Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2015
8. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the directives issued by her Department in order to promote and roll out healthy eating and physical education in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21893/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary schools are playing an active role in promoting healthy eating and physical activity among their students.
Through the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which is mandatory at primary level, students learn about the importance of healthy eating and a balanced diet. Students are supported through the formal Physical Education (P.E.) curriculum to engage in physical activity and develop physical literacy skills. Primary schools also play an active role in promoting sporting activities outside of the P.E curriculum. My Department is currently finalising 'Healthy Lifestyle' guidance for schools. This guidance will remind schools of their obligations in particular areas, such as P.E. It will also encourage schools to develop 'Healthy Eating' policies and promote participation in other initiatives that promote student wellbeing, such as the Active Schools Flag and the Health Promoting Schools Initiative. The guidance will issue to post primary schools, in the first instance, in September 2015. Similar guidance will subsequently issue to primary schools.
