Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The Minister states she has not received any written complaint from a parent but serious questions still arise. The Minister may recall the issue of food availability with regard to public private partnership schools. In the first schools of this type the contract allowed them to serve fast food. The Minister is making changes to the contracts of the next cohort of these schools. The nutritional value of the food tested is a concern. I believe the foods tested included crisps and burgers, which are unsuitable for the school environment. Will the Minister consider giving policy direction to schools regarding the nutritional value of food, as distinct from research and testing of foods? Does the Minister know if the market research took place during school hours? Were the children taken out of class for this research or did it take place after school time? Were the schools involved offered payment? Was the consent of parents sought each time?

If a child had a peanut allergy and traces of nut remained in the food, has the Minister received legal advice on who would be responsible? Would legal responsibility rest with the Department or the board of management? Guidelines are necessary so that boards of management know their legal responsibility.

One would have more faith in an institute of technology but nothing is stopping the producer of particular food products carrying out research another time. Schools must be more aware and I urge the Minister to liaise with schools, through management representation bodies, to ensure greater awareness.

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