343. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the tendering process for the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48362/26]

Under the School Meals Scheme my Department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Scheme for their school including managing the procurement process.

All public spending must comply with procurement rules. The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurement including the School Meals Scheme. In conjunction with my Department they have provided webinars and frequently asked questions to support schools through their procurement process including the evaluation of tenders.

The recent refinements to the procurement system, which underpin the Scheme, strengthens it by ensuring consistent standards across all participating schools. They also reflect the combined input of several Government Departments and State agencies, ensuring that schools and providers operate safely and compliantly across areas such as food safety, health and safety, fire safety, and building regulations.

No new legislation has been introduced or application of the law changed.

Taste assessment, or food sampling is not part of the marking of tender evaluations. Food preferences vary from person to person therefore schools follow the programme’s Nutritional Standards, developed by expert dietitians ensures consistency, quality, and appropriate nutritional balance.

I trust this clarifies the matter.