Vol. 518 No. 4
24 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of hours of physical activity being undertaken by primary and secondary pupils at school; and if he has satisfied himself with the fitness and well-being of pupils. [11826/00]
Responsibility for the health, fitness and well-being of children lies in the first instance with their parents or guardians. As their primary carers, it falls to them to ensure that children participate in physical activities as part of their recreation. As Minister for Education and Science, it is my responsibility to ensure that suitable programmes in physical education are provided and implemented in the school curricula at primary and second levels.
A research study published in 1997, which was supported by my Department, showed that almost 85% of 11-12 year old children participate in physical activity four or more times a week. The same study found that the child's physical education experience was positively associated with her or his physical self-perception. These figures in relation to activity levels of children are encouraging.
In primary schools, it is recommended that a minimum of one hour per week should be allocated to physical education. It is further envisaged that an appropriate proportion of the discretionary curriculum time of one hour per week for infant classes and two hours per week for first to sixth classes would be devoted to physical education, as circumstances may warrant.
I will send details of a major initiative in the area of sport and physical education at primary level to schools shortly. This initiative, which will cost £2 million per annum, will help raise the awareness of sport and healthy lifestyles among primary school pupils.
The syllabus for physical education in Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools recom mends two hours per week for the physical education programme at both junior and senior cycle. Programmes in physical activity in our schools are provided for in two ways: programmes in physical education based on the syllabus; and co-curricular programmes which include sport and a wide range of other activities. The skills, understandings and attitudes developed within the formal programmes in physical education provide a foundation for co-curricular sport and related programmes.
When was the last survey conducted on participation in physical programmes at second level? In particular, was there any survey since the 1991 survey carried out by Deputy Deenihan which revealed that less than 30% of girls at leaving certificate level participated in any physical activity and only 40% participated overall? Would the Minister accept that physical activity courses are becoming marginalised at leaving certificate level; and would he indicate what he intends to do to tackle that problem?
The latest study was the one published in 1997. That collected data from a cohort of fifth and sixth classes?
I asked about second level not primary.
I do not have any information on second level schools.
The question referred to second level schools.
I do not have any further information on second level schools.
The Minister has not offered any information.
There have not been any studies since that date.
Does the fact that the Minister does not have any information on the issue at second level not reveal the nature of it?
Would the Deputy contain himself while I give him an answer?
I am only indicating that the Minister does not have any information.
Let us hear the Minister's reply.
The Deputy asked what was I doing about it. I notice he sits down and smiles to himself. He is obviously hopping up for some reason or other, although I do not know what it is, but he seems to be very happy with himself when he sits down again.
I mentioned an initiative at primary level. It is a new scheme of grants to primary schools, information on which will shortly be circulated to the schools.
The Deputy asked if I believed physical education was important. That I am introducing an initiative for primary schools, where I think it will be well directed, is an indication of how strongly I feel about the area. That will involve a national sports co-ordinator for primary schools assisted by a number of assistant co-ordinators whose task will be to raise awareness of sports and healthy lifestyles in primary schools.
The Deputy raised the general position relating to physical exercise in primary and secondary schools. I regard physical exercise as particularly important, including for people who are doing examinations. I advise those doing examinations to ensure they participate in physical exercise as it is very helpful. I see Deputy Bruton smiling, but it is very important—
I ask the Minister to give way as under Standing Orders he is entitled to one minute for each supplementary reply.
—if they want to do well in their examinations.
I wish to raise two issues with the Minister on this matter. In congratulating him on the increase in spending on school buildings, does he believe there is still scope to work with perhaps the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation in terms of national lottery grants to co-ordinate school and community funding of and uses for buildings? Currently, there is no co-ordination and many primary and secondary schools do not have appropriate sporting facilities. Perhaps a link between both Departments would maximise available funding.
In terms of the fitness and well-being of pupils, I welcome the provision of £2 million. Is enough being done on an interdepartmental basis and with the health boards in terms of under age drinking, smoking and the abuse of substances? Will the Minister's initiative be linked to these issues?
The Minister asked why I smiled. I did so because of the Minister's patronising remarks across the floor—
The Deputy should ask the Minister a brief supplementary as we are running out of time.
—which are not reflected by his grasp of his brief. It is sad that a Minister can come to the House and use only personal comments on the questions he is asked rather than answering them.
Will the Minister agree to conduct a survey at leaving certificate level so we can have some hard information about the extent to which leaving certificate students participate in sport? I believe participation is very low and deteriorating. This is a cause for concern and platitudes are not enough. We should get concrete information and implement concrete policies.
Regarding whether I answered the question, I was asked about the number of hours by Deputy Belton. I gave the exact number of hours and the way in which they are set.
Certainly I would be interested in conducting a survey as I think it would be very relevant, and I will see what can be done in that regard. Physical exercise is crucial at primary level.
Deputy Keaveney raised the issues of communities and schools combining in the provision of physical buildings. There is a huge programme of physical buildings. However, the question related only to the number of hours on the programme. It would be very beneficial if the community, local sporting organisations and schools worked together to provide better facilities. Obviously, higher standard facilities can be provided if this is done, something I have been examining with those concerned.
