Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 December 2025
161. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Social Protection the main providers of the school meals programme; the way in which providers are contracted; the way in which they apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68200/25]
View answer162. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has given consideration to local providers in the school meals programme; if the Government advertises in local media for food suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68201/25]
View answer164. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Social Protection the way schools can withdraw from a contract for the school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68203/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 162 and 164 together.
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.
My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. All schools are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderers responsibilities and obligations, including adherence to the nutritional standards. My Department does not select the suppliers.
In order to withdraw from a contract the schools have to follow the procedure regarding the termination clause in their contracts.
There are some 300 suppliers in the School Meals Programme with the majority of these supplying one to three local schools. There are eleven meals on wheels organisations supplying forty schools and there are nine large school meal providers. My officials in this Department have been working with officials in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and they have compiled a list of supports available to local community organisations who may wish to expand their operation into the school meals area. This information has been supplied to schools and a range of other community organisations.
I will continue to expand and improve the Hot School Meals Scheme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, reduce food waste and utilise recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
