To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the Education Information Solutions project to move all post-primary schools to a cashless system.

A cashless system for the provision of catering services has been installed and are operational in approximately 45% of the post-primary schools where the Education Authority (EA) provides the catering. These schools have implemented a cashless system with the assistance and support of the EA and the external contractor.

While no new systems have been installed with EA involvement for some time, a number of post-primary schools have independently introduced these systems. Schools that introduced a cashless system in partnership with the EA have benefited from the EA's contract with external service providers for annual maintenance. The contractor has provided technical support for system implementation and assistance with data protection requirements. Currently, there is no funding available to install new cashless catering systems or renew existing systems. The EA is actively seeking funding to expand access, and this initiative is being considered as part of the Education Information Solutions programme. The EA is able to provide advice and guidance to any school wishing to introduce a cashless catering system.

The Schools Management System (SMS) will see a replacement to the current Schools Information Management Solution and is currently in pre-pilot phase. The pilot of the Bromcom School Management System, including online payments, is expected to launch in late summer 2025.

Schools have been advised to contact the EA Commercial Procurement Team directly for ongoing support regarding this matter.