01/12/2025
Other News In Brief
Sinn Féin MLA Appeals For Vigilance During Christmas Campaign
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has appealed for the public to exercise extra vigilance following the launch of the PSNI’s annual 'Operation Season’s Greetings' campaign.
The South Antrim MLA welcomed the wide-ranging campaign, which includes increased police visibility and patrols in nightlife areas under 'Project Vigilant' to tackle violence against women and girls. Mr Kearney also highlighted the significant rise in fatal road traffic collisions, noting that 47 deaths have occurred on Northern Ireland's roads this year, primarily on rural routes.
He strongly appealed to all drivers to use extra caution, avoid alcohol or drugs, and never use a mobile phone while driving to prevent further tragedies.
Free Immersive Installation 'StoryDreamer' Opens In Belfast
People are invited to experience the 'StoryDreamer' prototype, a new, free immersive public installation exploring Belfast’s diverse stories through technology, until 10 December 2025 at 2 Royal Avenue.
Developed collaboratively by Hamilton Robson, Nerve Centre, and 1 Up Studios, the installation was created in response to the 'Augment the City' competition. 'StoryDreamer' uses cutting-edge technology, including an AI-powered holographic story gatherer and interactive projection mapping, to bring to life the voices and experiences of Belfast's people. It offers the public a chance to contribute personal memories, hopes, and dreams for the city, and provides a glimpse into how immersive technologies could enhance future world-class visitor attractions, such as the proposed Belfast Stories public space.
SDLP Slams Minister Over Universal Free School Meals
SDLP Opposition Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has criticised the Education Minister for a refusal to commit to delivering universal free school meals by 2030.
Speaking after the SDLP’s Opposition Day motion passed in the Assembly, the East Derry MLA argued that Northern Ireland is "languishing behind the rest of these islands" in expanding provision. Ms Hunter highlighted that one in five children living in poverty do not currently qualify for free school meals, and noted evidence showing that universal provision results in healthier young people and better educational outcomes.
She concluded that refusing to consider moving towards universal free school meals is a "political choice" that the Minister "will have to own."
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has appealed for the public to exercise extra vigilance following the launch of the PSNI’s annual 'Operation Season’s Greetings' campaign.
The South Antrim MLA welcomed the wide-ranging campaign, which includes increased police visibility and patrols in nightlife areas under 'Project Vigilant' to tackle violence against women and girls. Mr Kearney also highlighted the significant rise in fatal road traffic collisions, noting that 47 deaths have occurred on Northern Ireland's roads this year, primarily on rural routes.
He strongly appealed to all drivers to use extra caution, avoid alcohol or drugs, and never use a mobile phone while driving to prevent further tragedies.
Free Immersive Installation 'StoryDreamer' Opens In Belfast
People are invited to experience the 'StoryDreamer' prototype, a new, free immersive public installation exploring Belfast’s diverse stories through technology, until 10 December 2025 at 2 Royal Avenue.
SDLP Slams Minister Over Universal Free School Meals
SDLP Opposition Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has criticised the Education Minister for a refusal to commit to delivering universal free school meals by 2030.
Speaking after the SDLP’s Opposition Day motion passed in the Assembly, the East Derry MLA argued that Northern Ireland is "languishing behind the rest of these islands" in expanding provision. Ms Hunter highlighted that one in five children living in poverty do not currently qualify for free school meals, and noted evidence showing that universal provision results in healthier young people and better educational outcomes.
She concluded that refusing to consider moving towards universal free school meals is a "political choice" that the Minister "will have to own."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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29 July 2015
Call For All Children Between Four And Seven To Receive Free School Meals
NI doctors are calling for all children between the ages of four and seven to receive free school meals. The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for the scheme to be extended to all children. Dr Paul Darragh, a member of the BMA’s Board of Science, said: "It is critical that healthy eating patterns are established when people are young.
Call For All Children Between Four And Seven To Receive Free School Meals
NI doctors are calling for all children between the ages of four and seven to receive free school meals. The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for the scheme to be extended to all children. Dr Paul Darragh, a member of the BMA’s Board of Science, said: "It is critical that healthy eating patterns are established when people are young.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
02 August 2013
Parents Encouraged To Use School Uniform Grants
Education Minister John O'Dowd has encouraged parents to take advantage of school uniform grants. The Clothing Allowance Scheme covers pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools and is similar to free school meals with regards to its eligibility criteria.
Parents Encouraged To Use School Uniform Grants
Education Minister John O'Dowd has encouraged parents to take advantage of school uniform grants. The Clothing Allowance Scheme covers pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools and is similar to free school meals with regards to its eligibility criteria.
10 June 2024
Eligibility Criteria Change Announced For Free School Meals
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced a change to the eligibility criteria for families applying for free school meals and uniform grants. The annual net earnings threshold that applies to free school meals and uniform grants applicants who are in receipt of Universal Credit has been raised from £14,000 to £15,000.
Eligibility Criteria Change Announced For Free School Meals
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced a change to the eligibility criteria for families applying for free school meals and uniform grants. The annual net earnings threshold that applies to free school meals and uniform grants applicants who are in receipt of Universal Credit has been raised from £14,000 to £15,000.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.