Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with the Leader and others in the tributes to the tragedy last week in Creeslough, Donegal. It puts everything else into perspective. Our thoughts and prayers go to all of the families involved who are bereaved.

The Leader is very familiar with the school meals programme and the hot school meals that are provided. Indeed, in her former life, she was involved in that programme, which has gone from success to success, from about 30 schools to about 300 and some €65 million spent.

We met recently with the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board regarding the school meals programme. It too believes it a huge success, but it is concerned that there has been no review of the Department of Social Protection's maximum rate of payment in more than a decade regarding the costs of providing those school meals.

The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, initiated a review into the programme. Perhaps that review has not concluded or perhaps they are looking at the rates. I think they are aware of the extra costs currently facing suppliers. Unfortunately, we now have a situation whereby there is nobody tendering for the provision of school meals in certain areas. I spoke to a company that had tendered previously that said that it has not tendered for this year because of the increase in costs. The maximum rate of pay, for example, for a breakfast or snack is 60 cent for two items; for lunch, it is €1.40 for one substantial item, one small item and a drink; dinner is €1.90 for a hot meal and drink; and a hot meal club is €2.90. It gives examples of the food that is to be provided as well.

I ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Social Protection to see whether there will be a review of those rates. It is a hugely successful and important programme. We know the importance of having nutritious food and ensuring school children have breakfast, lunch and sometimes a hot meal. The analysis showed that they prefer hot meals over cold meals. It is important to get the five-a-day and for the general functioning of oneself. I ask the Leader to contact the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to see whether there will be a review of the daily rates.