Brendan Smith
Ceist:430. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the proposals to extend a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5394/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 22 January 2026
Ceisteanna (430)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025, meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children are eligible for hot school meals for the 2025/26 academic year.
My immediate priority is to complete the roll-out of Hot School Meals to all Primary Schools in 2025/2026 academic year. I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
Under the Programme for Government, I plan to commence the rollout of Hot School Meals to secondary schools over the lifetime of this Government.
I trust this clarifies the matter.