Minister to seek budget funds to finish deployment of hot school meals programme

When asked if a €20 rise in social welfare rates would be possible, Minister Heather Humphreys played down the prospect as it would cost the taxpayer 'almost €2 billion'

At present, there are 2,000 primary schools involved in the hot school meals scheme. File picture

Further funding to complete the roll-out of hot school meals will be sought in the upcoming budget, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has said.

Speaking at the annual pre-budget forum, Ms Humphreys said she wants to take specific “targeted measures” in the upcoming budget.