Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
444. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the oversight mechanisms in place to monitor compliance by food suppliers under the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11193/26]
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 the meals directly to the school. The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. It is the responsibility of each school board to select a 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. Any issues regarding food quality should be addressed by the school board with their supplier.
My Department has an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools which includes reviewing the menu. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected onsite annually by that department. In total, 121 desk assessments were conducted in 2024. This represents a 20% total check on schools. For 2025, 400 schools were inspected and the desk assessments increased to 155 cases as more schools become eligible to join the programme.
Last September my Department funded and recruited a dietician, seconded to the Department of Health to strengthen oversight of the Hot School Meals Programme.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is the regulatory body with responsibility for enforcement procedures in instances of non-compliance with food law by any food business operator in Ireland.
Many community based providers participate in the School Meals Programme. My officials in this Department have been working with officials in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and 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, a number of which are already supplying schools in the School Meals Programme.
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.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
