596. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a number of schools (details supplied) will receive notice that they have received sanction under the school meals programme. [65537/25]

The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.

Following receipt of School Meals Funding applications from Drumboylan National School, Leitrim Village National School and St Hugh's NS, Dowra there was some further clarifications required on each of these applications. I'm pleased to advise that all three schools have been awarded and School Meals funding has issued.

I trust this clarifies the matter.