Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that a school (details supplied) in County Galway has done significant fundraising for a new sports hall on its campus; if she will consider part-funding sports halls for schools considering the increased focus on, and importance of, physical education for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24024/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department devolved very significant funding to the school in question in 2010 and 2011 to provide additional general classrooms, specialist rooms and ancillary accommodation to meet the school's accommodation needs.

I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve Physical Education facilities for all pupils attending schools within the constraints of the available funding.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that the Physical Education curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are used for teaching different aspects of the P.E. programme. In addition, many schools, including the school in question use local facilities, which can include public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.

As the Deputy is also aware, due to the competing demands on my Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential school classroom accommodation, it is not possible at this point to provide an indicative timeframe for the provision of funding towards a multi-purpose/PE hall for the school concerned.

However, if the school has a co-funding proposal that it wishes to submit to my Department, it is open to the school to submit that proposal for consideration.