Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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570. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason no formal communication has been issued from the Department acknowledging the impracticality of introducing new initiatives, such as school meals in September, without proper support or timelines; if she will clarify her expectations for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33843/25]

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 Hot School Meals began as a pilot project in 2019 with some 30 schools. Since then it has expanded annually. There are currently 2,900 schools eligible for the Hot School Meals with the remaining 300 primary schools eligible from September as announced in Budget 2025.

Schools apply annually for the School Meals Programme and choose the start date of their programme.

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.

The Schools Procurement Unit, which is grant funded by the Department of Education, provides guidance to schools for all procurements matters pertaining to the School Meals Programme.

My department also provides a dedicated helpline 071-9138625 and queries can also be emailed to

I trust this clarifies the matter.