Poverty agency seeks introduction of school-dinners scheme

The Combat Poverty Agency is calling on the Government to introduce a British-style school-dinner scheme.

The call is contained in the agency's pre-budget submission to Minister for Finance Brian Cowen.

Combat Poverty says that the cost of putting a nutritious meal on the table can account for as much as 80% of the weekly income of a family living on social welfare.

It also says a school-dinner scheme would encourage children to go to school and improves their nutritional intake, thereby boosting their health, concentration and academic performance.