David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that heavy school bags have a detrimental effect on the health of children and that long-term damage can be caused by carrying them on one shoulder using one strap? Will the Minister consider recommending that these multi-level textbooks, or large tomes as she described them, which include three years' work, be divided into at least year groups of work? Will she consider issuing a ministerial order or directive to this effect, if she agrees the weight of heavy schoolbags containing heavy school books poses a danger to the health of children's backs? Has she received any reports from physiotherapists, orthopaedic professionals, chiropractors or others regarding the danger imposed on children by having to carry heavy schoolbags to schools under the aegis of her Department?

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