Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a working group was established to address physical education as a subject for the leaving certificate; if this group was abolished; if so, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21447/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Following a joint initiative of my Department and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, three draft syllabuses in Physical Education (PE) were submitted to my Department by the Council for consideration in 2002. These consisted of revised syllabuses for PE in junior and senior cycle and a syllabus for Leaving Certificate PE as an examination subject.

The revised syllabus in Physical Education at junior cycle was implemented, phased over a 3 year period, beginning in 2003, supported by a comprehensive programme of professional development for teachers. No date was agreed for implementation at senior cycle, and issues concerning the inclusion of PE as an examination subject at Leaving Certificate level remain to be addressed. In the meantime, the Council made proposals for a fundamental re-structuring of senior cycle into subjects, short courses and transition units.

The proposals included the provision of PE as a subject, and the inclusion of a short course in Sports Studies. It was considered that the inclusion of PE as both a subject and Sports Studies short course could only be examined within the broader context of plans for senior cycle reform generally.

The Council has continued to undertake further analysis and development work with schools on the issue of senior cycle reform. It currently has a specialist committee working on a syllabus for Leaving Certificate Physical Education and will have a draft available for consultation with schools towards the end of the current year. When revised proposals are submitted to my Department, the implementation implications will be examined in the context of the overall priorities and resources available to the education sector at that stage.