I refer the Member to AQW 52977/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053467%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501553","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501553"}},{"id":"501299","reference":"AQW 53344/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-29","answerBy":"2026-10-14","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children currently not attending school due to the lack of appropriate health care support in school including adequate nursing provision.","answerText":"I am informed by the Education Authority that there are currently fewer than five children in Special Schools not attending school due to the lack of appropriate health care support in school, including adequate nursing provision.\n\nAdditionally, fewer than five children in Special Schools have experienced, since the start of 2026 academic year, disrupted attendance due to the lack of appropriate health care support in school, including adequate nursing provision.","answerHtml":"I am informed by the Education Authority that there are currently fewer than five children in Special Schools not attending school due to the lack of appropriate health care support in school, including adequate nursing provision.
Additionally, fewer than five children in Special Schools have experienced, since the start of 2026 academic year, disrupted attendance due to the lack of appropriate health care support in school, including adequate nursing provision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053344%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501299","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501299"}},{"id":"501298","reference":"AQW 53343/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-29","answerBy":"2026-10-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any (i) communication; (ii) guidance; and (iii) operational information, that has been provided to (a) approved driving instructors; and (b) the PSNI, in advance of the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing scheme, on 1 October 2026.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053343%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501298","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501298"}},{"id":"500925","reference":"AQW 53237/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether any assessment has been made of the proposed changes to the Temporary Variation Policy on placements of special education needs pupils, given they are still treated as supernumerary.","answerText":"The proposed changes to Temporary Variation (TV) policy are currently subject to public consultation. The changes will not alter placement arrangements for children with statements of special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools, as these pupils will remain supernumerary for admissions purposes.\n\nThe consultation is, however, taking views on ways of ensuring the proposed changes do not unintentionally reduce opportunities for children with SEN to access suitable school placements, and this will form a key part of my considerations when finalising the policy.","answerHtml":"The proposed changes to Temporary Variation (TV) policy are currently subject to public consultation. The changes will not alter placement arrangements for children with statements of special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools, as these pupils will remain supernumerary for admissions purposes.
The consultation is, however, taking views on ways of ensuring the proposed changes do not unintentionally reduce opportunities for children with SEN to access suitable school placements, and this will form a key part of my considerations when finalising the policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053237%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500925","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500925"}},{"id":"500924","reference":"AQW 53236/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether a further review of the Pupil Allocation Numbers process for pre-school placements is underway.","answerText":"The EA completed its review of pre-school admissions and Pupil Allocation Numbers (PAN) processes in June 2025 and the report is available on the EA website here. Implementation of the actions contained in the Review is ongoing.","answerHtml":"The EA completed its review of pre-school admissions and Pupil Allocation Numbers (PAN) processes in June 2025 and the report is available on the EA website here. Implementation of the actions contained in the Review is ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053236%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500924","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500924"}},{"id":"500923","reference":"AQW 53235/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any allocations from the Emergency Maintenance Grant over the last three years.","answerText":"The table below details the Emergency Maintenance Grant funding allocated by the Education Authority to Voluntary Grammar and Grant-Maintained Integrated Schools over the past three years.\n\nSchool Reference Number\tSchool Name\t2023-24\t2024-25\t2025-26\n£000\t£000\t£000\n5420059\tThe Abbey Grammar School, Newry\t-\t392\t-\n3066568\tAcorn Integrated Primary School, Carrickfergus\t161\t-\t-\n4260309\tBlackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick\t111\t-\t-\n3066551\tBraidside Integrated Primary School, Ballymena\t48\t-\t-\n5066540\tBridge Integrated Primary School, Banbridge\t72\t-\t-\n4066588\tCedar Integrated Primary, Crossgar, Downpatrick\t-\t-\t56\n3420317\tColeraine Grammar School, Coleraine\t-\t-\t19\n2260283\tDrumragh Integrated College, Omagh\t228\t287\t74\n2260280\tErne Integrated College, Drumcoo, Enniskillen\t55\t-\t-\n2420065\tLoreto Grammar School, Omagh\t185\t89\t193\n3066652\tMaine Integrated Primary, Randalstown, Antrim\t-\t-\t14\n3066544\tMill Strand Integrated School & Nursery, Portrush\t-\t-\t153\n5260285\tNew Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland, Banbridge\t-\t508\t249\n3260290\tNorth Coast Integrated College, Coleraine\t630\t312\t681\n2260276\tOakgrove Integrated College, Londonderry\t747\t440\t355\n2066552\tOmagh Integrated Primary School, Omagh\t53\t-\t-\n5420060\tOur Lady's Grammar School, Newry\t-\t422\t471\n2066665\tRoe Valley Integrated Primary School, Limavady\t-\t88\t-\n4260281\tShimna Integrated College, Newcastle\t330\t-\t203\n5420062\tSt Colman's College, Newry\t-\t380\t143\n5420045\tSt Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel\t250\t774\t495\n2420043\tSt Michael's Grammar School, Enniskillen\t263\t247\t170\nTotal\t\t3,133\t3,939\t3,276","answerHtml":"The table below details the Emergency Maintenance Grant funding allocated by the Education Authority to Voluntary Grammar and Grant-Maintained Integrated Schools over the past three years.
| School Reference Number | School Name | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
| £000 | £000 | £000 | ||
| 5420059 | The Abbey Grammar School, Newry | - | 392 | - |
| 3066568 | Acorn Integrated Primary School, Carrickfergus | 161 | - | - |
| 4260309 | Blackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick | 111 | - | - |
| 3066551 | Braidside Integrated Primary School, Ballymena | 48 | - | - |
| 5066540 | Bridge Integrated Primary School, Banbridge | 72 | - | - |
| 4066588 | Cedar Integrated Primary, Crossgar, Downpatrick | - | - | 56 |
| 3420317 | Coleraine Grammar School, Coleraine | - | - | 19 |
| 2260283 | Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh | 228 | 287 | 74 |
| 2260280 | Erne Integrated College, Drumcoo, Enniskillen | 55 | - | - |
| 2420065 | Loreto Grammar School, Omagh | 185 | 89 | 193 |
| 3066652 | Maine Integrated Primary, Randalstown, Antrim | - | - | 14 |
| 3066544 | Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery, Portrush | - | - | 153 |
| 5260285 | New Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland, Banbridge | - | 508 | 249 |
| 3260290 | North Coast Integrated College, Coleraine | 630 | 312 | 681 |
| 2260276 | Oakgrove Integrated College, Londonderry | 747 | 440 | 355 |
| 2066552 | Omagh Integrated Primary School, Omagh | 53 | - | - |
| 5420060 | Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry | - | 422 | 471 |
| 2066665 | Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, Limavady | - | 88 | - |
| 4260281 | Shimna Integrated College, Newcastle | 330 | - | 203 |
| 5420062 | St Colman's College, Newry | - | 380 | 143 |
| 5420045 | St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel | 250 | 774 | 495 |
| 2420043 | St Michael's Grammar School, Enniskillen | 263 | 247 | 170 |
| Total | 3,133 | 3,939 | 3,276 |
Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) were asked to provide detail on the number of adults with a learning disability who are living in residential care, broken down by age and Trust. The information provided by the HSCTs is set out below. To note, the data reported is based on residential placements by the placing Trust i.e. all residential placements placed by each Trust both inside and outside the Trust area.
Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT)
| Age Range | Under 65 | 65 and Over | Total |
| Number | 62 | 66 | 128 |
Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT)
| Age Range | Under 65 | 65 and Over | Total |
| Number | 56 | 24 | 80 |
Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT)
| Age Range | Under 65 | 65 and Over | Total |
| Number | 123 | 32 | 155 |
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT)
| Age Range | 18 – 30 | 31 – 40 | 41 – 50 | 51 – 60 | 61 – 70 | 71 – 80 | 81 – 90 | 90 – 100 | Total |
| Number | 27 | 19 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 16 | <5 | <5 | 130 |
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT)
| Age Range | 18-19 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70-79 | 80-89 | Total |
| Number | <5 | 18 | 17 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 12 | 5 | 147 |
To note, less than five (<5), is recorded when the Trust is unable to provide an exact figure, as the small numbers could make residents personally identifiable. Disclosure of this information would contravene the principles of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053117%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500687","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500687"}},{"id":"500686","reference":"AQW 53116/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-25","answerBy":"2026-10-12","answered":"2026-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions taken to date as part of the Restructuring of the Schools Estate section of his Five-Year Education Budget Strategy.","answerText":"I am currently considering the establishment of an Independent Area Planning Commission to develop a strategic blueprint and practical implementation programme for a sustainable education system.\n\nIts work would be about planning responsibly for future generations and ensuring that the interests of children and young people remain at the centre of decision-making.","answerHtml":"I am currently considering the establishment of an Independent Area Planning Commission to develop a strategic blueprint and practical implementation programme for a sustainable education system.
Its work would be about planning responsibly for future generations and ensuring that the interests of children and young people remain at the centre of decision-making.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053116%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500686","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500686"}},{"id":"500685","reference":"AQW 53115/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-25","answerBy":"2026-10-12","answered":"2026-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of parents who are entitled to a parental payment from the Education Authority for transport, but do not avail of any financial support.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that it is unable to provide information on the number of parents who are entitled to claim a parental payment but have not submitted a claim.\n\nParents who are entitled to a parental payment are notified and provided with information on how to register and submit a claim. During the 2025/26 school year, 3,234 families were notified that they were entitled to claim an annual parental payment and 1,997 families were notified that they were entitled to claim monthly payments in respect of pupils with additional transport requirements.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that it is unable to provide information on the number of parents who are entitled to claim a parental payment but have not submitted a claim.
Parents who are entitled to a parental payment are notified and provided with information on how to register and submit a claim. During the 2025/26 school year, 3,234 families were notified that they were entitled to claim an annual parental payment and 1,997 families were notified that they were entitled to claim monthly payments in respect of pupils with additional transport requirements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053115%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500685","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500685"}},{"id":"500500","reference":"AQW 52985/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-24","answerBy":"2026-10-09","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether any play-based curriculum experts were involved in the development of the new draft foundation stage curriculum.","answerText":"There were 23 primary school practitioners involved in the Subject Working Groups, 15 of which had experience of working in the Foundation Stage. The application process for the SWGs did not require applicants to specifically detail expertise in the “play-based curriculum”.\n\nThe curriculum, which sets out what children should learn, will be supported by guidance on effective pedagogy which will be reflective to stage and subject. This guidance will continue to recognise the importance of play in Foundation Stage as a developmentally appropriate approach to learning, enriched by purposeful teaching and skilled adult interaction.","answerHtml":"There were 23 primary school practitioners involved in the Subject Working Groups, 15 of which had experience of working in the Foundation Stage. The application process for the SWGs did not require applicants to specifically detail expertise in the “play-based curriculum”.
The curriculum, which sets out what children should learn, will be supported by guidance on effective pedagogy which will be reflective to stage and subject. This guidance will continue to recognise the importance of play in Foundation Stage as a developmentally appropriate approach to learning, enriched by purposeful teaching and skilled adult interaction.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052985%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500500","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500500"}},{"id":"500499","reference":"AQW 52984/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-24","answerBy":"2026-10-09","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of foundation stage teachers who were part of the Subject Working Groups developing the draft Curriculum 2028.","answerText":"There were 23 primary school practitioners involved in the Subject Working Groups, 15 of which had experience of working in the Foundation Stage. The application process for the SWGs did not require applicants to specifically detail expertise in the “play-based curriculum”.\n\nThe curriculum, which sets out what children should learn, will be supported by guidance on effective pedagogy which will be reflective to stage and subject. This guidance will continue to recognise the importance of play in Foundation Stage as a developmentally appropriate approach to learning, enriched by purposeful teaching and skilled adult interaction.","answerHtml":"There were 23 primary school practitioners involved in the Subject Working Groups, 15 of which had experience of working in the Foundation Stage. The application process for the SWGs did not require applicants to specifically detail expertise in the “play-based curriculum”.
The curriculum, which sets out what children should learn, will be supported by guidance on effective pedagogy which will be reflective to stage and subject. This guidance will continue to recognise the importance of play in Foundation Stage as a developmentally appropriate approach to learning, enriched by purposeful teaching and skilled adult interaction.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052984%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500499","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500499"}},{"id":"502155","reference":"AQO 4043/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-24","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the business support service for childcare providers.","answerText":"My Department is progressing the development of a specialised Childcare Business Advisory Service. The need for such a service was identified in the Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Market Research report, published on my Department’s website in September 2025.\n\nSince then, officials have engaged extensively with childcare-sector leads, provider representatives, business support organisations and colleagues across government. That engagement has helped clarify providers’ priorities and the practical support required. Officials are now examining delivery options, including how existing business support infrastructure could be combined with specialist childcare-sector expertise to provide a single, joined-up service.\n\nThe service is intended to be accessible across the full range of provider types and to offer practical, tailored advice that complements rather than duplicates existing support. Detailed arrangements, including the preferred delivery model, governance and funding, are being worked through. Implementation in 2026/27 will be subject to the availability of resources for delivery of the Childcare and Early Learning Strategy.","answerHtml":"My Department is progressing the development of a specialised Childcare Business Advisory Service. The need for such a service was identified in the Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Market Research report, published on my Department’s website in September 2025.
Since then, officials have engaged extensively with childcare-sector leads, provider representatives, business support organisations and colleagues across government. That engagement has helped clarify providers’ priorities and the practical support required. Officials are now examining delivery options, including how existing business support infrastructure could be combined with specialist childcare-sector expertise to provide a single, joined-up service.
The service is intended to be accessible across the full range of provider types and to offer practical, tailored advice that complements rather than duplicates existing support. Detailed arrangements, including the preferred delivery model, governance and funding, are being worked through. Implementation in 2026/27 will be subject to the availability of resources for delivery of the Childcare and Early Learning Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%204043%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=502155","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=502155"}},{"id":"504013","reference":"AQO 4037/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-24","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":"2026-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the work of the recipients of funding for the Small Business Research Initiative through the Executive Office Challenge Fund.","answerText":"We have invested over £1.1million through the Challenge Fund to support the development of four innovative solutions aimed at tackling the scourge of violence against women and girls. These include interventions focussing on personal safety, AI supported training, signposting tools and online safety.\n\nAlthough the Challenge Fund support has now come to an end, the suppliers have continued to progress their solutions. This includes ongoing piloting, academic evaluation, commercial development, investment activity, and engagement with potential interested parties.\n\nThis is encouraging and reflects one of the key objectives of the SBRI model, which is to support innovative solutions to progress beyond publicly funded research and development towards wider adoption and long-term impact.\n\nMany of the wider societal benefits will take time to emerge, however it is encouraging that all suppliers continue to build on the foundations established through the Challenge Fund and are actively progressing their solutions towards real-world implementation and adoption.","answerHtml":"We have invested over £1.1million through the Challenge Fund to support the development of four innovative solutions aimed at tackling the scourge of violence against women and girls. These include interventions focussing on personal safety, AI supported training, signposting tools and online safety.
Although the Challenge Fund support has now come to an end, the suppliers have continued to progress their solutions. This includes ongoing piloting, academic evaluation, commercial development, investment activity, and engagement with potential interested parties.
This is encouraging and reflects one of the key objectives of the SBRI model, which is to support innovative solutions to progress beyond publicly funded research and development towards wider adoption and long-term impact.
Many of the wider societal benefits will take time to emerge, however it is encouraging that all suppliers continue to build on the foundations established through the Challenge Fund and are actively progressing their solutions towards real-world implementation and adoption.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%204037%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=504013","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=504013"}},{"id":"499799","reference":"AQW 52722/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of referrals received by community paediatricians from speech and language therapists, including the number of referrals (i) accepted; and (ii) rejected, in the last three years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052722%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499799","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499799"}},{"id":"499798","reference":"AQW 52721/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":"2026-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when a road safety assessment will be conducted for the Soldierstown Road, Aghalee.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nHowever, my Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years and limited budget resources mean we must prioritise our interventions to those locations deemed most in need. An assessment of the Soldierstown Road was undertaken in June 2026 and regrettably, when assessed against these competing priorities, the proposal did not score highly enough for inclusion in the current works programme.\n\nThe scheme will, however, remain on our list for future consideration should funding become available.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
However, my Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years and limited budget resources mean we must prioritise our interventions to those locations deemed most in need. An assessment of the Soldierstown Road was undertaken in June 2026 and regrettably, when assessed against these competing priorities, the proposal did not score highly enough for inclusion in the current works programme.
The scheme will, however, remain on our list for future consideration should funding become available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052721%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499798","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499798"}},{"id":"499797","reference":"AQW 52720/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":"2026-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any criteria that will determine whether a patient is granted access to Enhertu, including who will make that decision.","answerText":"Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®) is routinely available in Northern Ireland as a treatment option for individuals who meet the clinical criteria set out in the final draft guidance published by NICE on 17 September 2026, which recommended trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®) as an option for the treatment of HER2-low metastatic or unresectable breast cancer in adults.\n\nDecisions on an individual patient's suitability for treatment are a matter for the patient's HSC clinician, in consultation with the patient and, where appropriate, their guardian or carer. The clinician will assess whether the patient meets the relevant clinical eligibility criteria and whether the treatment is appropriate having regard to the patient's individual circumstances and any other relevant clinical considerations.\n\nIn advance of final guidance publication, my Department has accepted this treatment for use within the HSC as part of the HSC Managed Entry process and will process applications from HSC clinicians through the cost-per-case (CPC) mechanism. The CPC process is a commissioning mechanism that enables individuals who meet the criteria set by the relevant NICE guidance to access treatment at the earliest possible stage by enabling my Department to gather monitoring information on the initial uptake of the treatment. The process does not introduce any additional clinical criteria or financial barriers to access; rather, it facilitates timely access to treatment from the date of publication of the relevant guidance.\n\nWhen the final guidance for this treatment is issued by NICE, my Department will consider it under the usual process for NICE Technology Appraisals as per the guidance set out in circular HSC (SQSD) 12/22 which is available at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-hsc-sqsd-12-22.pdf","answerHtml":"Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®) is routinely available in Northern Ireland as a treatment option for individuals who meet the clinical criteria set out in the final draft guidance published by NICE on 17 September 2026, which recommended trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®) as an option for the treatment of HER2-low metastatic or unresectable breast cancer in adults.
Decisions on an individual patient's suitability for treatment are a matter for the patient's HSC clinician, in consultation with the patient and, where appropriate, their guardian or carer. The clinician will assess whether the patient meets the relevant clinical eligibility criteria and whether the treatment is appropriate having regard to the patient's individual circumstances and any other relevant clinical considerations.
In advance of final guidance publication, my Department has accepted this treatment for use within the HSC as part of the HSC Managed Entry process and will process applications from HSC clinicians through the cost-per-case (CPC) mechanism. The CPC process is a commissioning mechanism that enables individuals who meet the criteria set by the relevant NICE guidance to access treatment at the earliest possible stage by enabling my Department to gather monitoring information on the initial uptake of the treatment. The process does not introduce any additional clinical criteria or financial barriers to access; rather, it facilitates timely access to treatment from the date of publication of the relevant guidance.
