Vol. 460 No. 3
321 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education if she will initiate a nationwide survey of primary schools to ascertain the dimensions of the problem of overweight school bags being carried by pupils; the number of schools currently addressing the problem through the provision of overnight storage facilities and through other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19240/95]
I have no plans at present to initiate a nationwide survey as suggested by the Deputy. I have established an advisory committee to monitor the provision of textbooks and other materials in primary schools. I have asked this committee to consider the optimum weight and size of textbooks in relation to any new guidelines provided to publishers. The information sought by the Deputy relating to the provision of overnight storage facilities is not available in my Department.
