Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1000. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on when the next round of applications under the school meals programme will be accepted, as the only information to hand suggests that schools will be accepted on a phased basis starting on 1 April 2025, however it is important that information is supplied to schools in advance of that date in order that applications can be made. [10883/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

All of the remaining primary schools who have not yet joined the Hot School Meals Scheme were contacted in 2024 and asked to submit expressions of interest if their school wished to commence the provision of hot school meals.

In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025 meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will be eligible for hot school meals in 2025.

These schools will be informed shortly that they are eligible for the scheme.

I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.