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The number of children receiving milk at non-maintained schools on the 6th October,
1971, was 951 (number of children present who qualify for free milk on age grounds
was 1,037).
In September, 1971 meals were being cooked at 43 school kitchens and 3 central
kitchens.
THE EDUCATION (MILK) ACT, 1971
The Education (Milk) Act, 1971 and the Provision of Milk and Meals (Amendment
No. 2) Regulations, 1971 came into effect on 1st September, 1971, and required local
authorities to provide free school milk only for the following classes of pupils in maintained
schools.
(a) Pupils in special schools;
(b) Pupils in other maintained schools up to the end of the summer term next after
they attain the age of 7;
(c) Other pupils in primary schools and junior pupils in all-age and middle schools
where a school medical officer certifies that the pupil's health requires that he
should be provided with milk at school.
This legislation placed a new and continuing duty upon the authority to identify
pupils in the 7-11 years age group, who may need milk on health grounds.
A circular letter was sent out by the Chief Education Officer to the Head Teachers
of all junior, and junior and infants' schools on 7th September, 1971, requesting them
to inform the Principal School Medical Officer of any child who for any reason should
be considered for a supply of free school milk. I subsequently asked for the names of all
children in the appropriate age group who were in receipt of free school dinners as I am
of the opinion that they should all be considered for free milk. Various trials were
carried out by medical officers assisted by administrative staff to try to ascertain the best
method of assessing the number of children overall who should have this free provision.
This exercise inevitably meant a cut back in the number of periodic medical inspections
that could be carried out which is reflected in the figures shown on page 70.
These trials were found to be unsatisfactory and arrangements were put in hand to
screen and to medically examine as necessary all children in the age group who appeared
to be in need of free milk on health grounds. At the end of the year 276 children had
been medically examined and 239 children were recommended for the issue of free milk.
The process of screening continues.
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