Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday we heard a number of contributions on research that came out from the World Health Organization regarding the obesity epidemic that faces not only Ireland but Europe in general. Today, a study has come out from Peter Lunn, a senior researcher from the ESRI whom I have known over the years through my work with the Irish Sports Council. His research paper is called "Participation in School Sport and Post-School Pathways: Evidence from Ireland". With the junior certificate and leaving certificate due to take place next month, this report is apropos because there is a serious correlation between the students who participate in sports and results in the senior cycle. The report states that between 9 and 14% of these students go on to third level education compared with those who do participate in sports or exercise during that period.

In my work as a coach in recent years I am frequently asked by parents whether they should allow their Johnny or Mary to participate in sports while they are doing the junior or leaving certificate. My response to is always, "Yes, you should." for two reasons. First, participating in sports keeps a student's mind off his studies and takes the pressure off. Second, participating in his studies keeps his mind off sports.

I prefer to think of the bigger picture in respect of this report. While the report refers to participation in sports, I am keen to bring it back to another issue I am strongly in favour of, that is, physical education in the senior cycle. After junior certificate most students have a tendency to drop out of physical education and it is not compulsory for them for them to participate. Why is this? It is because the pressure from parents is on them to study. It is important for students to continue to be active in physical education as they go through their studies.

The debate I am calling for is on something I have mentioned on dozens of occasions, here and outside, that is, physical education. I have raised the matter in respect of primary schools but it is relevant in secondary schools as well. I am calling on the Government to make serious investments in physical education facilities such as PE halls in schools. I said yesterday that I get numerous requests from schools looking for supports but they get no support.