Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In years gone by, home economics was a subject mainly for females. Society has changed and males must now take a more proactive role in the home. Are there plans to make home economics a mandatory subject for male and female students in secondary schools? Has the Minister or her Department given this any thought? This will be important from the perspective of obesity because home economics has such broad content and is a subject that can expand. I believe the Department should give some thought to this.

The hot school meals scheme is under the auspices of the Department of Social Protection, which is an odd fit. The scheme should be run by the Department of Education. Has there been any consultation between the Department and the Department of Social Protection on bringing the hot school meals programme under the banner of the Department of Education?