Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
623. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Social Protection the inter-Departmental consultation and communication taking place to ensure review of the school meals scheme, to include an opt-out if the school community requests same, with re-distribution of funding for other supports, deemed necessary by the school principal in consultation with the school community. [71341/25]
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 has 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, Equality and Disability to oversee and make recommendations on the operation of the scheme. This is a standing group which will make proposals on matters within its remits on an ongoing basis. The Interdepartmental working group have also met with suppliers, Educational Partners, School Principal representative bodies to outline the refinements to the procurement process, the exclusion of the foods high in salt and sugar, the recruitment of a dietitian to assist in the School Meals Programme and suppliers responsibilities.
While all primary schools are eligible for either the Hot School Meals or Cold lunch, the School Meals Programme is not mandatory for schools. The decision to apply lies with the school principal and board of management.
The Department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. Funding under this programme is solely for food and cannot be redirected to other purposes.
If a school has any questions in relation to the School Meals Programme, they can contact officials of my Department at [school.meals@welfare.ie] . They will advise them of the meal options available to them and assist with any queries they may have.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
