Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is the case that funding constraints mean that the breakfast clubs at schools, including in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11, are forced to cancel; the number of schools affected by this; if she will immediately address this funding shortfall and ensure the continuation and re-instatement of breakfast clubs in these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22057/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The funding and policy for the School Meals Programme is under the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection. I fully support the objective of the School Meals Programme, which is a vital component of cross departmental policies, which encourage school attendance and educational achievement.

The rollout of a breakfast club under the School Meals Programme to the school in question is currently being supported by Finglas School Completion Programme (SCP). Officials from TESS have advised that Finglas SCP will continue to support the provision of the Breakfast club in this school for the remainder of the school year.