Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2024
260. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review and outline the reason a school (details supplied) is not included in the hot meals programme; when it will be included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37351/24]
View answerThe Hot School Meals Programme has grown from a small pilot project to a nationwide programme now approved in 2,200 primary schools nationwide.
In April 2024, my Department contacted the remaining 1,000 primary schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, who have not yet joined the Hot School Meals scheme, asking them if they wished to submit an expression of interest in commencing the provision of Hot School Meals. I can confirm that the school referred to has expressed an interest in joining the scheme.
My Department is currently collating the responses received under this year's Expression of Interest process with the aim of including more schools, subject to available funding in Budget 2025.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
