Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A recent research report states that almost one in five teachers stated that they have seen an increase in the number of children arriving at school hungry over the past year. The study polled more than 500 primary and secondary schoolteachers. Some 40% stated that they had taken food into the school for a child who was regularly hungry. That is a serious indictment of society. Some 19% of teachers stated that they saw children arrive hungry for lessons every day, while one in three teachers stated that they had children falling asleep in the classroom due to a lack of food and to neglect. Another survey also confirmed that one in five children goes to bed hungry because of the lack of food in the house.

The Minister quite correctly stated that the Department of Social Protection has a responsibility and that there are services provided by that Department, but perhaps there is a need for an awareness campaign as well. I would ask the Minister to liaise with the Department of Social Protection and endeavour in the forthcoming budget to get more relevant funding to address the issue that is growing by the week.

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