asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the buns supplied by the bakers on the order of the School Meals Committee are now being delivered to the schools unsweetened and without currants or raisins, and if he will take steps to ensure the provision of sufficient jam, marmalade, honey or other sweetening substances to take the place of the fruits unobtainable by the bakers; further whether he has yet considered the desirability of providing a hot meal for school children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Meals.
The matter has not been brought officially to the notice of the Department. It is understood, however, that in July last the Dublin Master Bakers' Committee informed the Dublin County Borough Schools Meals Committee that it would not be possible for their members to supply fruit buns after the 30th September, 1941. The School Meals Committee will consider the question of providing an alternative to currants and raisins at their meeting on the 7th November with a view to making a recommendation to the City Manager. In the meantime, sweetened buns are being supplied.
The Minister has not answered the last part of the question.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister has not answered the last part of the question, as to whether he has yet considered the desirability of providing a hot meal for school children. There is considerable public demand for a hot meal to be provided rather than unsweetened buns and milk.
That is a matter of some difficulty.
Mr. Byrne
Due notice has been given. The question is on the paper as to whether a hot meal will be provided in lieu of the milk and bun. I think we are entitled to an answer.
I refer the Deputy to the reply of the 20th March last.
Mr. Byrne
Apparently we are not getting a reply to the last portion of the question as to whether any consideration has been given to the question of providing a hot meal in lieu of unsweetened buns and milk. I think we are entitled to get a reply. We have given due notice in the Parliamentary way, and if Parliamentary representation is to receive fair play the question ought to be answered.
I refer the Deputy now to my reply to him on the 20th March last.
Does the Minister not think the situation has changed considerably since then?