The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced that over thirty primary schools have been selected to receive hot meals.

The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, announced that over thirty primary schools in Ireland have been selected to receive hot meals during the new school year.

As part of the new initiative announced just yesterday, over 6,600 pupils will get a hot school dinner from September. 

The Hot School Meals Pilot Project which has been running in a Dublin school since the beginning of the year saw almost 250 pupils receive a hot meal at lunchtime each day. 

Following the success of the initial trial at the Inchicore school, they will continue to be part of the scheme alongside another 36 new schools that have been selected. 

Yesterday, Minister Doherty said: "A hot school meal is not just about nutrition but it also guarantees a better education. The research out there shows us that children who benefit from a daily nutritious hot dinner have greater focus and better learning outcomes."

"I would like to thank all the schools who applied for the pilot – we had an enthusiastic response. I am delighted to be extending this pilot to the 36 schools announced today."

"They represent a good cross-sample of schools and I look forward to the insights we gather from their experiences."

The schools that have been selected for the pilot project include DEIS and non-DEIS in both urban and rural areas in a variety of sizes to ensure the best possible sample for the new scheme. 

All primary schools taking part in the project will be given funding to source suppliers meaning parents will not be asked to fund or contribute in any way.

Children attending each of the national and senior schools will be given a choice of at least two different meal options per day while also covering those with specific dietary requirements. 

The menu will include vegetarian and vegan options while also catering to students’ of all religions and cultures. 

"The research out there shows us that children who benefit from a daily nutritious hot dinner have greater focus and better learning outcomes."

The schools selected for the new pilot scheme include:

Treasa Naomha, Kiltegan, Carlow

Corrabha, Glangevlin, Cavan

Ballycar National School, Newmarket on Fergus, Clare

Scoil Mhuire Agus Eoin, Mayfield, Cork

Clogheen Mixed National School, Kerry Pike, Cork

Bun An Tsabhairne, Crosshaven, Cork

Scoil Na Mbraithre, Mitchelstown, Cork

Domhnach Mor, Castlefin, Donegal

Clochar Padraig Naofa, Carndonagh, Donegal

Goldenbridge Convent, Inchicore, Dublin

Educate Together National School, Belmayne, Dublin

Gaelscoil Phadraig, Ballybrack, Dublin

St Thomas Senior National School, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin

St Philip The Apostle Junior National School, Clonsilla, Dublin

Bushy Park National School, Bushy Park, Galway

Na Cealltraighe, Caltra, Ballinasloe, Galway

Gort Na Gaoithe, Newbridge, Ballinasloe, Galway

Scoil Mhuire, Brosna, Kerry

Curragh Camp Girls National School, Curragh Camp, Kildare

Graig Na Manach Buac, Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny

Barr Na Sruthan National School, Mountmellick, Laois

Mohill National School, Mohill, Leitrim

St Johns Convent, Cathedral Place, Limerick

St Josephs Convent, Longford Town, Longford

Naomh Lorcan, Dundalk, Louth

Realt Na Mara, Mulranny, Mayo 

Achaidh An Ghlaisin, Belmullet, Mayo 

Gaelscoil An Bhradáin Feasa, Mornington, Meath

Lisdoonan National School, Carrickmacross, Monaghan

St Ciarans Mixed National School, Ballycumber, Offaly

St Annes Con National School, Castlerea, Roscommon 

Holy Family School, Tubbercurry, Sligo

Scoil Na Mbraithre, Nenagh, Tipperary

Scoil Choill Mhic Thomaisin, Kilmacthomas, Waterford

Eoin Naofa National School, Ballymore, Westmeath

Gorey Central School, Gorey, Wexford

St. Peter's Primary School, Bray, Wicklow