Written Answers Nos. 276-295
276. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1106 of 8 September 2025, the research carried out by his Department which indicated the impact that the provision of a 5% minimum requirement for artistic and cultural spaces in future large scale housing developments would have on the delivery of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49383/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra277. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1106 of 8 September 2025, if he is concerned of the impact that the removal of the provision of a 5% minimum requirement for artistic and cultural spaces in future large scale housing developments will have on the long-term liveability and quality of life for residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49384/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra278. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1106 of 8 September 2025, if he engaged with elected councillors in local authorities across the country in advance of removing the 5% minimum requirement for artistic and cultural spaces in future large scale housing developments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49385/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 276, 277 and 278 together.
The Planning Design Standards for Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2025 were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Act of 2000). Section 28 provides that planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála shall have regard to Ministerial guidelines in the performance of their functions. Where the Guidelines contain specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs), planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála is required to comply with these requirements in the performance of their functions.
The revised National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out the need to plan for approximately 50,000 additional households per annum to 2040, and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to sustainable development and compact growth. This will require a substantial increase in housing output of all types, and a need for a renewed focus on the delivery of apartments, particularly in central urban areas and in locations accessible to high quality public transport services.
The delivery of apartments is particularly challenging and there is a considerable gap between the cost of building an apartment and comparable market prices. The overall purpose of the Guidelines is to reduce costs and strike an effective regulatory balance, ensuring that apartment development meets the needs of society in terms of standards and quality, while promoting an increased level of output overall.
The preparation of the Guidelines was informed by cost estimates provided to my Department by the Land Development Agency (LDA). These estimates explored potential cost savings relating to a range of individual measures. The LDA estimates that a 5% requirement for communal, community and cultural facilities can add at least €10,000-15,000 to the cost of a unit, depending on the specifics of the scheme and its location. The provision of communal, community and cultural facilities are also subject to ongoing management and maintenance costs that must be borne by future residents and/or local authorities.
There is no statutory requirement to undertake consultation on draft Ministerial Guidelines in section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and wider consultation was not undertaken on the draft Guidelines in question, given the impact on the development sector that this would have given rise to.
279. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the application under the built heritage investment scheme by a school (details supplied); the basis for the refusal of this application; if this building qualifies under the terms of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49386/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) within my Department provides financial support for the protection of eligible heritage buildings and historic structures through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF), which are both, in the main, administered by the local authorities. The BHIS provides grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 for a wide range of conservation works. The window for applications under the BHIS for 2026 is currently open. The HSF provides grants of between €50,000 and €200,000 for similar works at a larger scale. The application window for the HSF is expected to open later this year.
I understand that the applicant in question applied for funding for this structure under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2025 rather than the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS). Under BHIS, each local authority receives an allocation of funds from my Department based on the proportion of structures on their Register of Protected Structures (RPS) when compared to the national total. Each local authority can award funding to eligible applications within their area that meet the terms and conditions of the BHIS circular.
By contract, the HSF is a nationally competitive scheme, whereby local authorities present a shortlist of eligible applications for consideration to my Department each year. The standard of conservation projects received is always very high and the scheme is always over-subscribed. For the 2025 awards, each local authority could present up to three privately owned structures for consideration. These are assessed at a national level by officials from the NBHS within my Department, with 28 projects ultimately being awarded funding for 2025 last March.
It is my understanding that the structure in question was not selected as one of the three privately owned projects to be put forward by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for consideration at a national level last year, and so my Department was not involved in this decision.
The applicant is welcome to apply again for the HSF when the window opens later this year. However, they may also wish to apply for the BHIS, which is also overseen by this Department and administered by the Local Authorities, and for which funding is competed for at a local rather than national level. The window for applications for the BHIS is currently open, with a closing date for applications to reach the relevant local authority of 26 September 2025.
280. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of planning applications referred to An Bord Pleanála in each county for each of the past five years. [49434/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra281. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing planning applications that have been approved, refused, withdrawn, or deemed invalid by An Bord Pleanála in each county for each of the past five years, in tabular form. [49435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.
