SDLP West Belfast Councillor Paul Doherty has called for full funding of holiday hunger legislation moving through the Northern Ireland Assembly. The bill is set for its Second Stage on Monday.

The legislation seeks to restore payments removed during the Stormont collapse. Doherty said the SDLP backs the measure to reinstate aid for families during school holidays.

He noted that community organisations face increased demand for food parcels and support in holiday periods. The loss of these payments has added pressure on households amid rising living costs.

Doherty stressed that the bill requires funding to succeed. He called on the Sinn Féin Finance Minister to collaborate with the Education Minister for implementation.

The councillor pointed to ongoing poverty in the region. He said the Executive must introduce additional measures to assist low-income families facing high rents and mortgages who do not qualify for the payments.