5m school dinners in WELB

The cost varied depending on whether the dinners were served to nursery, primary or post-primary pupils.

A whopping 5,069,922 were served in total; 1,796,152 at post-primary; 3,111,908 at primary; 98,057 at special schools; and 63,805 at nursery schools.

Education Minister John O’Dowd explained: “The data reflects the position over the period 1 April 2011- 31 March 2012 as this is the last year for which audited and verified expenditure is available.

“As the price of a meal has changed during this period a weighted average price has been used. Pupil meals include both free and paying pupils.”

He warned that some supply kitchens supply meals to a mix of schools from one site; the costs in primary schools do not always provide a breakdown of the element associated with nursery units; and special schools comprise a range of age groups including nursery, primary and post-primary.