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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Meals Scheme.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

330 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to subsidise the provision of fresh fruit to students in view of the finding of the Health Behaviour of School Pupils report (details supplied). [11792/00]

The issues of food and nutrition, and the importance of a healthy diet, form part of both the social, personal and health education curriculum and of the science curriculum that were issued to all primary schools last September. The implementation of the curriculum will be on a phased basis over four to five years and will be supported by a comprehensive programme of in career professional development for teachers. I am satisfied that this process will play a major role in educating our children in all aspects of food and nutrition and in learning to appreciate the importance of good nutrition for growing and developing and staying healthy as they progress into second and third level education.

In addition, while I have no plans at this stage to subsidise the provision of fresh fruit to students, my Department is represented on a Department of Social Community and Family Affairs working group that is reviewing the operation of the school meals scheme. The Departments of the Environment and Local Government, Health and Children and Dublin Corporation are also represented on the working group. It is anticipated that it will take seven-eight months for the working group to complete its review.

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