According to BBC News reports, some primary school students in County Down will not have the option of a hot meal due to a range of factors, including kitchen staff shortages.

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: “For some children and young people, their school lunch may be the only hot meal they get that day. The potential impact that this failure to deliver could have on them is hugely significant, and incredibly concerning.

“We need clarification from the Education Authority and the Department of Education around exactly how many children are being impacted by this, and what steps are in place to ensure it is not a long-term situation.

“This also speaks to the wider issue of resourcing within our schools and the need for the Education Minister to provide further information around the spending decisions he is taking.

“I have asked questions to the Department of Education relating to how widespread this issue is and what is being done to support the schools and pupils impacted, and I hope the answers will be forthcoming.”