School meals should be provided to impoverished children over the summer, the Labour Party’s spokesman on education said today.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on the Department of Education to reverse its position and provide school meals over the summer.
Unlike many other countries throughout Europe, Ireland will not be providing school meals over the next few months.
Mr Ó Ríordáin, who represents Dublin Bay North, said: “We are living in extraordinary times which has put huge strain on families, particularly low income families.
“Many children have found their routines severely impacted and the fact that they are home all the time has put significant pressure on household budgets.
“It would be a very welcome gesture for the department to move along with other European countries and to continue the Schools Meal scheme throughout the summer to alleviate food poverty for the most needy of families and most needy of children.”
