Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
664. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide clarification on the payment under the hot meals suppliers programme to specific schools (details supplied) in counties Leitrim and Roscommon. [51933/25]
View answerThe 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.
The status of the schools for the 2025/26 year stated by the deputy above are as follows:
|
Aughawillan NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Kilnagross NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Drumlea NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Ballinamore NS |
Pending - Awaiting further Information |
|
Strabaggan NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Kingsland Boyle NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Drumboylan NS |
Pending - Awaiting further Information |
|
Frenchpark NS |
No application received to date |
My Department provides the funding to the schools in two tranches. The first payment is made after the school submits a fully completed application and their claim is processed. The second payment issues in the first week in January.
The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. The school meals funding is paid into a dedicated bank account held by the school for The School Meals Programme. The supplier invoices are paid by the school from this account. The payment of these invoices is a matter for the school.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
