Vol. 550 No. 4
78 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of health concerns regarding the weight of schoolbags, he will outline the progress he has made in implementing the recommendations of the expert group's report. [9234/02]
A working group was set up 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 in July 1998. The group's report outlined a number of recommendations that had implications, not only for my Department, but also for schools, parents and publishers. I have asked my officials to forward a copy of the report to the Deputy. The report acknowledged that many of the solutions belong at local school level and one of the main recommendations related to the need to heighten the awareness of the potential health hazards posed by excessively heavy schoolbags.
