Thomas Gould
Ceist:598. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding provided by local authority for the provision of homeless services to date in 2025. [72152/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Funding
Ceisteanna (598)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities.
My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. Under Exchequer funding arrangements, housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of services from their own resources. Furthermore, housing authorities may also incur additional expenditure on homeless related services outside of the Exchequer funding arrangements provided by my Department.
While responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis, with nine administrative regions in place and a lead authority in each region. A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. It is a matter for the management group of the consultative forum, in the first instance, to determine the services and the funding required to address homelessness in each region.
Exchequer funding for homeless services is provided through my Department to housing authorities on a regional basis. The table below sets out the Exchequer funding provided to each of the nine homeless regions to date in 2025, with further funding recoupments due to be made based on regional End of Year expenditure.
|
- |
Exchequer funding provided to Homeless Regions - € 2025 (to date) |
|
Dublin (Dublin City Council) |
196,990,706 |
|
Mid East (Kildare County Council) |
10,251,744 |
|
Midlands (Westmeath County Council) |
1,326,662 |
|
Mid West (Limerick City & County Council) |
14,874,433 |
|
North East (Louth County Council) |
4,980,309 |
|
North West (Sligo County Council) |
2,597,455 |
|
South East (Waterford City & County Council) |
7,508,392 |
|
South West (Cork City Council) |
25,906,484 |
|
West (Galway City Council) |
12,503,573 |
Financial reports from each of the homeless regions setting out expenditure on homeless accommodation and related services are published on my Department's website at the following link;
[www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data].
Derelict Sites
Ceisteanna (599)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:599. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any financial supports available to a person seeking to buy a large derelict building in a town and develop apartments, to provide a number of apartments as private rented accommodation in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72183/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
This grant may be used in combination with S.I. No. 75/2022 - Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022 which provides an exemption from the requirement for planning permission for the conversion of certain types of vacant commercial property into residential use, such as ‘living over the shop’ accommodation, up to a maximum of 9 residential units. The Regulations, which were first extended in 2022 under SI 75/2022 to include an exemption for the conversion of vacant pubs, have now been extended to the end of 2028. Up to the end of 2024, local authorities received 1,457 notifications from developers intending to avail of the exemptions. If acted on, this would result in 3,429 new homes across the Country.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (600)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:600. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made over the past 12 months on each of his Department’s Programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72199/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
The Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future sets out the actions needed to address critical social, economic, political, demographic and environmental challenges. As Minister, I am determined to progress each action under my Department’s remit, to continue to support sustainable development and vibrant communities through strategic planning, the sustainable and efficient delivery of well-planned homes, the sustainable management of our water resources, the nurturing of Ireland’s heritage, and effective local government.
The attached table provides a summary of progress made over the past 12 months in regard to each commitment.
Fire Service
Ceisteanna (601)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:601. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of funding requests his Department has received from Mayo County Council seeking funding approval to purchase additional fire appliances and or specialist equipment for Mayo Fire Services in 2024 and to-date in 2025; of the funding requests, the number that were approved in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [72221/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
The table below details the number of requests received from Mayo County Council seeking grant assistance funding for the purchase of additional fire appliances and/ or specialist equipment in the years 2025/2025 to date. The most recent grant application received on 8 December 2025 is under consideration for grant assistance funding within my Department.
|
Year |
No. of Grant Application Submissions Equipment / Appliances |
Status Approved |
Status Under Consideration |
Estimated Recoupment Value |
|
2024 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
€ 605,076 |
|
2025 |
8 |
7 |
1 |
€ 2,175,840 |
My Department will continue to work closely with Mayo County Council to progress the funding of priority projects as identified by them, from the Fire Services Capital Programme.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (602)
Conor D McGuinness
Ceist:602. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will announce the polling day of the Galway west and Dublin central by-elections. [72224/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 39 of the Electoral Act 1992, as amended, provides that where a vacancy occurs in the Dáil the Ceann Comhairle, as soon as she is directed by the Dáil to do so, directs the Clerk of the Dáil to issue a writ directing the relevant returning officer to hold an election to fill the vacancy. Where, within 6 months of a vacancy arising, the Dáil has not so directed the Ceann Comhairle, she shall, as soon as practicable at the end of the 6 month period, direct the Clerk to issue the writ.
