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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 6

Written Answers. - Physical Education Halls.

Chris Flood

Ceist:

46 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to introduce a programme for the provision of physical education halls at existing second-level schools which are without such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2590/95]

Helen Keogh

Ceist:

151 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education if all schools are to be provided with physical education halls; and when provision will be made for existing schools which have no physical education hall. [2704/95]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 151 together.

I am anxious to extend the provision of physical education facilities in first and second level schools as resources permit.

In regard to primary schools I have indicated my intention to provide for general purpose rooms in new primary school building projects in respect of schools of four classrooms or more. However, the pace at which this can be achieved will be dictated by the financial resources available and the priority must remain the provision of essential classroom accommodation and the elimination of existing substandard classrooms. Regrettably, therefore, it is not possible to provide grant-aid for general purpose rooms in existing schools.

Similarly, in the case of second level schools, sufficient funding is not available to allow the provision of physical education facilities in existing schools without such facilities. However, as indicated previously in the Green Paper, the policy of providing indoor sports accommodation in schools will resume as soon as pressure on available resources for urgent classroom accommodation has eased.

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