Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Deputy Enright's point that one would have more faith in an institute of technology. The Dublin Institute of Technology Food Product Development Centre is highly regarded. It supports the Irish food industry in analysing current trends. It tests food in a variety of ways but I do not accept that it must do so in schools. Pupils may have allergies and may be tempted by certain foods.

Approximately six schools were involved in this test. According to the Dublin Institute of Technology and the principal of one of the schools the test was used to teach science and research. The school made no financial gain. Dublin Institute of Technology runs the centre on a not-for-profit basis. Irrespective of the use of the test by the schools, it is not appropriate to carry out such tests in schools.

Concerning public private partnerships, school management will control the type of vending machines in schools.

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