When the final guidance for this treatment is issued by NICE, my Department will consider it under the usual process for NICE Technology Appraisals as per the guidance set out in circular HSC (SQSD) 12/22 which is available at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-hsc-sqsd-12-22.pdf
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052720%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499797","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499797"}},{"id":"499796","reference":"AQW 52719/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer AQW 51180/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052719%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499796","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499796"}},{"id":"499127","reference":"AQW 52332/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-10-02","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail anyone authorised to provide medical evidence in support of an application for home-to-school transport on medical grounds, including whether evidence from a (i) GP; (ii) consultant; (iii) community paediatrician; (iv) allied health professional; or (v) other clinician, can be accepted.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that parents of pupils in receipt of transport assistance who cannot travel on their normal transport mode for a period due to a diagnosed medical need, can request for their mode of transport to be reviewed.\n\nParents of pupils who require alternative transport for a temporary period, for example due to a fracture, may provide evidence from their General Practitioner. Parents of pupils with a long term or chronic medical condition which impacts their mobility and ability to access their assigned transport mode are asked to submit evidence from their child’s Consultant Paediatrician or the Community Consultant Paediatrician.\n\nThe EA may also review a pupil’s eligibility for transport assistance on the basis of exceptional circumstances, including where professionals have raised serious concerns in relation to their mental health. In these circumstances, information will be considered from a Consultant Paediatrician, Community Consultant Paediatrician, Child Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist or CAMHS.\n\nFurther information on alternative transport applications due to medical needs and exceptional circumstances may be accessed on the EA’s website:\n\nAlternative Transport Applications Due to Medical Needs | Education Authority Northern Ireland\n\nand\n\nExceptional Circumstances Policy 2026.docx","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that parents of pupils in receipt of transport assistance who cannot travel on their normal transport mode for a period due to a diagnosed medical need, can request for their mode of transport to be reviewed.
Parents of pupils who require alternative transport for a temporary period, for example due to a fracture, may provide evidence from their General Practitioner. Parents of pupils with a long term or chronic medical condition which impacts their mobility and ability to access their assigned transport mode are asked to submit evidence from their child’s Consultant Paediatrician or the Community Consultant Paediatrician.
The EA may also review a pupil’s eligibility for transport assistance on the basis of exceptional circumstances, including where professionals have raised serious concerns in relation to their mental health. In these circumstances, information will be considered from a Consultant Paediatrician, Community Consultant Paediatrician, Child Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist or CAMHS.
Further information on alternative transport applications due to medical needs and exceptional circumstances may be accessed on the EA’s website:
Alternative Transport Applications Due to Medical Needs | Education Authority Northern Ireland
and
Exceptional Circumstances Policy 2026.docx
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052332%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499127","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499127"}},{"id":"499126","reference":"AQW 52331/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-10-02","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any process followed by the Education Authority when considering requests for home-to-school transport on medical grounds for a child with a Statement of Special Educational Needs, where the request is made outside of the statutory assessment process.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that pupils with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) have their additional transport requirements identified during their statutory assessment.\n\nIf, outside the statutory assessment process, a pupil with a statement of SEN develops a new medical need, or changes to their medical condition that may impact their transport requirements, parents are advised to contact the child’s SEN Link Officer in the first instance and provide relevant medical evidence for their consideration.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that pupils with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) have their additional transport requirements identified during their statutory assessment.
If, outside the statutory assessment process, a pupil with a statement of SEN develops a new medical need, or changes to their medical condition that may impact their transport requirements, parents are advised to contact the child’s SEN Link Officer in the first instance and provide relevant medical evidence for their consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052331%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499126","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499126"}},{"id":"499439","reference":"AQO 3948/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-10","answerBy":"2026-09-21","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the work the Executive Office's Delivery Unit will be undertaking to help reduce waiting lists in the health and social care system.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203948%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499439","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499439"}},{"id":"497618","reference":"AQW 51506/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-15","answered":"2026-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on any road safety improvements that are being considered outside Downshire Primary School, Hillsborough, to ensure the safety of pupils travelling to and from the school.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.\n\nFollowing a review of the area around Downshire Primary School, my Department has identified and substantially progressed a number of road safety improvements. Existing road markings have been refreshed, and advance school warning signage has been renewed. While the Safer Routes to School flashing signs on the three approaches to the school are currently faulty, repair works have been programmed and will be completed as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.
Following a review of the area around Downshire Primary School, my Department has identified and substantially progressed a number of road safety improvements. Existing road markings have been refreshed, and advance school warning signage has been renewed. While the Safer Routes to School flashing signs on the three approaches to the school are currently faulty, repair works have been programmed and will be completed as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051506%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497618","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497618"}},{"id":"497617","reference":"AQW 51505/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the projected (i) number of young people who are expected to transition from children's services into adult learning disability services; (ii) level of support they are expected to require, including day opportunities, statutory day care and high-support provision; (iii) number of suitable places are currently available; and (iv) additional capacity that will be needed to meet the demand, over the next five years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051505%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497617","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497617"}},{"id":"497616","reference":"AQW 51504/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-24","answered":"2026-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 45532/22-27, to detail when he will take a decision on the way forward for the families impacted.","answerText":"I can confirm that a decision on the way forward has been reached and arrangements are being finalised to ensure that summer-born children in Primary 7 can continue to access the support provided under the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS).\n\nThis practical change responds directly to concerns raised by parents and childcare providers in Northern Ireland, and reflects my commitment to supporting working families and making childcare as accessible and affordable as possible.\n\nFurther guidance will be communicated directly to providers and to affected families shortly, providing clarity on the change and how to access the available support through NICSS.\n\nThe change applies to the NICSS element of childcare support only and does not extend or amend eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare which is solely the responsibility of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that a decision on the way forward has been reached and arrangements are being finalised to ensure that summer-born children in Primary 7 can continue to access the support provided under the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS).
This practical change responds directly to concerns raised by parents and childcare providers in Northern Ireland, and reflects my commitment to supporting working families and making childcare as accessible and affordable as possible.
Further guidance will be communicated directly to providers and to affected families shortly, providing clarity on the change and how to access the available support through NICSS.
The change applies to the NICSS element of childcare support only and does not extend or amend eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare which is solely the responsibility of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051504%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497616","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497616"}},{"id":"497068","reference":"AQW 51180/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-11","answered":"2026-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of children currently awaiting paediatric dental treatment requiring general anaesthetic, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"All five HSC Trusts offer dental treatment under General Anaesthetic (GA) to children.\n\nThe number of children currently awaiting paediatric dental treatment requiring GA are shown in the table below. These figures have been obtained directly from the HSC Trusts.\n\nTrust\tNumber of Children waiting Assessment for GA\tNumber of Children on a Review Waiting List for GA\tNumber of Children on a Surgical Waiting List\tTotal\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust\t13\t0\t266\t279\nBelfast Health and Social Care Trust\t1143\t104\t66\t1313\nNorthern Health and Social Care Trust\t966\t97\t127\t1190\nSouth-Eastern Health and Social Care Trust\t465\t69\t74\t608\nWestern Health and Social Care Trust\t99\t0\t107\t206\nTotal NI\t2686\t270\t640\t3596\n\nChildren may be awaiting assessment, review, or placement on a surgical list before treatment under GA is undertaken. Figures therefore represent those within the paediatric GA pathway rather than solely those awaiting a theatre procedure.\n\nGA is indicated in children for a number of reasons including young age, need for multiple extractions, disproportionate anxiety as well as those patients (children and adults) with additional needs who are unable to cope with invasive dental procedures otherwise.\n\nChildren with the most complex needs may be referred to the Regional Paediatric Consultant led service in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.\n\nAll patients placed on a waiting list are graded and prioritised based on clinical urgency following guidelines from the Federation of Surgical Specialities Association (FSSA). Patients can therefore be considered to be acute, urgent or routine.","answerHtml":"All five HSC Trusts offer dental treatment under General Anaesthetic (GA) to children.
The number of children currently awaiting paediatric dental treatment requiring GA are shown in the table below. These figures have been obtained directly from the HSC Trusts.
| Trust | Number of Children waiting Assessment for GA | Number of Children on a Review Waiting List for GA | Number of Children on a Surgical Waiting List | Total |
| Southern Health and Social Care Trust | 13 | 0 | 266 | 279 |
| Belfast Health and Social Care Trust | 1143 | 104 | 66 | 1313 |
| Northern Health and Social Care Trust | 966 | 97 | 127 | 1190 |
| South-Eastern Health and Social Care Trust | 465 | 69 | 74 | 608 |
| Western Health and Social Care Trust | 99 | 0 | 107 | 206 |
| Total NI | 2686 | 270 | 640 | 3596 |
Children may be awaiting assessment, review, or placement on a surgical list before treatment under GA is undertaken. Figures therefore represent those within the paediatric GA pathway rather than solely those awaiting a theatre procedure.
GA is indicated in children for a number of reasons including young age, need for multiple extractions, disproportionate anxiety as well as those patients (children and adults) with additional needs who are unable to cope with invasive dental procedures otherwise.
Children with the most complex needs may be referred to the Regional Paediatric Consultant led service in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
All patients placed on a waiting list are graded and prioritised based on clinical urgency following guidelines from the Federation of Surgical Specialities Association (FSSA). Patients can therefore be considered to be acute, urgent or routine.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051180%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497068","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497068"}},{"id":"497067","reference":"AQW 51179/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools his Department is investigating regarding compliance with the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026.","answerText":"My officials are analysing the results of the recent School Uniform cost survey. The survey was reopened from 14 to 18 September 2026 to provide schools that had failed to reply with a final opportunity to submit a response. Analysis is ongoing and representations will continue to be sought (per section 8 of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026) from schools assessed by the Department as potentially not adhering to the requirements of the Act.","answerHtml":"My officials are analysing the results of the recent School Uniform cost survey. The survey was reopened from 14 to 18 September 2026 to provide schools that had failed to reply with a final opportunity to submit a response. Analysis is ongoing and representations will continue to be sought (per section 8 of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026) from schools assessed by the Department as potentially not adhering to the requirements of the Act.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051179%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497067","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497067"}},{"id":"497066","reference":"AQW 51178/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the agency reduction programme, including the current use of agency staff in residential settings supporting adults with complex learning disabilities and the timeframe to reduce this.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051178%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497066","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497066"}},{"id":"497065","reference":"AQW 51177/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any consideration will be given to reviewing the criteria for the prescription of weight loss injections, to ensure that patients whose existing health conditions could be improved through weight loss are able to access these treatments where clinically appropriate.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051177%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497065","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497065"}},{"id":"496744","reference":"AQW 50901/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department intends to review the disparity in audiology and MRI waiting times between Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"My Department recognises and is aware of variation in waiting times between HSC Trusts for Imaging and Audiology services. Such variations can arise for a number of reasons, including differences in local demand, workforce availability, estate capacity, equipment replacement projects and the volume of referrals received. While services are delivered locally by Trusts, my department remains committed to ensuring that patients have equitable access to care based on clinical need rather than geography. Through regional initiatives to expand diagnostic capacity and reduce waiting lists, my department aims to improve consistency of access across Northern Ireland over time.\n\nAs part of the Elective Care Framework: Implementation and Funding Plan, £12 million was allocated to diagnostic imaging services. Variation in Trust demand and funded capacity was taken into consideration. When fully implemented, this investment is expected to deliver approximately 7,800 additional imaging sessions each year.\n\nRapid Diagnosis Centres (RDCs) in the Northern and Southern HSC Trusts provide regional cancer imaging services. HSC Trusts continue to work collaboratively to reduce regional variation across several cancer pathways and to improve timely access to diagnostic investigations. Work continues with HSC Trusts to maximise the use of any available regional capacity and reduce variation.\n\nVariation in waiting times will continue to be reviewed as part of ongoing regional work to expand diagnostic capacity, strengthen workforce sustainability, and improve consistency of access to services for patients regardless of where they live.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises and is aware of variation in waiting times between HSC Trusts for Imaging and Audiology services. Such variations can arise for a number of reasons, including differences in local demand, workforce availability, estate capacity, equipment replacement projects and the volume of referrals received. While services are delivered locally by Trusts, my department remains committed to ensuring that patients have equitable access to care based on clinical need rather than geography. Through regional initiatives to expand diagnostic capacity and reduce waiting lists, my department aims to improve consistency of access across Northern Ireland over time.
As part of the Elective Care Framework: Implementation and Funding Plan, £12 million was allocated to diagnostic imaging services. Variation in Trust demand and funded capacity was taken into consideration. When fully implemented, this investment is expected to deliver approximately 7,800 additional imaging sessions each year.
Rapid Diagnosis Centres (RDCs) in the Northern and Southern HSC Trusts provide regional cancer imaging services. HSC Trusts continue to work collaboratively to reduce regional variation across several cancer pathways and to improve timely access to diagnostic investigations. Work continues with HSC Trusts to maximise the use of any available regional capacity and reduce variation.
Variation in waiting times will continue to be reviewed as part of ongoing regional work to expand diagnostic capacity, strengthen workforce sustainability, and improve consistency of access to services for patients regardless of where they live.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050901%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496744","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496744"}},{"id":"496743","reference":"AQW 50900/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any arrangements that are in place to ensure access to sensory equipment as a therapeutic intervention, for some children with autism and sensory processing difficulties.","answerText":"The Health and Social Care system provides a range of supports and equipment to children and adults where assessed clinical need meets the criteria for provision under relevant services. However, not all interventions, strategies or items of equipment that may be recommended by practitioners are routinely funded or supplied through statutory services. Decisions regarding provision are made in line with applicable clinical, operational and eligibility criteria within individual services and Trusts.\n\nCurrently there are no plans to review funding and provision of sensory equipment. The issue will be considered at the My Assistive Technology and Equipment Oversight Board which includes representation from Trusts, PHA, Service Users and my officials including commissioners.","answerHtml":"The Health and Social Care system provides a range of supports and equipment to children and adults where assessed clinical need meets the criteria for provision under relevant services. However, not all interventions, strategies or items of equipment that may be recommended by practitioners are routinely funded or supplied through statutory services. Decisions regarding provision are made in line with applicable clinical, operational and eligibility criteria within individual services and Trusts.
Currently there are no plans to review funding and provision of sensory equipment. The issue will be considered at the My Assistive Technology and Equipment Oversight Board which includes representation from Trusts, PHA, Service Users and my officials including commissioners.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050900%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496743","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496743"}},{"id":"496742","reference":"AQW 50899/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether the Department will review current arrangements for the funding and provision of sensory equipment for children whose needs have been identified through Occupational Therapy assessments.","answerText":"The Health and Social Care system provides a range of supports and equipment to children and adults where assessed clinical need meets the criteria for provision under relevant services. However, not all interventions, strategies or items of equipment that may be recommended by practitioners are routinely funded or supplied through statutory services. Decisions regarding provision are made in line with applicable clinical, operational and eligibility criteria within individual services and Trusts.\n\nCurrently there are no plans to review funding and provision of sensory equipment. The issue will be considered at the My Assistive Technology and Equipment Oversight Board which includes representation from Trusts, PHA, Service Users and my officials including commissioners.","answerHtml":"The Health and Social Care system provides a range of supports and equipment to children and adults where assessed clinical need meets the criteria for provision under relevant services. However, not all interventions, strategies or items of equipment that may be recommended by practitioners are routinely funded or supplied through statutory services. Decisions regarding provision are made in line with applicable clinical, operational and eligibility criteria within individual services and Trusts.
Currently there are no plans to review funding and provision of sensory equipment. The issue will be considered at the My Assistive Technology and Equipment Oversight Board which includes representation from Trusts, PHA, Service Users and my officials including commissioners.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050899%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496742","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496742"}},{"id":"496741","reference":"AQW 50898/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any pathway for families to access sensory equipment recommended by health professionals following assessment; and (ii) whether any guidance has been issued to Health and Social Care Trusts on this matter.","answerText":"The Health and Social Care system provides a range of supports and equipment to children and adults where assessed clinical need meets the criteria for provision under relevant services. However, not all interventions, strategies or items of equipment that may be recommended by practitioners are routinely funded or supplied through statutory services. Decisions regarding provision are made in line with applicable clinical, operational and eligibility criteria within individual services and Trusts.\n\nCurrently there are no plans to review funding and provision of sensory equipment. The issue will be considered at the My Assistive Technology and Equipment Oversight Board which includes representation from Trusts, PHA, Service Users and my officials including commissioners.","answerHtml":"The Health and Social Care system provides a range of supports and equipment to children and adults where assessed clinical need meets the criteria for provision under relevant services. However, not all interventions, strategies or items of equipment that may be recommended by practitioners are routinely funded or supplied through statutory services. Decisions regarding provision are made in line with applicable clinical, operational and eligibility criteria within individual services and Trusts.
Currently there are no plans to review funding and provision of sensory equipment. The issue will be considered at the My Assistive Technology and Equipment Oversight Board which includes representation from Trusts, PHA, Service Users and my officials including commissioners.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050898%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496741","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496741"}},{"id":"496740","reference":"AQW 50897/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the review of the Disabled Facilities Grant.","answerText":"The review of NIHE-administered Private Sector Grants, including the Disabled Facilities Grant, is at an advanced stage of development. I am currently considering a consultation document on proposals for potential reform, which I anticipate will issue for public consultation this Autumn.","answerHtml":"The review of NIHE-administered Private Sector Grants, including the Disabled Facilities Grant, is at an advanced stage of development. I am currently considering a consultation document on proposals for potential reform, which I anticipate will issue for public consultation this Autumn.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050897%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496740","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496740"}},{"id":"498294","reference":"AQO 3916/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-14","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the waiting list to access support through the Education Authority's Local IMPACT Teams.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that, as of 03 September 2026, a total of 2,623 children are awaiting support from Local IMPACT Teams across Northern Ireland.\n\nBy Health Trust area, this comprises of 535 children in the Belfast Trust, 465 in the Northern Trust, 420 in the South Eastern Trust, 668 in the Western Trust, and 535 in the Southern Trust.\n\nIn recognising that the demand for services currently exceeds available capacity in some areas, the EA continues to invest in and strengthen Local IMPACT Teams. This includes a clear focus on increasing workforce capacity, maximising the use of specialist expertise, and ensuring support is delivered as early and effectively as possible.\n\nThis ongoing work will help to create a more responsive and sustainable system of support, ensuring that resources are targeted where they can have the greatest impact and enabling more children and young people with special educational needs to access the support they need at the earliest possible stage.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that, as of 03 September 2026, a total of 2,623 children are awaiting support from Local IMPACT Teams across Northern Ireland.
By Health Trust area, this comprises of 535 children in the Belfast Trust, 465 in the Northern Trust, 420 in the South Eastern Trust, 668 in the Western Trust, and 535 in the Southern Trust.
In recognising that the demand for services currently exceeds available capacity in some areas, the EA continues to invest in and strengthen Local IMPACT Teams. This includes a clear focus on increasing workforce capacity, maximising the use of specialist expertise, and ensuring support is delivered as early and effectively as possible.
