Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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63. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will consider developing an educational module to be delivered in conjunction with the Hot School Meals programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6726/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Primary Curriculum Framework 2023 includes ‘Being Well’ as one its seven competencies. This competency helps children become healthy through physical activity, food, self-care, and interaction with nature.

The Primary Wellbeing Specification, published in September 2023, includes among its learning outcomes that children should be able to demonstrate an awareness of factors that can impact well-being, such as physical activity, outdoor experiences, food, hygiene, sleep, rest and relaxation, and appreciating the importance of a balanced lifestyle and acknowledging changing needs as they grow.

My Department, along with the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, supports Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles programme, a healthy eating initiative for primary school pupils. It encourages schools across the country to grow carrots, lettuce, potatoes, strawberries, turnips and herbs. Schools are supplied with grow packs, activity sheets and videos containing everything needed to grow these foods.

Guidelines are also available for schools on developing a healthy eating policy, developed by the Department of Health and the HSE.

Officials from my Department will continue to play an active role as members of the Department of Social Protection’s School Meals Interdepartmental Working Group, in supporting schools in the role out of the Department of Social Protection school meals scheme.