Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
694. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the Schools Procurement Unit has conducted any audit, compliance review or governance assessment concerning the composition of tender evaluation teams used by schools under the Hot School Meals Scheme; whether any external firms were identified as participating in evaluations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37401/26]
View answer695. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether actual food quality, taste, nutritional standard, presentation or meal sampling forms part of the formally weighted evaluation criteria under the current Hot School Meals procurement framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37402/26]
View answer696. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the Schools Procurement Unit intends to introduce a mandatory and formally weighted food quality assessment component within future Hot School Meals tender evaluations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37403/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 694 to 696, inclusive, 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.
Taste assessment, or food sampling is not part of the marking of tender evaluations. Food preferences vary from person to person therefore schools follow the Scheme's Nutritional Standards, developed by expert dietitians ensures consistency, quality, and appropriate nutritional balance.
