This research is concerned with the interpretive study of selected issues in contemporary social and educational history. The use of both qualitative and quantitative measures is employed to outline the evolution of policies in school physical education and sport. For the core elements of the study a heavy reliance is placed on the use of primary source material. This is particularly the case relating to the establishment of N.C.P.E. and the operation of Thomond College; the registration of physical education teachers; the early work of Cospoir, and the role of the P.E.A.I. Apart from the latter, these sources have not been previously subject to scrutiny. They provide a valuable insight into the nature and basis of policy initiatives in physical education and sport. Considerable emphasis is also placed on the quantitative analysis of data relating to the provision of physical education. Once again, while these data have been openly in the public domain they have not been the subject of detailed scrutiny as they relate to the evolution of policy. Such data provide evidence of stated and actual policies, and the following indicators are studied to assess progress between 1960 and 1996: