Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

These are the building guidelines that are the same across the country in terms of a 195 sq. m GP room. The GP room can be used to support PE but it is important to note that the PE curriculum permits schools flexibility in its implementation and supports a broad and balanced approach, taking account of the varying indoor and outdoor facilities available. I hear what the Deputy is saying. I acknowledge that this is standard practice for all new school buildings. It is the recommended size from the planning and building unit. There is flexibility regarding issues around PE and so on, in that it is a combination of activities. The curriculum permits that element of flexibility. Even though the Deputy implied it in his question, there is no question of a reduction in size. I have set out the size and it is the same across the country.

See this speech in context