asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the curtailment in bread and tea supplies which is the main diet of families of the working class and poor people, he is prepared to recommend the Government to make an Order under the Emergency Powers Act extending the scope of the School Meals Act to boards of health with a view to providing for necessitous children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meals for Necessitous Children.
The Deputy's assertion that bread and tea is the main diet of families in rural districts would not find general acceptance. The curtailment of bread has not had any serious effect on the food supply. So far as necessitous families are concerned, the Government has provided a special grant out of which public assistance authorities can give special food allowances by way of vouchers for specified quantities of food in addition to the amount of assistance normally granted by them. Necessitous children under five years of age also receive a daily allowance of milk under the free milk supply scheme. The position is being kept under constant review and I am satisfied that there is no need for the introduction of school meals generally in rural districts.