Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981

Power of local authority to defray cost of food in certain cases.

[1914 PM, s 3; 1957 MP, s. 3]

276.—(1) Where a local authority resolves that any of the children attending a national school within its area are unable by reason of lack of food to take full advantage of the education provided for them, and has ascertained that funds other than public funds are not available or are insufficient in amount to defray the cost of food furnished in meals under this Chapter, it may apply to the Minister, and he may, notwithstanding anything in section 274 (1) or 275 , authorise it to provide free of charge, or to meet the whole or part of the cost of the provision free of charge of, meals for those children attending that school.

[1917 PM, s. 1; 1957 MP, s. 3]

(2) A local authority may be authorised to spend out of the rates such sums as may be necessary to meet expenses incurred pursuant to an authorisation under subsection (1).

[S.R. & O. No. 329 of 1947]

(3) Where a local authority in any area spends out of the rates any sums for expenses incurred pursuant to an authorisation under subsection (1), an amount not exceeding one-half of the sums so expended shall be paid to the local authority out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, subject to regulations to be made by the Minister for the purpose of securing that the arrangements for the provision of meals are adequate and are carried out efficiently.