Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2025
278. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in the roll out of the hot school meals scheme in a school (details supplied) and to confirm that the roll out of this scheme in this school will be prioritised and delivered at the earliest possible time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35150/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. All primary schools will be eligible to apply for the Hot School Meals from September 2025. This includes the school Gaelscoil Na Mara, Donabate, County Dublin referred to by the Deputy.
The Department of Education School Procurement Unit provides guidance and advice to schools on all procurement matters for the School Meals Programme. This includes providing a suite of template documents that new schools joining the programme must use when going to procurement. The Department of Education is currently reviewing these templates ahead of them being made available to schools joining the school meals programme. My department is liaising closely with the Department of Education with a view to ensuring that the documents are made available as soon as possible.
