Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
435. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the role of Bord Bia in the hot school meals programme; if suppliers are required, encouraged or incentivised to use Bord Bia quality assured ingredients; if any data is collected on the proportion of Bord Bia certified products used in school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/26]
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.
My Department provides the funding for food to schools. All schools who wish to avail of funding are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenders responsibilities and obligations. The primary relationship is between school and supplier.
Under the National Green Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027 it states "a minimum of 10% by value (€) of food sought by public sector bodies under new contract arrangements (including via contractors such as canteen service providers), is to be certified organic in each of the following categories of Cereals, fresh Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, Fish, Vegetables and Dairy products, where possible.’
Under the Department of Education and Youth template procurement documentation it stipulates that menu’s which must include a range of locally sourced produce along with a greater use of sustainable food, for example, in-season produce, high animal welfare standards on meat, free-range eggs, marine conservation certified fish;.
There is no stipulation that food should originate from Ireland only. It should be noted that under EU laws, and as reflected in public procurement rules, it cannot be specified that food must originate from a particular country. That would be in breach of EU single market rules.
There is no data in relation to the proportion of Bord Bia certified products used in school meals.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
