Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“The extension of free school meals over the summer holidays will be welcomed across the UK with Wales and Scotland already confirming that the scheme will be extended to pupils within their jurisdiction. However, in Northern Ireland, we have the nonsense of Conor Murphy telling us that he is “determined” to find the money and the First Minister telling us that she is sympathetic to introducing the scheme “if the necessary finances can be secured”.
“Of course Murphy and Mrs Foster know the money is coming. They won’t be looking down the back of a sofa in Stormont Castle but it will come from Her Majesty’s Treasury which ensures that we get our share of any scheme announced in the UK because of the Barnett formula.
“Our Toy Town Parliament in Stormont will merely dole the money out. In reality, it will once again prove the benefits of being part of the UK, not the benefits of devolution. But once again we have the cynical headline-grabbing – even by Unionists who should be using this scheme to highlight the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom.”