INTO seeks increased resources for physical education

The Irish National Teachers Organisation has called on the Government to provide schools with proper resources for physical education.

The organisation said a survey it conducted in four Dublin primary schools found that PE was hugely popular, with more than 90% of pupils saying they liked the subject.

The INTO said the Department of Education allocated curricular time for PE, but was failing to match this with adequate investment in buildings and equipment.

Elsewhere, the INTO survey on children's diets, leisure activities and physical exercise found that 90% of pupils eat fruit every day, while 18% eat fast food at least once a day.

It also found that older children tended to watch more television and play more computer games, but were also more likely to walk to school.