Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:234 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education her views on the importance of having recreational facilities incorporated within a school building. [7960/97]
Written Answers. - Recreational Facilities.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:235 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the priority gym and communal resource areas are given in school planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7961/97]
I propose to take Question Nos. 234 and 235 together.
My Department makes provision for physical education facilities in second level schools and this includes indoor PE halls, outdoor hard play areas such as basketball and tennis courts and playing fields. Virtually all second level schools have at least one element of these facilities.
PE halls are provided in all new schools as a standard part of the schedule of accommodation. Where schools do not have PE halls, they are provided on a phased basis as resources permit. However, because of financial constraints, the provision of essential classroom accommodation must continue to be the first priority.
At primary level, a general purposes facility is provided in every new school with four or more classrooms.