Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
488. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which a school without a general purpose hall or indoor PE space is expected to comply with PE and wellbeing curriculum requirements, particularly under the new primary curriculum framework; whether exemptions or supports apply in such circumstances; and if she will ensure that schools affected by infrastructural deficits are not penalised. [3435/26]
View answerThe Department recognises the limitations that a lack of indoor PE facilities places on the delivery of the PE curricula. However, it is important to note that over 70% of the primary schools that made 2020 Annual Schools Returns have indicated to the department that they either have a PE hall, access to a nearby PE hall, or a project in train that will deliver a new PE hall. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas, and many schools use adjacent local facilities, including community halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.
Investment and expenditure on PE Halls is an element of the overall School Building Programme. The provision of general purpose rooms and PE halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas, form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings. This is also the case where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.
Equipment needs for PE in the new primary Wellbeing specification are largely similar to those in the 1999 PE curriculum, meaning most schools will already have much of the necessary equipment. In December 2025, my Department allocated €10m for primary and special schools in the free education system to purchase physical resources to support the new Wellbeing Specification. Examples of resources and materials that could be purchased were communicated to schools in early January 2026.
