Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his policy in respect of provision of local, nutritious food in the canteens and restaurants in the Department; the percentage of the purchased provisions which are produced locally; the percentage which is imported; the percentage of the food on sale which is fast food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3070/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Catering services in my Department are provided on a franchise basis by a private company. The company currently providing catering services works closely with the health promotion unit of my Department in the promotion, display and sale of healthy foods and takes part in all the healthy eating campaigns. All daily menus contain a healthy option, for example, salads, vegetarian dishes, low fat wraps etc. The company has been accredited with the Happy Heart award from the Irish Heart Foundation.

As far as practicable, every effort is made by the catering company to purchase food products from Irish manufacturers. All poultry, beef, pork, eggs and milk products are purchased in Ireland and on that basis the company has received the Feile Bia award from Bord Bia. Approximately 50% of the grocery products used are made in Ireland.