Vol. 480 No. 6
570 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the action, if any, he will take in association with the Minister for Health to reduce the weight of schoolbags, in view of the strain on backs and spines of school children. [14414/97]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently established an expert working group to examine this issue.
The working group will address all aspects of the problems posed for children by the weight of school books, including possible health implications, and will formulate proposals to alleviate such problems.
The group will comprise of representatives of parents and teachers as well as medical professionals and Department of Education representatives. I have asked this group to report within four months.
