Physical exercise - Chronic lack of facilities is a scandal

WITH Irish children getting less physical exercise (PE) at school than children almost anywhere in Europe, is it any wonder obesity is a major problem here?

According to an EU report on exercise facilities for children, Ireland ranks close to the bottom of the European league table. The situation is so bad that three quarters of primary schools don’t reach the minimum standard.

In a knee-jerk response, Education Minister Mary Hanafin claims the Government gives €2,000 to every school to replace and upgrade PE equipment.