Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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770. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether a primary school can refuse the hot school meals programme against the wish of parents. [48601/25]

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 School Meals Programme is not mandatory for schools. The decision to apply lies with the school principal and board of management.

My department provides the funding directly to the school. 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.

Any discussion with parents on this is a matter for the school principal and board of management.