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

I thank all the Deputies for their contributions. Not many measures are universally popular in this House, but the hot school meals is certainly one example. When I came into the Department, 30 schools were getting hot meals and when the expansion happens in April, more than 1,600 primary schools will receive hot meals. I am firm believer in the hot dinner in the middle of the day. You cannot beat it. I was in Artane last year and we saw the children getting their hot meals. They were sitting around the tables, chatting away. They had lasagne, shepherd's pie and chicken curry and it was a great leveller because everyone got the same. I am sure those who have made lunches many times feel the same. I would have loved to have had that when I had two young girls going to school because despite my best attempts, there was blue moulded bread by the end of the week, I assure Deputies, and soggy sandwiches and despite my best efforts in sneaking crisps in, although it was a healthy eating school, to try to entice them to eat it, I got them back: return to sender. I am delighted that there are six gentlemen here all asking about the hot school meals

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