AQW 25714/11-15

Mr Daithí McKay
Sinn Féin
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 16/09/2013
Answered On Date: 30/09/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether he or his officials have had discussions with the Department of Education regarding cycle training for all primary and secondary school-age pupils.

Answer:

Responsibility for the provision of Cycling Proficiency Training rests with the Department of the Environment Road Safety Branch as part of its statutory duty to road safety, to give children the basic skills and confidence to cycle safely.

Neither I nor my officials have had discussions with the Department of Education regarding cycle training for all primary and secondary school-age pupils.

However my officials have written to that Department seeking its support to the Active School Travel programme which aims to deliver cycling and walking skills training to a limited number of schools over a three year period. The response received indicated that whilst it was supportive it was unable to actively engage in the programme.