Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Weight of Schoolbags.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (246)

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

425 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to urgently introduce a maximum weight for school bags in line with the recommendations of a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 that 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 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.

My Department initiated an awareness raising campaign at primary and post-primary levels in this regard by disseminating the report, with an accompanying circular, to all primary and post primary schools. Furthermore, information leaflets and posters were also distributed to all schools, highlighting the potential health hazard of heavy schoolbags and outlining a range of local measures that could be adopted in order to alleviate the problem. It is a matter for each school to choose the measures most suited to its needs.

Positive action has been taken by many schools. Actions taken by some schools at second level consist of a range of measures, including the provision of lockers, the arrangement of the timetable into double class periods, active liaison with parents and the co-ordination of homework by subject teachers.

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