Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether the provision and availability of facilities is a core issue in the implementation of a quality physical education programme for primary schools; and the immediate steps she will take to address this problem. [14090/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that investment and expenditure on General Purpose (GP) rooms and PE Halls is an element of the overall School Building Programme. The provision of GP rooms and PE Halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas, form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings. This is also the case where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.

Almost 60% of the primary schools that made 2020 Annual Schools Returns have indicated to the Department that they have a GP Room.  In total 70% of primary schools either have a GP room or access to a nearby facility for GP use and a further 3% of primary schools have projects in train which will deliver a new GP room.  Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent local facilities, including community halls, public parks and swimming pools.

It is also important to note that the primary Physical Education curriculum permits schools flexibility in its implementation in a broad and balanced way, taking account of the varying indoor and outdoor facilities available.

The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level, and for provision to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.  My Department will continue to work to ensure that capital investment in our schools is targeted in the most efficient and effective way to support schools in meeting the education needs of their students and communities. 

Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.