Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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2490. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding that has been allocated to the school fruit and vegetable scheme in each of the years 2010 to 2020, in tabular form; the funding amounts within each year that have been provided by EU funds; the estimated corresponding figures for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19109/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Scheme in its current format commenced in 2017 for school year 2017/2018. Ireland’s EU allocation for School Fruit and Vegetables, national funds, participation rates during this time period is:

*additional allocation granted above initial allocation

**estimated. The 2020/2021 programme pivoted due to Covid-19 to DEIS schools only and involved a home delivery programme and an in-school programme due to commence post-Easter 2021.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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2491. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proportion of foods provided under the school fruit and vegetable scheme in 2020 that are organic and sourced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19110/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As per the specific EU Regulations governing the School Scheme,the current considerations for the Member State to underpin their choice of products for distribution is seasonality, variety, availability, healthy and environmental aspects. Member States may also encourage local, short-supply chain, organic and quality scheme products if they so wish, while being mindful of their obligations to ensure adherence to EU Treaty rules on freedom of movement of goods for other Member States.

Sourcing of product for the Programme in Ireland is through a centralised supplier on the basis of open public tender procurement competition (as mandated by the EU Regulation). This process is managed by Bord Bia as the designated aid applicant.

The designated supplier, where possible, sources home grown fruit/vegetables for the Food Dudes programme from local, seasonal, and sustainable Quality Assured producers. None of the product supplied to school children in Ireland is specifically classified in the Organic category. I am advised that the percentage of locally sourced produce is currently in a range between 5% to 10%.

Imports of fresh fruit and vegetables are necessary where the required products are not cultivated here or not suitable for the further processing and packaging required for delivery to the schools. The programme is run from end September/October to end June; missing out on three key months (July-Sept) where Irish produce is in season, readily available and of peak quality. The focus within the Food Dudes programme is the delivery of quality fresh fruit and vegetables to school children, and to maximise this within the allocated Budget.