Vol. 513 No. 3
305 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has considered the difficulties of introducing physical education as a leaving certificate subject when the proposed new syllabus has not been introduced and implemented at junior certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2311/00]
The physical education syllabus in Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools which was written in 1985 is the syllabus currently available at junior cycle. It is considered at this stage that this syllabus will form an acceptable basis to undertake the proposed leaving certificate course. The NCCA is currently drafting revised syllabuses for physical education at both junior and senior cycles of post-primary school.
306 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will inform physical education teachers of the proposed changes in the leaving certificate to accommodate physical education as a subject; the plans, if any, he has for in-service training and the provision of resources for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2312/00]
The NCCA is currently reviewing the final draft of the proposed syllabus for physical education at leaving certificate. An extensive consultative process will be put in place to ensure that teachers as well as other interested persons have an opportunity to comment on the proposed programme before agreeing the final syllabus. In line with the Department's policy of supporting new programmes a support team of seconded teachers will be put in place to ensure that teachers and schools receive guidance and assistance in introducing the new syllabus.
307 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has considered the options for assessment for the new physical education subject at leaving certificate level; the way in which he will implement the option decided on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2313/00]
The NCCA is currently working on the final draft of the proposed syllabus for leaving certificate physical education. This document will include recommendations for assessment.
Following consultation with all interested parties on the draft syllabus, the NCCA will finalise its recommendations. These will be forwarded to the Department of Education and Science for approval. Decisions on assessment of a new programme form part of the process of approval.
308 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has made for the provision of extra physical education teachers in view of the fact that the intake at the University of Limerick in 1999 to study physical education was only 25; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2314/00]
The annual intake to the physical education teacher training programme at the University of Limerick has varied between 35 and 40 students over the past decade and that 39 students were admitted to the programme this year. I will keep the matter of intake to the programme under review in the light of identified needs.
