Vol. 565 No. 2
32 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding that he is making available in 2003 to further the development of sport in schools and on the curriculum of schools both at primary and at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10225/03]
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 for 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.
In 2002, primary schools designated as disadvantaged schools received a grant of €1,270 while other recognised primary schools received 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 the grant for 2003. I will keep the position under review for future years.
In addition to the specific grant referred to both primary and post-primary schools can use their general capitation funding to support the implementation of curricula, including PE.
At second level, it is the policy of my Department to provide a PE hall as part of the overall accommodation for new schools; and in the case of an extension where no PE hall exists. For the remainder of schools in need of PE hall facilities, the planning and building unit of my Department is preparing a PE hall template. This template will standardise the construction of PE halls at second level schools and will expedite the architectural planning process considerably. When this template becomes available, all schools that have applied to my Department for the provision of sports facilities will be considered for funding in the light of available resources and competing priorities at that time. Additionally, when acquiring a site, every effort is made to acquire a site sufficiently large to provide for a playing pitch.
