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Campaigners accuse Northern Ireland education minister of trying to undermine Holiday Hunger Bill
Overview
Campaigners, including the NSPCC and Save the Children, have accused Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan of attempting to undermine the Holiday Meals Payment Bill by proposing amendments that would give him discretion over when payments take effect. The DUP minister has argued that the proposed legislation would cost his department £20m a year at a time of severe budget constraints. The bill, brought forward by Sinn Féin's Danny Baker, aims to provide financial support for food to families whose children receive free school meals during school holidays.
Key points
- Campaigners accuse Education Minister Paul Givan of trying to undermine the Holiday Meals Payment Bill.
- Givan has proposed amendments to give himself the discretion to delay or decide when payments take effect.
- The bill would create holiday food payments for families whose children receive free school meals.
- Givan estimates the scheme would cost his department £20m annually amid ongoing budget struggles.
- A coalition of groups including the NSPCC and Save the Children has called on MLAs to reject the minister's amendments.