Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 537: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her policy in respect of provision of local, nutritious food in the canteens and restaurants in her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [3075/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides facilities for a canteen service for staff in a number of locations. However, it is not directly involved in the provision of meals or in the running of these facilities. Arrangements for the provision of services in these facilities are put in place by voluntary committees of staff in the locations in question. As a rule this involves the appointment of a commercial company to provide the service under the committee's general supervision.

I do not set down conditions in relation to the type of food to be provided under these arrangements, nor would I consider it appropriate for me to do so. The committees, however, would solicit views of staff from time to time in relation to the service and any issues arising would be discussed with the caterer.