Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Cathal Crowe for raising this important issue. I have a note from the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, advising me that in light of the circumstances of Ennistymon Community School, she has asked her officials, on an exceptional basis, to continue funding the school meals programme for all students until the end of the current academic year, which will run until next summer. This will allow time for her to engage with the principal and board of management at Ennistymon Community School on these matters. I do not want to make a commitment on behalf of the Minister that she might not be able to keep but I believe the fact that she is extending the scheme until the end of the academic year is very welcome. She is very committed to expanding the school meals programme, not just for children who face disadvantage and disadvantaged schools but for all children. I know she will do her best to work with the Deputy on this.

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