Section 96 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that a poll shall be taken on such day as shall be appointed by the Minister, by order, being a day which (disregarding any excluded day – Sunday, Good Friday, Public holiday) is not earlier than the 18th day or not later than the 25th day next following the day on which the writ for the by-election is issued.
To date, the Clerk of the Dáil has not issued a writ to the returning officer of either Dáil constituency in which there is currently a vacancy. When a writ is issued I will make an order appointing the day on which and the hours during which the poll will be taken at the by-election.
Trade Unions
Ceisteanna (603)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:603. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage following a failure to reach an agreement in the WRC, if his Department will go to the Labour Court to resolve a dispute with trade unions representing workers in the Dublin Fire Brigade, in line with the relevant codes of practice for industrial relations disputes involving essential services. [72228/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981 & 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects. Fire service issues are managed in my Department by the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM).
I understand that DFB management and the staff side representatives remain in an industrial relations process under the auspices of the WRC. Engagement with staff side associations and internal communications are a matter for Dublin City Council as the employer of DFB personnel. I would encourage both sides to engage constructively with that process with a view to ensuring a satisfactory conclusion for all stakeholders.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (604)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:604. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are instances whereby the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will be approved for an applicant who has sold their house, moved into a vacant property, and then applied for the grant for that property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72300/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The objective of the grant is to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, bringing them back into use as homes. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
The grant is administered and managed by local authorities, who process and decide on applications in line with the scheme conditions and issue grant payments on completion of approved refurbishment works. In exceptional circumstances where a grant applicant has moved into a former vacant property in the weeks prior to making a grant application, this may be considered by the local authority. This will, however be a matter for them.
Where an application is not successful, the applicant can lodge an appeal with the local authority to whom the application was made. A senior local authority official who was not involved with the original decision will assess the appeal and contact the applicant with the outcome. If the applicant's appeal is unsuccessful they can lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.
Information on the scheme and conditions is available for applicants on my Department's website at [Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant].
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (605)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:605. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which his Department last received an update from the Building Control Management System on the validation of Modern Methods of Construction data; the expected completion date for this validation; and the internal deadline his Department has set for publishing the first tranche of MMC statistics. [72306/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Detailed entry of MMC Data into the Building Control Management System commenced in May 2025. The data has been collected on a monthly basis and has undergone continuous internal review and validation by my Department and the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office. Six months of data is now available and is undergoing final review. A timeline for publication will be set in due course.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (606, 607, 608)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:606. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department has taken since 2022 to establish a residential-specific productivity baseline for use in housing policy formation, including any internal memoranda, assessment frameworks or technical guidance issued to inform national housing targets. [72307/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:607. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has conducted any assessment of the budgetary or value-for-money risks arising from the absence of residential-specific productivity indicators in the construction sector; and the outcomes of any such assessment. [72308/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:608. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which his Department last requested the Central Statistics Office to examine residential construction productivity separately from other construction activity; and to provide details of any technical workstreams, consultations or data-sharing arrangements agreed since 2022. [72309/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 606, 607 and 608 together.
The Central Statistics Office produces annual and quarterly information on productivity in economic sectors of the Irish Economy, including on productivity in the construction sector. In principle, an initial productivity baseline could flow from these data sources, however the underlying data sources do not allow for the distinction between residential and other forms of construction.
My Department is involved in regular collaboration with the Central Statistics Office, alongside other Government Departments and State Agencies, in developing indicators relating to housing data. For instance, one such recent area of collaboration is in relation to developing insights on the scale and variance of use of Modern Methods of Construction for new residential dwellings.
If it were to be feasible, a robust and reliable measure of residential construction activity could be beneficial. However, the Central Statistics Office is best placed to adjudicate between the many competing demands for additional statistical series and is also the appropriate office to generate any related business case or formal assessment of the value of developing a residential-specific productivity indicator, including an examination of the likely operational challenges. As the Central Statistics Office operates under the aegis of the Taoiseach, questions regarding the Central Statistics Office’s plans in this area are best directed to that Department.
