By Dan Walsh
Sinn Féin TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin a, former primary school teacher of many years, has said the Government must go beyond minor adjustments to the School Meals Programme and introduce meaningful reforms that improve food quality, reduce waste and support local food producers.
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said; “Sinn Féin has long supported the provision of school meals and recognises the vital role the programme plays in tackling food poverty and supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis. However, the fact that around 100,000 meals a day are reportedly going uneaten shows that significant reform is needed.
“During a recent committee meeting attended by Darina Allen, I highlighted concerns that have been consistently raised by principals, teachers and parents. These include the quality of some meals being provided, excessive food waste, and the growing administrative burden being placed on schools.
“Principals have told me that large quantities of food are ending up in bins because children simply do not want to eat it. At the same time, schools are being asked to manage a scheme that places additional pressures on already stretched staff.
“We need to move towards a model that prioritises fresh, locally sourced food and supports local farmers, food producers and small businesses. Public money should be delivering nutritious meals for children while strengthening local economies.
“There are currently 11 schools across North Wexford and South Wicklow participating in the Hot School Meals Programme, including four schools in North Wexford and seven in South Wicklow according to 2025 figures on the department of Education Website.
“Children deserve healthy, high-quality meals that they will actually eat,” said Deputy Ó Súilleabháin, who added; “The Government must now address the issues of quality, waste and administration, and seriously examine community-led and locally sourced alternatives. Simply tinkering around the edges will not be enough.”
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