This ongoing work will help to create a more responsive and sustainable system of support, ensuring that resources are targeted where they can have the greatest impact and enabling more children and young people with special educational needs to access the support they need at the earliest possible stage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203916%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498294","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498294"}},{"id":"496576","reference":"AQO 3898/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-14","answered":"2026-09-14","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any engagement she has had with the Minister of Education regarding proposed legislation to extend compulsory participation in education and training to age 18.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"With your permission, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle,"},{"speaker":"","text":"I will answer questions 2 and 9 together. I have engaged with the Minister of Education on a range of issues relating to learner pathways, curriculum reform and participation in education and training. While officials from my Department and the Department of Education engage regularly, engagement on the draft framework has been limited to date. The Department of Education is consulting on the draft framework, and my officials are working with the further education sector to help inform my Department's response. I am aware of, and share, some of the concerns expressed by teachers, parents and students regarding aspects of the TransformED agenda. Those concerns warrant careful consideration. I support efforts to encourage young people to remain engaged in education, skills and training. However, significant questions remain regarding the practical implementation and enforceability of proposals to extend participation to age 18. Further work by the Department of Education is required before implementation can be considered."},{"speaker":"Mr Mathison","text":"I thank the Minister for that answer. A lot of concerns are being raised about the distinct shift in the draft curriculum framework from a curriculum that is focused on skills to one that is very much focused on a knowledge-rich approach. Given your responsibilities around the skills agenda, how will you continue to engage with the Education Minister to ensure that our young people leave the education system not just having received knowledge but equipped with the skills that they need to go out and contribute to the economy and workplace?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I thank the Member for his question. My officials will continue to engage with Department of Education officials on that wider piece of work. Although we have not been involved directly in developing the proposals, I and my Department have a focus on ensuring that we have the skills that meet the needs of the economy now and in the future. It is important that what we are doing in my Department and the Department of Education is joined up across government and also across the community and voluntary sector. I will continue to keep a close eye on that as it progresses, and my officials will continue to work with their colleagues in the Department of Education."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Minister, my question relates to the proposed legislation, which would mean young people staying in employment, education and training until the age of 18. That will require the right pathways and opportunities being available to all those young people. Are you confident that the infrastructure is in place?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I thank the Member for her question. I have engaged directly with the Education Minister on the legislation, and my officials have engaged with their colleagues. As I said, I support the principle. I want young people to stay in education or training, but, as the Member said, it has to be the right pathway for the young person. Having the structures and frameworks in place is one thing, but we need to be able to fund them, and we are facing particular challenges. We are actually doing really well when it comes to engaging young people in training pathways, and we have seen significant increases in the number of young people taking up traineeships and apprenticeships. That is hugely welcome but comes with additional costs, and we have to make sure that we properly resource whatever we put in place. I have emphasised that in my engagement with the Education Minister, and I will continue to engage with him as this progresses."},{"speaker":"Mr Delargy","text":"Minister, I appreciate that you have already answered this question in part, but how will curriculum 2028 affect learners going into further education?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I thank the Member for his question. In the type of qualifications that young people obtain, the subjects that they study and ensuring that a range of pathways is available, it is important that the curriculum, as it develops, recognises the value not only of academic pathways but of technical and vocational pathways, that there are pathways for everybody, regardless of their ability, and that there is support for young people, in particular young people with special educational needs. We need to plan for transitions and ensure that there is suitable flexibility so that learners can progress from academic pathways into further education or employment opportunities with suitable support. As I said, we will continue to engage with the Education Minister on that, and it is important that any revised curriculum framework supports the pathways in further education as well."},{"speaker":"Ms Brownlee","text":"Does the Minister agree that, by ensuring that the curriculum matches the needs of the economy, the Education Minister is doing the right thing?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I thank the Member for her question. As I said, it is about making sure that we are meeting the needs of all learners. We will continue to engage with the Education Minister. I think that we share the aspiration that what we teach young people, in school or further or higher education, meets the needs of the economy in not just the here and now but in the future as well. We are equipping them with the appropriate digital skills and other skills that they require, which will support us in developing the economy but also in developing the type of society that we want. Education is not just about the economy, of course. It is about opening minds and raising aspirations, which is important, and we need to capture that in the curriculum."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203898%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496576","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-14&docID=497467#AQO%203898/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496576"}},{"id":"496542","reference":"AQW 50754/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-02","answerBy":"2026-09-08","answered":"2026-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children entitled to home to school transport that remain without transport in place.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 50842/22-27 published in the weekly answer booklet for week ending 18th September 2026.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 50842/22-27 published in the weekly answer booklet for week ending 18th September 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050754%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496542","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496542"}},{"id":"496541","reference":"AQW 50753/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-02","answerBy":"2026-09-17","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are any plans to erect signage on Station Road, Moira, to encourage the utilisation of the new park and ride facility, instead of parking on Station Road.","answerText":"I welcome the opening of the new Moira Park & Ride facility, which provides additional parking capacity for rail users and should help reduce pressure on parking in the surrounding area.\n\nTranslink has advised that it has provided all required signage for the facility. There are currently no plans to erect additional signage on Station Road to encourage use of the Park & Ride facility.\n\nStation Road has been affected by parking associated with the railway station for many years and the Department has carried out a number of measures including the widening of the footway to cater for parking and pedestrian movements.\n\nIt is appreciated that parking habits should change following the opening of the new Park & Ride facility, however drivers may need some time to adjust to the new arrangements and for parking patterns to settle.\n\nAs such, the parking along Station Road will be kept under review.\n\nShould a motorist park a vehicle in such a manner that causes obstruction of a footway or carriageway, they are committing an offence that can only be enforced by the PSNI, not parking attendants. If anyone should witness parking of this nature in future, I encourage them to contact the PSNI directly using their non-emergency number, 101.","answerHtml":"I welcome the opening of the new Moira Park & Ride facility, which provides additional parking capacity for rail users and should help reduce pressure on parking in the surrounding area.
Translink has advised that it has provided all required signage for the facility. There are currently no plans to erect additional signage on Station Road to encourage use of the Park & Ride facility.
Station Road has been affected by parking associated with the railway station for many years and the Department has carried out a number of measures including the widening of the footway to cater for parking and pedestrian movements.
It is appreciated that parking habits should change following the opening of the new Park & Ride facility, however drivers may need some time to adjust to the new arrangements and for parking patterns to settle.
As such, the parking along Station Road will be kept under review.
Should a motorist park a vehicle in such a manner that causes obstruction of a footway or carriageway, they are committing an offence that can only be enforced by the PSNI, not parking attendants. If anyone should witness parking of this nature in future, I encourage them to contact the PSNI directly using their non-emergency number, 101.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050753%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496541","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496541"}},{"id":"496540","reference":"AQW 50752/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-02","answerBy":"2026-09-17","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any actions being taken to prevent and mitigate against flooding during autumn and winter this year.","answerText":"As the Lead Government Department for severe weather, my officials work with others to develop a multi-agency severe weather framework. This helps to coordinate responses to severe weather warnings in the context of increasing numbers of winter storms and a changing climate.\n\nRoutine cyclical inspections also take place on drainage infrastructure with the maintenance of these usually increased before and during significant periods of heavy rainfall.\n\nSandbag stores at operational depots, and those at more remote locations close to communities at known flood risk, have been checked in preparation for the winter ahead.\n\nMy officials continue to monitor River and Lough water levels at over 130 locations, and this helps to inform any response.\n\nImportant and ongoing liaison with concerned communities is through the Regional Community Resilience Group. There are over 50 local groups across the North with work ongoing to help them better prepare for and respond to weather related emergencies.\n\nHeavy rainfall can occur at any time, and my Department operates an on-call Duty and Flooding Officer Rota system 24 hours a day all through the year. The Flooding Incident Line is available 24/7. It remains the best mechanism for reporting flooding incidents on 0300 2000 100.","answerHtml":"As the Lead Government Department for severe weather, my officials work with others to develop a multi-agency severe weather framework. This helps to coordinate responses to severe weather warnings in the context of increasing numbers of winter storms and a changing climate.
Routine cyclical inspections also take place on drainage infrastructure with the maintenance of these usually increased before and during significant periods of heavy rainfall.
Sandbag stores at operational depots, and those at more remote locations close to communities at known flood risk, have been checked in preparation for the winter ahead.
My officials continue to monitor River and Lough water levels at over 130 locations, and this helps to inform any response.
Important and ongoing liaison with concerned communities is through the Regional Community Resilience Group. There are over 50 local groups across the North with work ongoing to help them better prepare for and respond to weather related emergencies.
Heavy rainfall can occur at any time, and my Department operates an on-call Duty and Flooding Officer Rota system 24 hours a day all through the year. The Flooding Incident Line is available 24/7. It remains the best mechanism for reporting flooding incidents on 0300 2000 100.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050752%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496540","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496540"}},{"id":"496538","reference":"AQW 50750/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-02","answerBy":"2026-09-17","answered":"2026-09-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any support that is available through early years and preschool special educational needs services for children requiring specialist sensory resources or equipment, to enable safe participation and development.","answerText":"The Education Authority provides a range of support for children with special educational needs in early years and pre-school settings. This can include advice and support to settings in identifying and assessing a child’s needs, supporting their participation in learning and putting appropriate educational supports and reasonable adjustments in place.\n\nWhere a child requires specialist sensory equipment or resources to address a health, medical, therapeutic or clinical need, assessment and provision are matters for the Department of Health and Health and Social Care Trusts. Education settings may work with health professional to support the use of such equipment within the educational environment.\n\nThe Education Authority and my department do not hold information on the full range of specialist sensory equipment or resources available through health services. The Member may wish to address her Question to the Health Minister for a response.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority provides a range of support for children with special educational needs in early years and pre-school settings. This can include advice and support to settings in identifying and assessing a child’s needs, supporting their participation in learning and putting appropriate educational supports and reasonable adjustments in place.
Where a child requires specialist sensory equipment or resources to address a health, medical, therapeutic or clinical need, assessment and provision are matters for the Department of Health and Health and Social Care Trusts. Education settings may work with health professional to support the use of such equipment within the educational environment.
The Education Authority and my department do not hold information on the full range of specialist sensory equipment or resources available through health services. The Member may wish to address her Question to the Health Minister for a response.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050750%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496538","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496538"}},{"id":"496332","reference":"AQW 50630/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-16","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider the extension of double yellow lines on Station Road, Moira, to discourage rail users from parking on-street and to encourage greater use of the recently developed park and ride facility at Moira Railway Station.","answerText":"I was pleased to officially open the new Park and Ride facility at Moira Train Station on 22 June. This significant development has created 578 free parking spaces which has greatly increased the parking available in the area. The new facility negates the need for on-street commuter parking on Station Road, improving safety for pedestrians accessing the station and contributing to more accessible and sustainable rail travel.\n\nThe scheme includes a footway, 2.5m in width, linking the new facility to the railway station and street lighting along this link is being upgraded to current standards.\n\nMy Department is currently developing Active Travel proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling linkages between Moira and Moira Train Station and the provision of lighting will be considered as a part of the design of this scheme.\n\nThe introduction or extension of double yellow lines is considered in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and the Department’s traffic management policies. Any proposal must be supported by an assessment of local traffic conditions, road safety considerations, access requirements and the wider impact on residents, businesses and road users. Requests for additional waiting restrictions are assessed alongside competing priorities across the road network and are subject to the availability of resources.\n\nMy officials will continue to monitor conditions in the area and should evidence emerge that parking behaviour continues to create road safety or traffic management concerns, the need for additional traffic regulation measures, including the extension of double yellow lines, can be considered through the normal assessment process.","answerHtml":"I was pleased to officially open the new Park and Ride facility at Moira Train Station on 22 June. This significant development has created 578 free parking spaces which has greatly increased the parking available in the area. The new facility negates the need for on-street commuter parking on Station Road, improving safety for pedestrians accessing the station and contributing to more accessible and sustainable rail travel.
The scheme includes a footway, 2.5m in width, linking the new facility to the railway station and street lighting along this link is being upgraded to current standards.
My Department is currently developing Active Travel proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling linkages between Moira and Moira Train Station and the provision of lighting will be considered as a part of the design of this scheme.
The introduction or extension of double yellow lines is considered in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and the Department’s traffic management policies. Any proposal must be supported by an assessment of local traffic conditions, road safety considerations, access requirements and the wider impact on residents, businesses and road users. Requests for additional waiting restrictions are assessed alongside competing priorities across the road network and are subject to the availability of resources.
My officials will continue to monitor conditions in the area and should evidence emerge that parking behaviour continues to create road safety or traffic management concerns, the need for additional traffic regulation measures, including the extension of double yellow lines, can be considered through the normal assessment process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050630%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496332","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496332"}},{"id":"496331","reference":"AQW 50629/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-16","answered":"2026-09-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children being supported through the Early Childhood Special Educational Needs Intervention Programme.","answerText":"Not all Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan early childhood intervention programmes directly support children, of those that do:\n\n180 children will be supported across three years in the targeted programme for 2-3-year-olds;\n\nthe Learning Support Trial is commencing this month. The number of children who will receive support cannot be projected as the trial will respond to the needs of children as they present.\n\nthe Inclusive Play programme will support children in 48 settings across the three years of the project. The exact number of children who will receive support cannot be projected as enrolment levels and number of children attending each setting are likely to vary throughout the lifetime of the project.","answerHtml":"Not all Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan early childhood intervention programmes directly support children, of those that do:
180 children will be supported across three years in the targeted programme for 2-3-year-olds;
the Learning Support Trial is commencing this month. The number of children who will receive support cannot be projected as the trial will respond to the needs of children as they present.
the Inclusive Play programme will support children in 48 settings across the three years of the project. The exact number of children who will receive support cannot be projected as enrolment levels and number of children attending each setting are likely to vary throughout the lifetime of the project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050629%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496331","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496331"}},{"id":"496330","reference":"AQW 50628/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-16","answered":"2026-09-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of complaints his Department has received regarding school uniform costs, since the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 was enacted.","answerText":"The Department has received seven complaints regarding uniform costs\n\nsince the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 came into operation.","answerHtml":"The Department has received seven complaints regarding uniform costs
since the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 came into operation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050628%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496330","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496330"}},{"id":"496329","reference":"AQW 50627/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-16","answered":"2026-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any care pathways that are available for those with endometriosis, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"All HSC Trusts currently provide care for women with endometriosis, with referrals managed under the care of consultant gynaecologists and services delivered through multidisciplinary teams. This approach ensures that women receive appropriate care throughout their treatment journey, with consultants, nurses and allied health professionals each contributing specialist expertise within their respective disciplines.\n\nA regional endometriosis pathway for Northern Ireland has been agreed and developed collaboratively with stakeholders from both primary and secondary care. Importantly, this pathway will be adopted across all five HSC Trusts, providing a consistent and equitable model of care. The pathway provides a clear and consistent route to care across Northern Ireland, from first presentation in primary care to local and regional specialist services, with appropriate follow-up after treatment.\n\nThe pathway establishes a standardised approach to diagnosis and treatment, including the assessment of symptoms, investigations to determine disease severity and progression, and the planning of appropriate interventions. Management options range from ongoing monitoring and hormonal therapies to surgical treatment, with fertility considerations embedded throughout the patient pathway.\n\nRecognising that effective endometriosis care requires a multidisciplinary approach, the pathway incorporates the contribution of endometriosis specialist nurses, physiotherapy, psychology, chronic pain services and other relevant surgical specialties. This will help ensure that women receive coordinated, person-centred care that addresses the wide-ranging impacts of the condition.\n\nTo support implementation, HSC Trusts are developing business cases to strengthen local endometriosis services, alongside the establishment of regional tertiary endometriosis centres in the Belfast and Western HSC Trusts. This will create a model of care, combining enhanced local access with regional expertise for women requiring more complex treatment.\n\nThe model aligns with the nationally recognised endometriosis pathway and represents a significant step towards improving outcomes and reducing variation in service provision. While current funding constraints mean that it will not be possible to implement all elements of the pathway immediately, the agreed regional pathway will nonetheless be adopted across all five Trusts, with implementation proceeding on a phased basis.","answerHtml":"All HSC Trusts currently provide care for women with endometriosis, with referrals managed under the care of consultant gynaecologists and services delivered through multidisciplinary teams. This approach ensures that women receive appropriate care throughout their treatment journey, with consultants, nurses and allied health professionals each contributing specialist expertise within their respective disciplines.
A regional endometriosis pathway for Northern Ireland has been agreed and developed collaboratively with stakeholders from both primary and secondary care. Importantly, this pathway will be adopted across all five HSC Trusts, providing a consistent and equitable model of care. The pathway provides a clear and consistent route to care across Northern Ireland, from first presentation in primary care to local and regional specialist services, with appropriate follow-up after treatment.
The pathway establishes a standardised approach to diagnosis and treatment, including the assessment of symptoms, investigations to determine disease severity and progression, and the planning of appropriate interventions. Management options range from ongoing monitoring and hormonal therapies to surgical treatment, with fertility considerations embedded throughout the patient pathway.
Recognising that effective endometriosis care requires a multidisciplinary approach, the pathway incorporates the contribution of endometriosis specialist nurses, physiotherapy, psychology, chronic pain services and other relevant surgical specialties. This will help ensure that women receive coordinated, person-centred care that addresses the wide-ranging impacts of the condition.
To support implementation, HSC Trusts are developing business cases to strengthen local endometriosis services, alongside the establishment of regional tertiary endometriosis centres in the Belfast and Western HSC Trusts. This will create a model of care, combining enhanced local access with regional expertise for women requiring more complex treatment.
The model aligns with the nationally recognised endometriosis pathway and represents a significant step towards improving outcomes and reducing variation in service provision. While current funding constraints mean that it will not be possible to implement all elements of the pathway immediately, the agreed regional pathway will nonetheless be adopted across all five Trusts, with implementation proceeding on a phased basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050627%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496329","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496329"}},{"id":"496328","reference":"AQW 50626/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-16","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the work to install lighting on Station Road, Moira.","answerText":"I was pleased to officially open the new Park and Ride facility at Moira Train Station on 22 June. This significant development has created 578 free parking spaces which has greatly increased the parking available in the area. The new facility negates the need for on-street commuter parking on Station Road, improving safety for pedestrians accessing the station and contributing to more accessible and sustainable rail travel.\n\nThe scheme includes a footway, 2.5m in width, linking the new facility to the railway station and street lighting along this link is being upgraded to current standards.\n\nMy Department is currently developing Active Travel proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling linkages between Moira and Moira Train Station and the provision of lighting will be considered as a part of the design of this scheme.\n\nThe introduction or extension of double yellow lines is considered in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and the Department’s traffic management policies. Any proposal must be supported by an assessment of local traffic conditions, road safety considerations, access requirements and the wider impact on residents, businesses and road users. Requests for additional waiting restrictions are assessed alongside competing priorities across the road network and are subject to the availability of resources.\n\nMy officials will continue to monitor conditions in the area and should evidence emerge that parking behaviour continues to create road safety or traffic management concerns, the need for additional traffic regulation measures, including the extension of double yellow lines, can be considered through the normal assessment process.","answerHtml":"I was pleased to officially open the new Park and Ride facility at Moira Train Station on 22 June. This significant development has created 578 free parking spaces which has greatly increased the parking available in the area. The new facility negates the need for on-street commuter parking on Station Road, improving safety for pedestrians accessing the station and contributing to more accessible and sustainable rail travel.
The scheme includes a footway, 2.5m in width, linking the new facility to the railway station and street lighting along this link is being upgraded to current standards.
My Department is currently developing Active Travel proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling linkages between Moira and Moira Train Station and the provision of lighting will be considered as a part of the design of this scheme.
The introduction or extension of double yellow lines is considered in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and the Department’s traffic management policies. Any proposal must be supported by an assessment of local traffic conditions, road safety considerations, access requirements and the wider impact on residents, businesses and road users. Requests for additional waiting restrictions are assessed alongside competing priorities across the road network and are subject to the availability of resources.
My officials will continue to monitor conditions in the area and should evidence emerge that parking behaviour continues to create road safety or traffic management concerns, the need for additional traffic regulation measures, including the extension of double yellow lines, can be considered through the normal assessment process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050626%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496328","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496328"}},{"id":"494137","reference":"AQW 50520/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the initial projected cost for Strule Shared Education Campus; (ii) the amount spent to date; (iii) the remaining projected cost; (iv) the percentage of education capital budget that has been used on the Strule Shared Education Campus in the last 3 years.","answerText":"Responses to your questions are detailed below:\n\nThe initial Programme cost per the Full Business Case was £375m.\n\nTotal Programme spend to date (to end May 2026) is £152.7m.\n\nThe remaining projected cost is currently being reviewed, taking account of the planned delivery programme and associated cost profiles through to completion.\n\nNo spend within the last three financial years has been incurred from the main DE capital budget. 2023/24 capital spend was funded from Fresh Start Agreement earmarked capital budget and both 2024/25 and 2025/26 capital spend was funded from the Northern Ireland Executive earmarked Strule capital budget.","answerHtml":"Responses to your questions are detailed below:
The initial Programme cost per the Full Business Case was £375m.
Total Programme spend to date (to end May 2026) is £152.7m.
The remaining projected cost is currently being reviewed, taking account of the planned delivery programme and associated cost profiles through to completion.
