Written answers

Wednesday, 25 May 2005

Department of Education and Science

Physical Education Facilities

9:00 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and secondary schools in the country that have no gymnasium; the breakdown of the figures per county; the number of schools in the country that had gymnasiums that are now being used as classrooms; the breakdown per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17593/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not have statistical details of the type requested by the Deputy. In general, many schools at primary level have a general purposes room for play and PE facilities during inclement weather. In addition, practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are utilised for teaching different aspects of the physical education programme. Similar circumstances obtain regarding sports halls and outdoor facilities at second level. Many schools also have the use of adjacent local facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.

The provision of multi-purpose space for primary schools will continue to be considered within the design brief for new schools and/or renovation and extension of school buildings. This will also be the case for PE facilities at second level. This will be done in the context of available resources and the published criteria for prioritising schools building projects.

The use of PE halls or multi-purpose rooms as classrooms is only as a last resort when it is not possible to provide schools with the extra accommodation that they need to cater for increased enrolments or extra staffing straight away. The need for additional accommodation at any given school is considered in the context of the Schools Building and Modernisation Programme 2005-2009.

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