Catherine Martin
Question:28. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if and when he will audit all second-level schools which do not have a physical education hall on site. [18186/16]
View answerTuesday, 28 June 2016
Questions (28)
Written answers
I wish to assure the Deputy that I fully recognise the key role of physical education within the school experience. In our Programme for Partnership Government we have set out a commitment to introduce a new Leaving Certificate Physical Education syllabus. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has advanced this work. It will be a priority of my Government to ensure its implementation. When introduced, it will be on a par with English and History, for example.
The provision of play space, where site conditions and circumstances allow, is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new schools and major extensions. My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance in the provision of P.E. Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that the Physical Education curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Many post primary schools have a PE hall and practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are used for teaching different aspects of the P.E. programme. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including Community Halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools. My Department continues to respond to the need to improve Physical Education facilities for all students attending schools within the constraints of the available funding. An audit of second-level schools is not planned at this time.