To ask the Minister of Education, further to his statement on 31 December 2021, to detail his plans for school meals during January 2021.

I announced on 5 January 2021 (https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/weir-sets-out-plans-education-provision) that pre-school, primary and post primary schools will be required to provide remote learning to pupils until the half term break in mid-February. Schools will remain open to children of key workers and vulnerable children and Special schools will remain open as usual.

Direct payments in lieu of free school meals will be made to families whose children are entitled to free school meals and are learning remotely from home. Children attending school, such as key workers’ children and vulnerable children, should bring a packed lunch to school. School meals services will be available in Special schools and pupils entitled to free school meals attending Special schools will receive free school meals at school as normal.