Campaigners have accused Education Minister Paul Givan of attempting to undermine a proposed Stormont law designed to help poorer families with food costs. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) minister has been critical of the legislation, brought forward by Sinn Féin assembly member Danny Baker.
The Holiday Meals Payment Bill would create a new payment for families whose children receive free school meals, to be made during school holidays. Mr Givan has warned that the bill would immediately cost his department £20m a year, at a time when it is already facing budget challenges.
Mr Givan has now proposed amendments that would grant him the power to delay the implementation of the bill. A coalition of campaign groups, including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Save the Children, stated that these amendments would mean "no guarantees about when, if ever, payments might begin". They have called on all political parties and MLAs to reject the amendments and support the bill as it currently stands.
The matter is scheduled for discussion in the assembly on Monday. It is not clear if Mr Givan will secure the necessary support from other parties for his amendments, although the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has expressed reservations about the proposal.