Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
134. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of schools in Limerick and the total number of schools in Clare that are now eligible to receive hot school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21539/25]
View answerFollowing 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 Limerick is 130 and 102 in County Clare. I would encourage any schools that are not yet part of the scheme to submit an application to my Department.
