Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine the development of a national strategy on physical literacy and interventions for children who are not able to reach certain developmental benchmarks in physical literacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4538/23]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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There are a number of existing policies which refer to the importance of physical literacy and physical literacy development.  These include the Get Ireland Active National Physical Activity Plan, The Wellbeing Statement and Framework for practice, National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027, as well as the Department of Education funded Move Well Move Often Physical Literacy resource. 

The curriculum, at both primary and post primary level, is considered to be for all learners and it is the aim of the Department of Education that every child has access to equitable education and that each learner feels safe and happy in the school environment, at every stage.  Issues in relation to inclusivity and diversity are considered as part of the ongoing reviews in relation to the curriculum at both primary and post-primary level.

Physical literacy gives pupils the tools they need to take part in physical activity and sport, both for healthy life-long enjoyment and for sporting success. The physically literate child can be described as having the motivation, confidence, movement competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take part in physical activity throughout their personal lifelong journey. The emphasis from an educational perspective is on learning. Our PE curricula (Primary and Post-Primary) have the idea of breadth and balance at their core so as to engage and motivate as many learners as possible in as many areas as possible.

The current Primary PE curriculum was introduced as part of the Primary School Curriculum. The curriculum contributes to children’s overall development by helping them to lead full, active and healthy lives. In Junior Cycle, Physical Education is recognised as part of the Wellbeing area of learning as outlined in the Framework for Junior Cycle. At Senior Cycle, PE is available through both the examinable subject, Leaving Certificate PE (LCPE) and the non-examinable subject, Senior Cycle PE.

PE teachers are trained in inclusion first and foremost, with a focus on facilitating the involvement of all students to the greatest extent possible in PE lessons. PE teachers are encouraged to take a very broad view of what constitutes participation in PE. As such a wide variety of roles can be adopted by a learner, with examples such as coach, choreographer, and referee. The school should facilitate the level of involvement to provide a meaningful learning experience for the student. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to increase participation in Physical Education.

Any intervention that provides remediation for pupils/students aimed at improving levels of Physical Literacy should be welcomed and encouraged. In that context my focus is on ensuring that physical activity and opportunities to learn through physical activity are explored and encouraged in order to enhance physical literacy for all.