Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
165. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures he will take to address concerns regarding cross contamination making school meals unsuitable for coeliac children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15224/26]
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.
The Department of Education and Youth School Meals Procurement Unit (SPU) with the support of the Interdepartmental Working Group on School Meals developed mandatory procurement documentation for the Hot School Meals Programme.
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including handling the procurement process. The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme.
Food cross-contamination in respect of food allergies and food intolerances including but not limited to: lactose-free, gluten-free, etc is dealt with as part of the award criteria under Sub- Criterion B.2.C. With all contract management there are Key Performance Indicators built into the contract between the school and the supplier and these cover coeliacs and those with food intolerances and allergies including gluten-free.
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 foods the require specific allergen and intolerance labelling which can be found on their website [Food Hypersensitivity - Food Allergy and Intolerance | Food Safety Authority of Ireland] (www.fsai.ie/enforcement-and-legislation/legislation/food-legislation/food-information-fic-(labelling)/food-hypersensitivity-food-allergy-and-intolerance).
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.
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.