An Coimisiún Pleanála is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
The information requested is regarding operational matters which are the responsibility of An Coimisiún Pleanála and my Department does not hold this information. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Coimisiún Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
282. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the current planning policies requiring a minimum period of residence, often seven years, before an applicant can seek permission to build a dwelling in a rural area; if there are circumstances in which applicants who have resided in the area for less than seven years, such as five years, may be considered; and the steps he is taking to ensure that planning policies balance local housing needs with access to building opportunities for long-term residents. [49440/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural Housing Guidelines were last issued in 2005 as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These Guidelines provide that people who are an intrinsic part of the rural community, on the basis of an economic or social need, should be facilitated in all rural areas. In areas under strong urban influence, the policy is to direct urban generated housing into cities, towns and villages. In a rural area suffering persistent and substantial population decline, the policy is to accommodate anyone wishing to build a house, subject to normal planning and environmental considerations.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the planning system.
Updated Rural Housing Guidelines are currently being considered by my Department. The updated guidelines will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining, on the other. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The draft Rural Housing Guidelines will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set by the NPF. The guidelines will continue to allow county development plans to provide for housing in the countryside based on the considerations detailed in NPO 28 of the NPF, and will also highlight the need to manage development in certain areas, such as the areas around cities and larger towns and environmentally sensitive areas, in order to avoid over-development.
While planning policy is a national, as opposed to an EU competence, due care is being taken to ensure the updated guidelines will not operate to conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, comply with EU environmental legislative requirements and have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice. The draft planning guidelines will address these complex environmental and legal issues, while also providing a framework for the sustainable management of housing in rural areas.
In June 2023, the process of revising the NPF (2018) commenced, and following approval by Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas, the Revised NPF came into effect from 30 April 2025. The finalised revised NPF reflects the significant policy changes and other factors that have taken place since 2018, allowing the updated policy approach to be integrated into the planning system.
The NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, enable planning authorities to prepare and adopt local development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas.
When making a decision in relation to an application for permission, a planning authority is restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the provisions of the development plan and any relevant Ministerial guidelines, including the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) which remain in effect.
283. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific steps in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which will address planning delays, approval times and regulatory burdens for housing developers in Cork suburbs e.g. Glanmire, Blarney, Bishopstown; if he will publish target timelines for planning decisions in those areas; and if resources will be allocated to local authorities to meet those targets. [49504/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan on Competitiveness & Productivity acknowledges the significant reform of planning legislation which has been undertaken since 2021, culminating in the enactment of the Planning and Development Act 2024, commencement of which is underway. The 2024 Act will result in significant improvements in terms of increased clarity, consistency and certainty for all stakeholders in the planning system, including those seeking to invest in development and undertake infrastructure projects. In particular the enhanced plan-led approach, introduction of mandatory decision making timelines for all consenting procedures including appeals, and revised judicial review arrangements, which is complemented by the establishment of the Planning and Environment Division of the High Court, will positively support improvements in our national competitiveness.
A phased commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024 is underway to facilitate the transition from the existing legislative framework under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to that provided for under the new legislation. This transition takes into account the need to liaise with local authorities, planning bodies and many other key stakeholders. A detailed Implementation Plan has been published on www.gov.ie/planning which includes a commencement schedule for the Act and a range of initiatives to support training and engagement for the planning sector in preparation of the phased transition to the new legislative framework.
The Action Plan includes actions related to regional development and the potential for improved competitiveness in our regions aligned with national enterprise policy. The recently revised National Planning Framework sets out the strategic planning framework for the sustainable growth and development of Ireland to 2040, with the core objectives of following a compact growth approach to development and securing balanced regional development across our regions, including the regional cities. The Action Plan will also support the future growth and development of all regions through the provision of funding and increased alignment of the Regional Enterprise Plans with the statutory planning system and the Revised National Planning Framework.
A new Strategic Performance and Innovation Unit has been established within the Planning Division at my Department to examine the improvement and performance within the planning system. A National Planning Excellence Framework is currently being developed and stakeholder engagement is underway to identify measures to increase efficiency and innovation and monitor performance within the public planning system.
On 15 October 2024, my Department published a Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources to respond to capacity challenges in the planning sector. This Action Plan provides a detailed roadmap to increase the pool of planning and related expertise needed to ensure a planning system fit for future needs. In October 2023, approval was conveyed for 101 posts, in the local authority planning sector under the first tranche of a programme of supports for planning resources. Under the second tranche, further approval issued in January 2025 for 112 additional posts - 56 graduate planner posts and 56 staff officer posts - to support the Planning function within local authorities.
