PE plan could fall at first hurdle due to lack of facilities

MOST primary schools cannot implement a new physical education (PE) programme because they do not have sports halls or proper facilities, a survey has revealed.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) called on the Government to make funding available to allow schools teach the new curriculum from next year as planned. The Department of Education will begin training teachers in the course in September but the INTO said this is pointless without proper facilities in schools.

A survey carried out by the union found that 80% of primary schools in Donegal have no PE hall. The figure is 70% in Kerry and 63% in Clare, compared to just 14% in Dublin, but most schools in the capital said their halls were too small or unsafe.