Irish primary school pupils spend less time on physical education (PE) than children in other EU states, according to a new report.
It says gymnastics is rarely taught in primary schools while six out of every 10 pupils rarely experience outdoor or adventure activities.
Only 30 per cent of pupils are taught dance on a regular basis, while only one-third get frequent swimming lessons.
The findings will be considered at an INTO education conference today.
"These findings relate directly to a lack of investment in school facilities," said INTO general secretary John Carr.
"All schools should have a general purpose room or PE hall where PE could be taught," he said.
"In addition, all schools should have access to a suitable outdoor hard surface for outdoor PE activities."
He said this would require a major investment in facilities. "We are only fooling ourselves by pretending that primary schools have adequate, up to date modern facilities for PE."
He also called for an annual grant to schools for the purchase and updating of PE equipment and resources.
The average allocation for PE across the EU in primary schools is 109 minutes, with most primary schools in other countries providing 60 and 90 minutes.
According to the INTO the average time spent by Irish children is less than an hour (54 minutes).
The Primary School Curriculum recommends an hour per week and according to the INTO two-thirds of teachers would be in favour of spending more time on PE.
According to the Health Service Executive, one in four children and one in two adults living in Ireland are overweight or obese.
Mr Carr said that urgent action was needed to make sure that the status and profile of PE in schools be raised and he called on the Department of Education to show a real commitment to developing PE as a core subject in primary schools.