A graduate planner recruitment campaign was launched on 13 May 2025 to attract graduate planners into Ireland’s Local Authorities, which was supported by my Department. The occupation of town planner has been added to the Critical Skills Occupation List which will allow eligible non-EEA professionals from outside of Europe to benefit from streamlined employment permit processes, making it easier for Irish employers to recruit and retain international talent in this vital sector.
My Department is currently working on a number of measures to increase staffing levels in the local government planning sector. In this regard, my Department is collaborating with the Local Government Management Agency on the delivery of a further programme of supports to planning authorities. These supports include the provision of staffing resources and expertise to enable planning authorities to perform their functions efficiently and effectively.
284. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding which has been allocated or ring-fenced to support necessary infrastructure that is, roads, drainage, schools, healthcare, broadband in regard to recently approved major housing schemes in north Cork and Cork city suburbs; the timelines for availability of those supports; and the monitoring which exists to ensure developments do not proceed ahead of basic services being in place. [49507/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of their statutory obligations under the Planning and Development Act, planning authorities are required, in their city and county development plans, to include policies and objectives relating to the provision of infrastructure and facilities needed to support planned growth, including transport infrastructure, communication facilities, water and wastewater services and services for the community such as schools, educational and childcare facilities. The ‘Development Plans Guidelines’ issued by my Department in 2022 state that the adequacy of existing provision and the need for additional facilities must be taken into account in the preparation of development plans. In this regard, when making decisions in relation to the zoning of land for housing through the statutory development plan or local area plan, the capacity of infrastructure is considered. Where it is considered necessary, following consultation with relevant infrastructure providers, policies and objectives relating to the provision of new infrastructure are generally included in the development plan.
The Government agreed in April 2025, to establish a new Housing Activation Office in my Department, to address infrastructure barriers that are impacting housing development on zoned lands. The Office will have a strategic function, delivering actions to coordinate and accelerate delivery of necessary public infrastructure and an operational function seeking to unblock issues on the ground.
It will work with local authorities, including Cork City and Cork County Councils, and infrastructure agencies to develop a pipeline of housing enabling infrastructure projects aimed at addressing infrastructure blockages and accelerating housing delivery. The Office will also engage with Government Departments, involved in the provision of social and community infrastructure, such as educational and healthcare facilities to ensure a coordinated approach.
Aligned to this the Office will manage a Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund under the National Development Plan to support direct investment in infrastructure needed at a local level to unblock housing development, including transport, drainage and recreational amenities. This Fund will complement investment by agencies such as Uisce Éireann and ESBN, who have also received funding under the National Development Plan, to support housing development.
Cork City and County areas have already benefitted from substantial investment in housing related infrastructure in recent years through schemes managed by my Department.
Under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund Cork City and Cork County Councils have been approved €59.1m in grant funding, of which my Department is providing €45.7m, across five infrastructure projects. The projects include a new spine road, junction upgrade and storm water sewer at Water-Rock, Midleton and the re-routing of power lines and road and drainage improvements at Old Whitechurch Road in Cork City. A further project at Glanmire is also being progressed.
Cork has also received substantial support under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. Cork Docklands is the single largest URDF-supported project in the country, with €353.4m allocated under Call 2 and an additional €4.15m approved in 2024. This project will unlock the Docklands’ potential as a vibrant new neighbourhood. Further URDF support has been provided under Call 3, with allocations of €6m for Cork City and €8m for Cork County to address vacancy and dereliction.
Taken together, these measures ensure that housing delivery in Cork and nationally will have the infrastructure and facilities needed to support development.
285. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of Government annual housing targets which have been met as of September 2025 in each local authority to date; the councils that are on track and those which are falling behind; and the interventions planned to address under-performance ahead of year-end. [49510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This includes annual data on delivery against targets. This data is available to the end of Q1 2025, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/. Data for Q2 2025 is currently being collated and will be published shortly.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The latest Construction Status Report shows that the social housing pipeline is strong and continues to grow with 11,504 social homes currently onsite with an additional 13,953 homes at design and tender stage. In Quarter 1 2025, 50 new construction schemes (875 homes) were added to the pipeline. The most recent publication was for Quarter 1 2025. All CSRs are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/.
