Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
194. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the hot meals pilot in ELC commenced; the number of services that are currently benefitting from the pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62620/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing my announcement of the hot meals pilot scheme on the 22nd of November, my Department are collaborating with Pobal to recruit nine services as pilot sites. Given that a large number of settings already provide this service, the aim of this pilot is to provide an in-depth, qualitative test of the logistics and impact of hot meal provision across other types of setting.
Additionally, this pilot will be testing the delivery of different meal options. These include:
- A breakfast or snack
- A breakfast or snack, plus a packed lunch to take home
- A hot meal or snack
The provision of healthy food in Early Years settings will have a positive impact on children’s health, well-being and development, as well as their social participation.
The roll-out will commence in Q1 of 2022, and results of the pilot scheme will inform decisions regarding a wider roll out. Additionally, the pilot will inform my Department’s ongoing work to develop a DEIS-type model for early learning and childcare, which aims to provide services with a proportionate mix of universal and targeted supports to support children and families accessing their services who are experiencing disadvantage.
