I know of the Taoiseach's interest in education. It is something in which I, too, have taken a keen interest. We have reached a point where we need to consider having dedicated physical education, PE, teachers in primary schools. Such teachers could be shared among schools if the numbers in the schools are not particularly high. I ask for that to be done because the latest WHO figures show that 34% of five- to nine-year-olds are overweight or obese and, in terms of the rankings in that report, out of 53 European countries, Ireland's five-to nine-year-olds rank ninth in terms of obesity while ten- to 19-year-olds rank tenth. We have almost reached crisis point. A practical measure would be to have dedicated PE teachers. I know this is being considered in terms of the primary curriculum framework. Such teachers are in secondary schools. They should be put into primary schools. That could involve sharing such teachers among schools of smaller size. What is the view of the Taoiseach on that proposal?

We have changed the curriculum and prioritised physical activity in schools. We need to be careful that we do not compartmentalise this into one 45-minute period of the day. One of the big problems with primary schools is curriculum overload because there are so many core subjects, with science and other subjects having been added in the past 20 years. Physical activity should be part of every school day. It should be part of the social, personal and health education aspect. It should be integrated into the entire programme. It is about nutrition. There is a full range of issues that need to be considered. Every teacher, in a way, should be part of this agenda. The Minister will keep that under review but there are many priorities across the board in terms of resources and so on. The physical activity issue and physical education requirements are something we have not done well historically in Ireland at primary level. I acknowledge that. It is a fair point.

It is only in recent decades that we have developed junior cycle and senior cycle curriculums. I acknowledge we have work to do at primary level. I will not close the door on what the Deputy is saying.