Niall Collins
Ceist:1568. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if support can be provided to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 January 2026
Ceisteanna (1568)
Freagraí 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 School Meals 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.
The recent refinements to the procurement process strengthens the programme 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 and health and safety. The legislation referenced in the procurement documentation is existing legislation which all food business operators would already be familiar with and legally required to comply with.
Some 89% of primary schools with fewer than 50 pupils who participated in the School Meal Programme in 2024/2025 academic year received a hot school meal.
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 and a range of other community organisations.
My officials have contacted Lough Gur National School in Hollycross to advise them of their options including engaging with local café, restaurants, local suppliers, and meals on wheels services etc. My officials will continue to support this school.
I trust this clarifies the matter.