Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me a platform to raise this matter. I welcome the Minister of State. I thank him for the good work he is doing in the Department as part of the Government's programme. We appreciate it.

The free school meals programme is outstanding. I compliment the Government, which has constantly acknowledged this. More schools will be in the programme from this year and there will be a significant increase in funding. In 2017, the figure was €47 million. In the most recent budget, €68.1 million was put aside for the free school meals programme. It is a vital programme. It ensures that children who may not get a hot meal at home, whatever the circumstances are, will have a meal in school. The vast majority of the general public think it is a very good scheme.

There are difficulties with the programme and I am sure the Minister of State is aware of them. I have spoken to a few of the suppliers. They are warning they will not be able to continue to provide the service in the coming months due to rising costs. We see the cost of fuel increasing because of the war. We see the cost of food increasing. One of the biggest costs the suppliers have is packaging. Those preparing meals and food must have the proper packaging and hygiene standards. It is very important. The education and training boards in Ireland have expressed serious concern about the situation. I do not believe the rates of payment have changed in ten years. It is €2.90 per student for a hot meal, €1.40 for a lunch and 60 cent for a breakfast. These rates have not changed in almost a decade. I am sure the Minister of State and the House will agree that this is not sustainable.

It is important to state that the Government is committed to the scheme. I compliment the Department of Social Protection, the Minister, the Minister of State and the officials on the work they are doing in respect of it. I acknowledge that the scheme is being evaluated at present but I warn on the time span for this. We cannot afford to hang around too long on this matter. More and more suppliers will drop out. This would be a tragedy. It is one of the best schemes we could have. It is focused on young people who may not be getting a meal at home. From speaking to them, people genuinely believe that the scheme is fantastic. The Government is aware of this. The Minister of State is very aware of it, as is the Minister, Deputy Humphreys.

I am worried about the time span for the review. When will the evaluation come to an end? I do not know whether the Minister of State will have news for me on this today. If he does not, I urge that we carry out the evaluation as quickly as possible so we do not allow a situation to arise in any school in the scheme whereby a child would go without this very valuable meal.I will not take up any more time on it. I have made my case to the Minister of State and he understands where I am coming from. I appreciate the Government understands there is a problem there but we need to address it as quickly as possible.