What’s your most controversial opinion? **Read OP** **Mod Warning in Post #8023**

The current system of an unarmed force is working well. Last thing we want to encourage is on street gun battles. We're also being spared people regularly getting shot by mistake or for trivial things Armed response unit is sufficient for armed situations.

I know most of it is being wasted because the vast majority of parents in Ireland don't have a problem providing lunches for their children. That's before considering that a huge chunk of the food is thrown in the bin.

I provided evidence that the 2025 budget for the school meals scheme is €300 million.

Ireland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, true poverty is very low.

While it may be nice that your child can have a warm chicken curry instead of the lunch you provide. That money would be better spent in other ways, for example improving services for autistic children. It would be a better use of €300m if it were spent on improving services for autistic children, or increasing the budget for children waiting on crucial surgeries. A child with severe scoliosis deserves priority over a child that prefers chicken curry to sandwiches.

I never said that the school meals scheme is the biggest issue I have. I merely said it was a waste of taxpayer money.

We may be a rich country, but resources are limited and should be spent where it's needed most for society and it's wellbeing. 300 million is much better spent on other things, such as infrastructure or providing services and funding for disabled children and children in need. Not almost entirely on lunches for children who don't need it and/or dump it in the bin.

I think your question is aimed at the wrong poster. I havent posted anything about reducing services.

I think there should be a high excise duty on junk foods such that for example one could no longer buy a packet of own brand chocolate digestive for 89c in the supermarket instead they would cost no less that 7 euro per pack.

I think there is a excise duty on sugar already but I think another target should also be flour, so anything with flour, a simple carb, should be targeted. That would mean things like a single muffin, scone, any pastry etc, would cost no less that 7 euro each. That sort of minimum price.

I know, what about just bread or anything else with flour that isn't cake, busicuit, confectionary? Well, maybe make an exception for bread but only if it's made from wholewheat :) Lots to work out but you get the idea.

In case anyone is wondering what inspired this post - vaping doens't account for a fraction of the cost to the state as obesity does.

Surgery can be organised abroad and also capacity can be increased long term with 300 million per annum.

Bob's ego tainted The Boomtown Rats to an extent

They are popular no doubt but not 'huge'

all those dead from your Iraq invasion and its aftermath may not agree.

They wouldn't disagree either…

It always amazes me that one of the main arguments people have against arming Gardaí is the fear they will start shooting everyone!

When Gardaí were getting pepper spray, tasers, non lethal weapons etc it was the same argument- Gardaí will lose the run of themselves with these tactical options none of which have happened!

Now I personally don't agree with arming Gardaí for a number of reasons the first being Gardaí don't want to be routinely armed and they still feel, for the most part, they can discharge their duties without the necessity to be armed whilst having armed colleague to call on to assist. Secondly, I don't think we need it as a society but I do agree with them being given tasers.

300m per annum, a ridiculous waste.

All the crying and keening and mourning over another batch of young people in a car accident, fingers being pointed at the NRA, gardai, government, etc as if the person behind the wheel had zero agency.