Vol. 537 No. 1
205 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for the delay in implementing the recommendations published in the July 1998 working group's report on the weight of school bags; the amount of funding allocated to schools in the last year for which figures are available for the provision of extra locker space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15505/01]
A working group was set up in autumn 1997 to examine the potential problems caused by the weight of heavy school bags. Its terms of reference were to consider the issue of heavy school bags 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 school bags. The group presented its report in July 1998.
The group's report outlined a number of recommendations that had implications, not only for my Department but also for schools, parents and publishers. One of the main recommendations related to the need to heighten the awareness of the potential health hazards posed by excessively heavy school bags.
In this regard 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. Information leaflets and posters were also distributed to all schools, highlighting the potential health hazard of heavy school bags and outlining a range of local measures that could be adopted in order to alleviate the problem. It is a matter for each individual school to choose those measures that would be most suited to its individual needs.
