Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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185. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the name of the provider that currently holds the largest contract for delivering hot school meals to primary and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16181/25]

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.

The Department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. All schools who wish to avail of funding under the programme are responsible for choosing their schools meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations, including in relation to compliance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.

The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My Department does not have a contract with any food supplier under the School Meals Programme.

I trust this clarifies the matter.