Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2016
152. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review an application for funding from a community project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21578/16]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to schools and organisations benefitting over 200,000 children at a total cost of €42 million in 2016. The objective of the scheme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided to them.
In recent years priority for new applications for funding has been given to schools which are part of the Department of Education and Skills initiative for disadvantaged schools “Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools” (DEIS) in line with the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures. The schools and organisations that joined the scheme prior to the introduction of DEIS would have done so under the various educational disadvantaged programmes in place at the time. These schemes included School Completion Programmes, Giving Children an Even Break, Home School Community Liaison Scheme, Designated Disadvantaged, Early Start and Breaking the Cycle.
The organisation concerned received funding under the scheme from the academic year 2007/2008 to 2012/2013 and officials in my Department are engaging directly with the management of the Centre regarding their application for the forthcoming academic year.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
