Cathy Bennett TD asked the Minister for Social: School Meals Programme
Cathy Bennett, a TD representing County Cavan, has raised parliamentary questions regarding the Government's Hot School Meals Programme. Her enquiries focus on the development and implementation of supplier lists for schools participating in the initiative.
Bennett specifically sought clarity on when the Minister for Social Protection intends to compile and publish a pre-approved list of suppliers for schools enrolled in the scheme. A key element of her questioning concerns how these county-based supplier lists will be developed and managed going forward.
The TD has emphasised the importance of prioritising local suppliers within the framework of the programme. She has advocated for the use of locally sourced produce, arguing this approach would support sustainable food systems while simultaneously reducing food miles. By promoting regional suppliers, Bennett's position reflects broader policy objectives centred on environmental sustainability and support for local economies.
The questions highlight ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of how Government schemes are administered at local level, particularly regarding procurement practices and their potential to benefit communities. The Hot School Meals Programme represents a significant Government initiative, and questions around supplier selection and local sourcing remain important considerations for implementation across different counties.
For further details on this parliamentary question, readers can consult the official Oireachtas record.
Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.
Further coverage
Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current status of the Government's proposed Circularity Roadmap for the Construction Sector; when it is proposed to publish it; if it will set out regulations underpinned by primary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has plans to open a new Irish Consulate General in Muscat, Oman.
Asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to introduce a reciprocal driving licence exchange agreement between Ireland and the United States of America, Australia and Canada; the timeline for when such an agreement is expected to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Asked the Minister for Health whether the drug sotatercept, approved for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in other jurisdictions, will be made available to patients in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the date on which she will visit a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.