Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister has described as “shameful” the on-going impasse at Stormont, as it brings children in need of school meals a week closer to going without.

The Department of Education recently confirmed the payments needed to ensure children receive school meals over the summer months was not yet in place, with figures predicting around 98,000 children could go without.

“We find ourselves at the start of another week, and another step closer to summer without this issue resolved. This is the real cost of the DUP’s destructive politics,” said North Belfast MLA Ms McAllister.

“DUP representatives might have turned up to ensure they get their salaries, but it is unacceptable they have washed their hands of the real problems facing people, putting party politics before everything.

“We must do better. The majority of people voted for parties who want to see a functioning Government, with representatives dedicated to dealing with the cost of living, rising health waiting lists and feeding children in need.

“Alliance will continue to liaise with the Department to see what can be done, but in reality the responsibility lies with the DUP for refusing to get back into Government.”