Collins proposes meals-on-wheels pilot to solve rural school meals crisis

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins TD has called on the Government to urgently fund a pilot scheme that would use the existing meals-on-wheels network to deliver hot food to small schools left stranded by the Department of Education’s poorly designed meals programme.

Deputy Collins said the current system is not working for many rural communities, with small schools facing impossible regulations and no extra support.

“Time and again, rural schools are being pushed to the wall by red tape and underfunding. The hot meals programme promised fairness, but instead it has unravelled into a scheme with more holes than help. Children in small schools are being left without meals, and that is unacceptable,” he said.

The Cork South-West TD said a practical, immediate solution is at hand. “Meals-on-wheels are already out on the road every single day, delivering to elderly people across rural Ireland. They are certified, professional, and up to the highest standards. With Government support, this service could also provide meals to schools on their routes. It would be one extra drop — stretching across generations, linking young and old, and making the best use of a service that already works.”

Collins praised the invaluable work carried out by meals-on-wheels volunteers and staff: “They are a lifeline to thousands of elderly people, not only delivering food but tackling isolation and keeping communities connected. Extending their reach into schools would be a natural step, and with modest funding from Government, it could make an immediate difference for children while strengthening the service for older people too.”

He said the solution should be rolled out as a pilot scheme in rural areas first, with the intention of building towards a permanent fix. “This is not complicated. Instead of pouring money into a scheme that generates waste and bureaucracy, Government could back a pilot that is rooted in community, fairness, and common sense. It would give small schools the meals they deserve, protect rural communities, and support the elderly at the same time.”

Deputy Collins confirmed that he will raise the proposal directly with the Minister for Education and the Taoiseach.

“Children in rural Ireland are entitled to the same support as children in urban schools. That’s equality. That’s fairness. If the Government is serious about delivering for all communities, it must look to fund and support this pilot scheme now.”