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: www.opendata.housing.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q1-2025.
A number of initiatives have been introduced to support local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies increase the delivery of social and affordable houing.
Amendments to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 were introduced via the Affordable Housing Act 2021 to increase the contribution under Part V from 10% to 20% to include affordable and cost rental housing. Local authorities are free to decide how the 20% Part V contribution is broken down in terms of social and affordable housing (with a minimum 10% social housing). This is done in line with the local authorities housing need as identified in its Housing Strategy made as part of its Development Plan. Part V negotiations are solely a matter for the relevant local authority operating within the Guidelines.
A central element of Housing for All is to build institutional capacity. As part of the measures to support this, Housing for All commits to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to both programme manage and initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects and recognises that this requires the resourcing of the housing services of local authorities. More than 250 additional housing posts have been approved in local authorities nationally to deliver social housing.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address increased housing delivery and methods to support increased use of MMC are set out in Pathway 5 of Housing for All. In July 2023 the Roadmap for increased adoption of MMC in Public Housing delivery was published and sets out recommendations to progress the most advanced and efficient construction methods in the delivery of housing.
The Housing for All Land Acquisition Fund was established in 2022 to support local authorities to acquire land to deliver new build social housing schemes and this was extended in 2024 to include land for affordable housing. The fund has an overall allocation of €239m and is managed by the Housing Agency.
My Department has embedded the requirement to adopt a standardised approach for all Social Housing projects through adoption of the Design Manual for Quality Housing and Employers Requirements. Standard internal layouts and CAD Drawings are available to design teams. This is promoting a consistent approach nationally; it is decreasing the amount of time spent on reviewing proposals to achieve value for money; it is shortening detailed design phases; and it allows for a more efficient tender process.
In relation to affordable housing, the Government has committed to introduce a new national housing plan to follow "Housing for All", including a new Starter Home programme across the public, private and AHB sector which promotes home ownership and secures long-term rental tenures for young people and fresh start applicants. My Department is currently examining that commitment, its implementation and potential time frame within the context of a new national housing plan.
While work is being undertaken to progress a new plan, building on the progress already made to date, the measures detailed in Housing for All will continue to be progressed to accelerate and increase delivery of secure, affordable housing.
Under Housing for All, the affordable housing delivery target for 2025 is 6,400 and a very strong pipeline is in place across our delivery partners, including Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and the First Home Scheme. Since launch, over 14,500 affordable housing supports have been delivered by our various delivery partners.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and delivery partners in each local authority area. Data for the years 2022 up to Q1 2025 is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/?#affordable-housing-delivery.
Building on this progress, my Department will continue to engage with all delivery partners to further the development of the affordable housing delivery pipeline for 2025 and beyond, and to ensure that the affordable housing programme responds effectively to the affordable housing needs identified at a local level.
286. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the role his Department plays in setting, monitoring, and enforcing nutritional standards for food served on school premises, including canteens and vending machines; and to provide copies of any circulars, compliance audits, and sanctions issued since 2020. [49463/25]
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.
The Nutritional Standards for School Meals have been in place since its inception and were developed by a technical Nutrition Subgroups comprised of:
• Dieticians from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute of Ireland,
• The HSE,
• Safefood, and
• The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
These standards are available to all schools, organisations and suppliers and are publicly available on gov.ie
I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This will be 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 the year.
In December 2024, my department established an interdepartmental working group, which includes the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Children, Equality and Disability, to oversee and make recommendations on the operation of the scheme, including nutrition inspection and evaluation. This is a standing group which will make recommendations on matters within its remits on an ongoing basis.
In addition, my Department participates in the Department of Health’s Obesity Policy and Action Plan Implementation Group. This provides strategic oversight, coordination, and direction for cross-Departmental and cross-sectoral actions in this area.
The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. All schools who wish to avail of funding under the programme are responsible for choosing their schools meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations, including in relation to compliance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
Under the Hot School Meals Scheme, parents can choose food for their child every week from an approved menu which contains a range of options that are offered by the school’s supplier in accordance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
The menu must also accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies, including those with Coeliac disease. In addition, the supplier is required to check these details with the school upon award of the contract, in order to accommodate those children. The supplier must also provide clearly visible menu boards with an allergens list.
