Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

It might be better to address my question directly to the Minister for Education and Science. However, many schools have either no PE facilities or have facilities that are completely inadequate. Apart from the points raised by Deputy Mitchell regarding obesity, the need for PE etc., sooner or later PE is going to become a recognised school subject. We will then find ourselves in a situation where a subject that will be extremely attractive to many youngsters will be put in place but where the facilities necessary to allow them to avail of it will not be available.

Certain parts of my constituency would be regarded as disadvantaged and I am aware of the lack of facilities at some of the schools in these areas. Even when schools have sports halls, they often lack sufficient financial support to allow them to provide gym kits for students. Will the Minister comment on the need to provide broader support in respect of PE, particularly in the context of its becoming a school subject.

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