It has been revealed that Government plans are in place to extend access to hot meals to all primary schools by 2030.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys announced the extension earlier this morning.
Firstly, the Minister will prioritise giving all Deis schools access to hot meals over the next 12 months.
Then, at the beginning of next year, the Government will start to roll out hot meals to all primary schools across the country, with the aim of all schools being catered for by the end of this decade.
The decision has been made following the publication of a report commissioned by RSM Ireland. When taking part in the study, school staff agreed that the addition of hot meals helped their students with their studies, by improving their attendance, their behaviour, and their concentration during lessons.
The ongoing School Meals Programme is currently in place in 1,600 schools across Ireland. The extension of the scheme will subsequently go on to benefit an additional 60,000 students.
RSM Ireland’s report also concluded that funding for the scheme needs to be increased, as the current figure is standing as low as €1.90 per child.
Upon announcing the scheme, Minister Humphreys described each hot meal as being “worth its weight in gold”.
“It does wonders for our children’s well-being, their concentration, and their physical and mental health. For some of our children, that hot lunch may be the only nutritional meal they receive during a single day,” the Minister explained.
She also praised school staff and the pupils’ families for being supportive of the scheme. “They have seen first-hand the huge difference that a hot school meal has had on children's educational outcomes. This is a programme that, without a shadow of a doubt, makes our schools happier places for all,” Minister Humphreys added.
