I propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 189 and 221 to 223, inclusive, together.
The new Framework for Junior Cycle clearly recognises the importance of Physical Education (P.E) and physical activity in schools. One of the eight principles which underpin the Framework is that of "Wellbeing" which means that each student's learning experience should contribute directly to their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing and resilience. This principle is complemented by a number of the Junior Cycle's 24 'Statements of Learning', including a requirement that each student "is a confident and competent participant in physical activity and is motivated to be physically active". This is supported by other statements that require students to promote their own wellbeing, and to understand the importance of food and diet in making healthy lifestyle choices. Schools will be required to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to meet these commitments. But in line with best practice internationally, schools are being given the flexibility and autonomy to achieve this, within their own unique context. Schools are best placed to know the specific needs of their pupils. Schools may choose to incorporate the new short courses in P.E. and SPHE that are currently being developed by the NCCA, into their junior cycle programme, either for certification purposes (which was not available previously) or not for certification. Alternatively, they may choose not to opt for the new course and may instead continue to use existing courses or choose other approaches to meet the requirements in this area. Schools may also decide to provide the P.E. and SPHE short courses in addition to their existing programmes. My Department remains committed to supporting the overall 'Healthy Ireland' agenda. Physical education and physical activity, health and well-being are important elements in primary and post primary curricula. My Department also continues to support a range of initiatives to complement curricular provision in this area. These include initiatives such as the Active School Flag, extra-curricular activities, the 'sport for all day', and physical education teacher professional networks. Almost 1,200 schools have registered to participate in the Active School Flag initiative.
If the work of schools in encouraging a 'Healthy Ireland' is to be effective it has to be complemented by the efforts of parents, communities and wider society. This is one of the key messages in the 'Get Active' Framework which was recently launched by the Taoiseach. The "Get Active" Framework, which is a collaboration between my Department and other Departments, provides a blueprint for schools, local communities and other stakeholders on how to work together to ensure that all individuals are supported in being active and in enjoying physical activity.
My Department will shortly release the results of the second Lifeskills survey which was conducted in 2012. This is a follow on from a previous survey carried out in 2009. The findings of the 2009 Lifeskills survey, like the 2009 Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity Survey, found that the majority of schools did not timetable 2 hours of PE per week. This second Lifeskills survey will provide important data on a number of areas including the extent to which schools are promoting healthy eating among pupils and are encouraging them to be physically active. These data assist in policy deliberations and are part of the reason that Wellbeing has been prioritised as a Principle in the new Framework for Junior Cycle