Michael Cahill
Question:109. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of schools in Kerry now eligible to receive hot school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21420/25]
View answerThursday, 1 May 2025
Questions (109)
Written answers
The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Following my announcement on the 11 April 2025, there are 2,850 primary schools now participating in the Hot School Meals Programme for the current academic school year. As announced in Budget 2025, Hot School Meals will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025 meaning that there will be 3,200 eligible schools in respect of 550,000 children from September 2025.
The total number of schools eligible for Hot School Meals in County Kerry is 127. I would encourage any primary schools in Kerry that are not yet part of the scheme to submit an application to my Department.