Written answers
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
School Meals Programme
Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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602. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the options under the school meals scheme for children with diagnosed medical conditions relying on strict dietary routines; if such children were considered in the design and roll out of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25549/25]
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.
There is a nutritional standard in place for the School Meals Programme since its inception. The Nutritional Standards for School Meals were developed by a technical Nutrition Subgroup comprised of:
- Dieticians from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute of Ireland,
- The HSE,
- Safefood, and
- The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. 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.Under the School Meals Programme, parents can choose food for their child every week from an approved menu which contains a range of options that are offered by the school’s supplier in accordance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. The menus must also accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies and it is important to note that there are a range of food options on the menu, including lactose-free, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
On any occasion, where they may be concerns about the options available for children in any specific school, they should be brought to the attention of the school and as the awarding body of the contract, the school should then liaise with the supplier directly to accommodate children with such conditions. If no resolution can be made the school/parent can bring it to my department's attention and it will be followed up accordingly.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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603. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if input from metabolic dieticians will be sought in the review of the nutritional values of the school meals scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25550/25]
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 Nutritional Standards for School Meals were developed by a technical Nutrition Subgroup comprised of:
- Dieticians from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute of Ireland,
- The HSE,
- Safefood, and
- The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This will be conducted by a dietician who will be supervised by the Department of Health and in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals. As part of this project catering options for children who require specific dietary requirements will be examined and this will include engagement with metabolic dietitians to include children with Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMD). I have asked for a report on the nutritional standards be submitted to me by the end of the year.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
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