Call For Executive To Support Universal Free School Meals By 2030

SDLP Opposition Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has called on the Executive to show real ambition for children and families by committing to universal free schools meals by 2030.

She was speaking ahead of an SDLP Opposition Day motion to be brought before the Assembly next week.

The motion highlights the educational, health and economic benefits of expanded free school meal provision, notes that one in five children living in poverty in Northern Ireland are currently missing out on support, and expresses concern at the decision to discontinue holiday hunger payments.

She said: "Across these islands, governments are expanding free school meal provision because the evidence is overwhelming. Providing free school meals boosts attainment, improves concentration and behaviour, and delivers long-term economic benefits that far outweigh the initial cost.

"Yet while others move forward, we seem to be going backwards. Despite warm words and support for Assembly motions, the Minister and Executive have failed to restore holiday hunger payments. These payments ensured that children did not go hungry the moment the school gates closed. And now, at a time when families are being stretched to breaking point, the Education Authority has chosen to increase the price of school meals for parents.

"This is about priorities. An estimated 20% of children living in poverty in Northern Ireland are not currently eligible for free school meals. If we're serious about tackling child poverty, this is one of the most direct and impactful interventions we can make. It's not just a welfare policy, it's an education policy, a health policy and an economic investment in our future.

"The SDLP believes that eligibility for free school meals must be significantly widened, with a clear ambition to deliver universal access over time. That's why our upcoming Opposition Day motion will call on the Minister of Education to work with the Minister of Finance to publish a fully funded plan, with clear timelines, to extend free school meals to every child by 2030."

Cancer Delays Are Costing Lives - Dodds

DUP Health Spokesperson Diane Dodds MLA has urged immediate action from the Health Minister after exposing harrowing delays facing cancer patients in Northern Ireland. The Upper Bann representative led a debate in the Assembly on the issue this week. She said: "A cancer diagnosis changes everything. In that moment, lives are turned upside down, not only for the patient, but for their families and loved ones. Across Northern Ireland, 28 people receive that life-altering news every single day. While our clinicians and frontline staff do remarkable work and provide compassionate support, we cannot ignore the stark reality facing too many patients: cancer does not wait, but our system too often does.

"Last night, I highlighted the experience of a 41-year-old woman whose journey from red-flag referral to treatment took 112 days, almost double the 62-day target. In that time, her cancer progressed to stage 4. Her story is not an anomaly; it is a devastating example of the consequences of delay.

"Over two-thirds of patients here now wait beyond the 62-day target for treatment. Outcomes for ovarian, pancreatic and late-stage cancers are deeply concerning. Too many cancers are diagnosed through emergency admissions, and Northern Ireland is simply not keeping pace with other parts of the UK.

"This is a long-term failure to plan for rising demand, and patients are paying the price. The Minister must give clear answers on the ring-fenced £215 million for waiting lists, including the £85 million for red-flag cases. That the Minister confirmed in the debate that some £70m of the money allocated to tackle waiting lists has been redirected to alleviate other pressures is, in my view, a breach of trust. The purpose of this allocation was clear, and the need remains great. The public deserves to know how patients most at risk are being prioritised, what transformation resource is being deployed, and whether why funding intended to reduce waiting lists has been diverted elsewhere."

McAvoy Secures Place on £1bn NHS Modular Building Framework

McAvoy has secured a place on the NHS Commercial Solutions' £1 billion Modular & Prefabricated Building Solutions Framework for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the offsite construction specialist.

The company has been appointed to Lot 2: Modular & Prefabricated Building Services — the largest section of the framework, with an estimated value of up to £600 million. The four-year agreement will allow public sector organisations to access McAvoy’s full range of modular building expertise.

Under the framework, McAvoy will provide design, supply, delivery, installation and maintenance services for its sustainable offsite modular buildings, whether procured as capital projects or hired. The appointment covers facilities across healthcare, education and a broader mix of public sector environments.

Ciara McVeigh, Head of BID Management at McAvoy, said: "Being awarded a place on Lot 2, which forms the largest portion of the work in this framework with a maximum value of £600m, is a major endorsement of our strong capability and track record in delivering high-performing modular buildings across the public sector. With a strong focus on quality, sustainability and efficiency, the framework aligns with our mission to provide public sector clients with modern, reliable and future-ready modular building solutions."