Vol. 488 No. 4
317 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to set up a specialist group to review the weight of school bags and the possible health effects that they can have on schoolchildren. [6384/98]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have already set up a working group to examine problems arising from the weight of school bags. The working group is comprised of representatives of parents and teachers as well as medical professionals and representatives of the Department of Education and Science. The first meeting of the group was held on 9 October 1997. I expect that the group will complete its report in the very near future.
The working group is addressing all aspects of the problems posed by the weight of school bags, including any possible implications for the health of pupils. It will also formulate proposals to alleviate such problems.
