Questions have been raised on how effectively the Hot School Meals Programme reaches children in rural areas and those attending small-sized schools by a Co. Laois TD.

Fine Gael TD William Aird also queried Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary about the gaps in coverage, how food waste is minimised while ensuring nutritional quality, and how food delivery is monitored.

Minister Calleary said 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.

He added: "The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement."

School Meals Programme

In relation to schools in Co. Laois, Minister Calleary said there are 65 primary and special schools in the county. Three schools have not applied to the programme to date; however, two of those are current finalising procurement.

He noted that all other primary schools in Co. Laois are in receipt of a hot meal, except for four schools who chose the cold lunch option instead.

On food delivery and quality, the minister said "The programme is designed so that meals are provided by contracted food business operators.

He further said that this also ensures that children will benefit from a "reliable, high-quality service" and that schools are protected from having to take on responsibilities that are more appropriate to the provider who has the appropriate expertise and experience.

Minister Calleary added: "Recent refinements to the procurement system strengthens it by ensuring consistent standards across all participating schools."

He said this is done with the input of several other government departments and state agencies to ensure schools and providers "operate safely and compliantly across areas such as food safety, health and safety, fire safety, and building regulations".

The minister went on to explain how his department has been working with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to compile a list of supports available to local community organisations that wish to expand their operations into school meal areas.

He added: "Schools can also engage with local café, restaurants, local suppliers, and Meals on Wheels services, etc."

Food waste

On minimising food waste, Minister Calleary said that under under tender documentation, and as explained by the Department of Education and Youth's Schools Procurement’s Unit, "the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging".

The school will choose the disposal methods that best suit their needs, depending on school size and meal requirements.

"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," Minister Calleary said.

The supplier should also make a reasonable effort to minimise adverse environmental impacts in the method of service deliveries and material use.