No spend within the last three financial years has been incurred from the main DE capital budget. 2023/24 capital spend was funded from Fresh Start Agreement earmarked capital budget and both 2024/25 and 2025/26 capital spend was funded from the Northern Ireland Executive earmarked Strule capital budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050520%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494137","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494137"}},{"id":"494136","reference":"AQW 50519/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-07-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether it is a mandatory requirement for Health and Social Care Trusts to conduct an options appraisal when determining the most appropriate placement or care setting for an individual with a learning disability or complex needs.","answerText":"There is no mandatory requirement for Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) to undertake an options appraisal when determining the most appropriate placement or care setting for an individual with a learning disability or complex needs. Placement decisions are informed by the comprehensive assessment of an individual's needs, multidisciplinary professional input, as well as the views of the individual and their family or carers. HSCTs are required to ensure that any placement is person-centred, appropriate and capable of meeting the assessed needs of the individual.\n\nWhen making placement decisions, HSCTs consider the range of available options that meet the individual’s assessed needs. A formal options appraisal may be undertaken if required, for example in particularly complex cases, where multiple suitable placement options exist, where a bespoke placement is required or when placements involve significant cost, risk or complexity.\n\nWhilst there is no requirement for an options appraisal to be completed in each individual case, HSCTs seek to ensure that all appropriate options have been explored and assessed. HSCTs work to engage with patients, families and carers throughout the decision-making process, and to adopt a person-centred approach. Where a formal options appraisal is undertaken, it is completed in accordance with relevant governance, commissioning and decision-making arrangements.","answerHtml":"There is no mandatory requirement for Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) to undertake an options appraisal when determining the most appropriate placement or care setting for an individual with a learning disability or complex needs. Placement decisions are informed by the comprehensive assessment of an individual's needs, multidisciplinary professional input, as well as the views of the individual and their family or carers. HSCTs are required to ensure that any placement is person-centred, appropriate and capable of meeting the assessed needs of the individual.
When making placement decisions, HSCTs consider the range of available options that meet the individual’s assessed needs. A formal options appraisal may be undertaken if required, for example in particularly complex cases, where multiple suitable placement options exist, where a bespoke placement is required or when placements involve significant cost, risk or complexity.
Whilst there is no requirement for an options appraisal to be completed in each individual case, HSCTs seek to ensure that all appropriate options have been explored and assessed. HSCTs work to engage with patients, families and carers throughout the decision-making process, and to adopt a person-centred approach. Where a formal options appraisal is undertaken, it is completed in accordance with relevant governance, commissioning and decision-making arrangements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050519%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494136","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494136"}},{"id":"494135","reference":"AQW 50518/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-07-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how patients and their families can contribute to, comment on or challenge an options appraisal undertaken by a Health and Social Care Trust in relation to the care placements of individuals with a learning disability or complex needs.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) seek to take a collaborative and person-centred approach to care placement planning for individuals with a learning disability or complex needs. Patients, families and carers are engaged throughout the assessment, care planning and placement decision making process, providing key information about the individual's needs, preferences, desired outcomes and family circumstances.\n\nHSCTs advise that options appraisals are not always required, for example when limited options are available to meet an individual’s assessed needs, safely and effectively. When options appraisals are carried out, these will consider a range of factors to review suitability. Options identified as potentially viable, will be discussed with individuals and their families.\n\nTrusts identify placements that meet assessed needs, while striving where possible to enable individuals to remain close to their family and support networks. It is acknowledged that in some circumstances, choice may be limited. Where interim placements are required pending a longer-term option being secured, HSCTs advise that individuals and families are consulted and kept informed throughout the process.\n\nPatients and families may comment upon or raise concerns in respect of proposed placement decisions at any stage. Concerns can be raised directly with the relevant HSCT care management team, social worker or responsible clinician. Where new information or changes to circumstances arise, requests can be made for decisions to be reviewed. These requests will be considered in line with relevant legislation, policy and governance arrangements, to ensure care provision is aligned to individual assessed need.\n\nIndividuals and families who wish to challenge a decision or the process by which a decision was reached, can also use the Trusts Complaints procedure. Where appropriate, independent advocacy services may also be available to support individuals and families in expressing their views and participating effectively in discussions. Following completion of a Trust's complaints process, individuals remaining dissatisfied have recourse to raise these issues or concerns to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) seek to take a collaborative and person-centred approach to care placement planning for individuals with a learning disability or complex needs. Patients, families and carers are engaged throughout the assessment, care planning and placement decision making process, providing key information about the individual's needs, preferences, desired outcomes and family circumstances.
HSCTs advise that options appraisals are not always required, for example when limited options are available to meet an individual’s assessed needs, safely and effectively. When options appraisals are carried out, these will consider a range of factors to review suitability. Options identified as potentially viable, will be discussed with individuals and their families.
Trusts identify placements that meet assessed needs, while striving where possible to enable individuals to remain close to their family and support networks. It is acknowledged that in some circumstances, choice may be limited. Where interim placements are required pending a longer-term option being secured, HSCTs advise that individuals and families are consulted and kept informed throughout the process.
Patients and families may comment upon or raise concerns in respect of proposed placement decisions at any stage. Concerns can be raised directly with the relevant HSCT care management team, social worker or responsible clinician. Where new information or changes to circumstances arise, requests can be made for decisions to be reviewed. These requests will be considered in line with relevant legislation, policy and governance arrangements, to ensure care provision is aligned to individual assessed need.
Individuals and families who wish to challenge a decision or the process by which a decision was reached, can also use the Trusts Complaints procedure. Where appropriate, independent advocacy services may also be available to support individuals and families in expressing their views and participating effectively in discussions. Following completion of a Trust's complaints process, individuals remaining dissatisfied have recourse to raise these issues or concerns to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050518%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494135","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494135"}},{"id":"494134","reference":"AQW 50517/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-08-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any independent oversight or quality assurance process that is carried out on options appraisals conducted by Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to care placements of individuals with a learning disability or complex needs.","answerText":"Care placement options for individuals with Learning Disabilities or complex needs, are considered as part of a comprehensive assessment process, which looks at the individual's assessed needs, circumstances and best interests. Decisions are made in consultation with service users, families and, where appropriate, independent advocate and are informed by consideration of assessed need, risks, evidence-based practice, quality and affordability.\n\nAll placement decisions are subject to oversight and quality assurance processes through established governance arrangements. There is no separate independent oversight or quality assurance process that applies specifically to all options appraisals relating to care placements however, assurance is provided through a combination of Trust internal and external mechanisms.\n\nInternally, these include scrutiny through multidisciplinary team assessment and review processes, senior management oversight, governance and approval panels, and financial and procurement controls where appropriate. Individual placement decisions may also be reviewed through safeguarding, care management and ongoing review processes.\n\nExternally, assurance is provided through wider accountability arrangements, including oversight by the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), Department of Health and the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO), as appropriate.","answerHtml":"Care placement options for individuals with Learning Disabilities or complex needs, are considered as part of a comprehensive assessment process, which looks at the individual's assessed needs, circumstances and best interests. Decisions are made in consultation with service users, families and, where appropriate, independent advocate and are informed by consideration of assessed need, risks, evidence-based practice, quality and affordability.
All placement decisions are subject to oversight and quality assurance processes through established governance arrangements. There is no separate independent oversight or quality assurance process that applies specifically to all options appraisals relating to care placements however, assurance is provided through a combination of Trust internal and external mechanisms.
Internally, these include scrutiny through multidisciplinary team assessment and review processes, senior management oversight, governance and approval panels, and financial and procurement controls where appropriate. Individual placement decisions may also be reviewed through safeguarding, care management and ongoing review processes.
Externally, assurance is provided through wider accountability arrangements, including oversight by the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), Department of Health and the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO), as appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050517%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494134","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494134"}},{"id":"494133","reference":"AQW 50516/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Safer Journeys to School programme.","answerText":"The Safer Journeys to School consultation on overtaking and passing buses ran from 26 March until 21 May and received a strong level of public engagement, with more than 600 responses submitted. My officials are now undertaking detailed analysis of the responses, alongside ongoing engagement with key partners including PSNI, to ensure proposals are evidence-based and deliverable.\n\nI intend to bring forward legislation on the overtaking of stationary buses, informed by consultation and wider analysis, with a view to introducing it to the Assembly in Autumn 2026, subject to the necessary approvals, including Executive agreement.\n\nWork is also being progressed as part of the wider Safer Journeys to School programme, to strengthen education, enforcement and practical safety measures. Improving safety for children travelling to and from school is a priority for me, which is why I am driving this work forward at pace","answerHtml":"The Safer Journeys to School consultation on overtaking and passing buses ran from 26 March until 21 May and received a strong level of public engagement, with more than 600 responses submitted. My officials are now undertaking detailed analysis of the responses, alongside ongoing engagement with key partners including PSNI, to ensure proposals are evidence-based and deliverable.
I intend to bring forward legislation on the overtaking of stationary buses, informed by consultation and wider analysis, with a view to introducing it to the Assembly in Autumn 2026, subject to the necessary approvals, including Executive agreement.
Work is also being progressed as part of the wider Safer Journeys to School programme, to strengthen education, enforcement and practical safety measures. Improving safety for children travelling to and from school is a priority for me, which is why I am driving this work forward at pace
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050516%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494133","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494133"}},{"id":"493592","reference":"AQW 50074/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any options available to asylum seekers in temporary accommodation to assess academic ability and have a greater choice of schools.","answerText":"Asylum-seeking children in temporary accommodation have access to the same assessment and admissions arrangements as other children.\n\nThrough their school, they have access to the same assessment opportunities as their peers, allowing schools to evaluate their academic ability and attainment. Principals may, where appropriate, exempt individual pupils from specific assessments.\n\nTemporary accommodation status does not affect eligibility for academically selective schools, however asylum-seeking children may arrive in Northern Ireland after the main admissions process has concluded, which can restrict access to oversubscribed schools, including grammar schools.\n\nPost-primary applications are considered under the same admissions arrangements as for all other children. Where a school's criteria include a SEAG outcome, applicants must normally have sat the assessment or be considered through the school's published special circumstances arrangements.\n\nChildren seeking admission after the main admissions process may have fewer school options where preferred schools are already full or oversubscribed. As with all applicants, parents retain the right to appeal admissions decisions through the established statutory process.","answerHtml":"Asylum-seeking children in temporary accommodation have access to the same assessment and admissions arrangements as other children.
Through their school, they have access to the same assessment opportunities as their peers, allowing schools to evaluate their academic ability and attainment. Principals may, where appropriate, exempt individual pupils from specific assessments.
Temporary accommodation status does not affect eligibility for academically selective schools, however asylum-seeking children may arrive in Northern Ireland after the main admissions process has concluded, which can restrict access to oversubscribed schools, including grammar schools.
Post-primary applications are considered under the same admissions arrangements as for all other children. Where a school's criteria include a SEAG outcome, applicants must normally have sat the assessment or be considered through the school's published special circumstances arrangements.
Children seeking admission after the main admissions process may have fewer school options where preferred schools are already full or oversubscribed. As with all applicants, parents retain the right to appeal admissions decisions through the established statutory process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050074%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493592","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493592"}},{"id":"493591","reference":"AQW 50073/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether Higher Level Junior Cycle results from Ireland are formally recognised when young people are moving to a school in Northern Ireland or whether students are required to repeat subjects.","answerText":"Under open enrolment arrangements, each school’s Board of Governors (BoG) is the admissions authority for that school and is responsible for drawing up and applying its own admissions criteria. It is therefore for BoGs to determine whether they will accept Higher Level Junior Cycle results, or any other alternative qualification, where evidence of academic achievement is required for admission.","answerHtml":"Under open enrolment arrangements, each school’s Board of Governors (BoG) is the admissions authority for that school and is responsible for drawing up and applying its own admissions criteria. It is therefore for BoGs to determine whether they will accept Higher Level Junior Cycle results, or any other alternative qualification, where evidence of academic achievement is required for admission.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050073%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493591","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493591"}},{"id":"493590","reference":"AQW 50072/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 47205/22-27, to detail how Health and Social Care Trusts coordinate to ensure free capacity is filled whenever possible.","answerText":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have well-established administrative processes in place to recycle and maximise spare capacity. This includes offering appointment slots vacated at short notice to other patients to ensure that available capacity is filled.\n\nImaging services continuously monitor appointment utilisation and take steps to reduce avoidable downtime through the active management of schedules and patient bookings. Trusts also work to optimise the use of existing imaging resources across services to improve patient access and efficiency.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have well-established administrative processes in place to recycle and maximise spare capacity. This includes offering appointment slots vacated at short notice to other patients to ensure that available capacity is filled.
Imaging services continuously monitor appointment utilisation and take steps to reduce avoidable downtime through the active management of schedules and patient bookings. Trusts also work to optimise the use of existing imaging resources across services to improve patient access and efficiency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050072%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493590","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493590"}},{"id":"493589","reference":"AQW 50071/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 47205/22-27, to detail the average number of scans that are taken each day, broken down by scanner or site.","answerText":"A wide range of scans and imaging examinations are undertaken across Health and Social Care (HSC) settings. The number of examinations completed on any scanner during a given period will vary depending on factors such as the type of examination, patient acuity, clinical complexity, preparation requirements and whether contrast administration is required.\n\nAs a result, average activity is expressed in terms of throughput per scanning session rather than as a fixed number of scans per scanner per day. For a typical four-hour non-complex MRI session, average throughput is approximately 8-10 examinations. This figure will be less for highly specialist MRI sessions for example cardiac MRI and scans which require patients to have a general anaesthetic.\n\nThe Elective Care Framework Implementation and Funding Plan includes £12 million for diagnostic imaging, including MRI. When fully implemented, this investment will deliver approximately 7,800 imaging sessions each year.","answerHtml":"A wide range of scans and imaging examinations are undertaken across Health and Social Care (HSC) settings. The number of examinations completed on any scanner during a given period will vary depending on factors such as the type of examination, patient acuity, clinical complexity, preparation requirements and whether contrast administration is required.
As a result, average activity is expressed in terms of throughput per scanning session rather than as a fixed number of scans per scanner per day. For a typical four-hour non-complex MRI session, average throughput is approximately 8-10 examinations. This figure will be less for highly specialist MRI sessions for example cardiac MRI and scans which require patients to have a general anaesthetic.
The Elective Care Framework Implementation and Funding Plan includes £12 million for diagnostic imaging, including MRI. When fully implemented, this investment will deliver approximately 7,800 imaging sessions each year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050071%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493589","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493589"}},{"id":"493299","reference":"AQW 49918/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-02","answered":"2026-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the number of children without a school place ahead of the next school year.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of children who applied through the competitive admissions processes and are still to secure a school place for the next school year is as follows:\n\nFour children seeking a P1 place.\n\n21 children seeking a Year 8 place.\n\nFive children seeking a 14+ place, as part of the Dickson Plan transfer process.\n\nThe Education Authority will continue to engage and assist parents secure placement for September 2026.\n\nThe Education Authority has also advised that updated figures on the number of children with a statement of special educational needs who remain without a school place for September 2026 is due to be published shortly.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of children who applied through the competitive admissions processes and are still to secure a school place for the next school year is as follows:
Four children seeking a P1 place.
21 children seeking a Year 8 place.
Five children seeking a 14+ place, as part of the Dickson Plan transfer process.
The Education Authority will continue to engage and assist parents secure placement for September 2026.
The Education Authority has also advised that updated figures on the number of children with a statement of special educational needs who remain without a school place for September 2026 is due to be published shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049918%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493299","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493299"}},{"id":"493298","reference":"AQW 49917/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 45636/22-27, for an update on the number of (i) tracer letters that have been sent out by the Education Authority for children missing from school; and (ii) children that were on each letter, in the last year.","answerText":"The numbers have not changed from those quoted in AQW 45636/22-27, contained in the weekly answer booklet week ending 15 May 2026.","answerHtml":"The numbers have not changed from those quoted in AQW 45636/22-27, contained in the weekly answer booklet week ending 15 May 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049917%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493298","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493298"}},{"id":"493297","reference":"AQW 49916/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on strengthened safeguarding in education guidance, including when it is due to be published.","answerText":"Safeguarding the welfare of children remains a paramount priority. The department keeps its guidance under regular review and has completed a review of its safeguarding guidance for schools, and other education settings, to ensure it remains robust and reflects best practice.\n\nThis work is being complemented by the Education Authority’s Child Protection Support Service, which is developing an enhanced suite of safeguarding resources and practical tools to support schools in embedding best practice and maintaining a strong culture of safeguarding.\n\nIt is intended that updated guidance will be available in the new school year starting in September 2026.","answerHtml":"Safeguarding the welfare of children remains a paramount priority. The department keeps its guidance under regular review and has completed a review of its safeguarding guidance for schools, and other education settings, to ensure it remains robust and reflects best practice.
This work is being complemented by the Education Authority’s Child Protection Support Service, which is developing an enhanced suite of safeguarding resources and practical tools to support schools in embedding best practice and maintaining a strong culture of safeguarding.
It is intended that updated guidance will be available in the new school year starting in September 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049916%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493297","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493297"}},{"id":"492557","reference":"AQW 49569/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any appointment process for the consultant undertaking the review of school behaviour policy; (ii) any amount paid for this work; and (iii) any agreed outcomes.","answerText":"The consultant was appointed via a Direct Award Contract (DAC).\n\n(ii) No payments have yet been made.\n\n(iii) The agreed outcomes of the work include:\n\nDelivery of an evidenceinformed review of current policy and practice, including stakeholder engagement and school visits;\n\nThe development of a Departmental Behaviour Policy Statement setting out strategic direction; and\n\nThe production of updated behaviour guidance for schools.","answerHtml":"The consultant was appointed via a Direct Award Contract (DAC).
(ii) No payments have yet been made.
(iii) The agreed outcomes of the work include:
Delivery of an evidenceinformed review of current policy and practice, including stakeholder engagement and school visits;
The development of a Departmental Behaviour Policy Statement setting out strategic direction; and
The production of updated behaviour guidance for schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049569%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492557","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492557"}},{"id":"492556","reference":"AQW 49568/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has any plans to develop a strategic programme to support adults with learning disabilities and behaviours of concern to move from institutional settings into bespoke domiciliary care arrangements, supported by comprehensive Positive Behaviour Support frameworks and close family involvement.","answerText":"The draft Learning Disability Service Model (LDSM) sets out clear ambitions for people with a learning disability to be supported to live with the highest level of independence possible.\n\nA key outcome will be for every individual to have their needs and strengths assessed using a regionally consistent, rights based and person-centred approach. This will ensure that services are targeted according to the assessed needs of individuals and will be informed by a regionally agreed and standardised approach, including the right for individuals to choose where and who they want to live with.\n\nIt is recognised that adults with learning disabilities require a range of supports to live as independently as possible. Supports required may include the provision of a range of services, from floating support to accommodation-based services. Developments in housing adaptations and assistive technology can also enable individuals to manage daily tasks, build life skills and maintain choice and control over their living situations.\n\nIt is important to recognise that the Health and Social Care system does not provide housing, but works with other agencies to ensure access to appropriate accommodation when required.\n\nWhilst the provision of accommodation is not considered the specific remit of HSC Trusts, Trusts do provide care placements or services where adults with a learning disability reside. Such care placements may be within residential, nursing home, supported living or bespoke/single occupancy settings.\n\nTrusts utilise statutory provision and work with independent sector providers to meet the individual assessed needs of adults with a learning disability. In addition, Trusts work closely with family members to support individuals to remain in the family home offering care and services to meet assessed need, through domiciliary/home care provision or self-directed support. Trusts also work with family members and relevant professionals to develop Positive Behaviour Support Plans to support individuals to reside within appropriate community placements. The new LDSM will consider the development of a strategy to implement a regionally consistent Positive Behaviour Framework. The Department recognises and values the importance of close family involvement to support individuals to remain living within their communities.\n\nTrusts also work with other agencies such as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to enable adults with learning disabilities to access accommodation suitable to their needs, for example in supported living settings. Trusts continue to actively engage with independent providers to extend existing services or develop new services/range of accommodation types to meet the population needs of adults with learning disabilities. It is acknowledged that there are challenges in securing and developing suitable placements or accommodation for adults with complex needs and in sustaining individuals within their local community placements, particularly within a restricted funding or commissioning envelope.\n\nMy Department is currently leading on the reform of Adult Social Care through the Social Care Collaborative Reform Board (SCCRB). This includes the Sustainable System Building Implementation Group which will support actions aimed at improving the model of care within care homes. In addition, the Supported Living Implementation Group will review and reshape how Supported Living services are commissioned, regulated and delivered. It will propose options to better regulate Supported Living services, including the development of standards and regulations if appropriate, and develop a standardised commissioning framework for Supported Living services.\n\nMy Department remains committed to ensuring adults with learning disabilities have access to accommodation and services, in line with assessed individual and population need.","answerHtml":"The draft Learning Disability Service Model (LDSM) sets out clear ambitions for people with a learning disability to be supported to live with the highest level of independence possible.
