Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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682. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will ensure that Irish-sourced foods are used in the delivery of the school meals programme; if any attempt was made to ensure that Irish-grown produce would be used to the greatest extent possible prior to the roll-out of the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44825/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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There are some 2,200 Primary Schools currently eligible for hot school meals for the 2024-2025 school year. As announced in Budget 2025, Hot School Meals will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025 meaning that there will be 3,200 eligible schools in respect of 550,000 children.

All schools who wish to avail of funding are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules and the primary relationship is between school and supplier.

All school meals suppliers are legally obliged to ensure the food they produce is safe to eat and are fully responsible in complying with health and safety legislation at all stages as stated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

It should also be noted that under EU laws, and as reflected in public procurement rules, it cannot be specified that food must originate from a particular country. That would be in breach of EU single market rules.

I trust this clarifies the matter.