59. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the dietician report into the nutritional standards of the hot school meals scheme, including recommendations for improving the nutrition. [67250/26]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Nutrition Review Report was published earlier this week.  The report was conducted by my Department's seconded a CORU-registered dietician for the School Meals Programme who is under the clinical supervision of the Department of Health.

The report showed there is a wide variety of meals offered under the scheme, with good availability of nutritious and well-balanced options.  82% of meals analysed did not contain foods considered high in fat, salt or sugar.  However, the analysis of data on meal options showed that high, fat, salt, sugar foods are chosen over healthier options when available on the menu.

Feedback provided by principals and teachers during school visits was largely positive.  Principals rated meals particularly highly on choice, consideration of dietary requirements, quality, and nutritional value.  78% of teachers rated meals as acceptable, good or excellent for nutritional value, and 79% rated meals as acceptable, good, or excellent on quality.

The average proportion of uneaten meals was 18.9% across all classes, with less food waste seen in younger age groups.  Absenteeism contributed significantly to total waste.  When accounting for absences the proportion of uneaten meals fell to 11.1%.

There are of course improvements required in the scheme.  Meals would benefit from increased provision of vegetables, fruit, salad and wholegrain foods, improving menu consistency, providing age-appropriate portion sizes and strengthening compliance systems.

The review recommended the introduction of a standardised, fully compliant menu framework by prioritising a 3-week menu cycle and developing robust nutrition compliance audits.  Improve flexibility and age appropriateness by providing different meal sizes for different age groups and allowing schools to choose either a hot or cold lunch on any given day.  In order to continue to ensure inclusivity for all students, menus will be adapted for special schools, special classes, and children with specific dietary requirements.

Importantly, the findings of the report align closely with those in the independent IPSOS Behaviour and Attitudes evaluation of service review of the Hot School Meals Scheme and support the recommendations in the report.

I am pleased to see that the reports indicate a generally high standard of food provision and a high level of overall satisfaction.  I am also pleased that they provide an independent and objective view of those areas where we can improve the programme.  I will immediately begin to act on those recommendations for improvement.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.