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Principal Advocates Holiday Hunger Payments for Students

3/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Aine Leslie, principal of Malone Integrated College in Belfast, says school holidays cause food insecurity for many pupils.
She notes that over half of her 750 students qualify for free meals.
She backs Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker's Stormont Bill to reinstate holiday hunger payments of £27 per child every fortnight, cut in March 2023.
Baker aims to pass the bill before the early 2027 election, despite budgetary challenges.

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Story summary

Aine Leslie, principal of Malone Integrated College in Belfast, says school holidays cause food insecurity for many pupils.
She notes that over half of her 750 students qualify for free meals.
She backs Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker's Stormont Bill to reinstate holiday hunger payments of £27 per child every fortnight, cut in March 2023.
Baker aims to pass the bill before the early 2027 election, despite budgetary challenges.