Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2005
103 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has guidelines on the provision of food vending machines on school premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39567/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchools are privately managed institutions which, although funded by the State, enjoy a large degree of autonomy. It is, therefore, primarily a matter for each school to devise guidelines on the types of food that are available on the school premises and such policies should be driven by the needs and welfare of the pupils. I know that many schools have developed healthy eating policies in co-operation with their parents' associations and I encourage others to do so.
