Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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194. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to undertake an audit of the physical education facilities of all secondary schools prior to the introduction of physical education as a leaving certificate subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14557/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In our Programme for Partnership Government we have set out a commitment to introduce a new Leaving Certificate Physical Education syllabus. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has advanced this work. It will be a priority of my Government to ensure its implementation. When introduced, it will be on a par with English and History, for example.

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

The provision of play space, where site conditions and circumstances allow, is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new schools and major extensions. My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance in the provision of P.E. Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts.