Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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171. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has satisfied himself that the school curriculum that is set out for the home economics subject is not conflicting with the foods that are served in school canteens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2858/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department issued a circular to all post primary schools in September 2015 on the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles in Post Primary Schools (Circular number 0051/2015). 

Schools are strongly encouraged to have a formal healthy eating policy that has been developed in consultation with students (through student councils) and parents. 

Guidelines are available to schools on Developing a Healthy Eating Policy in Post-Primary Schools, which have been developed by the Department of Health and HSE.

The healthy eating policy should outline how the school supports healthy eating practices through the promotion of healthy lunches and healthy snacks and other means. The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) continues to support the SPHE and PE curricula and, through the wider lens of this curriculum support, promotes healthy eating policies.

Many post-primary schools have a number of food outlets, including school shops and vending machines. Some schools also offer school lunches. In addition, some schools offer breakfast and after-school clubs and pre-packed lunches, making the school a key food provider for many students.  

While educating on healthy eating is not just the responsibility of schools but also of wider society, schools are well placed to support students to develop an understanding of the nutrient value of common and easily accessible products, as well the skills to make informed decisions about their nutrient intake.  

Boards of Management and Principals are being encouraged, however, to ensure that those supplying food and beverage products to their schools are aware of this guidance, especially when contracts are being agreed or renewed. 

Home Economics Education provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of the relationship between food, diet and health. The home economics syllabuses at both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate levels focus on developing students’ food, health and culinary skills. Students study topics such as the nutritional requirements of different groups of the population, the role of diet in relation to health, how to read food labels and to make informed food choices. Students also apply this knowledge as they develop their culinary skills in practical lessons. Therefore, students of Home Economics are enabled to become food literate and act as discerning consumers when faced with a choice and selection of foods for purchase. 

In addition, students of Home Economics are often a significant positive voice in their own schools when staff are developing and implementing a healthy eating policy.