A key outcome will be for every individual to have their needs and strengths assessed using a regionally consistent, rights based and person-centred approach. This will ensure that services are targeted according to the assessed needs of individuals and will be informed by a regionally agreed and standardised approach, including the right for individuals to choose where and who they want to live with.
It is recognised that adults with learning disabilities require a range of supports to live as independently as possible. Supports required may include the provision of a range of services, from floating support to accommodation-based services. Developments in housing adaptations and assistive technology can also enable individuals to manage daily tasks, build life skills and maintain choice and control over their living situations.
It is important to recognise that the Health and Social Care system does not provide housing, but works with other agencies to ensure access to appropriate accommodation when required.
Whilst the provision of accommodation is not considered the specific remit of HSC Trusts, Trusts do provide care placements or services where adults with a learning disability reside. Such care placements may be within residential, nursing home, supported living or bespoke/single occupancy settings.
Trusts utilise statutory provision and work with independent sector providers to meet the individual assessed needs of adults with a learning disability. In addition, Trusts work closely with family members to support individuals to remain in the family home offering care and services to meet assessed need, through domiciliary/home care provision or self-directed support. Trusts also work with family members and relevant professionals to develop Positive Behaviour Support Plans to support individuals to reside within appropriate community placements. The new LDSM will consider the development of a strategy to implement a regionally consistent Positive Behaviour Framework. The Department recognises and values the importance of close family involvement to support individuals to remain living within their communities.
Trusts also work with other agencies such as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to enable adults with learning disabilities to access accommodation suitable to their needs, for example in supported living settings. Trusts continue to actively engage with independent providers to extend existing services or develop new services/range of accommodation types to meet the population needs of adults with learning disabilities. It is acknowledged that there are challenges in securing and developing suitable placements or accommodation for adults with complex needs and in sustaining individuals within their local community placements, particularly within a restricted funding or commissioning envelope.
My Department is currently leading on the reform of Adult Social Care through the Social Care Collaborative Reform Board (SCCRB). This includes the Sustainable System Building Implementation Group which will support actions aimed at improving the model of care within care homes. In addition, the Supported Living Implementation Group will review and reshape how Supported Living services are commissioned, regulated and delivered. It will propose options to better regulate Supported Living services, including the development of standards and regulations if appropriate, and develop a standardised commissioning framework for Supported Living services.
My Department remains committed to ensuring adults with learning disabilities have access to accommodation and services, in line with assessed individual and population need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049568%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492556","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492556"}},{"id":"492555","reference":"AQW 49567/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any long term plans for Health and Social Care Trust-operated residential care homes for adults with learning disabilities, given the emphasis of policy on supported living and enabling people to live in their own homes and communities.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the provision of health and social care services in accordance with population and individual assessed need.\n\nWhilst the provision of accommodation is not considered the specific remit of HSCTs, they do provide care placements and services where adults with a learning disability reside. Such care placements may be within residential care, nursing care, supported living or bespoke/single occupancy settings.\n\nHSCTs also work with other agencies, including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, to enable adults with learning disabilities to access accommodation suitable to their needs. HSCTs continue to actively engage with independent sector providers to extend existing services and develop a range of accommodation options to meet the population needs of adults with learning disabilities.\n\nMy Department's long-term strategic plans for adult learning disability services will be taken forward through the draft Learning Disability Service Model, which is intended to provide the long-term strategic framework for the transformation and improvement of adult learning disability services across Northern Ireland.\n\nThe draft Model sets out an ambition that people with a learning disability will be supported to live with the highest level of independence possible. It recognises that adults with a learning disability require a range of supports to live as independently as possible, including support for those living in the family home and those living in alternative settings, and that the Health and Social Care system will continue to work with other agencies to ensure access to appropriate accommodation when required.\n\nThe draft Model also includes proposals to strengthen long-term planning for accommodation through regionally consistent needs registers, regular review of accommodation needs, population-level review of accommodation-based and floating support services, continued partnership working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and other agencies, and access to placements that meet individual assessed need, including bespoke accommodation where appropriate.\n\nThe public consultation on the draft Learning Disability Service Model has concluded and my Department is currently considering the consultation responses. The final Learning Disability Service Model and accompanying Strategic Delivery Plan will be published following completion of the consultation analysis. In finalising the Model, my Department will also carefully consider the recommendations of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry, where relevant, to ensure they inform the future development and improvement of adult learning disability services.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the provision of health and social care services in accordance with population and individual assessed need.
Whilst the provision of accommodation is not considered the specific remit of HSCTs, they do provide care placements and services where adults with a learning disability reside. Such care placements may be within residential care, nursing care, supported living or bespoke/single occupancy settings.
HSCTs also work with other agencies, including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, to enable adults with learning disabilities to access accommodation suitable to their needs. HSCTs continue to actively engage with independent sector providers to extend existing services and develop a range of accommodation options to meet the population needs of adults with learning disabilities.
My Department's long-term strategic plans for adult learning disability services will be taken forward through the draft Learning Disability Service Model, which is intended to provide the long-term strategic framework for the transformation and improvement of adult learning disability services across Northern Ireland.
The draft Model sets out an ambition that people with a learning disability will be supported to live with the highest level of independence possible. It recognises that adults with a learning disability require a range of supports to live as independently as possible, including support for those living in the family home and those living in alternative settings, and that the Health and Social Care system will continue to work with other agencies to ensure access to appropriate accommodation when required.
The draft Model also includes proposals to strengthen long-term planning for accommodation through regionally consistent needs registers, regular review of accommodation needs, population-level review of accommodation-based and floating support services, continued partnership working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and other agencies, and access to placements that meet individual assessed need, including bespoke accommodation where appropriate.
The public consultation on the draft Learning Disability Service Model has concluded and my Department is currently considering the consultation responses. The final Learning Disability Service Model and accompanying Strategic Delivery Plan will be published following completion of the consultation analysis. In finalising the Model, my Department will also carefully consider the recommendations of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry, where relevant, to ensure they inform the future development and improvement of adult learning disability services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049567%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492555","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492555"}},{"id":"492554","reference":"AQW 49566/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how adults with a learning disability living in a residential care home are reviewed regularly, with a view to maximising independence and consideration of community-based alternatives.","answerText":"Adults with a learning disability living in a residential care home should receive regular reviews in accordance with the Care Management, Provision of Services and Charging Guidance Circular (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, 2010). This circular sets out guidance on the care management process; including assessment, care planning, service provision, monitoring and review, to ensure continued care provision aligned to assessed need. Subsequent circulars including Charges for Residential Accommodation 2026/27, provide information in respect of associated charges regarding residential care provision.\n\nCare plans must be person centred and focused on maintaining or, where possible, enhancing a person’s capacity for independence. Reviews should take place at least annually, or when there is a change in need or circumstances. As part of the review process, an individual's current living arrangements/placement are considered to ensure care provision continues to meet assessed needs.\n\nWhere appropriate, reviews provide an opportunity to explore alternative care or service options taking account of the individual's wishes, needs, capabilities and assessed risks. Care plans should also include objectives and expected outcomes, in line with supporting independence, as appropriate.\n\nThis ethos of regular review, person-centred planning and enabling independence is key to the draft Learning Disability Service Model. Ambition One, Life Changes, emphasises the importance of service users and their families/ carers coproducing their care plans, alongside staff. Similarly, Key Ambition 4, Meaningful Lives and Citizenship, highlights the importance of engaging in communities, building social connection and pursuing meaningful activities. The finalisation and implementation of this Model will further strengthen and support current approaches to reviewing care needs and enabling adults with a learning disability to live as independently as possible.","answerHtml":"Adults with a learning disability living in a residential care home should receive regular reviews in accordance with the Care Management, Provision of Services and Charging Guidance Circular (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, 2010). This circular sets out guidance on the care management process; including assessment, care planning, service provision, monitoring and review, to ensure continued care provision aligned to assessed need. Subsequent circulars including Charges for Residential Accommodation 2026/27, provide information in respect of associated charges regarding residential care provision.
Care plans must be person centred and focused on maintaining or, where possible, enhancing a person’s capacity for independence. Reviews should take place at least annually, or when there is a change in need or circumstances. As part of the review process, an individual's current living arrangements/placement are considered to ensure care provision continues to meet assessed needs.
Where appropriate, reviews provide an opportunity to explore alternative care or service options taking account of the individual's wishes, needs, capabilities and assessed risks. Care plans should also include objectives and expected outcomes, in line with supporting independence, as appropriate.
This ethos of regular review, person-centred planning and enabling independence is key to the draft Learning Disability Service Model. Ambition One, Life Changes, emphasises the importance of service users and their families/ carers coproducing their care plans, alongside staff. Similarly, Key Ambition 4, Meaningful Lives and Citizenship, highlights the importance of engaging in communities, building social connection and pursuing meaningful activities. The finalisation and implementation of this Model will further strengthen and support current approaches to reviewing care needs and enabling adults with a learning disability to live as independently as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049566%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492554","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492554"}},{"id":"492205","reference":"AQW 49443/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-07-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale as to why a person on an MRI waiting list would be removed with no notification.","answerText":"Patients may be removed from a waiting list for a number of legitimate reasons, including:\n\nThe scan is no longer clinically required following review;\n\nThe patient has been referred to an alternative diagnostic pathway;\n\nThe patient repeatedly does not attend scheduled appointments (in line with Trust DNA policies);\n\nThe patient has requested removal from the list;\n\nThe patient is no longer contactable despite reasonable efforts; and,\n\nThe request for imaging is a duplicate request i.e. similar request in situ, or patient has had imaging performed elsewhere.\n\nIn all cases, where requests are cancelled, the referrer is informed of the removal reason. Where clinically appropriate, there are opportunities to re-refer the patient to the service. If an individual believes they have been removed from a waiting list without appropriate communication or justification, they are encouraged to contact their local Trust to seek clarification.","answerHtml":"Patients may be removed from a waiting list for a number of legitimate reasons, including:
The scan is no longer clinically required following review;
The patient has been referred to an alternative diagnostic pathway;
The patient repeatedly does not attend scheduled appointments (in line with Trust DNA policies);
The patient has requested removal from the list;
The patient is no longer contactable despite reasonable efforts; and,
The request for imaging is a duplicate request i.e. similar request in situ, or patient has had imaging performed elsewhere.
In all cases, where requests are cancelled, the referrer is informed of the removal reason. Where clinically appropriate, there are opportunities to re-refer the patient to the service. If an individual believes they have been removed from a waiting list without appropriate communication or justification, they are encouraged to contact their local Trust to seek clarification.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049443%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492205","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492205"}},{"id":"492204","reference":"AQW 49442/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any support and pathways that are available for deaf patients who require a diagnosis and treatment of dementia.","answerText":"Individuals in the d/Deaf community can access dementia diagnosis in line with the Regional Dementia Care Pathway 2018, similar to the general population. Access is typically via referral from primary care to specialist memory clinics or Older People’s Mental Health services.\n\nHSC Trusts are required to ensure that patient pathways are accessible, including the provision of appropriate communication supports throughout assessment and diagnosis. For individuals who are d/Deaf, equitable access including appropriate communication support will be available including the provision of British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters, hearing loop systems, assistive technology and information in accessible format. My Department commissions the Regional Communication Support Service, via an organisation called Sign Language Interactions (SLI). This service provides BSL and ISL face to face and video remote interpreters for HSC staff to support their communication with d/Deaf and d/Deafblind individuals for all health and social care contacts as required.\n\nAll HSC services are expected to adopt a person-centred approach that takes account of communication needs, this ensures that d/Deaf individuals can fully engage in their care and treatment. Ongoing work across the HSC system aims to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and awareness to better support the d/Deaf community throughout the dementia care pathway.","answerHtml":"Individuals in the d/Deaf community can access dementia diagnosis in line with the Regional Dementia Care Pathway 2018, similar to the general population. Access is typically via referral from primary care to specialist memory clinics or Older People’s Mental Health services.
HSC Trusts are required to ensure that patient pathways are accessible, including the provision of appropriate communication supports throughout assessment and diagnosis. For individuals who are d/Deaf, equitable access including appropriate communication support will be available including the provision of British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters, hearing loop systems, assistive technology and information in accessible format. My Department commissions the Regional Communication Support Service, via an organisation called Sign Language Interactions (SLI). This service provides BSL and ISL face to face and video remote interpreters for HSC staff to support their communication with d/Deaf and d/Deafblind individuals for all health and social care contacts as required.
All HSC services are expected to adopt a person-centred approach that takes account of communication needs, this ensures that d/Deaf individuals can fully engage in their care and treatment. Ongoing work across the HSC system aims to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and awareness to better support the d/Deaf community throughout the dementia care pathway.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049442%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492204","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492204"}},{"id":"492203","reference":"AQW 49441/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people who have been removed from a MRI scan waiting list without having had a scan, in the last five years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049441%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492203","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492203"}},{"id":"492202","reference":"AQW 49440/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":"2026-07-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any process in place for notifying someone that they have been removed from a health waiting list.","answerText":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts follow regionally agreed processes when removing patients from a waiting list. The required communication with both the patient and their General Practitioner (GP) is detailed in the Integrated Elective Access Protocol (IEAP).\n\nWhere a patient is removed, for example following a DNA (Did Not Attend), the patient and their referring clinician are notified in writing, including the reason for removal and any next steps. Patients are generally advised to contact the relevant HSC Trust within four weeks if they consider the appointment is still required. Reinstatement may be considered where there were exceptional circumstances.\n\nAdditional safeguards apply for certain patient groups, including suspected cancer and at-risk patients, where a further appointment is normally offered.\n\nIndividual HSC Trusts are responsible for applying these processes in line with regional guidance.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts follow regionally agreed processes when removing patients from a waiting list. The required communication with both the patient and their General Practitioner (GP) is detailed in the Integrated Elective Access Protocol (IEAP).
Where a patient is removed, for example following a DNA (Did Not Attend), the patient and their referring clinician are notified in writing, including the reason for removal and any next steps. Patients are generally advised to contact the relevant HSC Trust within four weeks if they consider the appointment is still required. Reinstatement may be considered where there were exceptional circumstances.
Additional safeguards apply for certain patient groups, including suspected cancer and at-risk patients, where a further appointment is normally offered.
Individual HSC Trusts are responsible for applying these processes in line with regional guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049440%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492202","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492202"}},{"id":"491838","reference":"AQW 49316/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-22","answerBy":"2026-07-07","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the (i) dates of; (ii) attendees at; and (iii) key topics covered in, each of the meetings of the Joint Health and Education Oversight Group, in the last two years.","answerText":"This answer includes detail for the whole calendar year of 2024.\n\ni) Since 2024, the Joint Health and Education Oversight Group met on the following dates: 9 May 2024, 4 July 2024; 5 September 2024; 24 September 2024; 6 February 2025; 9 December 2025; 26 January 2026; 9 March 2026; 29 April 2026; and 26 May 2026.\n\nii) Attendance at each meeting comprised officials from the Department of Education (DE), Department of Health (DoH), the Education Authority (EA), Public Health Agency (PHA) and other partner organisations, depending on the subject matter under consideration.\n\nIn line with established practice and departmental obligations under data protection legislation the names of officials below Grade 5 (or equivalent) have not been disclosed. Where attendees below that grade were present, they have been identified by the organisations to which they belong.\n\niii) The key topics covered in each meeting are set out in the table below.\n\nMeeting\tDate\tAttendees\tKey Topics\n1\t9 May 2024\tSenior officials:\nJanis Scallon (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nBrendan Whittle (DoH – SPPG)\nDale Hanna – EA\nCynthia Currie – EA\nOfficials:\nDE, EA, DoH, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tUpdate on reform programmes\nWorkplan and priorities, including data\n2\t4 July 2024\tSenior officials:\nJanis Scallon (DE)\nPeter Hutchinson (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nEilis McDaniel (DoH) Brendan Whittle (DoH – SPPG)\nOfficials:\nDE, DoH, EA, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tDE RAISE programme\nSummer workplan\nAllied Health Professional provision\nOccupational Therapist role advert\nHealth/Education Working Together\n3\t5 Sept 2024\tSenior officials:\nPaul Brush (DE)\nJanis Scallon (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nEilis McDaniel (DoH)\nCynthia Currie (EA)\nOfficials:\nDE, EA, DoH, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tReview of Terms of Reference\nSEN End to End Review and Transformation Plan\n4\t24 Sept 2024\tNot recorded\tLocal Integrated Teams\nData sharing\nPolicy development\nSEN reform\n5\t6 Feb 2025\tSenior officials:\nJanis Scallon (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nDale Hanna (EA)\nCynthia Currie (EA)\nGillian Cuthbert (EA)\nOfficials:\nDE, DoH, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tData Agenda\nMedical/healthcare needs in Special Schools\nTherapeutic needs\nSpecialist equipment guidance Children’s Services Reform: Early Intervention\nHealth/ Education Local Impact Teams and RISE\nJoint attendance at Education Committee\nSEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan\n6\t9 Dec 2025\tSenior officials:\nDeirdre Ward (DE)\nJanis Scallon (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nTomas Adell (EA)\nOfficials:\nDE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tReview of Terms of Reference\nPHA Review of Complex Medical Needs (Special Schools)\nHealth requirements to support children with SEN\nCommunications\n7\t26 Jan 2026\tSenior officials:\nDeirdre Ward (DE)\nClaire McClelland (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nCraig Donnachie (EA)\nClar McKenna (EA)\nOfficials:\nDE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tReview of Terms of Reference\nPHA Review of Complex Medical Needs (Special Schools) PHA Therapeutic Review\nSEN Reform – Health engagement\n8\t9 Mar 2026\tSenior officials:\nDeirdre Ward (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nCraig Donnachie (EA)\nOfficials:\nDE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA, EA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tReview of Terms of Reference\nManaging Complex Healthcare Needs in Special Schools: Project Plan\nNursing interim measure\nForward planning\n9\t29 Apr 2026\tSenior officials:\nDeirdre Ward (DE)\nCraig Donnachie (EA)\nOfficials:\nDE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld\tSummer Schemes update\nInterim proposal for nursing\nManaging Complex Healthcare Needs in Special Schools update\nSEN Reform presentation and discussion\nCommunications\n10\t26 May 2026\tSenior officials:\nDeirdre Ward (DE)\nMark McGuicken (DoH)\nCraig Donnachie (EA)\nPaul McKillen (NISRA)\nOfficials:\nDE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA, NISRA, Better Communications – names below Grade 5 withheld\tBalanced System presentation and discussion\nNISRA Data Office Presentation\nSummer Schemes Update\nInterim Proposal for Nursing\nManaging Complex Healthcare Needs in Special Schools\nupdate\nCommunications","answerHtml":"This answer includes detail for the whole calendar year of 2024.
i) Since 2024, the Joint Health and Education Oversight Group met on the following dates: 9 May 2024, 4 July 2024; 5 September 2024; 24 September 2024; 6 February 2025; 9 December 2025; 26 January 2026; 9 March 2026; 29 April 2026; and 26 May 2026.
ii) Attendance at each meeting comprised officials from the Department of Education (DE), Department of Health (DoH), the Education Authority (EA), Public Health Agency (PHA) and other partner organisations, depending on the subject matter under consideration.