All participating schools must submit to my Department a signed Service Level Agreement which clearly sets out the school’s responsibilities and obligations in terms of compliance with nutritional standards.
This department has an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools which includes reviewing the menu. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected onsite annually by that department. In total, 121 desk assessments were carried out in 2024. This represents a 20% total check on schools. For 2025, 400 schools will be inspected and the desk assessments will be increased to circa 250 cases as more schools become eligible to join the programme. Ongoing audits can increase or decrease based on risk assessments levels.
These inspections assist this department in ensuring standards are being met in relation to different areas of the School Meals Programme.
The use of vending machines is dealt with by each individual school. My department has no role in this area.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
287. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection to list every post-primary school that applied for participation in the hot school meals or school meals scheme and that was refused or deemed ineligible since 2022, with reasons; and to explain the evidence base for excluding post-primary pupils when England, Finland and the United States apply standards or programmes across older cohorts. [49464/25]
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.
In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025, meaning that approximately 3,700 schools and organisations and 682,000 children will be eligible for the School Meals Programme from September 2025.
Funding under the school meals programme can be provided for breakfast, snack, cold lunch, dinner, hot school meals and afterschool clubs and is based on a maximum rate per child per day, depending on the type of meal being provided.
DEIS Secondary Schools qualify for the breakfast/snack, cold lunch or dinner option. Under the Programme for Government, I plan to commence the rollout of Hot School Meals to secondary schools over the lifetime of this Government. However my immediate priority is to complete the rollout at primary school level.
All primary schools now have an entitlement for Hot School Meals and under the programme for Government, I will commence the rollout of Hot School Meals to all secondary schools over the lifetime of this government. This is comparable to the Finland model where school meals is free to all primary and secondary schools. England operate a different model which is free for the first three years in infant schools then entitlement is based on family income. In the United States children may be determined “categorically eligible” for free meals through participation in certain Federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or based on their status as a homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child.
School meals is crucial in the context of the EU Child Guarantee, an initiative designed to ensure that children at risk of poverty or social exclusion have access to a set of key services. Ensuring that all children have access to these meals is integral to fulfilling the objectives of the EU Child guarantee to which Ireland has signed up.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
288. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide the full text of any memorandum of understanding or governance agreement with the Department of Social Protection and the HSE regarding school-meal delivery on school premises, including responsibilities for safeguarding, allergens, and food-safety inspections; and if none exists, the reason for the governance gap. [49465/25]
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.
My department established an interdepartmental working group, which includes the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Youth, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, to oversee and make recommendations on the operation of the School Meals Programme. This is a standing group which will make recommendations on matters within its remits on an ongoing basis.
In addition, my department participates in the Department of Health’s Obesity Policy and Action Plan Implementation Group. This provides strategic oversight, coordination, and direction for cross-Departmental and cross-sectoral actions in this area.
My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. It is the responsibility of each school board to select a supplier to provide the meals in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations, including in relation to compliance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
The programme is designed so that meals are provided by contracted food business operators, with the responsibility for food safety and compliance with relevant legislative obligations placed on these professional providers and not on the schools themselves. This ensures children benefit from a reliable, high-quality service, while schools are protected from having to take on responsibilities more appropriate to the providers, who will have the necessary expertise and experience in food provision.
The recent refinements to the procurement system, which underpins the programme, strengthens it by ensuring consistent standards across all participating schools. They also reflect the combined input of several Government Departments and State agencies, ensuring that schools and providers operate safely and compliantly across areas such as food safety, health and safety, fire safety, and building regulations.
My department has an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools which includes reviewing the menu. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected onsite annually by that department. In total, 121 desk assessments were carried out in 2024. This represents a 20% total check on schools. For 2025, 400 schools will be inspected and the desk assessments will be increased to circa 250 cases as more schools become eligible to join the programme. Ongoing audits can increase or decrease based on risk assessments levels.
