Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

421. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider introducing hot meals in primary schools either through State provisions or privately provided in the interests of children's health, learning and concentration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19356/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, the School Meals Programme is administered by the Department of Social Protection and schools must apply to that Department for inclusion in the programme. DEIS schools are prioritised for funding in accordance with the National Policy Framework for Children, Young People - Better Outcomes Brighter Futures. At present, 97% of DEIS schools with the highest levels of educational disadvantage participate in the programme.Despite pressure on the social protection budget, the Government has allocated an additional €2 million for the school meals programme in 2015, providing a total allocation of €39 million. I understand that this additional funding will be used by the Department of Social Protection to increase payments to existing schools which are part of my Department's DEIS Programme, with a focus on the provision of breakfast clubs.

My Department is currently finalising guidance for schools on measures to promote healthy lifestyles. This guidance encompasses measures to promote healthy eating, healthy vending, as well as the promotion of P. E. and Physical Activity. The guidance has been drafted in consultation with the Department of Health and the HSE. In cooperation with schools my Department is also promoting physical activity in schools through the P.E. curriculum, supporting extra-curricular physical activities, and through initiatives such as the Active Schools Flag. The emphasis on physical activity is an important complement to the measures in place to promote healthy eating among our students.