Billy Timmins
Ceist:764 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has forwarded to the Department of Health and Children the report on the weight of schoolbags. [21970/98]
Written Answers. - Weight of Schoolbags
I have recently received the report of a working group which I set up last autumn to examine the potential problems caused by the weight of heavy school bags.
The group's report outlines a number of recommendations which have implications, not only for my Department, but also for schools, parents and publishers. One of the main recommedations relates to the need to heighten the awareness of the potential health hazards posed by excessively heavy schoolbags.
In this regard, my Department is in the process of initiating an awareness raising campaign by arranging for the dissemination of the report, with an accompanying circular, to all primary and post-primary schools. Furthermore, information leaflets and posters will also be distributed to all schools, highlighting the potential problems and outlining a range of local measures that can be adopted to alleviate them.
The Deputy will appreciate that the report has only recently been made available to me, but I can confirm that all aspects of it will be considered within my Department and appropriate action taken, including liaison with the Department of Health and Children, where necessary.