Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if sport or physical education will be included as an examination subject in the 2006/2007 academic year at leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27047/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Physical Education and sport, although closely linked, are not synonymous.

Sport begins with play and develops through games, competition and challenges. Competition in sport contributes to the holistic development of the student, provided that the opportunities presented are such that he/she is progressing towards the achievement of his/her potential. It is government policy to encourage and promote sport for all in schools. The policy of my Department is to facilitate this by means of a broad and balanced physical education curriculum for schools.

The focus in the Physical Education curriculum in our schools is on the learner's holistic development, with an emphasis on personal and social development, physical growth, and motor development. Goal-setting, within the curriculum, focuses on individual improvement rather than on winning or being the best. The creation of a positive attitude to sport and physical activity, with the overall aim of promoting long term involvement, is of paramount importance.

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second level schools should offer Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme should be based on the Department's approved syllabuses and teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. The syllabuses in Physical Education have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.

The phasing in of a revised Physical Education syllabus (non-examination) at Junior Cycle level commenced in September 2003. The Junior Cycle Physical Education Support Service has been in place since then to support teachers in the implementation of this syllabus. It is not possible at this time to set a timescale for the introduction of Physical Education as an examination subject.