To ask the Minister of Education whether the amount of money provided to pupils receiving the Free School Meal allowance will increase with the rate of inflation.

The Education Authority is responsible for determining the monetary value of a free school meal for pupils using a cafeteria system in all schools with the exception of voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated schools where this is determined by the Department. In order to ensure equality between pupils entitled to free school meals attending different settings, the monetary value determined by the Department is currently the same as the value set by the EA.

The EA has advised that it has no current plans to raise this monetary value as it recognises the impact that an equivalent price increase could have on paying pupils, particularly in light of the current cost of living pressures being experienced by families. The EA will continue to ensure this price remains under review.