Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
66. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will consider signing up to an organisation (details supplied) which aims to scale up school meal programmes around the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12556/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fight against hunger is a central priority of Ireland's international development programme. We are committed to supporting quality education, with a focus on education in emergencies and girls’ education. This is in line with Ireland’s commitment to delivering for those furthest behind first and with our belief that quality education is one of the most effective strategies for empowering women and girls. Regular nutritious food enables schoolchildren to take full advantage of the education provided to them.
In 2022 and again in 2023 Irish Aid scaled up support for nutrition interventions, with a particular focus on the prevention and treatment of child malnutrition. In 2022 Ireland also provided more than €41 million in support to global education, with similar levels likely to be confirmed in 2023 and 2024.
The School Meals Coalition was established under the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021. Ireland supports the objectives in developing countries and provides financial support to a number of nutrition and education partners that are active in the coalition. These include the World Food Programme, the Global Partnership for Education, Education Cannot Wait, and the World Health Organisation, all of which are involved in school feeding programmes where relevant and appropriate. Irish Aid will continue to support these partners.
