Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 2

Written Answers. - Physical Education.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

35 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will outline his Department's policy on the provision of physical education in our primary schools in view of the deteriorating levels of fitness of this age group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21629/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Physical education is a compulsory part of the primary school curriculum and schools are required to teach the subject to all pupils for a recommended time of one hour per week. The purpose of the physical education programme in primary schools is to develop a healthy lifestyle in the pupils and to assist them in acquiring skills and attitudes which will enable them to achieve physical fitness and maintain a healthy way of life.

The curriculum in physical education in primary schools is being reviewed at present by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment as part of the general review of the primary school curriculum. The implementation of the revised curriculum in physical education will be supported by a programme of in-career development for teachers.

Many schools have a general purposes room and my Department has provided grants for the acquisition of large physical education equipment for use in such rooms. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are utilised for teaching different aspects of the physical education programme. Many schools also use adjacent local facilities such as public parks and playing fields and swimming pools. This has enabled schools to involve their children in a variety of physical games and activities. It is also open to boards of management to use the devolved grants scheme to improve facilities for physical education in schools.

I have engaged the educational research centre to review all the planning data relating to primary school facilities. In particular I have drawn the attention of the educational research centre to the question of general purposes rooms and other indoor facilities as it is my intention to improve accommodation in schools for the teaching of physical education. While awaiting the report of the educational research centre I have decided to increase the floor area and height of general purposes rooms currently being planned.