Physical education (PE) would be made a points subject in the Intermediate and Leaving Certificate under the terms of a Labour Party policy on sport and recreation published today.
Party leader Pat Rabbitte unveiled Championing our People: Labour's agenda for investment in sport and recreation, saying a broader definition of sport and recreation underpinned the document which would form the basis of policy if the party were in Government.
Tax-free grants for elite amateur sports people is among a series proposals that Mr Rabbitte said recognised the important role of sport for people of all ages and communities, both rural and urban.
"The benefits include building community coherence, improving health standards and reducing anti-social behaviour by young people," Mr Rabbitte said.
Further proposals include:
- Changes to legislation governing the allocation of national lottery funds, preventing the Government allocating funds for general exchequer purposes and allowing for the 100 per cent of funding of projects, under the proposals.
- Increased funding to upgrade PE facilities in schools in co-operation with local sports bodies
- Renaming the Sports Council as Sport and Recreation Ireland, giving it an greater role in funding allocation and policy development. It would also have a role in local government planning and input into initiatives to develop outdoor activity facilities such as treks and cycleways
- Legislation to
address access for walkers and indemnification for landowners from liability for injury sustained on their lands
- Long-term capital and current funding to enable sports organisations plan more effectively
- A major initiative to promote physical recreation and general health in the community
- further development of sporting excellence programmes
The document embraces principles such as equal access - including those with disabilities and gender equality.