Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions. Our report recommends that the provision of hot meals to vulnerable students should be expanded to cover periods of school closures and holidays, and that a hot meals programme should be rolled out nationally to all schools on a phased basis. For those children in communities at risk of disadvantage and social exclusion the problems will go much further, extending even to difficulties accessing basic nutrition during the school week. It is an area on which we need to work hard to protect and improve the situation. I acknowledge that the Government has made some progress in terms of rolling out and expanding the school meals programme that is already in place but we must avoid losing focus in this important area. What other actions are planned to make sure we improve this area and improve the outcomes for children who are disadvantaged with regard to the school meals?

My next question refers to our report's finding that primary schools receive significantly less funding than secondary schools. There is also a specific issue regarding the number of school management posts. We were of the view as a committee that there is now a need for a review of the short-term funding needs of schools. A more fundamental review of funding, however, also needs to be carried out in order that the requisite school management is in place to provide quality leadership for the whole school community. What is the Minister's view on that issue? How does she expect to resolve this matter? Does she feel a review is necessary with regard to this ongoing problem in terms of the shortfall in funding for primary schools, but also in terms of school management posts, particularly in post-primary schools?