The new Housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 seeks to facilitate delivery of 300,000 homes over the lifetime of the Plan which will include record levels of new social homes, an ambitious nationwide Starter Homes Programme and the provision of additional delivery in the areas of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and vacant and derelict properties brought back into use.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (609, 610, 611)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:609. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the dates on which the Housing Activation Office submitted reports to him since 1 January 2023 identifying infrastructure barriers to housing delivery; the number of barriers escalated; and the number that remain unresolved following those reports. [72310/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:610. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the categories of infrastructure barriers escalated to him by the Housing Activation Office since 2023, including transport, utilities, water services, planning or procurement; and the corrective actions his Department has directed in each case. [72311/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:611. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline his Department has set for publishing a consolidated annual report of housing activation barriers, actions and progress; and whether this report will include local-authority-level detail. [72312/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 609, 610 and 611 together.
The Government, on 29 April 2025, agreed to establish the Housing Activation Office (HAO) within my Department to address the critical need to accelerate housing delivery by coordinating and progressing the key enabling infrastructure required for development.
I have now established this Office and its function is to coordinate and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects that are essential to unlock housing sites. The HAO includes experts seconded from Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the local government sector, who will support the work of the office.
Since its establishment, the HAO has been actively engaging with all local authorities and relevant infrastructure agencies to identify and address barriers to housing delivery.
I will shortly be bringing forward a €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, which will provide targeted investment in enabling infrastructure. This new fund will complement existing investment by Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks and other agencies and will form part of a more coordinated, end-to-end approach to infrastructure delivery for housing. It will also operate alongside existing programmes such as the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
The Office is currently working with local authorities to identify infrastructure projects needed to unlock key housing sites. This work is ongoing and the Office will prepare reports for the Minister in due course as to the information gathered.
Question No. 610 answered with Question No. 609.
Question No. 611 answered with Question No. 609.
Septic Tanks
Ceisteanna (612)
Robert Troy
Ceist:612. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details on the current grant for septic tank improvements; and if it is still necessary to have registered a septic tank in 2012 to be eligible for a grant. [72316/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of my Departments grant scheme for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (commonly called septic tanks) are available here:
It is no longer necessary to have registered a system in 2012 to be eligible for a grant. However, all households with a domestic wastewater treatment system must register it with the local authority. Guidance on the registration process is available here:
Development Contributions
Ceisteanna (613)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:613. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the instances in which an application would be considered for the development contribution waiver scheme after the application deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72329/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The Government recognised that measures needed to be put in place to help address cost and viability with a view to incentivising the activation of a pipeline of new housing commencements, and assisting in the delivery of supply as quickly as possible. The waiver scheme applied to all permitted residential development including multi-unit developments, self-build houses and one-off houses, student accommodation and sheltered housing.
The schemes initially applied for one year to all permitted residential development that commenced on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and that are completed not later than 31 December 2025. On 23 April 2024, the Government approved an extension for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions in respect of residential development commenced not later than 31 December 2024 and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges in respect of residential development commenced not later than 30 September 2024.
In April 2024, the final date for the completion of development works on qualifying houses under the schemes was extended from 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (614, 615)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:614. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the over-the-shop grant will be introduced; the amount of grant aid that will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72371/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Cahill
Ceist:615. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria to qualify for the over-the-shop grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72372/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 615 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
The grant is currently available for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings as well as "Above the Shop" type conversions.
The new housing plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issue of vacancy and dereliction. The plan includes additional support under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant floors for use as homes. In recognition of the works involved a package of up to €140,000 will be made available which will include availability of an expert advice grant. My Department is currently progressing work to introduce the “Above the Shop" scheme.
Question No. 615 answered with Question No. 614.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (616)
Pa Daly
Ceist:616. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views regarding energy cloud; if he has considered including the use of surplus energy as part of the Government's social housing retrofit programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72385/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Helping address fuel poverty and improve thermal performance in the social homes remains a priority for my Department. Complementing local authorities' own funding, my Department provides funding through the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to assist local authorities upgrade their social housing stock.
Budget 2026 will provide a significantly increased budget of €140 million for the EERP next year, targeting a minimum 3,500 local authority homes for upgrade to a B2 Building Energy Rating (BER). This funding envelope represents an almost 56% increase on 2025.
Generally, funding is allocated under the EERP for those works that can support the optimal number of social homes in a given year to reach the minimum B2 rating. The range of eligible works and technologies is kept under review and is updated as part of the roll-out of each annual programme, as appropriate.
