Physical Education Facilities.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004

Tuesday, 14 December 2004

Ceisteanna (338, 339)

James Breen

Ceist:

361 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the financial resources she is providing for physical education facilities in schools. [33158/04]

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

374 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to make the provision of physical education facilities one of her priorities in the schools building programme 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33426/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 374 together.

Next year, my Department will spend €493 million on school buildings, which represents an increase of over 14% on 2004. I fully recognise the importance of physical education in schools and I am determined that the provision of multipurpose space for primary schools and physical education facilities at second level will continue to be considered within the design briefs for new schools and-or renovation and-or extension building projects.

Overall, I will aim to have at least 50 primary school and 17 post-primary school projects tendered and going on site by the end of 2005. I will make further announcements in the coming weeks and months.