asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to amend the School Meals (Gaeltacht) Act, 1930, so as to include the Rosguill peninsula.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of School Meals (Gaeltacht) Act.
I am not prepared at present to introduce special legislation for the purpose referred to by the Deputy. I hope to be able to review the entire scope of the Acts at a future date and, in that event, consideration will be given to the inclusion of the Rosguill peninsula.
The Minister is aware that this peninsula of Rosguill, which is precluded under the present Act from partaking in the school meals scheme, is one of the real Gaeltacht areas in County Donegal. In view of that fact, he might give it early consideration.
The Deputy is probably aware that under the Schedule to the original Act the Gaeltacht areas are listed and it would require legislation to change that if it were considered desirable.
Will the Minister say whether he has given any consideration to the question of having this work carried out by the Department of Education, which is a more appropriate Department than the Department of Social Welfare as it controls the schools and the facilities for administering the school meals scheme in these schools?
I have not been any more successful than the Deputy in getting it passed over.
I hope the Minister will follow my good example.