Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.

Enda Kenny

Question:

490 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the deep and unsocial divisions caused by his Department in approving different sized gymnasiums for second level schools in close proximity to each other; if any flexibility exists to him in the context of the enrolment figures upon which such decisions are made; the method by which enrolment for the following ten years can be determined to either school which might affect enrolment figures adversely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23071/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department funds the provision of PE facilities in second level schools on the basis of each individual school's enrolment. Schools with enrolments in excess of 450 students may qualify for a PE hall of 806 mf7>2 while schools with an enrolment below 450 students qualify for a hall of 608 mf7>2? In the case of schools with an enrolment of less than 200 students, the size of the PE facility to be provided is assessed on an individual basis. Clearly, this policy position reflects the realities of the larger schools having greater demands than smaller schools.

Ideally, where two or more second level schools operate in close proximity to each other, my Department would prefer that a single enlarged PE hall facility be provided to accommodate the needs of the schools concerned. In this way, an entire community can derive benefit from a significantly larger facility. However, the provision of such facilities requires agreement between all parties. Where the schools cannot reach such an agreement, the standard size facilities, based on their enrolments, are provided.

A long-term enrolment projection for a post-primary school is arrived at following a detailed analysis of previous enrolment patterns at the school, together with projected output from primary schools in the catchment area over the next eight years. Account is taken, also, of other factors such as significant housing development, which might affect the school-going population in the area. If the authorities of a school do not agree with my Department's assessment of its long-term enrolment, my Department undertakes a review of the projections, having regard to any additional influencing factors of which my Department was not initially aware.