Vol. 577 No. 4
115 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the schools in Counties Sligo and Leitrim that are availing of the scheme available from his Department regarding the provision of milk to pupils in schools; the schools that are not availing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/03]
The school milk scheme has been operated by my Department since 1982. The scheme provides for the payment of aid on the sale of milk and milk products supplied to all nursery, primary and secondary school children. The objective of the scheme is to promote and encourage milk consumption among school-going children. Participation in the scheme is open to all schools. Approximately 2,500 schools participate in the scheme annually, covering over 90,000 pupils or 20% of the school going population.
At present there are 49 schools in County Sligo and 14 schools in Leitrim availing of the school milk scheme. This represents an uptake of 64% from a total of 77 schools in Sligo and an uptake of 29% from 49 schools in Leitrim. A list of all participating and non-participating schools in Counties Sligo and Leitrim will be forwarded to the Deputy.
