Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
443. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the hot school meals programme will guarantee that food supplied to participating schools is of Irish origin; if not, the European Union procurement restrictions that prevent the State from mandating Irish only produce in school meal contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11192/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra445. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if beef used in the hot school meals programme is required to be Irish beef. [11196/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra446. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if beef imported for the hot school meal programme is subject to EU and Bord Bia standards. [11197/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra447. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the mandatory labelling requirements for beef used in school meals where the beef is not of Irish origin, including obligations regarding country of slaughter, country of fattening, and full traceability information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11198/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 445, 446 and 447 together.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, as Ireland’s independent regulator and the central competent authority for the enforcement of food safety legislation provide advice on the mandatory labelling requirements for beef not of Irish origin which can be found on their website Labelling of Meat Products | Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland deals with 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.
