773. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if schools in County Leitrim (details supplied) have received their grants for hot school meals supply to date; if he will confirm the payment methods as advised to schools; and if the normal 30-day invoice period for suppliers and per the normal public service supplier code is in operation. [65332/26]

Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school by Electronic Funds Transfer to the school's nominated bank account. It is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including handling the payment of invoices to their supplier.

All schools are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme.

The 2026/2027 academic year commenced two weeks ago, just three of the eight schools queried have submitted their application to date. They are Drumlea, Strabaggan and Kingsland. There are queries on their applications, and the School Meals team has been in communication with the schools.

As soon as the applications are submitted from the other schools they will be processed in due course.

I trust this clarifies the matter.