Written answer
School Meals Programme
The Minister said increasing school meal supplier rates would require budgetary consideration, noting the programme’s €286 million 2026 budget and educational benefits.
757. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider increasing the prices paid to suppliers of school meals. [64388/26]
Comment on this
758. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider increasing prices paid to suppliers of school meals. [64383/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 757 and 758 together.
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.
The budget for the School Meals Programme for 2026 is €286m.
Any additional measures to increase the rates would have to be considered in a budgetary context.