Billy Timmins
Question:127 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that his Department's campaign on the weight of schoolbags was a success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21237/00]
Written Answers. - Weight of Schoolbags.
Ivor Callely
Question:132 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made with regard to the difficulties associated with the weight of school books and the need for secondary students to carry heavily laden schoolbags to and from school daily; the likely time schedule for change in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21249/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 132 together.
A working group was set up in autumn 1997 to examine the potential problems caused by the weight of heavy schoolbags. The terms of reference of the working group were to consider the issue of heavy schoolbags and in particular the extent of the problem the factors which contribute to the problem and possible implications of the problem, particularly for the health of pupils.
The group was also asked to formulate proposals to alleviate problems associated with the weight of schoolbags. The group presented its report in July 1998.
The group's report outlined a number of recommendations that have implications not only for my Department but also for schools, parents and publishers.
My Department, at primary and post-primary levels, initiated an awareness raising campaign by disseminating the report, with an accompanying circular, to all primary and post-primary schools. Furthermore, information leaflets and posters were distributed to all schools, highlighting the potential health hazard of heavy schoolbags and outlining a range of local measures that could be adopted in order to alleviate the problem. It is a matter for each school to choose those measures that would be most suitable to its individual needs.
The report acknowledges that many factors contribute to the problem and it therefore follows that any solution requires action not just from my Department and school authorities but also from parents, publishers of educational books and from students themselves.
I am satisfied that my Department's campaign was a success in bringing about a heightened awareness of the potential problem of heavy schoolbags among all the parties concerned.
Positive action has been taken by many schools. At second level, actions taken by some schools consist of a range of measures, including the provision of lockers, the arrangement of the timetable into double class periods, active liaison with parents and the co-ordination of homework by subject teachers.