To ask the Minister of Education whether he is bringing forward any proposals to enhance the partnership between schools and local councils to maintain and expand community sport facilities, particularly in line with research showing the benefits of participation in sport on mental health.

My officials have been engaging regularly with local councils and schools in recent months on the RAISE programme to explore potential joint working across education and local government. We are keen to collaborate with stakeholders across Northern Ireland to support children’s learning and development, including their mental health. The RAISE programme provides an opportunity to embed such collaboration on a range of issues.

Schools are essential in encouraging healthy living, nurturing positive perceptions of physical activity, and enhancing awareness of its beneficial effects on health and well-being, as well as promoting sportsmanship and fair play. It is recommended by my department that schools offer students a minimum of two hours of high-quality curricular PE each week.