Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to Senator Eamonn Coghlan's points for life initiative. This is a pilot project for assessing and improving physical fitness among Irish primary school students and also the Department of Education and Skills' active school flag programme, which is the promotion of physical fitness in Irish primary and secondary schools. I have seen in schools in my local area the value of that programme. Schools win flags for environmental initiatives but this is an initiative to encourage greater physical activity among schoolchildren. The active school flag campaign is a positive initiative on the part of the Department of Education and Skills. More schools throughout the country are becoming involved in the programme. I also refer to Súgradh Ireland which is a registered charitable organisation. Research shows that Irish families are becoming involved in sporting activities because they realise the importance of such activities for the health of their children.

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