Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
592 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which her Department expects persons to supply food to children under the school meals programme; the figures for this scheme; if a more realistic payment will be made to the meal providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17158/04]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding for the urban school meals scheme, which operates in conjunction with certain local authorities, as well as for a number of locally operated school meals projects that are in place in both urban and rural areas.
In the case of local projects, funding is provided for food only and is based on a rate per meal per child. The type and range of meals provided as well as the method and logistics of supplying the meals are decided by the local groups that design and run the projects.
The amount of funding allocated to a project depends on the type and number of meals provided. The current rates of funding for the various meal types are as follows: breakfast €0.55, light meal €1.20, and dinner €1.70. These rates are reviewed each year. The review has regard to information supplied by project sponsors, who are required to submit financial accounts at the end of each school year.
In 2003, €3.29 million was spent on the school meals programme. Some 382 schools with a total of over 50,650 pupils benefited from the urban scheme while 347 schools and voluntary organisations received funding which benefited some 26,000 children under local school meals projects. Budget 2004 provided €6.08 million for the programme.
I am satisfied that the programme makes an important contribution to the well-being of the children involved and my Department is working with the Department of Education and Science to ensure that the scheme is targeted at the schools and areas in greatest need.
