Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
734. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Social Protection how effectively the Hot School Meals Programme reaches children in rural areas, such as County Laois, including those attending small schools; the gaps in coverage; the way in which food waste is minimised while ensuring nutritional quality; the way in which delivery is monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10426/26]
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.
There are 65 primary and special schools in Co. Laois. Three schools have not applied to date; however, two of those are current finalising procurement. There is one claim pending, with my department awaiting further documentation. All other primary schools in Co. Laois are in receipt of a hot meal except for four schools who chose the cold lunch option instead.
The programme is designed so that meals are provided by contracted food business operators. This ensures responsibility for food safety and legislative compliance is placed on these professional providers and not on the schools themselves. This also 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 or application of the law changed.
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. This can be obtained from my department. Schools can also engage with local café, restaurants, local suppliers, and meals on wheels services etc.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Department of Education and Youth's Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards.
In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and 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.
Should any school wish to contact my department directly to discuss the options available to them, they can do so by contacting school.meals@welfare.ie or 071 9138625.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
