Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
98. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will comment on the recent early years pilot meals programme; to disclose the services that took part in the pilot and whether the programme will be widened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32486/23]
View answerThe pilot meals programme was funded through Dormant Accounts Funding. €150,000 was allocated to test the provision of additional meals and snacks for children living in areas of high disadvantage. Pilot services also had the support of a dietician to support the delivery of meals to a high nutritional standard during the 6 week testing window. The delivery of the pilot was supported by Pobal. The pilot ended on 21 June.
The 9 services included in the pilot were:
Service 1: St. Margaret's Preschool, Ballymun
Service 2: Little Treasures Community Service, Sheriff Street, Dublin City
Service 3: Sunbeams Playschool, Balbriggan
Service 4: Johnstown Community Childcare, Kilkenny
Service 5: Ballymore Community Childcare, Ballymore
Service 6: Kids Aloud, Baltinglass
Service 7: Little Bray Family Resource Centre, Preschool and Afterschool
Service 8: Traveller Visibility Group Gora, Community Childcare, Cork City
Service 9: Naíonra Cró na nÓg, Mahon, Cork
As part of the evaluation of the pilot, consultation is underway with children, parents, educators and service managers as to the value, experience, and impact of including hot meals and additional snacks into the daily routine of the service.
The impact of the pilot and the views of all involved will be considered to inform a potential wider roll-out of nutritional supports to children experiencing disadvantage as part of the Equal Participation Model.