Ultimately, the specifications for installing additional devices for communicating with the smart grid are a matter for each home's electricity provider and the relevant local authority.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (617, 618, 619, 621, 622)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:617. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the change to the vacant property grant that is being considered regarding introducing a €650,000 cap on the value of the property for which a grant will be paid out on; and when will a decision on this be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72429/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoderic O'Gorman
Ceist:618. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a specific analysis will be undertaken of the impact of a possible change to the Vacant Property Grant regarding introducing a €650,000 cap on the value of the property for which a grant will be paid out on in Dublin (city and county); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72430/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoderic O'Gorman
Ceist:619. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether, if he makes a change to the vacant property grant regarding introducing a €650,000 cap on the value of the property, when would this change apply from; and the protections that would be put in place for people who are currently in the process of buying a home over the cap and who were relying on the vacant property grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72431/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Emer Currie
Ceist:621. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is considering proposals to change the eligibility criteria of the vacant property refurbishment grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Currie
Ceist:622. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider a lead-in time when changing the eligibility of a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72561/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 617, 618, 619, 621 and 622 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, which considered all aspects of the scheme.
The review of the grant and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government were considered as part of the new housing plan which was launched in November.
The housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 has committed to improve and expand the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant including by introducing an 'Above the Shop' top up grant. My Department is currently progressing this work.
Any changes to the operation of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will be communicated in a timely manner to all interested parties and implemented from a future date.
Question No. 618 answered with Question No. 617.
Question No. 619 answered with Question No. 617.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (620)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:620. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has contingency plans in place if the invasive demon shrimp (dikerogammarus haemobaphes) infiltrates Lough Corrib SAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72497/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to my reply to Question No. 571 of 18 November which sets out the position in this matter.
My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service is engaging with the relevant agencies and stakeholders and, pending the results of ongoing surveys, testing and monitoring, will carefully consider with them the next steps to mitigate the impact of this species on our waterways.
Question No. 621 answered with Question No. 617.
Question No. 622 answered with Question No. 617.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (623)
Gillian Toole
Ceist: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 fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
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.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (624)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:624. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of asset profilers in his Department as of 5 December 2025, in tabular form. [71698/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As at 5th December 2025, six members of An Garda Siochana seconded to my Department have received training as an asset profiler.
I trust that the above is of assistance to the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (625)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:625. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a school in Cork (details supplied) is experiencing a delay in having their school meals rolled out; if the timeline will be reviewed considering that the school is one of the only ones in the area without a school hot meal in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71722/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
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.
Riverstown National School have confirmed they have started their procurement process to obtain a school meals supplier. Once this is concluded and they have selected a supplier they will then submit their application to my Department for Hot School Meals funding. The school principal and school board of management will decide a start date for the Hot School Meals Programme that best meets the needs in their school. Schools apply annually for School Meals Funding.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (626)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:626. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has received any complaints from schools or parents in relation to the hot school meals programme; the approximate number of complaints received; if he will provide a general summary of the concerns and issues raised; if specific concerns have been raised in relation to the nutritional value of meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71741/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
In 2023, this Department published an independent evidence-based Evaluation of the School Meals Programme which sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing. The report sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing.
Of the respondent parents surveyed 83.44% agreed that the programme was positive. Similarly, 83.12% wanted the School Meals Programme extended to all schools, with a further 81.9% supporting the universal provision of hot meals.
Complaints can be submitted to my Department in a number of ways. Through phone calls, emails and written correspondence directly to the School Meals Unit, submit feedback through my departments website and through public representatives. I am also aware of feedback through media reports. While it is not possible to provide a definitive figure for complaints on school meals, the number is low compared to the volume of meals produced on a weekly basis.
Feedback for the School Meals Scheme has been overwhelmingly positive; however, as the Programme for Government highlights, we will continue to ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, reduce food waste and utilise recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarified the matter.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (627)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:627. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the names of all suppliers currently involved in the delivery of hot school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71742/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
There are over 300 suppliers in the School Meals Programme with the majority of these supplying one to three local schools. There are eleven meals on wheels organisations supplying forty schools and there are nine large school meal providers. The nine large suppliers are Fresh Today, The Lunch Bag, Glanmore, Carambola, School Food Company, Bradburys, Ashdale Catering, Gourmet Kids, Martina's Homemade Foods. My officials in this Department have been working with officials in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and they have compiled a list of supports available to local community organisations who may wish to expand their operation into the school meals area. This information has been supplied to some rural schools experiencing difficulties obtaining a supplier and a range of other community organisations.
I trust this clarifies the matter.