As previously indicated to the Deputy — I believe this is the seventh time — the medical advice available to my Department is that there is no scientific indication that the health of children is impaired by writing on a flat desk.
All school furniture for primary and post-primary schools grant-aided by my Department is designed in accordance with the relevant official Irish, British and international standards. My Department constantly monitors these standards and will update its specifications for school furniture in accordance with new and revised standards including those that might be set at European level.
On the occasion of the Deputy's previous question on this matter, I outlined the medical advice available to my Department. However, I asked the Deputy to direct my Department to research that highlights the different effects of sitting at a sloping or a flat desk. I also said I would ensure that my officials would respond in a positive way to new information.
I thank the Deputy for bringing my attention to further medical opinion in this area and I can assure him that the sources quoted by him will be fully considered by my Department.