Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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730. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will urgently intervene in a case involving difficulties that a primary school (details supplied) is having with his Department’s School Meals Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63834/25]

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.

As previously stated no new legislation has been introduced nor has the application of the law changed

The recent refinements to the procurement system, which underpins the programme, strengthens it by ensuring consistent standards across all participating schools. They also reflect the combined input of several Government Departments and State agencies, ensuring that schools and providers operate safely and compliantly across areas such as food safety, health and safety, fire safety, and building regulations.

As announced In Budget 2025, the Hot School Meals Scheme was extended to all remaining primary schools meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children are eligible for hot school meals in the 2025 2026 academic school year.

I can confirm that Carrigaholt National School is part of the School Meals programme. The supplier that had been providing meals to the school is no longer doing so. An official from my Department has been in contact with the school to explore the options available. I understand that the school is currently examining the option of cold lunches from a new supplier. My officials will continue to provide support to the school as it seeks to secure a supplier.

I trust this clarifies the matter.