Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Loftus for his presentation. I also thank him and his colleagues for coming before the committee. The appendix Mr. Loftus has provided is quite useful.

My first question relates to an issue I raised previously with the planning and building unit. It has to do with the provision of school halls. Approximately 10% of post-primary schools do not have a hall. I have come across instances of schools seeking the provision of halls. My best understanding of the situation, and perhaps the witnesses can clarify this for me, is that the Department is reluctant to provide funding for school halls or that such halls are not of the highest priority for the Department unless a significant redevelopment is happening. Funding is very often not on offer to schools that are trying to extend their campuses somewhat by adding halls.

What is offered is the kind of large multipurpose room that is not suitable for PE and so on. It is probably not as beneficial to the school in terms of hiring it out. The Healthy Ireland framework has particular targets for physical activity. There is also the objective to ensure that PE is offered as an exam subject in all schools. I have a reasonable understanding of the Department's position up to now. Has the Department given consideration to opening a new funding stream for school halls and revising the position as was previously the case? It is important to ensure that every child at post-primary level at least has access to a hall. The weather here is often wet and cold and they should have the opportunity to continue to participate in PE regardless of the weather.