Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have changed the curriculum and prioritised physical activity in schools. We need to be careful that we do not compartmentalise this into one 45-minute period of the day. One of the big problems with primary schools is curriculum overload because there are so many core subjects, with science and other subjects having been added in the past 20 years. Physical activity should be part of every school day. It should be part of the social, personal and health education aspect. It should be integrated into the entire programme. It is about nutrition. There is a full range of issues that need to be considered. Every teacher, in a way, should be part of this agenda. The Minister will keep that under review but there are many priorities across the board in terms of resources and so on. The physical activity issue and physical education requirements are something we have not done well historically in Ireland at primary level. I acknowledge that. It is a fair point.

It is only in recent decades that we have developed junior cycle and senior cycle curriculums. I acknowledge we have work to do at primary level. I will not close the door on what the Deputy is saying.

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