Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

School Meals Programme

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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890. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a recent article (details supplied) which raises a number of concerns about the operation of the hot school meals scheme; if a review of the scheme was carried out before it was expanded to additional schools; if her Department will issue advise to schools when choosing a provider to ensure that the provider meets the nutritional standards set by her Department; if any oversight will exist to ensure these standards are met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1547/25]

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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891. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a recent article (details supplied) which raises a number of concerns about the environmental impacts of the current system of the hot school meals scheme; if any alternative options were explored to reduce single use containers which cannot be recycled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1548/25]

Photo of Mairéad FarrellMairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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893. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the consideration that is given to the nutritional content of the food provided in the free meals in primary schools; the way the procurement for this service works; the number of different providers that are currently involved in servicing this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1562/25]

Photo of Michael FitzmauriceMichael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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896. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it is stipulated that a healthy meal approach should be taken to provide meals to the pupils when the contracts for the provision of school meals are being prepared; if the guidance of a dietician is sought in relation to what is appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1606/25]

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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899. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied with the food being served as part of the hot meals scheme in primary schools; if the food is healthy; her views on concerns raised by a parent (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1701/25]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.

I am committed to ensuring that the nutritional standards of the School Meals Programme offers children a balanced and healthy diet to assist them in meeting the objectives of the Programme.

An independent evidence-based Evaluation of the School Meals Programme was carried out in 2023 and published by my Department which sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and well-being.

In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025, meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will be eligible for hot school meals in 2025.

In relation to suppliers, there are four nationwide school meal providers with another six regionally based suppliers. There are numerous smaller suppliers that in most cases supply school meals to rural schools.

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. These rules clearly define the successful tenders responsibilities and obligations. The primary relationship is between school and supplier.

A specific standard was set for School Meals under the Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. These were based on the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Food Based Dietary Recommendations for healthy eating, which were developed by a technical working group led by:

  • the Health and Wellbeing Programme of the Department of Health
  • Safefood, and
  • the Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme in the Health Service Executive.

In addition, my Department participates in the Department of Health’s Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group. This provides strategic oversight, coordination, and direction for cross-Departmental and cross-sectoral actions in this area.

My Department established an interdepartmental working group, which includes the Department of Health and the Department Education, to oversee and make recommendations on the operation of the scheme, including nutrition inspection and evaluation.

My Department also has an oversight role in relation to the school meals programme and conducts regular inspections of schools. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected annually by my Department. All schools must submit a sample menu with their application for the School Meals Programme. Funding will not be provided for food that does not comply with these standards. All participating schools must also submit to my Department a signed Service Level Agreement which clearly sets out the school’s responsibilities and obligations in terms of compliance with nutritional standards.

In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards. In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used.

Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction food waste and the use recyclable packaging.

On any occasion, where there may be any concerns about the quality of food provided under the School Meals Programme in any specific school, they should be brought to my Department’s attention, and it will be followed up accordingly.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

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