Associated Files

The Physical Education Association of Ireland position in relation to the Department of Education and Science proposed withdrawal of substitution cover from schools

The budget of November 2008 has had implications for the provision of both physical education and extra-curricular activities in schools.

PEAI Report - September 2009

The impact of budgetary cuts towards physical education and extra-curricular provision in Irish post primary schools

The Department of Education and Science’s proposed withdrawal of substitution cover from schools announced in the November 2008 budget is likely to have implications for the provision of both physical education and extra-curricular activities in schools. In December 2008 the Physical Education Association of Ireland (PEAI) distributed a press release noting that in light of the proposal, leaving the school for extra-curricular activities would now have to be re-considered. Access to neighbouring facilities, pools, community halls, fields, parks would potentially no longer be possible. Currently this access is only possible with the goodwill of school management and the supervision cover provided by colleagues.  The withdrawal of supervision cover would, we suggested, put many activities under significant threat and in many instances beyond the reach of many schools and students.

The PEAI’s priority is towards the promotion and teaching of quality physical education in Ireland. The aim of this report is to provide an overview, from the perspective of Irish physical education teachers, of the impact of budgetary cuts towards physical education provision in post primary schools. By association, the impact on extra-curricular activities is also reported. Responses convey that budget cuts are having a negative effect on the provision of physical education, and extra-curricular activities. The main concerns noted in relation to physical education are the lack of funding allocation to physical education departments for equipment and the use of off-school site activities, the reduction of teaching hours and the reduction of physical education staff in over 20% of schools.

Full report is downloadable here

PEAI Position - Press Release - December 2008

The Physical Education Association of Ireland position in relation to the Department of Education and Science proposed withdrawal of substitution cover from schools

Full Press release is downloadable here