Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I am pleased to say that as part of the cost-of-living measures, we are going to extend the hot school meals programme to all DEIS primary schools and all special needs schools. We are actively working on expanding it. It is so important that young children avail of a hot school meal, particularly in the middle of the day. We all know the benefits of that. It helps their educational attainment and it means they get a staple meal. Some who may not get it at home get that staple meal every day when they attend school. It is something I am very committed to and it is something the Deputy has raised with me on a number of occasions.

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