Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018
198. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for a new sports hall in view of the fact that physical education is to be part of the leaving certificate curriculum. [2842/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTwo new physical education elements at senior cycle will be introduced to schools on a phased basis from September 2018:
1. Leaving Certificate Physical Education (an optional subject for examination in the Leaving Certificate);
2. A Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework (not for examination).
As part of the process of identifying schools to participate in Phase 1 of the implementation of Physical Education in Senior Cycle commencing in September 2018, a circular letter (ref 0080/2017) was recently issued by my Department to all post-primary schools inviting them to apply. The letter advised of the selection criteria that would be used to assist in selecting the Phase 1 schools. These criteria include the requirement that schools have suitable facilities including indoor and/or outdoor spaces for learning in Physical Education.
Phase 1 of the implementation process will involve a small cohort of schools who have the capacity to introduce Physical Education as a Leaving Certificate subject and/or the Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework in September 2018. The deadline for applications to participate in Phase 1 is 16 January. Planning for the subsequent rollout of the subject and framework as an option to all schools will require further consideration regarding the capacity of schools to offer these elements.
In relation to the application for indoor sport facilities from the school referred to by the Deputy, my Department has been in contact with the school concerned to advise that it is not possible, at this time, to address its application.
