An investigation into allegations of subsidy fraud under the School Meals' Programme was launched late last year by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

A suggestion had been made to the department that a company was claiming a false number of school meal subsidies. It was said that in one school subsidies were being claimed for 700 students when only 600 were availing of meals.

The School Meals' Programme allocates funds to national and secondary schools, local groups and voluntary organisations, to provide food services for disadvantaged school children.

Funding is apportioned on a per meal per child basis. School principals certify the number and type of meals provided and submit accounts to verify the amount claimed.

According to the department, funding for the School Meals' Programme is intended "for the purchase and distribution of healthy, nourishing food items only". The department says financial support is not made available for sugary drinks, fried foods and confectionery.

Last year, expenditure on the scheme amounted to about €32m.

In a statement, the department said allegations of fraud were taken seriously and were fully investigated.

"Under the School Meals' Programme, the department deals directly with the schools concerned and does not deal with any suppliers that a school may engage.

"Any allegations of fraud or abuse of the social welfare system are taken seriously by the department and are fully investigated.

"The department cannot comment on individual cases of fraud or abuse until they have been successfully prosecuted through the courts.

"However, the department can confirm that it is currently investigating an allegation in relation to the operation of the School Meals' Programme," the statement said. (Source: Irish Independent)