Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if funding under the school meals local projects scheme for a school (details supplied) will be increased proportionally in view of its projected increase in enrolment for the next school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24887/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,580 schools and organisations benefitting 250,000 children at a total cost of €54 million in 2018 representing an increase of €6.5 million over the previous year. 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. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Funding is based on a rate of payment per meal, per child, per day. Schools are notified on the application form that funding is limited to the previous year’s enrolment figure. However, if the school indicates they will be taking in additional pupils for the upcoming year, consideration can be given to increase funding above the 2017/2018 enrolment figure, subject to supporting documentation from the Department of Education and Skills (DES) confirming the projected enrolment for 2018/2019.
The school should submit an application for the coming academic year as soon as possible together with supporting documentation from DES confirming the projected enrolment for 2018/2019.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
