Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I again say that I am wholly in agreement with him. I know from personal experience the importance of PE departments and all they achieve at second level. The provision of halls and a general purpose room at primary school level is important. The multipurpose nature of accommodations of that nature speaks to health and fitness while also allowing for enormous creative endeavour. It also facilitates school gatherings and events. There are enormous benefits. That is unquestionable. The commitment is there, as the Deputy has referenced, in the vision we have for schools, going forward. It would be my intention, if at all possible, to draw the funding sooner rather than when it is projected to be available. I will consider the Deputy's point about the provision of teachers specifically dedicated to the work of PE in primary school, going forward.

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