Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Social Protection that funding for the school meals programme will be made available over the Christmas period for any school participating in the scheme that wishes to avail of it.
Deputy Gannon said:
“It is important to get the message out there that this vital programme can continue during the Christmas holidays if eligible schools are in a position to run it.
“This programme plays a key role in providing nutritious food to children who otherwise would not be able to take full advantage of our education system. A total of 227,000 pupils
in 1,557 schools and organisations avail of the scheme.
“Even though the Christmas holidays are almost upon us, I know there are many schools out there that will want to know this information so they can continue to support the pupils who need it. Our school leaders are community heroes, something that has been more evident this year than ever before.
“I welcome the positive response I received to my query from the department and would urge any interested school to apply for funding immediately.”
Schools wishing to avail of funding over the Christmas period should email school.meals@welfare.ie
December 18, 2020