Physical Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Questions (393)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

393. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Education and Skills regarding joint initiatives that could be taken between the two Departments to improve the level of physical education classes here, particularly in view of the findings by Eurydice, the EU’s education information network, that in both absolute and proportionate terms, Ireland has fewer hours of compulsory PE classes than any other EU member; his views on whether children in Ireland are spending enough time participating in physical education, both in schools, and outside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54580/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There has been improved coordination and partnership between Government Departments in the area of sport and physical activity in recent years.  One of the commitments in Healthy Ireland - the Government Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, is to develop a plan to promote increased physical activity levels across the population.  A cross-sectoral working group, co-chaired by the Department of Health and my Department, has been established to develop this plan. The group also includes a representative of the Department of Education and Skills.  The plan will provide a strong focus for modifying unhealthy life habits and promoting awareness of the benefits of physical activity, not just for health, but also in a wider socioeconomic context.  The group has agreed that the Plan will focus on operational issues to encourage greater participation in, and greater recognition of the importance of, physical activity.

In addition, when I complete existing policy reviews in other Divisions of my Department, I will engage with other Government Departments, including the Department of Education and Skills, to develop a Masterplan for Irish Sport.  The draft National Sports Facilities Strategy, which was published as a discussion document last year, will be incorporated into a broader policy document for Irish Sport which will take account of the wider role of sport in areas such as health, education and the economy.