Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to harp on about a subject. I welcome the great news from the National University of Ireland, Galway, which has decided to reward students who excel in sport with the opportunity to gain an additional 40 CAO points in the leaving certificate results towards entrance to university. Some students may be unable to play ball, jump higher or run faster and may not be happy with this move. I suggest taking it one step further.

I suggest those who participate in physical education in school should have an opportunity to be rewarded by achieving points, similar to those awarded for subjects such as English, mathematics, art and music.

Why do I make an argument for rewarding those who participate in physical education? Yesterday the World Health Organization once again raised the epidemic of obesity facing Europe. The WHO raises the issue of the high levels of fats, salt and sugar in our diet and the low levels of exercise. Some 30% of 11 year old children are now deemed to be overweight. It also suggests that half the population over 18 years will be obese by 2020. Today University College Cork came out with the results of the Cork children's lifestyle study which confirms what we already know at local level. It reinforces what has been stated through the national report, Growing Up in Ireland, which was undertaken for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

I ask the Cathaoirleach to bear with me. If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. We need to fix it. Some €15 billion is being spent in the health service on sick people. I know the Minister for Health is trying to cut costs as well as introducing universal health insurance. I suggest that physical education, although a core subject in schools, is not taken seriously enough. Some 52% of the teaching time is devoted to three subjects, English, Irish and mathematics