15 Laois schools added to free hot meals scheme
Maryborough NS in Portlaoise is among the schools added to the programme
FIFTEEN primary schools across Laois have been added to the national Hot School Meals Programme, bringing thousands more children into the free scheme.
The Holy Family junior and senior schools in Portlaoise, attended by about 1,400 pupils, are among those included in the list announced on 11 April. The schools can join the programme immediately.
Other schools on the list are Ballinakill NS, Ballyadams NS, Ballyfin NS, Ballyroan NS, Cosby NS in Stradbally, Cullohill NS, Paddock NS in Mountrath, Maryborough NS in Portlaoise, Ratheniska NS, Shanahoe NS, Scoil Chomhgain Naofa in Killeshin, Cluain Eidhneach NS in Mountrath and Naomh Pádraig NS in Derrylamogue, Rosenallis.
The Department of Education will contact the schools and local food suppliers to make arrangements at local level.
Almost all primary schools are now included in the programme but schools must apply to the department, which provides funding. Any schools not in the scheme will be contacted directly by the department.
Welcoming the announcement, Laois TD Willie Aird (FG) said he was “proud” of the programme and its positive impact. He said: “A hot school meal is essential for our children in terms of their physical and mental health, as well as their educational output.”
Deputy Seán Fleming (FF) pointed out that a review of nutritional standards in the Hot School Meals Programme is currently being carried out by a dietician and is due to be completed soon.
He said: “In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt is being removed from school meals and this will be in place for this September. It is important that every pupil is guaranteed a hot nutritious meal every day in school.”
