) secondary schools can also seek grants towards the cost of purchasing physical education and other equipment under a special scheme of grants operated by my Department. The amount of money available under this scheme has increased substantially in recent years and in the current financial climate I cannot accept that the level of financial provision being made could be deemed inadequate.