Róisín Shortall
Question:305 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants which are available to schools for the purchase of gym or physical education equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4050/01]
Written Answers. - Grant Aid.
Considerable funding for equipping PE halls or general purpose rooms in the case of primary schools, is provided as part of an overall project that involves building or substantially refurbishing such facilities. I also introduced an annual physical education grant for all primary schools last year. Under the terms of this grant all schools designated as disadvantaged plus schools in the rural phase of the Breaking the Cycle scheme will receive an annual grant of £1,000 per school while all other schools will receive £500 per school. Circular 28/00 which issued from my Department to all schools in October 2000 outlines specific materials or activities on which schools may spend this grant. It is open to schools to utilise this grant for the purchase of gym or physical education equipment should they wish to do so. My Department will soon make arrangements for the issue of this year's grants to schools.