In line with established practice and departmental obligations under data protection legislation the names of officials below Grade 5 (or equivalent) have not been disclosed. Where attendees below that grade were present, they have been identified by the organisations to which they belong.
iii) The key topics covered in each meeting are set out in the table below.
| Meeting | Date | Attendees | Key Topics |
| 1 | 9 May 2024 | Senior officials: Janis Scallon (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Brendan Whittle (DoH – SPPG) Dale Hanna – EA Cynthia Currie – EA Officials: DE, EA, DoH, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld | Update on reform programmes Workplan and priorities, including data |
| 2 | 4 July 2024 | Senior officials: Janis Scallon (DE) Peter Hutchinson (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Eilis McDaniel (DoH) Brendan Whittle (DoH – SPPG) Officials: DE, DoH, EA, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld | DE RAISE programme Summer workplan Allied Health Professional provision Occupational Therapist role advert Health/Education Working Together |
| 3 | 5 Sept 2024 | Senior officials: Paul Brush (DE) Janis Scallon (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Eilis McDaniel (DoH) Cynthia Currie (EA) Officials: DE, EA, DoH, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld | Review of Terms of Reference SEN End to End Review and Transformation Plan |
| 4 | 24 Sept 2024 | Not recorded | Local Integrated Teams Data sharing Policy development SEN reform |
| 5 | 6 Feb 2025 | Senior officials: Janis Scallon (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Dale Hanna (EA) Cynthia Currie (EA) Gillian Cuthbert (EA) Officials: DE, DoH, PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld | Data Agenda Medical/healthcare needs in Special Schools Therapeutic needs Specialist equipment guidance Children’s Services Reform: Early Intervention Health/ Education Local Impact Teams and RISE Joint attendance at Education Committee SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan |
| 6 | 9 Dec 2025 | Senior officials: Deirdre Ward (DE) Janis Scallon (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Tomas Adell (EA) Officials: DE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld | Review of Terms of Reference PHA Review of Complex Medical Needs (Special Schools) Health requirements to support children with SEN Communications |
| 7 | 26 Jan 2026 | Senior officials: Deirdre Ward (DE) Claire McClelland (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Craig Donnachie (EA) Clar McKenna (EA) Officials: DE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld | Review of Terms of Reference PHA Review of Complex Medical Needs (Special Schools) PHA Therapeutic Review SEN Reform – Health engagement |
| 8 | 9 Mar 2026 | Senior officials: Deirdre Ward (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Craig Donnachie (EA) Officials: DE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA, EA – names below Grade 5 withheld | Review of Terms of Reference Managing Complex Healthcare Needs in Special Schools: Project Plan Nursing interim measure Forward planning |
| 9 | 29 Apr 2026 | Senior officials: Deirdre Ward (DE) Craig Donnachie (EA) Officials: DE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA – names below Grade 5 withheld | Summer Schemes update Interim proposal for nursing Managing Complex Healthcare Needs in Special Schools update SEN Reform presentation and discussion Communications |
| 10 | 26 May 2026 | Senior officials: Deirdre Ward (DE) Mark McGuicken (DoH) Craig Donnachie (EA) Paul McKillen (NISRA) Officials: DE, DoH, DoH (SPPG), PHA, NISRA, Better Communications – names below Grade 5 withheld | Balanced System presentation and discussion NISRA Data Office Presentation Summer Schemes Update Interim Proposal for Nursing Managing Complex Healthcare Needs in Special Schools update Communications |
The Education Authority (EA) has advised that provision is available for young people with a Statement of Special Educational Needs to transfer to a special school at post-16 where this is considered the most appropriate placement to meet their assessed needs. All placements are determined through the statutory annual review process, which takes account of the young person’s needs, parental preference, and the availability of suitable provision.
For pupils attending Specialist Provisions, transition planning begins in advance of their 16th birthday and involves collaboration between the school, EA services, the young person and their parents/carers. Where a special school placement is identified as appropriate, the EA will seek to identify a suitable placement, subject to capacity and admissions criteria.
In addition, a range of post-16 pathways may be considered, including continued placement in mainstream with support, special school provision, or specialist further education settings, depending on individual need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049315%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491837","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491837"}},{"id":"491232","reference":"AQW 49077/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when Magees Road, Ballinderry, will be resurfaced.","answerText":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.\n\nIn the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.","answerHtml":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
In the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049077%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491232","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491232"}},{"id":"491231","reference":"AQW 49076/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 43746/22-27; (ii) AQW 45755/22-27; (iii) AQW 45756/22-27; (iv) AQW 45757/22-27; and (v) AQW 43249/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049076%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491231","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491231"}},{"id":"491230","reference":"AQW 49075/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether any funding is being provided through the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls to improve lighting of public spaces.","answerText":"The Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls focuses on prevention, early intervention and a wholeofsociety approach to tackling violence against women and girls.\n\nWhilst responsibility for street lighting is for the Department for Infrastructure, EVAWG officials have explored safer spaces by participating in research led by Queen’s University Belfast, working with partners to apply design principles and embed safety considerations into the planning and design of public and built environments. This includes the recent publication of the Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and the Built Environment principles document: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls through the Built Environment.\n\nA relevant example of wider Executive investment is The Realm, an Urban Villages Initiative capital project in Derry/Londonderry with a total investment of approximately £6 million, which will deliver enhanced public realm infrastructure, including upgraded street lighting designed to create safer, more accessible public spaces and well-lit travel corridors. The scheme has been developed with consideration of community safety and inclusive design principles, including measures that support improved perceptions of safety for women and girls while encouraging greater use of shared public spaces by all members of the community.","answerHtml":"The Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls focuses on prevention, early intervention and a wholeofsociety approach to tackling violence against women and girls.
Whilst responsibility for street lighting is for the Department for Infrastructure, EVAWG officials have explored safer spaces by participating in research led by Queen’s University Belfast, working with partners to apply design principles and embed safety considerations into the planning and design of public and built environments. This includes the recent publication of the Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and the Built Environment principles document: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls through the Built Environment.
A relevant example of wider Executive investment is The Realm, an Urban Villages Initiative capital project in Derry/Londonderry with a total investment of approximately £6 million, which will deliver enhanced public realm infrastructure, including upgraded street lighting designed to create safer, more accessible public spaces and well-lit travel corridors. The scheme has been developed with consideration of community safety and inclusive design principles, including measures that support improved perceptions of safety for women and girls while encouraging greater use of shared public spaces by all members of the community.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049075%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491230","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491230"}},{"id":"491229","reference":"AQW 49074/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any (i) surveys distributed; and (ii) other data collection methods used to date, as part of the Special Educational Needs/Disability Reform Agenda Outcomes Framework 2025-2030 to gather information from (a) parents and carers; (b) school staff; (c) children and young people.","answerText":"A review of data sources is underway to establish where potential indicator data already exists. These sources include existing survey data from children and young people, and administrative data on the SEN system. Where there is no current source, the data will be gathered from parents and school staff through annual surveys. The first of these annual surveys issued to parents and schools on 8 June 2026.","answerHtml":"A review of data sources is underway to establish where potential indicator data already exists. These sources include existing survey data from children and young people, and administrative data on the SEN system. Where there is no current source, the data will be gathered from parents and school staff through annual surveys. The first of these annual surveys issued to parents and schools on 8 June 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049074%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491229","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491229"}},{"id":"491266","reference":"AQO 3817/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline any action being taken to ensure that young people waiting for respite provision can access this service once they have transitioned into adult services.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203817%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491266"}},{"id":"490956","reference":"AQW 48939/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-17","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when her Department intends to carry out repair or resurfacing works on Soldierstown Road, Aghalee.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nMy Department uses road traffic collision data provided by the PSNI to undertake detailed analysis, including identifying collision trends and locations with a higher frequency and severity of collisions. This evidence base helps my officials to determine where road engineering safety measures are likely to have the greatest impact, supporting the prioritisation and development of safety related interventions across the road network.\n\nThe most recent assessment for traffic calming was undertaken in January 2023. As this assessment is more than 3 years old, I have asked officials to undertake a fresh assessment and advise you of the outcome.\n\nOfficials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.\n\nIn the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
My Department uses road traffic collision data provided by the PSNI to undertake detailed analysis, including identifying collision trends and locations with a higher frequency and severity of collisions. This evidence base helps my officials to determine where road engineering safety measures are likely to have the greatest impact, supporting the prioritisation and development of safety related interventions across the road network.
The most recent assessment for traffic calming was undertaken in January 2023. As this assessment is more than 3 years old, I have asked officials to undertake a fresh assessment and advise you of the outcome.
Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
In the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048939%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490956","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490956"}},{"id":"490955","reference":"AQW 48938/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-17","answerBy":"2026-07-02","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) when an assessment of road safety, along Soldierstown Road, Aghalee, will be undertaken; and (ii) whether any (a) traffic calming; (b) speed management; or (c) other safety, measures will be considered as part of that assessment.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nMy Department uses road traffic collision data provided by the PSNI to undertake detailed analysis, including identifying collision trends and locations with a higher frequency and severity of collisions. This evidence base helps my officials to determine where road engineering safety measures are likely to have the greatest impact, supporting the prioritisation and development of safety related interventions across the road network.\n\nThe most recent assessment for traffic calming was undertaken in January 2023. As this assessment is more than 3 years old, I have asked officials to undertake a fresh assessment and advise you of the outcome.\n\nOfficials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.\n\nIn the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
My Department uses road traffic collision data provided by the PSNI to undertake detailed analysis, including identifying collision trends and locations with a higher frequency and severity of collisions. This evidence base helps my officials to determine where road engineering safety measures are likely to have the greatest impact, supporting the prioritisation and development of safety related interventions across the road network.
The most recent assessment for traffic calming was undertaken in January 2023. As this assessment is more than 3 years old, I have asked officials to undertake a fresh assessment and advise you of the outcome.
Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
In the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048938%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490955","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490955"}},{"id":"490247","reference":"AQW 48721/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-15","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":"2026-08-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any road safety improvements that are being taken forward to the junction of the A26 Glenavy Road and Maghaberry Road.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nAs you will appreciate collisions on the road network are investigated by the PSNI. Once the findings are shared with the Department, my officials will carefully consider if any action can be taken through the introduction of engineering measures to enhance road safety.\n\nOfficials are also reviewing the latest Road Traffic Collision data from the PSNI for collision cluster sites, including the Glenavy Road, to identify locations where there is a common pattern of collisions which could benefit from the introduction of effective road safety measures.\n\nThe Department is considering options to improve the junction of the A26 Glenavy Road into Station Road, however, at present a viable scheme has not been identified. There are currently no plans to change the junctions with Lisnabella or Maghaberry Road.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
As you will appreciate collisions on the road network are investigated by the PSNI. Once the findings are shared with the Department, my officials will carefully consider if any action can be taken through the introduction of engineering measures to enhance road safety.
Officials are also reviewing the latest Road Traffic Collision data from the PSNI for collision cluster sites, including the Glenavy Road, to identify locations where there is a common pattern of collisions which could benefit from the introduction of effective road safety measures.
The Department is considering options to improve the junction of the A26 Glenavy Road into Station Road, however, at present a viable scheme has not been identified. There are currently no plans to change the junctions with Lisnabella or Maghaberry Road.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048721%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490247","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490247"}},{"id":"489992","reference":"AQW 48613/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-12","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the length of time development proposal 735 to transform Downshire Primary School to Controlled Integrated status has been waiting for a decision.","answerText":"The statutory objection period on Development Proposal (DP) 735, in respect of the proposed transformation of Downshire Primary School (PS) to Controlled Integrated status, closed on 11 November 2024.\n\nThe Department was awaiting the outcome of a Court of Appeal case prior to progressing a number of DPs. The Court of Appeal decision was received on 9 June 2026. I therefore hope to come to a decision on this DP in the near future.","answerHtml":"The statutory objection period on Development Proposal (DP) 735, in respect of the proposed transformation of Downshire Primary School (PS) to Controlled Integrated status, closed on 11 November 2024.
The Department was awaiting the outcome of a Court of Appeal case prior to progressing a number of DPs. The Court of Appeal decision was received on 9 June 2026. I therefore hope to come to a decision on this DP in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048613%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489992","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489992"}},{"id":"489835","reference":"AQO 3797/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission to outline any further actions that can be taken to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities to undertake work experience at the Assembly.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Clarke","text":"Mr Speaker, I may require an extra minute to answer the question. I thank the Member for her question. The Assembly Commission's school work experience programme is facilitated through a partnership between our internal education services team and an organisation called Futures For All, a social mobility charity. The programme aims to be as inclusive as possible for all young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional support needs (ASN). All schools who are registered with Futures For All are eligible to put forward pupils for participation in the programme, including pupils with SEND. Any additional needs of participants are then considered and provided for during online and in-person sessions. The Assembly Commission also has an apprenticeship and placement framework that provides the opportunity for people with a disability to avail themselves of short-term supported placements. Such placements are arranged by the Commission's human resources office, working in partnership with an external umbrella body that supports a range of organisations that work with individuals who have a disability. Implementing supported placements for people with a disability is an action in the Assembly Commission's disability action plan. The Assembly Commission has also sought to ensure that young people with disabilities are represented in the Youth Assembly and have an opportunity to share their views and directly influence decisions taken by the Assembly. For recruitment to the current Youth Assembly and on the basis of research on the youth demographic in Northern Ireland, a minimum of 10 young people with disabilities were sought in order to be representative of the data. Of the 90 young people appointed to the Youth Assembly, 18 have a disability. The commitment to inclusive recruitment is also reflected in the Assembly Commission's wider contract arrangements. Over recent years, the support services contractor, which provides catering, cleaning, porterage and related help desk services, has developed links with social enterprises, leading to the permanent employment of five team members. Building on that approach, the Assembly Commission will explore further opportunities to embed social value in the delivery of those services during the next contract term. The Assembly Commission will continue to identify further actions that could help people with special educational needs and disabilities to access meaningful work experience opportunities at the Assembly."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the Member for the answer. All the members of the Education Committee were rightly encouraged recently by Alma from Caleb's Cause to bring in kids with SEND or disabilities for work experience. It is encouraging to hear about the facilities that are there already. How many supported placements have taken place?"},{"speaker":"Mr Clarke","text":"Following the apprenticeship and placement framework in June 2019, the implementation of supported placements was initially delayed by COVID-19. Three supported placements have now been completed, and the feedback from the business areas and individuals involved has all been positive."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203797%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489835","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-06-23&docID=490800#AQO%203797/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489835"}},{"id":"492033","reference":"AQO 3785/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on discussions with the UK Government on raising the level of tax-free childcare.","answerText":"I have raised this issue with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury at Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee (or “F:ISC”) meetings; and my officials have also engaged with their counterparts in Treasury regarding the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.\n\nI understand that the Department for Education in Whitehall is leading a cross-departmental review of childcare and early years provision, within which Tax-Free Childcare is in scope.\n\nI therefore do not anticipate any changes to the scheme prior to the conclusion of that review.","answerHtml":"I have raised this issue with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury at Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee (or “F:ISC”) meetings; and my officials have also engaged with their counterparts in Treasury regarding the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
I understand that the Department for Education in Whitehall is leading a cross-departmental review of childcare and early years provision, within which Tax-Free Childcare is in scope.
I therefore do not anticipate any changes to the scheme prior to the conclusion of that review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203785%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492033","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492033"}},{"id":"489571","reference":"AQW 48401/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-10","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any additional support being made available to schools supporting children who have witnessed and faced violence associated with the recent public disorder.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) issued guidance (11 June) to all schools outlining the support available to them through EA services and the wider network of statutory agencies.\n\nThe guidance also outlined a number of practical resources that are available to the schools via the EA Pupil Wellbeing Service, for example, ‘The Little Book Series’ which have been translated into several languages and include self-care strategies to support children and young people.\n\nThe EA Intercultural Education Service is also available to provide direct support for children and their families, with access to 1-2-1 support at home, where required, and offers translation services.\n\nThe EA Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) provides a number of resources to schools to address bullying-type behaviour, including a Racially Motivated Environmental Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP). The RRAP is designed to support schools working with children and young people who have experienced, or may be displaying, racially motivated and socially unacceptable or bullying-type behaviours.\n\nMy officials and the EA officers will continue to work with schools, families and partners to support those affected and help ensure that children and young people can learn in a safe and welcoming environment.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) issued guidance (11 June) to all schools outlining the support available to them through EA services and the wider network of statutory agencies.
The guidance also outlined a number of practical resources that are available to the schools via the EA Pupil Wellbeing Service, for example, ‘The Little Book Series’ which have been translated into several languages and include self-care strategies to support children and young people.
The EA Intercultural Education Service is also available to provide direct support for children and their families, with access to 1-2-1 support at home, where required, and offers translation services.
The EA Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) provides a number of resources to schools to address bullying-type behaviour, including a Racially Motivated Environmental Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP). The RRAP is designed to support schools working with children and young people who have experienced, or may be displaying, racially motivated and socially unacceptable or bullying-type behaviours.
My officials and the EA officers will continue to work with schools, families and partners to support those affected and help ensure that children and young people can learn in a safe and welcoming environment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048401%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489571","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489571"}},{"id":"489570","reference":"AQW 48400/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-10","answerBy":"2026-06-25","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether any assessment assessment has been made of the level of advice and support given to schools having to make a decision regarding whether to close early on Wednesday 10 June 2026.","answerText":"In line with my Department’s policy on school closures, responsibility for taking decisions on exceptional or early closures rests primarily with school principals, who are best placed to assess local circumstances. This includes situations where there may be concerns relating to safety or security risks, as referenced within departmental guidance.\n\nI am satisfied that appropriate advice and support was provided to schools on Wednesday 10 June 2026.\n\nThe Education Authority’s advice emphasised that maintaining education was a priority and advised that, despite unverified reports of potential disruption, a blanket closure of schools would not have been practical nor proportionate.\n\nSchool leaders were asked to monitor their local circumstances, including travel arrangements for pupils and staff, and to take decisions as necessary, including where specific PSNI advice was provided.\n\nI made clear that it was critical that external examinations, including GCSEs and A-levels, should proceed as planned and that examination centres should remain open. Where schools closed early, examination provision was expected to continue.\n\nThe guidance enabled schools to exercise their professional judgement, with support available through established channels. Decisions appropriately remained with individual schools.","answerHtml":"In line with my Department’s policy on school closures, responsibility for taking decisions on exceptional or early closures rests primarily with school principals, who are best placed to assess local circumstances. This includes situations where there may be concerns relating to safety or security risks, as referenced within departmental guidance.
I am satisfied that appropriate advice and support was provided to schools on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
The Education Authority’s advice emphasised that maintaining education was a priority and advised that, despite unverified reports of potential disruption, a blanket closure of schools would not have been practical nor proportionate.
School leaders were asked to monitor their local circumstances, including travel arrangements for pupils and staff, and to take decisions as necessary, including where specific PSNI advice was provided.
I made clear that it was critical that external examinations, including GCSEs and A-levels, should proceed as planned and that examination centres should remain open. Where schools closed early, examination provision was expected to continue.
The guidance enabled schools to exercise their professional judgement, with support available through established channels. Decisions appropriately remained with individual schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048400%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489570","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489570"}},{"id":"489344","reference":"AQW 48301/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-09","answerBy":"2026-06-24","answered":"2026-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the Shaping Sustainable Places programme, including when it will be launched.","answerText":"The public consultation report for the Shaping Sustainable Places Programme was published on 30 April 2026. A joint briefing on the programme was held on 21 May 2026 with a concurrent sitting of the Committees for Communities, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and Infrastructure.\n\nGiven the cross-cutting nature of the programme, it will require Ministerial approval from each of the three sponsoring Departments, followed by final approval from the Executive. Subject to securing these approvals, it is anticipated that the programme will launch later in 2026.","answerHtml":"The public consultation report for the Shaping Sustainable Places Programme was published on 30 April 2026. A joint briefing on the programme was held on 21 May 2026 with a concurrent sitting of the Committees for Communities, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and Infrastructure.
