Written answer
Meals-on-Wheels Services
Government funding for Meals on Wheels has increased, with expansion, nationwide coverage and service improvements under examination.
3071. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to the establishment of a national transformation programme for meals on wheels services, including investment in digital infrastructure, volunteer recruitment, regional kitchen capacity and energy efficiency measures, to improve service resilience, governance and nationwide coverage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56758/26]
Comment on this
The Government has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting and expanding Meals on Wheels services as part of its broader strategy to enable older people to live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Funding for Meals on Wheels has increased significantly in recent years, with the budget rising by close to 80% from €3.5 million in 2022 to €6.25 million for 2025. Under the budget for 2026, Meals on Wheels funding increased again, by a further €2m, to support the expansion of the service. This investment currently supports approximately 319 Meals on Wheels organisations nationwide, delivering on average over 244,000 meals to around 18,000 clients monthly.
In 2024, €10 million in capital funding was allocated through the Community Capital Funding initiative to enhance service provision for HSE-funded Meals on Wheels and Day Centres. This funding has supported capital projects such as kitchen upgrades to increase food production capacity, improve food quality, and implement food safety improvements, which are expected to strengthen the resilience and quality of these services into the future.
The Programme for Government commits to increasing funding for the national Meals on Wheels network and developing a plan to ensure there are supported providers in every town in the country. The Department of Health is currently examining ways in which Meals on Wheels service provision can be expanded.
The Government continues to prioritise the expansion and enhancement of community-based supports, including Meals on Wheels, as part of its commitment to older persons’ services. All additional proposals made for support or development through funding schemes will be considered as part of the entire health service funding / budget and within the context of rural development schemes currently in place by the Government.