Ms Clare Griffin:

To address the very interesting question raised by Senator Ruane about accreditation and certification in physical education, at this stage a short course in physical education is available at junior cycle. This provides for classroom-based assessment which is reported by the school to parents, guardians and students at the end of the junior cycle period. At senior cycle, a leaving certificate physical education curriculum has been prepared. It has gone through a consultation phase, which was positive. Once implemented, it will provide for examination, which will include physical performance in three selected physical activities. This examination will account for 50% of the student's result. A written examination will account for the other 50%. It is a detailed specification at that level and includes, for example, learning and improving skills and technique; promoting physical activity; gender and physical activity; and physical activity and inclusion - a point which was raised a number of times here today. That is just a sample of what is within the specification. That goes towards the Senator's question on certification and accreditation.

It is also important to point out that, apart from the exam component, there is another option available to students who do not wish to pursue physical education as an area of study for examination. That is the senior cycle physical education framework, which is also available to schools. This ensures that all students at post-primary level have access to physical education, whether examined or not. This is, of course, complementary to what happens at primary schools, where all students from infants to sixth class have an hour of physical education a week. That information goes towards the Senator's questions on accreditation.