Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I strongly agree with her about the hot school meals programme. It is absolutely excellent not only for DEIS schools but for every school included in the programme. The Minister announced hot meals for an additional 900 primary schools. Ten of those schools are in Carlow. These are schools that I had been working with. They are rural schools. For all the schools that get the programme, they are a game-changer. I was delighted to hear the Minister’s facts and figures about how it has benefited children, how children are going to school and how the programme makes a difference. There is a long-term effect for communities.

It is also helping many caterers to create jobs. The standard is absolutely excellent. It has a knock-on effect for communities particularly in rural areas. I really welcome this. I wanted the facts and figures. My only question is whether the Minister will consider introducing breakfasts as well.

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