Sports in schools neglected, says union

THE Government has been accused of neglecting sports in schools as two ministers launched a major European sports education programme yesterday.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey and Sports Minister John O’Donoghue announced that schools and youth organisations can apply for 6.5m EU funding as part of European Year for Education through Sport (EYES) in 2004.

But the Irish National Teachers Organisation said physical education (PE) is so under-funded that almost three-quarters of primary schools cannot fully implement the curriculum.

“More than two-thirds of schools report that they need either additional or replacement equipment, but a 2.5 million grant scheme for schools to upgrade sports equipment was scrapped earlier this year,” said INTO general secretary Sean Rowley.

“Mr O’Donoghue says it is hard to imagine life without sport but he should visit primary schools where thousands of schoolchildren have lives without sport because their schools lack PE facilities and equipment.” he said.

The EYES funding will be available to projects across Europe which highlight the role sport plays in formal, civic and social education. and Two Irish projects have already been approved for support.

Mr Dempsey said the educational value of sport at its most fundamental level cannot be underestimated as it teaches teamwork, fair play and responsibility to others.

“At a formal level, engagement in sport is actively promoted throughout primary and secondary school, through curriculum and extra-curricular activities, and as a Government we are committed to ensuring an active society,” he said.

Ireland’s involvement in EYES is being overseen by a steering group, whose members include Irish Sports Council chief executive John Treacy, Special Olympics chief executive Mary Davis, FAI chief executive Fran Rooney, RTÉ sports presenter Tracy Piggott and former Kerry footballer Jack O’Shea.