Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1790. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the school meals scheme; the details of both schemes; the way in which funding is allocated; the rate for same; if the review of nutritional standards is under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41742/25]

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.

In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025 meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will be eligible for hot school meals in 2025. There are approximately 3,700 schools and 682,000 children eligible for school meals across all meal clubs in 2025 with a budget of €300 million.

The current rates for each meal club are given below.

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

I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This will be conducted by a dietician in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals. I have asked for a report on the nutritional standards be submitted to me by the end of the year.In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, will be removed from the school menu by September 2025. Up to now this food had been permitted, as an option once a week at most and only when selected by the child's parents.