Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wanted to raise the issue of meals in pre-schools as I have received good feedback on it. Will that continue? It is a pilot scheme but it was very successful.

On the policy the Minister referenced that is being drafted, does he envisage it will be ready for the budget or is it a longer term project? In the area of poverty, particularly child poverty, anything we can do to assist children and families is welcome. We had a lot of back and forth about the hours over the years and it was a welcome change. It was significant for families. Sometimes we all fall into the trap of thinking of early years education as childcare and thinking of it in terms of getting to work, but there are many advantages for children, especially those who come from vulnerable situations so that was welcome.

I want to know specifically about the pre-school meals.

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