Vol. 565 No. 2
60 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the level of physical fitness of school children; his plans to develop physical fitness through sport in the curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10230/03]
Responsibility for the health, fitness and well-being of children lies in the first instance with their parents or guardians. As their primary carers, it falls to them to ensure that children participate in physical activities as part of their recreation. As Minister for Education and Science, it is my responsibility to ensure that suitable programmes in physical education are provided and implemented in the school curricula at primary and second level.
A research study published in 1997, which was supported by my Department, showed that almost 85% of 11 to 12 year old children participate in physical activity four or more times a week. The same study found that the child's physical education experience was positively associated with her or his physical self-perception. These figures in relation to activity levels of children are encouraging.
In primary schools, it is recommended that a minimum of one hour per week should be allocated to physical education. It is further envisaged that an appropriate proportion of the discretionary curriculum time of one hour per week for infant classes and two hours per week for first to sixth classes would be devoted to the teaching of physical education, as circumstances may warrant.
