Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for her reply. We all favour the concept of the breakfast club. Most people to whom I have spoken about it believe it is a good idea. The frustration in many areas surrounds funding, roll-out and the quality of the clubs. Some people believe calling them breakfast clubs is a probably a bad idea and that if they were called Internet clubs and if music was played, it would encourage more students to come into school for the meal.

The Minister mentioned the number of schools involved. Will these clubs be rolled out in all schools in CLÁR and RAPID areas, or is it up to schools or the school completion programme in an area to determine in which schools they are rolled out? I have also been given information on some schools where there are breakfast clubs for two days a week rather than five. Has the Minister a view on that and the confusion it causes children? If we are to have these clubs, they should run over a five day period.

The Minister spoke about nutritional issues. Will the Department get more involved in these clubs in the future given the concerns in this area? In regard to the funding of these clubs, community education, etc, is funding available from the Minister's Department or any other Department for groups outside the schools system, such as those dealing with young people at risk of dropping out of school?

It is important these clubs are warm, interactive and welcoming and have a calming influence on children. As I said, everyone on this side of the House agrees with them. A club which is grim, bleak and cold will not attract young people. The clubs are a positive step for young people.

I am concerned about the roll-out of these clubs and the co-ordination between the Departments. Are there any plans in regard to future school buildings? Will kitchens be provided so that there is the possibility of hot meals? Some schools are talking about not only breakfast clubs but about lunchtime clubs to encourage young people to stay in school.

See this speech in context