Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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197. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the assistance he is giving to schools under the school meals programme who are unable to secure a catering provider to roll out this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8367/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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.

My Department has engaged with a number of schools that have been unable to secure a hot meals supplier due to their location, facilities or space. These schools have been advised to contact local caterers, supermarkets or try to source a local supplier that could provide a lunch with drink as an alternative to a hot meal. In such circumstances, many of these schools have been able to provide school meals to their pupils.

If the school referred to by the Deputy has any questions in relation to this matter, they can contact officials of my Department at school.meals@welfare.ie They will advise them of the meal options available to them and assist with any queries they may have.

I trust this clarifies the matter.