Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The nutritional standards applying to the school meals programme were developed by a working group led by the health and well-being programme in the Department of Health in consultation with Safefood and the healthy eating and active living programme in the HSE. Schools and organisations must reapply for funding in advance of each school year and are required to submit detailed records.

We want to maintain high standards and we want children to have nutritional food. Reports are sent in and expenditure on unhealthy food items is deducted from the following year's funding allocation.

The Deputy also talked about environmental considerations. The meals suppliers are responsible for operating policies that progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging.

Finally, in terms of the Ennistymon school, I did get a local solution in place. That was done and I tried to continue it. I want to know whether the board of management has engaged with the Department. Has it been speaking with the Department of Education because this is an issue of a DEIS and non-DEIS school?

See this speech in context