Public Accounts Committee to review school meals programme

The Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) will convene on Thursday, 22 October, to thoroughly review the procurement procedures and financial governance of the Hot School Meals Programme. The session will take place at 10:30am in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House, with attendance from the Department of Social Protection's Secretary General, John McKeon, alongside representatives from the Department of Education and Youth. The Comptroller and Auditor General will also provide ongoing oversight during the meeting.

Since its pilot launch in 2019, when funding was allocated to 37 primary schools, the Hot School Meals Programme has expanded dramatically. Presently, all primary schools can apply for funding, resulting in the provision of approximately three million meals weekly to around 500,000 children. Spending on the broader School Meals Programme reached nearly €230 million in 2025, with the allocation rising to €286 million for 2026.

Deputy John Brady, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, emphasised the importance of robust oversight in managing public funds. The Committee will investigate verification of pupil numbers, handling of unspent funds, and safeguards against potential misuse. Procurement challenges, including value for money and consistency under a decentralised supplier selection model, will also be examined. Additionally, food quality, nutritional standards, portion sizes, and monitoring of uneaten meals and waste are key concerns. The Department’s implementation of recommendations to enhance financial controls, procurement, and performance monitoring will be closely reviewed to ensure the programme continues to serve children and communities effectively.