Vol. 564 No. 1
184 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if the physical education grant to Coolick national school, Kilcummin, Killarney, County Kerry, will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8691/03]
In October 2000 my Department introduced an annual physical education grant for all primary schools. Since the introduction of the scheme, my Department provided in excess of €5.5 million in grant aid to primary schools under this scheme for schools to provide coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or for the purchase of resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. Materials and equipment purchased by schools in previous years will generally be available to them for the current year.
Under this grant scheme, primary schools designated as disadvantaged schools were entitled to a grant of €1,270 while other recognised primary schools were entitled to a grant of €635. Approximately €2.4 million was allocated to schools in 2002 under this scheme.
By way of physical education grants, Coolick national school received €212.05 in 2000 – one third of a full year's grant at the scheme's inception – and €634.85 in 2001 and €635.00 in 2002. In the light of the current budgetary constraints, I decided to withdraw payment of the grant for 2003. I will keep the position under review for future years.
