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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 1951

Vol. 124 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Meals.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the withdrawal of subsidised flour and bread supplies for school meals has, by increasing the cost of such meals, in many cases resulted in the reduction of the number of meals provided, and if he will state (i) the quantities of subsidised flour and bread used for such purpose in 1950; (ii) the financial saving effected by their withdrawal, and (iii) whether he will reconsider his decision in the matter.

I have no information about the effect that the withdrawal of supplies of subsidised flour and bread for school meals has had on the number of meals which are provided.

The quantity of subsidised flour authorised to be purchased for the purposes of school meals during 1950 was 273 sacks per week approximately, which in terms of bread would come to approximately 98,000 lbs. per week.

The saving in subsidy effected by the withdrawal of these allowances is estimated at approximately £55,000 in a financial year, but further savings would accrue should the cost and freight of imported wheat continue to rise.

I am not prepared to reconsider my decision in this matter, which was taken in consultation with the Minister for Agriculture.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider it is desirable to save for the Exchequer £55,000 when the effect must be either to pass the cost on to the school authorities or to deprive a number of children of a free meal while at school?

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the medical officer for the City of Cork has expressed the opinion that wholemeal bread is far superior for the school children?

That is an old matter; it has been up before. I am not sure whether Deputy Lemass's representation is correct. Everybody is entitled to a full ration of bread, but under the subsidies arrangement now in force school meals are provided at the subsidised price. The school authorities are quite free to provide it and the children are entitled to the ration of bread at the subsidised price.

The school authorities are still entitled to provide it but either it is going to cost them in the aggregate £55,000 or else they reduce the meals.

The position is, with the school meals, that pupils get double ration at the subsidised price, the ration they are entitled to as individuals apart from any meal at the school, and the school ration also.

Is it not a benefit that goes to the section of the community that needs that help most?

There is no restriction on the type of school that gets it.

Will the local authorities get an increased grant?

What about the cost of the working-man's pint now?

That is a separate question.

Subsidise the pint at the expense of the school meals.

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