Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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186. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has conducted any assessment or audit of the physical education facilities and teaching resources available in post-primary schools; if his Department sees the need, in view of obesity problems among Irish schoolchildren, for such an audit to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16075/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department has not conducted an audit of P.E. facilities or resources in post primary schools, nor are there plans for such an audit. New post primary schools that are constructed as part of my Department's school building programme, include provision for facilities such as P.E. halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. Other facilities, such as outdoor pitches, are provided where this is appropriate and within the context of available resources. Many post primary schools also use adjacent local and community facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.

Due to current financial constraints, it is not possible at this time to approve applications from existing post primary schools for additional P.E. facilities as priority is given to essential mainstream classroom accommodation. The current P.E. curriculum has been designed on the basis that sports facilities in schools, or that are accessible by schools, may vary. New specifications for PE are currently being finalised by the NCCA for both Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle.

The implementation of the P.E. curriculum is only one element of the important work that is being undertaken by post primary schools in relation to tackling obesity and promoting a 'Healthy Ireland'. It is complemented by an emphasis on general well-being and healthy eating through Social, Personal and Health Education, healthy eating policies, initiatives such as the Active Schools Flag, extra-curricular activities, the 'sport for all day', and physical education teacher professional networks. If the work of schools in promoting physical activity is to be effective it has to be complemented by the efforts of parents, communities and wider society. This is one of the key messages in the 'Get Active' Framework which was launched by the Taoiseach in October 2013.