asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to extend to other local authority areas the scheme whereby urban local authorities and certain Gaeltacht authorities are permitted to provide school meals to children attending national schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schools Meals.
26.
No change is contemplated at present in the existing legislation governing school meals.
Does the Minister not agree that school meals should be made available in those areas where, by law, they are prevented from being supplied?
At present the scheme is confined to urban areas and certain Gaeltacht areas.
Can the Minister say why the scheme is confined to urban areas?
It was restricted to these areas because of the expenditure involved in extending it to other areas. There is grave doubt in many quarters as to the suitability of a school meals scheme as such. Many people who are concerned with these questions and who are involved in their administration do not regard the scheme as a satisfactory one or one that gives a good return for money.
Does the Minister share that concern and, if so, is it his intention to abolish the existing scheme or to improve it?
It is not my intention to abolish the existing scheme. I am reviewing it at present. As the Deputy knows, it is presently restricted to urban areas and is of a haphazard nature. I am not sure that we get value for the money it costs or whether the money could not be spent more wisely for the benefit of the children.
Can the Minister indicate the areas in which he doubts the efficiency of the scheme?
This is leading interminably to questions that are not related to the original question.
Can the Minister indicate the areas in which he doubts the efficiency of the scheme?
Those who know about the administration of these schemes assure me that the children concerned do not get value commensurate with what the scheme costs.
Would the Minister give an assurance——
I will not save any money on it.
I was asking the Minister to give an assurance that the children in urban areas who benefit from the scheme will not be deprived?
I can assure both Deputies that the scheme will not be interfered with until there is something better to replace it.