SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed the necessary step by the Department of Education to utilise an alternative method of payment for parents without a mainstream bank account.
The previous system of payment for the Free School Meal Payment had locked out almost 2000 vulnerable families this vital funding.
Said the Foyle MLA: “After raising the need for a free school payment provision from the outset of this crisis and putting pressure on both the Departments of Education and Communities, I’m pleased that parents without access to bank accounts will finally receive this crucial payment.
“Following confirmation from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner, I understand that cheques have now been issued to affected families and it is hoped they will receive regular payments going forward.
“This necessary support was intended to protect some of the most vulnerable children within our communities.
“However, it soon became apparent that their needs were not being met as families without access to a mainstream bank account were left unable to avail of this vital support.
“Times of crises require government departments to exercise some leniency and more importantly, a great deal of common sense.
“It is lamentable that it has taken so long to get to this point but I am glad to see that this issue has finally been resolved.”
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