Irish pupils bottom of class at PE

THE Government has been accused of neglecting young people after Ireland was ranked as one of the worst EU countries for provision of physical education.

The report for the European parliament shows that six out of ten primary schools here have inadequate facilities and equipment for PE, while the maximum recommended one hour a week is one of the lowest in Europe.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) said the cutting of a grant for PE equipment for more than three years shows that the area was not a priority for the Department of Education.