Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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392. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when hot school meals will be extended to all non-fee-paying post primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39998/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.

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 with a budget of €300 million.

As outlined In the Programme for Government I will continue to expand and improve the Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, reduce food waste and utilise recyclable packaging. It is my intention that this expansion will occur over the lifetime of this Government.

I trust this clarifies the matter.