Vol. 572 No. 2
208 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the withdrawal of the ?75,000 annual dinner grant to Enable Ireland, Sandymount; the reason it was withdrawn; if the decision can be reconsidered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22686/03]
My Department operates the school meals programme. It provides funding for the urban school meals scheme and operates in conjunction with certain local authorities. It also funds certain other school meals projects that are in place in both urban and rural areas.
My Department and Dublin City Council together provided the full amount of funding sought by the Enable Ireland school in respect of the school year 2002-2003. The full amount of funding sought in respect of the 2003-2004 school year has been approved and payments will issue during the school year from the council and my Department as normal.
My Department is not aware of a request for €75,000 or a similar amount from Enable Ireland in respect of an annual dinner grant or any related matter. No such amount has been sought or provided under the programme and no grant has been withdrawn.
