Vol. 512 No. 1
75 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the problems associated with the excessive weight of school bags are not being resolved through a strategic management initiative across all those involved; and the terms of reference of the high level group co-ordinating this work. [25238/99]
97 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional resources, if any, he has provided to schools to implement the recommendations of the report of the working group on the weight of school bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25411/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 97 together.
I set up a working group in autumn 1997 to examine the potential problems caused by the weight of heavy school bags. The terms of reference of the working group 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 schoolbags. The group presented its report to me in July 1998.
The group's report outlines a number of recommendations that have implications, not only for my Department, but also for schools, parents and publishers. One of the main recommendations relates to the need to heighten the awareness of the potential health hazards posed by excessively heavy schoolbags.
In this regard my Department, at primary and post-primary levels, has 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 have also been distributed to all schools which will highlight the potential health hazard of heavy schoolbags and outline a range of local measures that can be adopted in order to alleviate the problem. It is a matter for each individual school to choose those measures that would be most suitable to its individual needs.
The report also recommended that my Department should examine the feasibility of providing for appropriate storage facilities in future specifications for furniture manufacturers. Accordingly, the building unit of my Department will be examining the possibility of incorporating storage facilities in the provision of furniture in the future. The report further recommended that my Department should continue to afford schools the option of book storage in the case of new second level schools, which continues to be the case.