These inspections assist this department in ensuring standards are being met in relation to different areas of the School Meals Programme.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland deals with enforcement procedures in instances of non-compliance with food law by any food business operator in Ireland.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
289. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the percentage of pupils regularly present who do not collect a school meal when it is available, by school and term since 2023; the Department’s plan to address stigma, timing and menu acceptability barriers; and to cite any pilots to improve uptake. [49467/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra292. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide data on food waste from school meals (kg/week per school), for the years 2023 to 2025; and any menu reformulation or packaging trials to reduce waste. [49470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 292 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, which is grant funded by the Department of Education, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme. This includes guidelines to:
• Promote sustainability
• Offer healthy food choices
• Reduce plastic and non-recyclable packaging
• Support Green Public Procurement as required by the Environmental Protection Agency
• Implementing recommendations outlined in Green Tenders – Action Plan
The Department of Education is committed to supporting schools to implement the Green Procurement Strategy through its Schools Procurement Unit, tender documents and other supports.
As the primary relationship is between the school and supplier my department does not have data in relation to uncollected school meals. All suppliers have a meal cancelation policy.
Under the Programme, parents can choose food for their child every week from an approved menu which contains a range of options that are offered by the school’s supplier in accordance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. Under tender documentation, as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the menu is to accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies, including those with Coeliac disease and cultural/religious requirements. In addition, the supplier is required to check these details with the school upon award of the contract, in order to accommodate those children. The supplier must also provide clearly visible menu boards with an allergens list.
All primary school children now have an entitlement for Hot School Meals, which eliminates stigma. Under the Programme for Government, I will commence the rollout of Hot School Meals to all secondary schools over the lifetime of this Government. Furthermore, I will 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.
290. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm whether he will bring forward primary legislation establishing a pupil entitlement to a nutritious school meal with statutory nutrition standards and inspection powers, as per Finland’s legal model and England’s standards; and if not, set out the contrary evidence. [49468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nutritional Standards for School Meals have been in place since the scheme's inception. They were developed by a technical Nutrition Subgroups comprised of:
• Dieticians from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute of Ireland,
• The HSE,
• Safefood, and
• The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
These standards are available to all schools, organisations and suppliers and are publicly available on gov.ie
I have asked for a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards, and is being conducted by a dietician supervised by the Department of Health and 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 the year.
An evaluation of the School Meals Programme was conducted in 2023. The report highlighted the effectiveness of the programme, including, improved academic results; studies show that school meals improve academic performance by increasing the time children spend in school, and support for families; the programme saves money and time on food preparation.
In December 2024, the Department of Social Protection established an interdepartmental working group, which includes the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Children, Equality and Disability, to oversee and make recommendations on the operation of the scheme, including nutrition inspection and evaluation. This is a standing group which will make recommendations on matters within its remits on an ongoing basis.
In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt will be removed from the school menus by September 2025. Up to now this food had been permitted once a week at most and only when selected by the child's parents.
My department has an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools which includes reviewing the menu. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected onsite annually by that department. In total, 121 desk assessments were carried out in 2024. This represents a 20% total check on schools. For 2025, 400 schools will be inspected and the desk assessments will be increased to circa 250 cases as more schools become eligible to join the programme. Ongoing audits can increase or decrease based on risk assessments levels.
These inspections assist this department in ensuring standards are being met in relation to different areas of the School Meals Programme.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland deals with enforcement procedures in instances of non-compliance with food law by any food business operator in Ireland.
All primary schools now have an entitlement for Hot School Meals and under the programme for Government, I will commence the rollout of Hot School Meals to all secondary schools over the lifetime of this government. This is comparable to the Finland model where school meals is free to all primary and secondary schools. The UK operates a different model which is free for the first three years in infant schools then entitlement is based on family income.
The scheme operates on an administrative basis and I have no plans to place it on a specific statutory footing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
291. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the procurement model used by schools and patron bodies for meal provision, including the use of frameworks, lot sizes, SME access, and any late rule changes in 2025 that contributed to roll out delays; and to publish the corresponding risk register entries. [49469/25]
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.
My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. It is the responsibility of each school board to select a supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations, including in relation to compliance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
The programme is designed so that meals are provided by contracted food business operators, with the responsibility for food safety and compliance with relevant legislative obligations placed on these professional providers and not on the schools themselves. This ensures children benefit from a reliable, high-quality service, while schools are protected from having to take on responsibilities more appropriate to the providers, who will have the necessary expertise and experience in food provision.
The recent refinements to the procurement system, which underpins the programme, strengthens it by ensuring consistent standards across all participating schools. They also reflect the combined input of several Government Departments and State agencies, ensuring that schools and providers operate safely and compliantly across areas such as food safety, health and safety, fire safety, and building regulations.
