Minister to tackle heavy school load

The Minister for Education has marked the beginning of the new school year by announcing the setting up of a working group on heavy school bags. Responding to repeated complaints from parents and teachers about the weight of school bag children have to carry, Mr Martin has appointed an expert group to advise on the extent of the problem and its health implications.

The group has been asked to come up with solutions to the problem and is to report within four months. It is made up of parent, teacher and Department of Education representatives, as well as medical professionals. In a message to mark the return of more than 800,000 children to school, Mr Martin said there was a lot to be proud of.

"However, we cannot be complacent and as Minister I am conscious of many issues which need to be addressed. The key focus must be on ensuring that available resources are concentrated in the classroom and that teachers and pupils have the best possible learning environment.

"Alleviating educational disadvantage is an important objective of this Government. Targeting available resources to schools serving communities which experience economic and social disadvantage, both urban and rural, will be an important part of our programme."

About 369,000 children return to primary schools today. Some second-level schools started back last week but most return over the next few days. This year there are about 369,000 second-level students, 2,500 down on last year and the first time there has been such a substantial drop. The National Safety Council has warned drivers to be vigilant as the school year has started. It advises parents not to let children aged under seven years to cross roads on their own. "They should be taken to school by an adult. Other primary-school children are too young to take on this responsibility," it warns.

Children walking on country roads should wear reflective armbands, it adds. Parents should teach their children to take special care when getting on or off public transport.

No children under the age of 12 should be allowed to cycle in any sort of traffic. Children should be taught the rules of the road and should wear a helmet.

Children in cars should be in the back seat using a safety restraint and drivers should not park within 20 metres of a school entrance. And children should be set down and collected on the school side of the road.