Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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409. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify when the review of the template documents for new schools joining the hot school meals scheme in advance of procurement will be complete; to confirm that these documents will be available to allow schools apply for this scheme in advance of the school year commencing in September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37328/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school meals programme was set up in 2003 and the hot school meals element was introduced in 2019. The Department of Social Protection (DSP) has policy responsibility, funds the scheme and has responsibility for administering it.

DSP established an Interdepartmental Working Group in December 2024. The Department of Education and Youth (DEY) is a key member of this group and has stepped in this year to assist schools meet their procurement obligations.

DEY is developing a comprehensive suite of tender documents (Call for Tender). This will ensure that all aspects of the implementation of school meals will be considered, including procurement requirements, food safety standards, building regulations and climate considerations.

The tender documents have been compiled following engagement with various state bodies including; the Department of Health, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Health Service Executive, Health & Safety Authority, Department of Environment, Climate & Communications, DSP and School Management Bodies (primarily Catholic Primary Schools Management Association).

DEY and Schools Procurement Unit (SPU) will support schools in the publishing of their tenders. The SPU website currently advises schools to prepare for their procurement now. Schools can do this by identifying their preferred delivery mechanism by referring to the Department of Education and Youth Guidance SDG02 for Existing Primary Schools in Relation to Facilities for Provision of School Meals, which refers to building regulations and food legislation. Once schools have identified their preferred delivery mechanism they should contact their insurance provider to ensure there are no insurance implications. Schools can also establish what procurement process they will need to undertake for their school, based on factors such as numbers of students in their school.

I can confirm that the tender documentation for schools will be available in advance of the new academic year. This will enable schools to complete their procurement processes.