Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2010
425 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the grants available which could provide funding for the provision of sports infrastructure in schools; where a school can apply for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21365/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to the provision, maintenance and modernisation of physical education and physical activity facilities in our schools for our children and young people. In a new school building or refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as an intrinsic part of the design. Curricula are in place for PE in primary schools and at Junior Cert level. Primary schools received €2000 each in PE equipment grants in 2006, at a total cost of €6.5 million. A similar grant of €4,000 per school, at an overall cost of around €3 million, issued to post-primary schools in 2007.
It is also open to primary schools to use their annual minor works grant to purchase items of furniture and/or equipment. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil for the current school year. Schools may apply for major capital funding for sports infrastructure such as PE Halls by completing and submitting the appropriate forms on my Department's website. In addition, schools may also apply to repair or refurbish existing infrastructure under the Summer Works Scheme, which is operated by my Department. In addition, schools may apply for funding for sports infrastructure from the Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport under the Sports Capital Programme.
