Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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1314. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the precise role of physical education in the new junior cycle short course of well-being; the exact allocation of hours that will be given to PE; if the current 132 hours allocated will be reduced to 100 hours under the short course model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31719/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Framework for Junior Cycle 2015 which was published in August sets out a clear vision of how teaching, learning and assessment in the Junior Cycle will be reformed to ensure a learning experience for young people that is highly engaging for them and appropriate to the needs of the 21st century.

In relation to the role of physical education, under the new Framework I have asked the NCCA to consider the Wellbeing Area which will, inter alia, address the content, skills and learning outcomes in CSPE, SPHE and Physical Education. My Department has recently issued a circular to post primary schools on the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles which provides advice on a number of areas including the importance of physical education and physical activity.