Today Joan was joined by children and teachers in Blakestown Community School to launch the Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards. The awards celebrate the work by schools and community groups in running these important  pre-school clubs.

Joan said: “I am a strong supporter of Breakfast clubs and in 2015 I increased the funding available for the School Meals Programme by €2 million to €39 million. I know that if more schools could provide this service it means that children come to the classroom better equipped to succeed.  This is something that is a priority for my Department; officials are currently processing applications for this academic year and funding is being prioritised for breakfast clubs.

“The additional funding this year is being used primarily to increase payments to existing DEIS schools who participate in the school meals scheme with a particular focus on the provision of breakfast clubs, which provide very positive outcomes for vulnerable children in terms of their school attendance, punctuality and energy levels.”

The Blakestown Mountview Educational Opportunities program receives funding under the School Meals programme, and their food supplies are sourced from Glanmore Foods, a family-owned Irish business based in Blanchardstown.

The Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards are open to schools and community groups in the Republic of Ireland with each club in with the chance of winning up to €1,500 for their club.