Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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397. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the policy of her Department regarding the provision of physical education in post-primary schools; her views on the opening up of school buildings after school hours for the provision of sport and fitness sessions, particularly in areas of disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44314/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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There are two options for PE at Senior Cycle – Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE), which is an examinable subject and the Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) framework which is non-examinable. The Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) non-examination framework provides a flexible planning tool for physical education for all students in senior cycle. Oide, the new Integrated Teacher Education Support Service, was launched on the 1st of September 2023. It promotes the quality of teaching and learning through the provision of Teacher Professional Learning and support for our physical education teachers.

My Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community, sport and recreational use where feasible.

As the Deputy may be aware, the 'Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours' were published in June this year. The Procedures replaced the ‘Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours’ which had been in use prior to this.

The Procedures highlight the value and importance of school buildings and school sports facilities being used outside of school hours.

With respect to the use of school buildings by external groups and organisations, and the making of schools available for community, sport and recreational use, any decision on the use of school buildings and property is a matter for the property owner, taking into consideration the requirements of the school, students and staff. Also it is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.