St Mary’s Special School secures funding to keep hot meals

Hot meals will be served to pupils at St Mary's Special School in Navan from September, much to the relief of parents and staff.

Principal Maria Corredor has been told by the Department of Social Protection that funding will be provided to buy in meals for the students.

“This is fantastic news. It is now the same as home cooked meals, but it is the next best thing.

“It is positive news and we are all relieved,” she said.

The school community had been devastated by a recent decision which would have left children without hot meals at lunchtime.

The Community Employment Scheme (CE) which provided the service to the school is being withdrawn on the instructions of the Department of Social Protection.

Ms Corredor said the school will now be buying dinners which will be warmed up in the school and served to the students.

“This is very important for us.

“Our students travel long distances to school ever day and many of them have very early starts and need a hot meal.

“This means that everyone can have breakfast and a hot lunch,” she said.

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