To ask the Minister of Education how he is working with schools to encourage families of children who are eligible to avail of free school meals.

I am keen to ensure that the parents/guardians of every child who is eligible to a free school meal (FSM) establishes that entitlement and avails of a nutritionally

balanced meal during the school day.

My Department works in partnership with the Education Authority (EA) and individual schools to take various steps to promote both applications for and uptake of FSM. To encourage parents to check they are eligible to a FSM the EA issues press releases, sends out renewal applications and letters to parents, and distributes display posters to schools, the Social Security Agency, the Citizens Advice Bureau and libraries to increase awareness of entitlement criteria and the application process. Within schools there are a range of activities undertaken to encourage uptake including the installation of cashless payment systems in a number of postprimary schools to reduce any perceived stigma associated with FSM, menus are sent home with pupils and promoted through school websites, theme days and taster sessions are arranged for parents and pupils and the uptake of FSM meals against entitlement is monitored to identify particular issues. Consideration is also given to ways of improving the school meals experience of pupils by reducing queuing time, improving the variety and quality of food and improving the dining environment and experience, as these factors can impact on a decision to avail of a FSM.

My Department also issues a press release before the start of the school year to encourage parents who think they might be eligible to a FSM to apply and officials are working with colleagues in the Department for Social Development to explore further ways to encourage parents receiving a qualifying benefit to apply for FSM.