No new legislation has been introduced nor has there been a change in the application of the law.
All schools were sent individual correspondence in week commencing 14 July, advising them and their boards of management of their next steps. The procurement documents were updated and available to schools from 15 August. Any school that is currently under contract can continue to utilise their food business operator.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
293. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which he will ensure equity for pupils with special diets (allergies, coeliac disease, cultural-religious requirements), including compulsory written allergen information availability on site; and the dates of the last environmental health inspections per school. [49471/25]
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.
My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. It is the responsibility of each school board to select a supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations, including in relation to compliance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
Under the Programme, parents can choose food for their child every week from an approved menu which contains a range of options that are offered by the school’s supplier in accordance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. Under tender documentation, as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the menu is to accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies, including those with Coeliac disease and cultural/religious requirements. In addition, the supplier is required to check these details with the school upon award of the contract, in order to accommodate those children. The supplier must also provide clearly visible menu boards with an allergens list.
My department has an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools which includes reviewing the menu. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected onsite annually by that department. In total, 121 desk assessments were carried out in 2024. This represents a 20% total check on schools. For 2025, 400 schools will be inspected and the desk assessments will be increased to some 250 cases as more schools become eligible to join the programme. Ongoing audits can increase or decrease based on risk assessments levels.
These inspections assist this department in ensuring standards are being met in relation to different areas of the School Meals Programme.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland deals with enforcement procedures in instances of non-compliance with food law by any food business operator in Ireland.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
294. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware that disability allowance recipients are having their allowance revoked based on his Department’s contention that the person can work despite the person’s GP (best placed) categorically stating the person is unable to work; the way in which his Department can ascertain the person can work over the computer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly payment for people with a specified disability, aged between 16 and 66, where the disability is expected to last at least one year. Entitlement is subject to a medical assessment, a means test, and habitual residence conditions.
The Department’s Medical Assessors are all qualified physicians with backgrounds in areas such as General Practice, Rheumatology and Psychiatry, and are trained in disability assessment.
When an application is made, all medical evidence submitted, including the applicant’s GP, hospital consultant, or other treating health professional reports, together with the applicant’s own account of the impact of their condition, is reviewed by the Medical Assessor. The assessment focuses on the functional impact of the condition on the person’s capacity for work rather than on the diagnosis itself.
Relevant factors taken into account include the severity and prognosis of the condition, its expected duration and planned interventions, along with the applicant’s description of how their condition affects their daily life. Based on this, the Medical Assessor forms an independent clinical opinion, exercising objective judgement in line with the statutory qualifying conditions for Disability Allowance.
It is important to note that the Department does not dispute the medical diagnosis provided by a person’s own doctor but, rather, considers all available medical evidence to determine how the condition affects capacity for work.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
295. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department is currently carrying out a review of the work and access scheme; and if he is aware of a number of issues which have been flagged with regard to this scheme (details supplied). [49379/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme in August 2023. This report set out nine recommendations to merge the two schemes into a single, flexible scheme and to expand and improve the supports offered under the new scheme.
In July 2024, the new Work and Access scheme was launched. Work and Access offers seven supports to help reduce or remove barriers in the workplace for people with a disability. The supports include funding for a workplace needs assessment, work coaches, personal readers, assistive equipment and communication supports. Funding is also available to employers for workplace adaptations and disability equality and inclusion training.
Work and Access is open to all non-public sector employers, including the self-employed and the community and voluntary sector. Supports are available for both business premises and remote workplaces. My Department has allocated an additional €1 million a year to this scheme.
Funding for a range of assistive work equipment and assistive technology has been awarded under the scheme. The details provided by the Deputy refer to smart phones and smart watches. General devices such as these do not fall under the "assistive equipment/technology” component of the scheme but would rather be considered as “workplace devices”. Where assistive programs or applications are required for these devices, this software is assistive technology and can be covered under the Work and Access scheme along with any training required for the use of the software. This is similar to the position regarding other schemes in other Government Departments.
The Work and Access scheme was introduced just over a year ago and it I have asked my officials to keep it under review to ensure that it is accessible, supports more employers to hire and retain people with disabilities, and aligns with the National Human Rights Strategy for disabled people 2025-2030.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
