Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
632. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps his Department is taking to address food waste under the hot school meals programme; his views on whether this is a widespread issue with the programme; the specific changes that have been introduced to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71737/25]
View answer633. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if recyclable packaging is being used in the provision of all hot school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71738/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 632 and 633 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.
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including handling the procurement process.
The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme.
An independent evaluation to inform future policy decisions on the scheme was undertaken in 2022 and published on 30th March 2023. The report indicates strong support for extending the School Meals Programme and recommends universal provision by 2030.
The report sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing.
Of the respondent parents surveyed 83.44% agreed that the programme was positive. Similarly, 83.12% wanted the School Meals Programme extended to all schools, with a further 81.9% supporting the universal provision of hot meals.
74% of Principals indicated that it improved physical health, 54% of Principals indicated that it approved attendance and 51% of Principals indicated that it improved performance.
There are not widespread issues within the Hot School Meals Programme but like all programmes continuous review is needed to improve processes and strengthen the programme. Nutritional standards are a priority for me and I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This is being conducted by a dietician in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals. I have asked for a report on the nutritional standards to be submitted to me by the end of this year.
In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, was removed from the school menu from 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.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards.
In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used. My department does not collect collect data on food waste as the primary relationship is between school and supplier.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
