Vol. 495 No. 1
393 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will introduce physical education on the second level curriculum; the increased resources, if any, that will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19251/98]
Physical education is an established subject on the second level, post-primary curriculum. A pilot project was established earlier this year to evaluate, in a school context, aspects of a new and revised junior cycle physical education syllabus which it is intended will be introduced into the school curriculum over the next few years. The project will explore issues relating to the resources necessary for introducing the new programme.
Also, I have requested the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to investigate the feasibility of including physical education as a leaving certificate subject. I have asked the NCCA to prepare a draft leaving certificate syllabus. It is my intention that the subject will be introduced into the leaving certificate curriculum in the school year 2001.