Given the cross-cutting nature of the programme, it will require Ministerial approval from each of the three sponsoring Departments, followed by final approval from the Executive. Subject to securing these approvals, it is anticipated that the programme will launch later in 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048301%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489344"}},{"id":"489006","reference":"AQW 48156/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-08","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans to create a covered bus shelter in Dromara.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:\n\nTranslink has confirmed it has spoken to Ms Michelle Guy MLA and has provided the information below:\n\nTranslink have no current plans to deliver a new bus shelter in the village of Dromara. A bus shelter application form was sent to her office. Once this is completed and received, Bus Operations will undertake an assessment. Each individual shelter request is considered by Bus Operations on its individual merit. Any installation of a new bus shelter by Translink, in partnership with the Department, will be subject to operational requirements, physical site survey, land ownership, statutory consents including planning approval, consultation (DfI Roads Service and PSNI) and the availability of capital funding.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:
Translink has confirmed it has spoken to Ms Michelle Guy MLA and has provided the information below:
Translink have no current plans to deliver a new bus shelter in the village of Dromara. A bus shelter application form was sent to her office. Once this is completed and received, Bus Operations will undertake an assessment. Each individual shelter request is considered by Bus Operations on its individual merit. Any installation of a new bus shelter by Translink, in partnership with the Department, will be subject to operational requirements, physical site survey, land ownership, statutory consents including planning approval, consultation (DfI Roads Service and PSNI) and the availability of capital funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048156%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489006","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489006"}},{"id":"489005","reference":"AQW 48155/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-08","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether a grading review can be undertaken for classroom assistants working in specialist provision in mainstream schools posts.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has not undertaken any specific reviews of the grading of classroom assistant posts within Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools against the criteria for additional special educational needs support.\n\nClassroom assistant posts within the EA are established in accordance with defined job descriptions which have been formally evaluated and graded in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) job evaluation scheme. These job descriptions set out the duties and responsibilities associated with each post and determine the appropriate grading level.\n\nIn practice, the deployment of classroom assistants within both mainstream and specialist provision settings is determined through the statutory assessment and review process and is aligned to the assessed needs of children and young people, as outlined in their statement of special educational needs, where applicable. The responsibility for ensuring that duties assigned to classroom assistants are consistent with the relevant job description rests with individual schools.\n\nWhile no formal grading review of the type referenced has been undertaken, issues relating to the role, deployment and professional development of the classroom assistant workforce are currently being considered as part of broader work to reform SEN support arrangements. This includes ongoing work in relation to the Enhanced Support Model, which is examining how best to utilise and further equip the classroom-based support workforce to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people.\n\nIt should also be noted that the grade boundaries for Classroom Assistant posts were reviewed in 2024 as part of the EA Pay and Grading Review. This resulted in an increase in the pay scales, and all Classroom Assistants have been assimilated onto these new scales.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has not undertaken any specific reviews of the grading of classroom assistant posts within Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools against the criteria for additional special educational needs support.
Classroom assistant posts within the EA are established in accordance with defined job descriptions which have been formally evaluated and graded in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) job evaluation scheme. These job descriptions set out the duties and responsibilities associated with each post and determine the appropriate grading level.
In practice, the deployment of classroom assistants within both mainstream and specialist provision settings is determined through the statutory assessment and review process and is aligned to the assessed needs of children and young people, as outlined in their statement of special educational needs, where applicable. The responsibility for ensuring that duties assigned to classroom assistants are consistent with the relevant job description rests with individual schools.
While no formal grading review of the type referenced has been undertaken, issues relating to the role, deployment and professional development of the classroom assistant workforce are currently being considered as part of broader work to reform SEN support arrangements. This includes ongoing work in relation to the Enhanced Support Model, which is examining how best to utilise and further equip the classroom-based support workforce to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people.
It should also be noted that the grade boundaries for Classroom Assistant posts were reviewed in 2024 as part of the EA Pay and Grading Review. This resulted in an increase in the pay scales, and all Classroom Assistants have been assimilated onto these new scales.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048155%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489005","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489005"}},{"id":"489004","reference":"AQW 48154/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-08","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether duties currently being undertaken by classroom assistants in specialist provision in mainstream schools settings have been formally reviewed against the classroom assistant for additional special educational needs criteria.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has not undertaken any specific reviews of the grading of classroom assistant posts within Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools against the criteria for additional special educational needs support.\n\nClassroom assistant posts within the EA are established in accordance with defined job descriptions which have been formally evaluated and graded in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) job evaluation scheme. These job descriptions set out the duties and responsibilities associated with each post and determine the appropriate grading level.\n\nIn practice, the deployment of classroom assistants within both mainstream and specialist provision settings is determined through the statutory assessment and review process and is aligned to the assessed needs of children and young people, as outlined in their statement of special educational needs, where applicable. The responsibility for ensuring that duties assigned to classroom assistants are consistent with the relevant job description rests with individual schools.\n\nWhile no formal grading review of the type referenced has been undertaken, issues relating to the role, deployment and professional development of the classroom assistant workforce are currently being considered as part of broader work to reform SEN support arrangements. This includes ongoing work in relation to the Enhanced Support Model, which is examining how best to utilise and further equip the classroom-based support workforce to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people.\n\nIt should also be noted that the grade boundaries for Classroom Assistant posts were reviewed in 2024 as part of the EA Pay and Grading Review. This resulted in an increase in the pay scales, and all Classroom Assistants have been assimilated onto these new scales.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has not undertaken any specific reviews of the grading of classroom assistant posts within Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools against the criteria for additional special educational needs support.
Classroom assistant posts within the EA are established in accordance with defined job descriptions which have been formally evaluated and graded in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) job evaluation scheme. These job descriptions set out the duties and responsibilities associated with each post and determine the appropriate grading level.
In practice, the deployment of classroom assistants within both mainstream and specialist provision settings is determined through the statutory assessment and review process and is aligned to the assessed needs of children and young people, as outlined in their statement of special educational needs, where applicable. The responsibility for ensuring that duties assigned to classroom assistants are consistent with the relevant job description rests with individual schools.
While no formal grading review of the type referenced has been undertaken, issues relating to the role, deployment and professional development of the classroom assistant workforce are currently being considered as part of broader work to reform SEN support arrangements. This includes ongoing work in relation to the Enhanced Support Model, which is examining how best to utilise and further equip the classroom-based support workforce to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people.
It should also be noted that the grade boundaries for Classroom Assistant posts were reviewed in 2024 as part of the EA Pay and Grading Review. This resulted in an increase in the pay scales, and all Classroom Assistants have been assimilated onto these new scales.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048154%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489004","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489004"}},{"id":"489003","reference":"AQW 48153/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-08","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any process that exists for classroom assistants to request a review where they believe their role meets the requirements for classroom assistant for additional special education needs grading.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has not undertaken any specific reviews of the grading of classroom assistant posts within Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools against the criteria for additional special educational needs support.\n\nClassroom assistant posts within the EA are established in accordance with defined job descriptions which have been formally evaluated and graded in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) job evaluation scheme. These job descriptions set out the duties and responsibilities associated with each post and determine the appropriate grading level.\n\nIn practice, the deployment of classroom assistants within both mainstream and specialist provision settings is determined through the statutory assessment and review process and is aligned to the assessed needs of children and young people, as outlined in their statement of special educational needs, where applicable. The responsibility for ensuring that duties assigned to classroom assistants are consistent with the relevant job description rests with individual schools.\n\nWhile no formal grading review of the type referenced has been undertaken, issues relating to the role, deployment and professional development of the classroom assistant workforce are currently being considered as part of broader work to reform SEN support arrangements. This includes ongoing work in relation to the Enhanced Support Model, which is examining how best to utilise and further equip the classroom-based support workforce to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people.\n\nIt should also be noted that the grade boundaries for Classroom Assistant posts were reviewed in 2024 as part of the EA Pay and Grading Review. This resulted in an increase in the pay scales, and all Classroom Assistants have been assimilated onto these new scales.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has not undertaken any specific reviews of the grading of classroom assistant posts within Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools against the criteria for additional special educational needs support.
Classroom assistant posts within the EA are established in accordance with defined job descriptions which have been formally evaluated and graded in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) job evaluation scheme. These job descriptions set out the duties and responsibilities associated with each post and determine the appropriate grading level.
In practice, the deployment of classroom assistants within both mainstream and specialist provision settings is determined through the statutory assessment and review process and is aligned to the assessed needs of children and young people, as outlined in their statement of special educational needs, where applicable. The responsibility for ensuring that duties assigned to classroom assistants are consistent with the relevant job description rests with individual schools.
While no formal grading review of the type referenced has been undertaken, issues relating to the role, deployment and professional development of the classroom assistant workforce are currently being considered as part of broader work to reform SEN support arrangements. This includes ongoing work in relation to the Enhanced Support Model, which is examining how best to utilise and further equip the classroom-based support workforce to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people.
It should also be noted that the grade boundaries for Classroom Assistant posts were reviewed in 2024 as part of the EA Pay and Grading Review. This resulted in an increase in the pay scales, and all Classroom Assistants have been assimilated onto these new scales.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048153%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489003","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489003"}},{"id":"488780","reference":"AQW 48063/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the amount spent on health visitor services, in the last five years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The cost of health visiting services, in the last five years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust is set out in Table 1.\n\nTable 1: 5-year cost of health visiting services per HSC Trust\n\nTrust\t2020/21\n£’m\t2021/22\n£’m\t2022/23\n£’m\t2023/24\n£’m\t2024/25\n£’m\nBHSCT\t7.1\t7.3\t8.5\t10.0\t10.6\nNHSCT\t9.8\t10.1\t11.3\t12.2\t12.3\nSEHSCT\t5.4\t5.6\t9.7\t8.8\t9.7\nSHSCT\t7.8\t8.0\t9.2\t11.2\t11.3\nWHSCT\t6.3\t6.5\t7.3\t8.1\t7.3\n\nNotes:\n\nIn 2023/24 South Eastern Trust implemented Encompass. As a result, they were only able to submit activity for 7 months of the year. Costs have been extrapolated to reflect the full year cost.\n\nDue to concerns around the robustness of Encompass data, Belfast Trust were unable to provide a 2024/25 cost submission. The figure included in the cost data above for Belfast has been generated from 2023/24 Cost data, and uplifted by 6.92%, which was the total increase in the Trusts’ cost quantum from the prior year. These figures are indicative only and at a service level may under or overrepresent the movement in costs between 2023/24 and 2024/25.\n\nIn 2024/25 South Eastern Trust and Northern Trust provided 7 months data. Costs have been extrapolated to reflect the full year cost.","answerHtml":"The cost of health visiting services, in the last five years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust is set out in Table 1.
Table 1: 5-year cost of health visiting services per HSC Trust
| Trust | 2020/21 £’m | 2021/22 £’m | 2022/23 £’m | 2023/24 £’m | 2024/25 £’m |
| BHSCT | 7.1 | 7.3 | 8.5 | 10.0 | 10.6 |
| NHSCT | 9.8 | 10.1 | 11.3 | 12.2 | 12.3 |
| SEHSCT | 5.4 | 5.6 | 9.7 | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| SHSCT | 7.8 | 8.0 | 9.2 | 11.2 | 11.3 |
| WHSCT | 6.3 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 7.3 |
Notes:
In 2023/24 South Eastern Trust implemented Encompass. As a result, they were only able to submit activity for 7 months of the year. Costs have been extrapolated to reflect the full year cost.
Due to concerns around the robustness of Encompass data, Belfast Trust were unable to provide a 2024/25 cost submission. The figure included in the cost data above for Belfast has been generated from 2023/24 Cost data, and uplifted by 6.92%, which was the total increase in the Trusts’ cost quantum from the prior year. These figures are indicative only and at a service level may under or overrepresent the movement in costs between 2023/24 and 2024/25.
In 2024/25 South Eastern Trust and Northern Trust provided 7 months data. Costs have been extrapolated to reflect the full year cost.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048063%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488780","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488780"}},{"id":"488779","reference":"AQW 48062/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the health visitor workforce size, in the last ten years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048062%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488779","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488779"}},{"id":"488778","reference":"AQW 48061/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any work that has been undertaken, in partnership with the Minister of Education, to reduce the number of young people that are not in employment, education or training.","answerText":"Addressing the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) is recognised as a complex and multi-faceted issue, requiring coordinated action across a range of areas, including education, skills, health and community services.\n\nMy officials have been liaising with Department of Education (DE) colleagues through a number of avenues, recognising that retaining young people in education, training or employment is key. This includes through the joint 14-19 structures to consider, for example, the DE 16-18 legislation which aims to keep young people in education or training. My Department is represented on the DE RAISE Programme Board and DE officials have also collaborated with my Department on Widening Participation in Higher Education, as members of the WP Forum.\n\nWithin my Department we have a wide range of programmes already in place to help those who are classed as NEET, including further education provision, apprenticeships, employability programmes and targeted youth interventions.","answerHtml":"Addressing the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) is recognised as a complex and multi-faceted issue, requiring coordinated action across a range of areas, including education, skills, health and community services.
My officials have been liaising with Department of Education (DE) colleagues through a number of avenues, recognising that retaining young people in education, training or employment is key. This includes through the joint 14-19 structures to consider, for example, the DE 16-18 legislation which aims to keep young people in education or training. My Department is represented on the DE RAISE Programme Board and DE officials have also collaborated with my Department on Widening Participation in Higher Education, as members of the WP Forum.
Within my Department we have a wide range of programmes already in place to help those who are classed as NEET, including further education provision, apprenticeships, employability programmes and targeted youth interventions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048061%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488778","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488778"}},{"id":"488777","reference":"AQW 48060/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any assessment that has been made of the (i) Young people and work interim report; and (ii) Inside the mind of a young NEET, A story of resilience, untapped potential and a system with too many snakes and not enough ladders.","answerText":"My Department continually reviews research and reports, including those referenced, to inform and refine its programmes and initiatives to support young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).\n\nMy Department recently partnered with the Department for Communities and the Department of Health on a successful joint bid to the NI Public Sector Transformation Fund for a Work and Wellbeing Transformation Project. This project, which will be overseen by the newly established Commission on Work and Wellbeing, aims to support more people with ill health and disabilities into employment, including those young people who are currently or at risk of becoming NEET.\n\nThis Commission is chaired by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn, who also led on the Young people and work interim report. My officials will continue to work with the Department for Communities and Department of Health on this vital workstream.\n\nMy Department also offers a range of focused programmes including Skills for Life and Work which acts as a key progression pathway into Traineeships, Further Education, ApprenticeshipsNI or employment. I recognise that for many young people, the issue is not one of ability, rather it is the barriers they face. The recent consultation on a Review of Approach to Widening Participation in Higher Education therefore recommended that NEET adjacent youth are included within the priority groups to help ensure that higher education is a viable option for our young people.","answerHtml":"My Department continually reviews research and reports, including those referenced, to inform and refine its programmes and initiatives to support young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
My Department recently partnered with the Department for Communities and the Department of Health on a successful joint bid to the NI Public Sector Transformation Fund for a Work and Wellbeing Transformation Project. This project, which will be overseen by the newly established Commission on Work and Wellbeing, aims to support more people with ill health and disabilities into employment, including those young people who are currently or at risk of becoming NEET.
This Commission is chaired by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn, who also led on the Young people and work interim report. My officials will continue to work with the Department for Communities and Department of Health on this vital workstream.
My Department also offers a range of focused programmes including Skills for Life and Work which acts as a key progression pathway into Traineeships, Further Education, ApprenticeshipsNI or employment. I recognise that for many young people, the issue is not one of ability, rather it is the barriers they face. The recent consultation on a Review of Approach to Widening Participation in Higher Education therefore recommended that NEET adjacent youth are included within the priority groups to help ensure that higher education is a viable option for our young people.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048060%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488777","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488777"}},{"id":"488776","reference":"AQW 48059/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has carried out any assessment of (i) the report entitled Young people and work: interim report; and (ii) the connected report entitled Inside the mind of a young NEET, A story of resilience, untapped potential - and a system with too many snakes and not enough ladders.","answerText":"This report highlights a number of important issues, not only for education but for the Executive and wider society. It explores how we engage with our young people through education at school, at further education and beyond. It also reflects the need for young people to be able to access a range of services including health and social services.\n\nIt is vital that we support as many young people as possible to attain educational outcomes that will enable them to access opportunities in our emerging labour market. Through TransformED, I am making changes to the Northern Ireland Curriculum and to qualifications that will strengthen the development of young people’s knowledge, skills and capabilities so that they are able to progress into further or higher education, training or employment.\n\nOngoing participation in education and training and higher levels of attainment directly impact on young people’s future life chances. As recommended in the Independent Review of Education, I have brought forward draft legislation to the Executive which will require young people to remain in education or training until age 18. The intent of the proposed Bill is to ensure that all young people continue learning whether in school, a further education college, an apprenticeship or employment alongside education or training. This will provide additional opportunities for young people to achieve higher levels of study and to realise the benefits of this both personally and for our economy.","answerHtml":"This report highlights a number of important issues, not only for education but for the Executive and wider society. It explores how we engage with our young people through education at school, at further education and beyond. It also reflects the need for young people to be able to access a range of services including health and social services.
It is vital that we support as many young people as possible to attain educational outcomes that will enable them to access opportunities in our emerging labour market. Through TransformED, I am making changes to the Northern Ireland Curriculum and to qualifications that will strengthen the development of young people’s knowledge, skills and capabilities so that they are able to progress into further or higher education, training or employment.
Ongoing participation in education and training and higher levels of attainment directly impact on young people’s future life chances. As recommended in the Independent Review of Education, I have brought forward draft legislation to the Executive which will require young people to remain in education or training until age 18. The intent of the proposed Bill is to ensure that all young people continue learning whether in school, a further education college, an apprenticeship or employment alongside education or training. This will provide additional opportunities for young people to achieve higher levels of study and to realise the benefits of this both personally and for our economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488776","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488776"}},{"id":"488509","reference":"AQW 47946/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-10","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when resurfacing is planned for Moira High Street.","answerText":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, the details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 Annual Report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.\n\nThere have been no recent specific traffic volume assessments undertaken on Moira High Street however, officials continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.","answerHtml":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, the details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 Annual Report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
There have been no recent specific traffic volume assessments undertaken on Moira High Street however, officials continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047946%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488509","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488509"}},{"id":"488508","reference":"AQW 47945/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether any assessment has been made of changing the supernumerary status for children with a statement of Special Educational Needs.","answerText":"A public consultation in 2025 sought views on a proposal to move away from the longstanding practice of treating children with a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) as supernumerary for the duration of their time in mainstream schools.\n\nThe consultation responses showed strong support for a change in approach and my Department subsequently announced a phased removal of supernumerary status for these children.\n\nFrom September 2026, children with a statement of SEN will be treated as supernumerary for the year of admission only, rather than throughout their time at school. This represents an initial step towards the long-term removal of the supernumerary designation, subject to further consideration.\n\nThis change reflects the need to ensure that arrangements for managing school enrolments remain effective and sustainable in the context of increasing numbers of children with a statement of SEN, while supporting a fair and transparent admissions framework.\n\nThe revised approach relates solely to how pupils are accounted for within enrolment numbers and does not affect statutory assessment, placement decisions or the support provided to children with SEN. Children will continue to be placed in provision appropriate to their needs.","answerHtml":"A public consultation in 2025 sought views on a proposal to move away from the longstanding practice of treating children with a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) as supernumerary for the duration of their time in mainstream schools.
The consultation responses showed strong support for a change in approach and my Department subsequently announced a phased removal of supernumerary status for these children.
From September 2026, children with a statement of SEN will be treated as supernumerary for the year of admission only, rather than throughout their time at school. This represents an initial step towards the long-term removal of the supernumerary designation, subject to further consideration.
