Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
784. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the measures that are available to a school (details supplied) to enable students to access off-site PE facilities in a safe manner and which do not result in students and teachers needing to assign a significant portion of time walking to and from the off-site facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39325/23]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that investment and expenditure on PE Halls is an element of the overall School Building Programme. Almost 95% of the post primary schools that made 2020 Annual Schools Returns have indicated to the Department that they either have a PE Hall, access to a nearby PE Hall, or a project in train that will deliver a new PE Hall which can be used as a sports facility.
The provision of GP rooms and PE Halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas, form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings. This is also the case where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent off site local facilities, including community halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.
Furthermore, as per any new school building, where the site area and building configuration permits, an area may be reserved suitable for use as a practice playing field.
With regard to the school referred to by the Deputy, my Department are in ongoing discussions with the school patron in relation to their current use of off site PE facilities including transport.
