Austin Currie
Question:9 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education her views on the possible detrimental effect on children of carrying heavy schoolbags; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1037/94]
Written Answers. - Weight of School Bags.
I am aware of widespread concern about the possible detrimental effect on children of carrying heavy school bags. The most practical and workable solutions to this problem, however, are most likely to be achieved at school level.
Teachers and parents, working in partnership at individual school level, can make suitable practical arrangements for school work and homework. These involve timetabling and advance planning by teachers so that pupils know in advance what books are required on any particular day.
Arrangements for storing books in schools, where this is possible, can also be helpful.
Parents can ensure that school bags themselves do not add to the problems by being excessively heavy and also through ensuring that pupils do not carry unnecessary material in their school bags.
Following the recommendations of the Cooney-Carey report, I am in the process of establishing a committee representing the NCCA, teachers, publishers, parents, women-equity groups and my Department to monitor the provision of textbooks and other materials for schools. I will ask the committee to investigate the matter of the optimum weight and size of school books.