There needs to be more "regulation" across the free hot school meals programme, a primary school principal has said.

The Government first piloted the scheme in 30 DEIS schools in 2019 and it has now expanded to include 2,200 primary schools across the country.

One hot meal is provided to every child in schools participating in the scheme.

The Government provides funding for the programme and then schools tender out for suppliers.

It is expected that by 2030 every school in the country will have access to the scheme.

While many parents and schools have welcomed the scheme, others have voiced concerns about the nutritional content of the food provided.

On The Hard Shoulder, Principal of Owenabue Educate Together National School in Carrigaline, Cork Trina Golden said there needs to be increased regulation of the programme.

"I know [there are] a lot of concerns around they're being ultra processed foods," she said.

"I am not a nutritionist - I’m not in that position to evaluate the food. I'm going on what the company is telling me about their ingredients.

"That accountability piece is what’s missing and that’s what’s causing a lot of the concerns."

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys meeting school children during the announcement at St Thomas' Junior National School, Esker, Lucan, on the roll-out of the Hot School Meals Programme. Picture date: Monday April 15, 2024.

Ms Golden said there appears to be "significant variation" among the suppliers.

"I do feel there needs to be some accountability or regulation," she said.

Despite her call for accountability, Ms Golden said her school has had an "overwhelmingly positive" experience with the scheme and her supplier.

"The range of food is good, the options are solid," she said.

"Any leftovers where say a child is out sick and they don’t have time to cancel it, the staff eat them - we taste the food regularly and it’s decent.

"It’s not gourmet restaurant stuff but it’s a good hot meal for what you get."

The Department of Social Protection states that suppliers of the free school meal programmes must adhere to nutritional standards as defined by Healthy Ireland.

You can listen back below:

Feature image shows Taoiseach Simon Harris meeting school children during the announcement at St Thomas' Junior National School, Esker, Lucan, on the roll-out of the Hot School Meals Programme, Alamy.