Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair for the question. On home economics as a subject, we have worked hard to put in place the widest offering to students in respect of subjects which might meet their interests and talents. I like the fact that they would have the widest possible choice and it is important that we preserve that in future. We will be imaginative in respect of the types of subjects we will make available to students. The kernel of the issue raised by the Chair is similar to what has previously been raised in the context of healthy eating campaigns. There are opportunities for us to undertake such initiatives in our schools as well and to continue to support the excellent ongoing work in that regard. I appreciate the point the Chair is making regarding equality of access. There is currently equality of access but the choice must be made by the students themselves.

On the hot school meals programme, I know the Chair is invested in this issue and has raised it with me before. I acknowledge the work done by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys. She has always been proactive and generous in her engagement with my Department. As the Chair correctly said, this scheme is now under her Department. She has an open style of engagement with the Department in fulfilling the hot school meals programme. The scheme is of enormous benefit to our schools and we would like to see it grow, advance and develop even further. We will continue our discussions with the Minister for Social Protection and her Department in that regard.