Motion

Motion TitleFree School Meals Provision

Motion TextThat this Assembly recognises that providing free school meals in primary schools delivers multiple benefits including improved nutrition, enhanced educational attainment and long-term economic returns; notes that in Northern Ireland an estimated 20 per cent of children living in poverty are currently not eligible for free school meals; further notes that other jurisdictions across these islands are significantly expanding free school meal provision; regrets the decision to halt the School Holiday Food Grant scheme, which provided vital support to low-income families during school holidays; believes that eligibility for free school meals should be significantly expanded, with the ambition of moving to universal access over time; and calls on the Minister of Education to work with the Minister of Finance to publish a funded plan with timelines to extend free school meals to all school children by 2030.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Motion TypeOpposition business

Date Tabled to Business Office11/11/2025

Date Selected By Committee11/11/2025

Date of Plenary Debate25/11/2025