Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Oct 2001

Vol. 543 No. 1

Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.

John Ellis

Question:

226 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department proposes to introduce swimming classes for all national school pupils. [25733/01]

Swimming is part of the aquatics strand of the revised primary curriculum. The term "aquatics" is used to include not only the teaching of swimming but also the provision of opportunities for enjoyment of water play. The aquatics programme is designed for implementation at any class level having regard to the availability of a local facility and the readiness of pupils to begin water based activities. Where a local facility exists, I am in favour of swimming being taught to pupils as part of the aquatics programme.

I 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 receive an annual grant of £1,000 per school while all other schools 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. The circular specifically states that "schools may also wish to use the grant to alleviate the costs incurred with the provision of swimming classes or other similar activities". The 2001 grant issued to all primary schools on 30 March of this year.

Top
Share