Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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1412. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will provide a report on the inspections which took place in 2024 of schools participating in the Hot Schools Meals Programme; if he will provide a representative sample of lunches provided, with an ingredient and preparation method breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19236/25]

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 an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools which includes reviewing the menu. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected annually by my department. These inspections assist my department in ensuring standards are being met in relation to different areas of the School Meals Programme. The final reports are for oversight and to assist in improving the School Meals Programme. The reports are for internal use in my department.

The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. It is the responsibility of each school board to select a supplier to provide the meals 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.

Suppliers range from small local suppliers to regional and national suppliers. The menus offered varies between suppliers. Sample items on Hot School Meals menus include: pasta Bolognese, sweet and sour chicken, chicken curry, lasagne, breaded chicken mash and vegetables, vegetable noodles, vegetable rice, chickpea rice, and pesto pasta.

Suppliers are not required to provide the department with details of the preparation method of the meals but are required to comply with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines and with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.

I trust this clarifies the matter.