Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
556. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to carry out a review of the packaging used by the providers of school lunches under the school meals programme to ensure that all packaging is environmentally friendly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9944/22]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,506 schools and organisations benefitting 230,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take 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 directly to the schools and organisations, who are then required to procure the provision of the food in compliance with relevant HACCP, Food Safety and Nutritional Standards. The Department does not have any contractual relationship with persons or companies involved in supplying food to schools or organisations.
The method and logistics of supplying the meals, as well as arrangements regarding packaging are addressed between the school and the supplier.
An independent evaluation of the school meals programme is being undertaken. Policy on waste and packaging will form part of this review.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
