Vol. 441 No. 5
42 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education her views on the lack of provision of physical education in primary schools and the reported low level of fitness among the school going population; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Physical education currently forms an integral part of the primary school curriculum. At school level the Principal teacher, in consultation with the school staff, has responsibility for setting a plan of work for the school as a whole and for ensuring that each area of the curriculum is adequately dealt with in all classes.
I note with concern recent reports on fitness levels within the population and I fully accept the critical role that physical education within schools can play in encouraging children to develop an interest in physical activity as an essential component of an active and healthy lifestyle. I note with particular interest that the report of the National Education Convention again focussed on the importance of this area of the curriculum within primary schools. There is considerable consensus on a need to achieve a new momentum in relation to physical education. Fundamental to this is ensuring appropriate curricular content and to that end The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, as part of their review of the primary curriculum will advise me on necessary revisions to the programme.
