asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the great interval between going to school and returning home, particularly in rural areas or in the case of children in urban areas who cannot get home at mid-day, he will introduce a scheme to provide both for primary and postprimary schools a hot mid-day school meal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Meals.
56.
As I have on a number of previous occasions stated in this House, any question of amending the existing legislation in relation to school meals would be a matter for the Minister for Social Welfare.
(Cavan): As the House will not sit again probably before the new school session begins, would the Minister consider arranging that, in the winter months, the primary schools will open at least half an hour later than at present as it is considered that it is a hardship on children to have to go out so early in the cold, dark, winter mornings?
That, of course, does not arise on this question.
(Cavan): Indirectly it does.
The manager has authority to deal with matters such as this.
(Cavan): The general impression is that, while the vast majority of parents would favour a later opening of the schools, apparently it is not possible to arrange this between the teachers and the managers. That is why I suggest that the Minister should use his good offices to arrange it.
Strangely enough, that is not the reaction I get. I get the very opposite reaction. May be it concerns my constituency and the type of constituency it is, but I do not get this reaction from the parents.
(Cavan): Would the Minister make further inquiries?
I will make further inquiries, but it is not a direct responsibility of my Department.