Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - Physical Education Curriculum.

Paul McGrath

Question:

245 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is the policy of his Department that primary school children should be able to avail of swimming lessons as part of the school curriculum; the funds that have been specifically allocated for such lessons; and if he will review the case of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath and indicate the funds that will be paid to this school this year to avail of swimming lessons. [21068/00]

Willie Penrose

Question:

258 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make swimming lessons available to all school children in order that they are afforded the opportunity of learning to swim; if he will have considerations made into the utilisation of national lottery moneys to fund such lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21227/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 258 together.

Swimming is part of the aquatics programme of the revised curriculum for physical education in primary schools. This programme is presented as one complete unit in the PE curriculum without division into class levels. This allows for adaptation by schools related to their access to a local facility. The programme can be implemented progressively at whatever stage the child has an opportunity to begin water-based activities.

There is no specific grant assistance provided by my Department for expenses incurred in connection with swimming as opposed to other activities covered under physical education in the revised curriculum. There is, therefore, no specific funding to cover the cost to schools of the provision of swimming lessons. My Department will, however, shortly circulate all primary schools with details of a new physical education grant. It will be open to schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, to utilise part or all of this grant for the provision of swimming instruction should they so desire.