asked the Minister for Social Welfare what criteria are followed in accepting tenders from caterers for the school meals system; and whether nutritional standards are considered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Meals Tenders.
64.
The type of meal to be supplied is determined by the local authorities who invite tenders for the commodities required. The authorities are urged to make milk the basic constituent of the meal in view of its high nutritive qualities.
Is the Minister aware that in some cases the lowest tender appears to be the sole determinant in giving an order to a particular caterer? Would he make it a point to remind local authorities that nutritional standards should be considered in relation to such school meals because to the children of many families, as a result of our bad social services, this meal is the most important part of their diet?
The Act does not impose any obligation on me to dictate to or direct local authorities as to what type of meal should be supplied. However, there are certain standards specified and I have no reason to believe the meals do not conform to them. Sometimes the quality might mean the quantity can be extended. That might be one possibility.
This is a rather important matter. It should not be left, as in some cases it is, to be determined merely in accordance with the lowest tender. Would he consider it important enough, as I do, to advise local authorities that nutritional standards should be the main point in submitting any tenders for the school meals system? Some children depend on this meal during the day and for them it is a most important one. Will the Minister consider advising local authorities about this?
I will take note of the overall picture of meals being supplied but I will not give an undertaking. Existing legislation does not permit me to direct them, and in fact some of the tenders are not submitted to us.
Existing legislation should not stop us in this House from making any improvements. It would be——
We cannot have a speech on this question.