Written answers

Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Department of Social Protection

School Meals Programme

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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385. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if will consider increasing the allocation under the school meals programme for 2016 to a primary school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20832/16]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to schools and organisations benefitting over 200,000 children at a total cost of €42 million in 2016. The objective of the scheme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided to them.

In recent years priority for new applications for funding has been given to schools which are part of the Department of Education and Skills initiative for disadvantaged schools “Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools” (DEIS) in line with the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures. Following the provision of additional funding in recent budgets, my Department has been in a position to grant some increases to DEIS schools for the current academic year. There has been a particular focus on the promotion of breakfast clubs within the programme, which provide very positive outcomes for vulnerable children in terms of their school attendance, punctuality and energy levels.

The school referred to by the Deputy is not designated DEIS status and I regret that no increase in funding can be provided at this time. Any increased payments can only be considered in a budgetary context.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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