asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state if a request has been made by the Dublin Schools Meals Committee for an increased ration of butter for 32,000 sandwiches being supplied daily to Dublin schools participating in the Schools Meals Scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Butter for School Meals.
Mr. Byrne
The answer is, yes.
Mr. Byrne
Does the Minister say whether or not the suggestion has received his approval and whether or not the additional butter will be given to the school children referred to in the question?
I suggest, Sir, that that is a Supplementary Question which is rather wide in its implications. However, I can say to the Deputy that the necessary butter for this purpose is not available.
Mr. Byrne
I take it that that means that additional butter will not be available for the school children?
I am sure that the Deputy will be able to draw his own conclusions from the answer I have given.
Sir, is it not possible for the Minister to reply to the question that has been addressed to him? Can he not say whether these additional supplies of butter can be provided for school children or not? Of course, if he has not got it, then he has not got it, but surely we are entitled to a proper reply?
I have already pointed out what the situation is, and I am sure that the Deputy can draw his own conclusions from that.