Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
34. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update in relation to progress on improving nutritional standard of the hot school meals programme; if he will provide for a pilot project looking into the socio-economic benefits of a model of local procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46173/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 managing the procurement process.
The Department of Education and Youth Schools Procurement Unit provide guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme. They have published mandatory call for tender procurement documentation and guidance documents.
As Public Bodies, the schools are the Contracting Authorities and are subject to national and EU rules on the award of contracts for supplies, works and services. There are no plans currently to launch a pilot project looking into the socio-economic benefits of a model of local procurement.
My immediate priority is Nutritional standards and I have requested an in-depth review of school meal supplier menus and their compliance with the nutritional standards. My Department seconded a CORU-registered dietician for the School Meals Scheme who is under the clinical supervision of the Department of Health to carry out this review. The review is underway with the final report is due in the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
