Primary schools can apply to take part in a new hot meals pilot scheme.
Social Minister Regina Doherty previously announced dinners will be provided on a pilot basis in up to 36 schools and to 7,200 kids from September.
The Hot School Meals Scheme Project will cost €2.5million for the full year.
Each primary school participating in the scheme will be expected to provide a menu choice of at least two different meals per day plus a vegan option, as well as an option that caters for students’ religious and cultural dietary requirements.
Ms Doherty said: “The provision of adequate and nutritious meals for a child’s health, learning, attention and educational achievement is invaluable.
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“Hot food services in schools guarantees ongoing positive returns on public investment in the health and educational performance of future generations.
“I would particularly like to thank all the children, Tanya Hanly the principal, the staff, and management at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Inchicore and also the supplier of the meals, for participating in the initial proof of concept with my Department.
"We have learned so much from the children and, thanks to the success of the pilot in Inchicore, we are rolling it out to 36 schools, including Our Lady of Lourdes, next September.”
