Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
692. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the Schools Procurement Unit permits external accountancy, consultancy or administration firms to conduct, manage, score or administer tender evaluations on behalf of schools under the Hot School Meals Scheme; whether any approval process exists for such arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37399/26]
View answer693. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of schools participating in the Hot School Meals Scheme which used external third-party administration, consultancy or accountancy firms in the management or evaluation of procurement competitions in each year from 2020 to 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37400/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 692 and 693 together.
My Department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the scheme in their school including handling the procurement process. If a third party is engaged by the school to administer the procurement process that is within the remit of the School Board to choose to do so. School Meals Scheme covers the funding of the school meals only and does not allow for any other expenditure
The Schools procurement unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provide guidance to schools for all procurement including the School Meals Programme.
Schools as Public Bodies are independent Contracting Authorities and are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules.
