Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to make it compulsory for company's delivering the hot meals scheme in County Kerry to deliver to all schools in that area and not discriminate due to distance and remoteness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24679/25]

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 provides the funding directly to the 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.

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 or 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.

I have asked my Department to engage with the school directly to discuss options available.

I trust this clarifies the matter for you.