Vol. 564 No. 5
197 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the discontinuation of the payment of the physical education grant to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9805/03]
198 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and secondary schools in County Kerry currently in receipt of the physical education grant; the number of primary and secondary schools in County Kerry that do not receive the physical education grant; the number of, and names and addresses of, any primary and secondary schools in County Kerry which have had payment of the physical education grant discontinued for 2003; the reasons for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9806/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
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.
In the light of the current budgetary constraints, I decided to withdraw payment of this grant to all primary schools for 2003. I will keep the position under review for future years. A corresponding grant for physical education was never introduced for second level schools.
