Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Weight of Schoolbags.

John Bruton

Ceist:

731 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the results of the inquiry by his Department's building unit into the possibility of incorporating storage facilities in the provision of furniture in schools in order to reduce the average weight of schoolbags which have to be carried by children; and the length of time before any changes of this nature will have a material effect in view of the low rate of replacement of existing school furniture in most schools. [1307/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I set up a working group in autumn 1997 to examine the potential problems caused by the weight of heavy school bags. The working group presented its report to me in July 1998.

The report recommended, as one of a number of measures, 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, in relation to second level schools, my Department should continue to afford schools the option of book storage in the case of new schools.

The question of providing new furniture and equipment is, in general, considered as part of a new school construction, extension or refur bishment project. Since coming into Government I have increased the level of funding for primary and second level school accommodation by 188%. This increased funding has resulted in a significant increase in the number of projects which can be undertaken.