Vol. 565 No. 3
241 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science further to his reply to Deputy Sargent on 12 March 2003, if he will report on the standards that apply to primary school boards of management in relation to the purchase by them of classroom furniture, that is, chairs and desks for use in Department funded primary schools around the country. [11144/03]
242 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the prevailing standards for the purchase of classroom furniture are such as to prevent, or at least minimise the risk of potential damage to children who use such school furniture on every school day, especially in relation to their postural habits and bodily alignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11145/03]
243 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the steps his Department has taken to circulate notice of standards for the purchase of classroom furniture to primary school boards of management and to monitor their implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11146/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 to 243, inclusive, together.
Where the provision of furniture at national schools is being grant-aided by my Department, the specifications are based on standards set by the National Standard Authority of Ireland or equivalent. It is intended that these specifications will shortly be made available on the building unit's pages of my Department's website.
