Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make a point about minimum standards; I do not necessarily require a response. I understand the point about fashion and the rest of it. While some may choose to take things in a carrier bag, nonetheless items are sold in shops as schoolbags. I see no reason for not having minimum standards there. For example, many of the hurling helmets that were fashionable when I was a teenager cannot be bought anymore because they were not safe enough. There are minimum standards under the EU and all the rest of it. If we were to have minimum standards here, it would make a difference. I think the thickness and distribution of weight are important, and should not be ruled out.