Cork TD slams 'disgraceful discrimination' under school meals scheme 

A Cork TD has accused the Government of “disgraceful discrimination” against small schools and rural communities under its school meals scheme.

Under the scheme, which is funded by the Department of Social Protection, all primary schools are eligible to receive hot meals for their students.

However, some schools have said they cannot avail of the programme because of procurement issues. Last week, a number of small schools were informed by a service provider that a disagreement about food safety compliance would mean they would not receive their meals.

More holes

Cork South West TD and Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said the school meals programme had promised fairness, but had instead unravelled into a policy “with more holes than help”, leaving smaller schools at risk of losing out.

“We have consulted with parents, teachers, and principals across the country, and the message is loud and clear: This policy is unworkable,” he said.

“Small schools, often at the heart of rural communities, are being pushed to the wall by impossible regulations and no extra support. This is discrimination, plain and simple, and it cannot be allowed to stand.”

Mr Collins said schools with just a handful of pupils were being told they now needed designated rooms with architectural certification, mechanical ventilation, upgraded electrics, and strict waste removal procedures.

Furious

He said providers were also being forced to register as food business operators for each individual school, triggering additional insurance, compliance, and staffing costs that could not be met on the State’s allocation of €3.20 per pupil.

“Providers are walking away because they can’t meet the unrealistic standards without extra funding,” Mr Collins said.

“And what’s the result? Children in smaller, rural schools are left without meals. Parents, teachers, and communities are rightly furious.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said: “While it is recognised that delivering meals to smaller or more remote schools may present challenges, the shared priority of all partners in the programme must be that every child benefits from a service where the primary consideration is that the food they eat is safe, nutritious, and supportive of their learning.”