Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
212. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection his Department's engagements with food suppliers in the run-up to launching the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10539/26]
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.
In advance of launching the Hot Meals Pilot in 2019 officials from my department engaged with the three largest suppliers of school meals at that time. Following meetings held in January 2019 the suppliers were given time to consider the viability of delivering hot meals to schools. On 28th January 2019, a proof of concept was operated in Our Lady of Lourdes National School in conjunction with one of the suppliers. Following the success of the proof of concept the pilot project was launched in September 2019 for 36 schools.
Consultation with the suppliers has continued throughout the expansion of the hot meals from the pilot in 36 schools in 2019 to the hot school meals scheme available to all primary schools in 2025.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
