Huge number of Tipperary schools added to Irish Government's Hot School Meals programme

Deputy Ryan O'Meara confirmed 29 Tipperary schools were added to the programme today

The Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary, Ryan O’Meara has today confirmed that an additional 29 primary schools in Tipperary have been included in the latest expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.

The Fianna Fáil Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary made this announcement today, with an additional 713 primary schools nationally set to benefit from this expansion. The Minister also announced a review of the nutritional standards and the removal of the optional food that is high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt from the school meal menus.

Speaking on this today, Deputy O’Meara said: “From an initial pilot scheme of just 30 primary schools, the Hot School Meals Programme has now expanded to cover every primary school in the country.

“I am delighted to confirm that 29 primary schools in Tipperary have been included in this latest expansion of the programme by Minister Calleary and I would like to thank him for his work on this and the attention he has paid to Tipperary.

“It is vital that nutritional standards remain a priority for the programme and that the Government ensures that good quality, nutritious foods are being provided to young children in their places of education.

“I also very much welcome Minister Calleary and the Government’s commitment to reviewing the nutritional standards of the scheme. The Minister has confirmed that the review will be conducted by a dietician based in the Department of Health. Maintaining and improving the quality of food going into schools under this programme must always remain a priority.”

Concluding, Deputy O’Meara said: “I am deeply passionate about every single child in this country having access to the best possible education and the best quality education. Every child deserves that chance in life, regardless of their background of socio-economic status. The Hot School Meals Programme is impacting positively on students nationally, ensuring that students can learn, play and focus in school, without having to worry about hunger during the day.”

The full list of Tipperary schools added is as follows:

San Isadoir

New Inn B N S

Cullen N S

Upper Newtown N S

Portroe N S

Rosegreen N S

Birdhill N S

S N Bhride

St Marys Ns

Carrig N S

Eochaille Ara N S