Green Party launches major initiative to reform PE in schools

The Green Party today launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing children's involvement in physical activity at schools.

The plan includes the introduction of a new examinable Physical Education subject at second level and significantly increased funding for school PE equipment.

Speaking in Limerick, where the Party launched an initiative to build a model sports school, Green Party Education Spokesperson Paul Gogarty TD said that every child must be given the opportunity to participate in physical activity to help combat the rising levels of childhood obesity.

Deputy Gogarty said: "PE has been neglected for too long within our education system. Standards vary widely across the country; a student's exposure to PE hours very much depends on the facilities in the school and the availability of dedicated teachers.

In government the Green Party will invest €17m to significantly upgrade sports equipment and training in all schools. We will also conduct a complete nationwide audit of all sports facilities to maximise usage at school and community level.

"The introduction of Physical Education as an examinable subject at second level and the revision of the current curriculum at primary level will ensure that, in conjunction with the additional investment required, each student receives between three and four hours' PE a week."