School Meals Nutritional Standards Bill 2026

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

Sets legal rules for school meals funded by the State or local authorities, requiring the Minister for Health to make regulations on things like portion sizes, food groups, preparation methods, allowed drinks and vegetarian options. It also gives the Food Safety Authority of Ireland a role in enforcing those standards and changes school duties so promoting a healthy food environment becomes part of school life. The aim is to make school meals more consistent and healthier as the hot meals programme expands.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for the making of regulations by the Minister for Health providing for nutritional standards and related requirements for school meals provided under school meal schemes funded by moneys provided directly or indirectly by the State or local authorities; to provide for the enforcement of such regulations by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 17 June 2026