McHugh: 18 Donegal schools added to School Meals Programme

Donegal Minister Joe McHugh has announced that 18 schools in the county are to be added to the School Meals programme.

It follows discussions with Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar.

Mr Varadkar’s officials have now written to schools that are not receiving DEIS supports this year but have a level of disadvantage.

“The Department of Social Protection is inviting these schools to join the school meals scheme from September this year,” said Minister McHugh.

“I would urge principals and school managers to avail of the scheme and to apply by the deadline of May 12.

“Eighteen Donegal schools are included in the programme and I’m grateful to Minister Varadkar for the funding.

“The programme will commence in schools from this September.

“This is an initiative of the Department of Social Protection and is separate from the Education Department’s DEIS programme.

“I am continuing to work on behalf of a number of schools as part of the re-examination of DEIS criteria.”

The schools being invited to join the programme are:

• Comhscoil Chonmha S N, Convoy
• S N Leitir Mhic An Bhaird, Lettermacaward
• Drumfad NS, Ballynashanagh, Fanad
• St Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Buncrana
• S N Gort An Choirce, Gortahork
• S N Naomh Samhthann, Dromdoit, Castlefin
• Schoil Cholmcille, Boys School, Letterkenny
• S N Donaigh, Carndonagh
• Killaghtee NS, Killaghtee, Dunkineely
• Scoil Mhuire B&C, Stranorlar
• Holy Family NS, Ballyshannon
• Gaelscoil Eirne, Ballyshannon
• Scoil Chróine, Dungloe
• St Columba’s College, Stranorlar
• St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs
• Gaelcholáiste Chineál Eoghain, Buncrana
• St Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties
• Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon

The scheme can be delivered in a variety of ways and depends on the needs, capabilities and resources of the school.  Funding will be aimed at providing breakfast clubs which have been proven to enhance attendance and punctuality as well as energy levels of pupils.

Nationally 35,000 children in 180 non-DEIS schools will benefit from the €1.5M in funding.

Examples of delivery modalities include:

• Full canteen services, operated by either the school itself or outsourced to private catering firms.
• Purchase of prepared meals by the school from specialist school meals suppliers.
• Purchase of prepared meals by the school from local suppliers such as cafes, restaurants or delicatessens.
• Purchase and preparation of meals by school/group staff or volunteers.
• Purchase of food requiring no preparation from local shops or wholesalers

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