Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in paying a company (details supplied) for services they provide under the school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32953/16]

Leo 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. As part of Budget 2017, I have announced the provision of an additional €5.7 million for the scheme which will provide support to over 50,000 additional children.

My department does not have a relationship with food suppliers under the school meals schemes. The individual schools/organisations make an application for the scheme and payment is made directly to them.

Applications are processed by date of receipt order and applications received on 15 September are currently being processed. Where complete applications are received and all the supporting information provided, every effort is being made to issue payment as soon as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.