Parents across Ireland have expressed frustration after being informed that the promised hot school meals programme has been delayed just days before schools reopen, despite government commitments made in last year’s budget.
The Department of Social Protection announced earlier this month that up to 350 schools would not have access to the Hot School Meals scheme from September, which was intended to provide all primary school children with one hot meal per day.
Two national schools in Waterford notified parents yesterday that procurement process delays on the department’s side would prevent them from providing lunches to students when schools return on Thursday.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Joeanne Bailey, whose son attends one of the affected schools, criticized the timing: “I think it’s absolutely disgraceful that schools have to wait. This is a big announcement from the government, and it just seems to be another announcement that they couldn’t fulfil.”
The delay stems from the department’s failure to finalize standard procurement documentation for the scheme. Schools now face an eight to ten-week procurement process, potentially pushing implementation close to Christmas.
One affected school’s email to parents stated: “Despite the big announcements in the media earlier this year, the government did not have the necessary processes in place. This is impacting all schools that were approved at Easter and is out of our control.”
Opposition politicians have labeled the delay “unfair” and a “disgrace,” emphasizing that the programme represents a necessity rather than mere support for many families.
The Department of Social Protection said updated procurement documentation became available to schools on August 15th, with an Interdepartmental Working Group established to oversee the programme’s operation. The department has begun webinars to support schools through the procurement process.
Schools already providing hot meals will continue doing so, while new schools joining the programme can offer cold lunches during the procurement period. However, the timing has left many parents scrambling to arrange alternative lunch arrangements just as the new school year begins.