Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

The hot school meals are provided through the Department of Social Protection. However, whether with regard to the nutritionist who will be in place from September to look at the overall nutritional value or the roll-out more broadly, we are collaborating with the Department of Social Protection to see how it can work best. Obviously, a lot of primary schools are in older buildings and, for the most part, will not be able to insert or put a kitchen in place. Some of them may have it, but it is mainly secondary schools have that ability. For primary schools, it is about making sure insofar as we can that they have the space and ability for it not to impact or impede on the school environments and classrooms overall. For the most part, that is what is happening, but we need to collaborate on this to make sure it works the best it can. The feedback I am getting is positive. Children are coming to school particularly focused in our DEIS areas. To the Deputy's point, it is not only that they do not sit around a table - they might be coming to school without a meal. That is the sole focus of this. It is about making sure everybody starts the day on a level playing field.