This change reflects the need to ensure that arrangements for managing school enrolments remain effective and sustainable in the context of increasing numbers of children with a statement of SEN, while supporting a fair and transparent admissions framework.
The revised approach relates solely to how pupils are accounted for within enrolment numbers and does not affect statutory assessment, placement decisions or the support provided to children with SEN. Children will continue to be placed in provision appropriate to their needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047945%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488508","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488508"}},{"id":"488507","reference":"AQW 47944/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any assessments that have been carried out on the level of traffic travelling on Moira High Street and the impact this has on the road surface.","answerText":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, the details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 Annual Report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.\n\nThere have been no recent specific traffic volume assessments undertaken on Moira High Street however, officials continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.","answerHtml":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, the details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 Annual Report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
There have been no recent specific traffic volume assessments undertaken on Moira High Street however, officials continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047944%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488507","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488507"}},{"id":"488506","reference":"AQW 47943/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) funding recipients of; and (ii) amount received through, the Musical Instruments Programme, in the last two years.","answerText":"The information requested is available on the Arts Council’s website via this link https://artscouncil-ni.org/resources/musical-instruments-awards.","answerHtml":"The information requested is available on the Arts Council’s website via this link https://artscouncil-ni.org/resources/musical-instruments-awards.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047943%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488506","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488506"}},{"id":"488505","reference":"AQW 47942/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the amount of funding provided to support Irish dancing, in the last five years.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Arts Council, they have advised me as follows:\n\nFinancial Year\tTotal Amount\n2021-2022\t£10,000.00\n2022-2023\t-\n2022-2023\t-\n2024-2025\t£856.50\n2025-2026\t£573.00\nGrand Total\t£11,429.50\n\nThe figures relate specifically to Irish dance related projects. The Arts Council also funds organisations which would also deliver Irish dance opportunities within their wider programmes of activity.’","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Arts Council, they have advised me as follows:
| Financial Year | Total Amount |
| 2021-2022 | £10,000.00 |
| 2022-2023 | - |
| 2022-2023 | - |
| 2024-2025 | £856.50 |
| 2025-2026 | £573.00 |
| Grand Total | £11,429.50 |
The figures relate specifically to Irish dance related projects. The Arts Council also funds organisations which would also deliver Irish dance opportunities within their wider programmes of activity.’
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047942%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488505","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488505"}},{"id":"490290","reference":"AQO 3724/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline any action he is taking, in conjunction with the Minister of Education, to address child poverty and its impact on educational attainment.","answerText":"As part of development on the Anti-Poverty Strategy, my officials have engaged directly with officials from the Department of Education.\n\nAs a result of this collaboration, the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy, as it went out for public Consultation in June 2025, contained a range of proposed interventions contributed by the Department of Education, targeted at raising educational achievement and tackling the attainment gap.\n\nThese interventions include delivery of the RAISE programme, a new initiative which aims to raise achievement to reduce educational disadvantage.\n\nThese sit alongside a commitment to a range of support for children and young people through the Extended Schools Programme in the form of Breakfast Clubs and healthy eating initiatives, ensuring that children can focus and engage in the classroom.\n\nThe Extended Schools Programme also provides after school activities, parental engagement, literacy and numeracy support, etc. This will support children in poverty and at risk of poverty to maximise their educational attainment.\n\nFollowing the completion of the public consultation, DfC and DE officials have engaged in further collaboration, examining the responses received to the consultation, and working to further hone and strengthen DE’s interventions to ensure maximum positive impact in this area of people’s lives.","answerHtml":"As part of development on the Anti-Poverty Strategy, my officials have engaged directly with officials from the Department of Education.
As a result of this collaboration, the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy, as it went out for public Consultation in June 2025, contained a range of proposed interventions contributed by the Department of Education, targeted at raising educational achievement and tackling the attainment gap.
These interventions include delivery of the RAISE programme, a new initiative which aims to raise achievement to reduce educational disadvantage.
These sit alongside a commitment to a range of support for children and young people through the Extended Schools Programme in the form of Breakfast Clubs and healthy eating initiatives, ensuring that children can focus and engage in the classroom.
The Extended Schools Programme also provides after school activities, parental engagement, literacy and numeracy support, etc. This will support children in poverty and at risk of poverty to maximise their educational attainment.
Following the completion of the public consultation, DfC and DE officials have engaged in further collaboration, examining the responses received to the consultation, and working to further hone and strengthen DE’s interventions to ensure maximum positive impact in this area of people’s lives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203724%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490290","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490290"}},{"id":"488187","reference":"AQW 47821/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether any aspect of TransformED improves vocational and technical pathways in schools.","answerText":"As part of TransformED, the Department intends to review the range of vocational qualifications delivered in schools to ensure an appropriate balance between academic and vocational pathways. Later this year the Department plans to consult on a policy framework for vocational qualifications delivered in schools.\n\nOur aim is to ensure that vocational qualifications available in schools are fit for purpose in a modern context, keeping pace with developments in the economy, technology and the world of work, while also supporting progression to higher levels of learning, training and employment.","answerHtml":"As part of TransformED, the Department intends to review the range of vocational qualifications delivered in schools to ensure an appropriate balance between academic and vocational pathways. Later this year the Department plans to consult on a policy framework for vocational qualifications delivered in schools.
Our aim is to ensure that vocational qualifications available in schools are fit for purpose in a modern context, keeping pace with developments in the economy, technology and the world of work, while also supporting progression to higher levels of learning, training and employment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047821%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488187","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488187"}},{"id":"488186","reference":"AQW 47820/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any (i) running; and (ii) walking, clubs that have received funding, in the last three years.","answerText":"I refer the Member to AQW 47819/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to AQW 47819/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047820%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488186","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488186"}},{"id":"488185","reference":"AQW 47819/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any Sport NI funding programmes currently operating; (ii) each recipient of funding; and (iii) the amount received, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"This is an operational matter for Sport NI, they have provided the information contained in Annex A. Due to the volume of information provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.","answerHtml":"This is an operational matter for Sport NI, they have provided the information contained in Annex A. Due to the volume of information provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047819%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488185","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488185"}},{"id":"488184","reference":"AQW 47818/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any funding allocated through the Historic Environment Fund, including (a) recipients of funding; and (b) amount received, in the last three years.","answerText":"Between 2023/24 and 2025/26, 167 grants have been allocated through the Historic Environment Fund, with an overall funding allocation of £1,823,348 over the three-year period.\n\nI have arranged for a detailed breakdown for the last 3 years to be placed in the Assembly Library, due to the volume of information provided.","answerHtml":"Between 2023/24 and 2025/26, 167 grants have been allocated through the Historic Environment Fund, with an overall funding allocation of £1,823,348 over the three-year period.
I have arranged for a detailed breakdown for the last 3 years to be placed in the Assembly Library, due to the volume of information provided.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047818%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488184","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488184"}},{"id":"488183","reference":"AQW 47817/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any funding allocated through the School Your Club programme, including (i) recipient; and (ii) amount allocated, since its creation.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Sport NI. Due to the volume of information provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Sport NI. Due to the volume of information provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047817%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488183","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488183"}},{"id":"487962","reference":"AQW 47698/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the current (i) median; (ii) lowest; and (iii) highest, cost for full-time childcare as gathered through Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme data.","answerText":"As part of the Department’s ongoing monitoring of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS), a recurring data collection exercise is in place to gather information on childcare fees directly from registered providers. The most recent exercise has captured fees as of April 2026, with the initial focus placed on daycare nursery provision, as this represents the largest concentration of childcare places and NICSS expenditure and almost 80% coverage of the sector. Analysis of other provider types will follow as data collection progresses.\n\nBased on self-reported fee data from over 90% of registered Day Nursery providers in Northern Ireland, the median full-time daily childcare fee as of April 2026 was £62. The lowest reported full-time daily fee was £31 and the highest was £90.\n\nThe lowest and highest fees represent a small number of providers at the extremes of the distribution. The middle 50% of reported fees fall between approximately £56 and £69 per day.\n\nProviders were asked to report their full-time daily fee, although the number of hours covered by a full-time place may vary between providers.\n\nThese figures present the fees charged by Day Nursery providers before any financial support is applied. Depending on their circumstances, parents may be eligible for up to 85% support with Universal Credit or up to 32% support with Tax-Free Childcare and the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.","answerHtml":"As part of the Department’s ongoing monitoring of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS), a recurring data collection exercise is in place to gather information on childcare fees directly from registered providers. The most recent exercise has captured fees as of April 2026, with the initial focus placed on daycare nursery provision, as this represents the largest concentration of childcare places and NICSS expenditure and almost 80% coverage of the sector. Analysis of other provider types will follow as data collection progresses.
Based on self-reported fee data from over 90% of registered Day Nursery providers in Northern Ireland, the median full-time daily childcare fee as of April 2026 was £62. The lowest reported full-time daily fee was £31 and the highest was £90.
The lowest and highest fees represent a small number of providers at the extremes of the distribution. The middle 50% of reported fees fall between approximately £56 and £69 per day.
Providers were asked to report their full-time daily fee, although the number of hours covered by a full-time place may vary between providers.
These figures present the fees charged by Day Nursery providers before any financial support is applied. Depending on their circumstances, parents may be eligible for up to 85% support with Universal Credit or up to 32% support with Tax-Free Childcare and the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047698%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487962","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487962"}},{"id":"487961","reference":"AQW 47697/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer AQW 43249/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047697%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487961","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487961"}},{"id":"489169","reference":"AQO 3699/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-28","answerBy":"2026-06-09","answered":"2026-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.","answerText":"I am pleased to say that approval from the First Minister and deputy First Minister to introduce the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill to the Assembly was granted on 5 June.\n\nAs is the normal process, the Bill has been shared with the Speaker’s Office for consideration and I am hopeful it can be formally introduced on 22 June.\n\nI believe the Bill will make a significant difference to the experiences of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system and look forward to working with you all to progress important changes for victims and witnesses of crime.","answerHtml":"I am pleased to say that approval from the First Minister and deputy First Minister to introduce the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill to the Assembly was granted on 5 June.
As is the normal process, the Bill has been shared with the Speaker’s Office for consideration and I am hopeful it can be formally introduced on 22 June.
I believe the Bill will make a significant difference to the experiences of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system and look forward to working with you all to progress important changes for victims and witnesses of crime.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203699%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489169","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489169"}},{"id":"487005","reference":"AQO 3672/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-28","answerBy":"2026-06-08","answered":"2026-06-08","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the number of collisions at the Saintfield Road and Old Ballynahinch Road junction, to outline a timeline of actions being taken to improve safety at the junction.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users. I fully recognise the concerns about the junction, which have been raised with my Department by a number of elected representatives, including Michelle Guy. My officials have identified this junction, along with Ballymacbrennan and Crossan’s Crossroads, as three locations where improvements are being developed. Those works are considered to be a priority, and a consultant has been commissioned to take the proposals forward. However, Members will appreciate that progressing junction improvements of that nature involves detailed design, land acquisition, engagement with landowners and procurement, so delivery will take some time. In recognition of the timeline associated with the full junction improvement scheme that is required, we have already taken proactive interim steps to improve safety at the junction. Most recently, during nearby roadworks, we carried out roadway and drainage cleaning, renewed road markings and cut back vegetation. We have also started work to renew the high-friction surfacing and upgrade the road markings with increased performance road markings at the junction, as well as cleaning signs and replacing catseyes in the area, all of which will support road safety while the full junction improvement scheme is being progressed."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. I have seen some of the improvements that have been carried out over the last week, and they are welcome. However, Minister, the residents are at a loss to understand the lack of real action at the junction. I spoke to a resident who lives beside the junction who acted as a first responder during a fatality at one of the collisions at the junction. Over the last three-year period, from 2022 to 2025, there were 18 recorded collisions, of which 10 were serious, and there were 42 serious injuries. Minister, how many more serious collisions are required at the junction before the Department will take action to resolve the problem?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"First, we take this very seriously, particularly given that there have been fatalities. In my response, I acknowledged that the Department is treating the junction as a priority. Unfortunately, a complex process is needed to do exactly what we need to do, which is a full upgrade and improvement of the three locations that I have mentioned. However, we need to make sure that we do it right. In my previous response I stepped the Member through the work that is required to get to that stage, which is why we have commissioned the interim works to increase safety until the work is completed. For example, it can take some time to engage with landowners about land acquisitions, and it is not within the Department's control. We can dedicate our resources to that, but it takes time because we are required to work with external parties, such as landowners. I have seen that in many other projects, and it has been a learning curve for me since I came into the role, having dealt with constituency issues where it has been difficult to comprehend why things take the time that they do. I assure the Member that we will not be found wanting in terms of the pace of this, and we will ensure that it keeps pushing forward. It has been strongly acknowledged that the junction requires the improvements that have been approved, and we will work hard to make sure that the improvements are delivered at the earliest possible stage, with all the work that is required."},{"speaker":"Mr McHugh","text":"Minister, what plan do you have to improve the condition of the road network?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"As the Member may be aware, the consultation on the draft road maintenance strategy ran from 2 December and closed at the end of January 2026. I am grateful to all those who provided feedback to the consultation, because it has been overwhelmingly positive. I am working closely with my officials to finalise the consultation report and update the draft road maintenance strategy to reflect the feedback from the consultation. I hope to publish the consultation report and the road maintenance strategy in the coming weeks. The new strategy will ensure that my Department can deliver road maintenance in a more organised way, which will improve effectiveness and enhance our ability to respond to incidents and weather events that impact on our road network. Once that is published, my Department will be in a much stronger position to progress a more modern, more data-driven approach to road maintenance across the North. As I have said before in the House, I am prioritising building long-term resilience into the road network, albeit in a constrained financial environment. That is why we have also included workforce recruitment and development as part of that approach. That puts us in a good position to make a real, tangible difference to our road network and what the people whom we represent see day-to-day."},{"speaker":"Mr Kingston","text":"The Minister will be aware of the need to improve safety and reduce congestion at the York Street interchange in north Belfast. However, we now know that the extra funding secured for that — it was a named project as part of the 2017 confidence-and-supply agreement — was all spent elsewhere. What plans does the Minister have to deliver the new York Street interchange?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"As the Member will know from my response to his questions on that issue, that predates me, so I cannot speak to the decisions that happened at that time. However, as the Member will also be aware, we do not have an agreed Budget, and that will factor into Budget discussions. I have met the consultants to discuss the York Street interchange in recent months, and I know that they are looking at options. I know the importance of it. I come along the Westlink every day when coming here to work, and I know how significant the congestion is. Any challenge along that route creates bigger problems not just for people on the route but for the wider city and for people coming to and going from Belfast. That issue is very much still on the agenda, and it is about looking at what we can do. However, everything that we do is related to budget, and, hopefully, we will get an agreed Budget in the not-so-distant future."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"The original question was about the Saintfield Road in the constituency of Lagan Valley. Well, a mile or two east of that is the Saintfield Road in Carryduff, which is in my constituency and has been a hotspot for collisions. The community in Carryduff wants urgent action. An elderly woman died on the Saintfield Road earlier this year. That community is crying out for attention from your Department to traffic calming and road safety, particularly pedestrian safety measures. I ask you and your Department to take a hard look at what actions you are taking, particularly in Carryduff and that stretch down the Saintfield Road, because it is not safe enough for pedestrians in that community, and something needs to be done. I ask the Minister to look at that and to task her officials with prioritising road safety in Carryduff."},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"If there are issues that have not been addressed or assessed, I am happy to look at them again. Everything that we do is about striving to ensure that we improve road safety across the North. The Member will know that everything is a priority but that, due to budget, it is not always possible to fulfil everything. However, we work hard to ensure that we do what we can and do it in good time. I am more than happy to take that issue away and speak to officials to see whether more can be done in those specific locations. If there are sections along the Saintfield Road that the Member wishes me to give particular attention to, I am happy to do so."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203672%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487005","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-06-08&docID=488073#AQO%203672/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487005"}},{"id":"486850","reference":"AQW 47205/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-27","answerBy":"2026-06-11","answered":"2026-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the locations of MRI scanners, including (i) the age of each scanner; (ii) the working hours of each scanner; (iii) staffing requirements; and (iv) annual downtime.","answerText":"The tables below detail the location of each scanner, the age of each scanner, working hours and staffing requirements. The annual downtime will vary across the different sites due to a range of factors such as routine maintenance, faults or component failure and staff sickness.\n\nMy Department recognises the importance of increasing MRI scanning capacity and additional funding has recently been allocated to improve the waiting times for this diagnostic modality. This is already having a positive impact with total MRI waits reducing by approximately 19% over the last 12 months.\n\nWestern Trust\n\nSite\tScanner\tAge (Years)\tOperating Hours\tStaffing\nAltnagelvin Hospital\tMRI\t7\tMon–Thu 08:30–20:30; Fri 08:30–17:00;\nSat–Sun 09:00–17:00\tBand 7 Radiographer + 2 Band 6 Radiographers + Assistant\nOut of hours Band 7 or 6 radiographer + Assistant\nSouth West Acute Hospital\tMRI\t3\tMon–Thu 08:30–17:00; Fri 08:30–17:00;\nSat–Sun 09:00–17:00\tBand 7 Radiographer + 2x Band 6 Radiographers + Assistant;\nOut of hours: Band 7 or 6 radiographer + Assistant\nNorth West Cancer Centre\tMRI\t<1\tTue–Fri 09:00–17:00\tBand 7 Radiographer + 2 Band 6 Radiographers + Assistant\n\nSouthern Trust\n\nSite\tScanner\tAge (Years)\tOperating Hours\tStaffing\nCraigavon Area Hospital\tMRI 1\t2\tMon–Fri 08:00–20:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00\t2 Radiographers + 1 assistant\nCraigavon Area Hospital\tMRI 2\t<1\tMon–Fri 08:00–20:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00\t2 Radiographers + 1 assistant\nSouth Tyrone Hospital\tMRI\t1\tTemporarily Limited\t2 Radiographers + 1 assistant\nDaisy Hill Hospital\tMobile MRI\t5\tMon–Sun 08:00–20:00\t2 radiographers + 1 assistant\n\nNorthern Trust\n\nSite\tScanner\tAge (Years)\tOperating Hours\tStaffing\nAntrim Area Hospital\tMRI 1\t10\tMon–Fri 08:30–20:00\nSat – Sun 09:00 – 17:00\t3 Radiographers + 1 assistant (in hours)\nAntrim Area Hospital\tMRI 2\t8\tMon–Thu 08:30-20:00\nFri-Sat 08:30-16:30\t3 Radiographers + 1 assistant (in hours)\nCauseway Hospital\tMRI\t<1\tMon–Fri 09:00–17:00\t3 Radiographers + 1 assistant (in hours)\n\nSouth Eastern Trust\n\nSite\tScanner\tAge (Years)\tOperating Hours\tStaffing\nUlster Hospital\tMR1\t13\tMon-Thu 08:00-20:20\nFri 08:50-17:00\t2 Radiographers\nUlster Hospital\tMR2\t7\tMon-Fri 08:00-20:00\t2 Radiographers\nUlster Hospital\tMR3\t6\tMon-Fri 08:50-17:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-13:00\t3 Radiographers\n\nBelfast Trust\n\nSite\tScanner\tAge (Years)\tOperating Hours\tStaffing\nRVH\tMRI 1\t11\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-8pm, Weekends\n9am-5pm\t2 radiographers\nOut-of-hours on-call emergency service, 1 Band 6 radiographer and 1 Assistant\nRVH\tMRI 2\t6\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-8pm, Weekends\n9am-5pm\t2 radiographers\nBCH\tMRI 1\t1\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-5pm\t2 radiographers\nBCH\tMRI 2\t2\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-5pm\t2 radiographers\nBCH\tMRI 3\t12\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-8pm\t2 radiographers\nMPH\tMRI 1\t8\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-8pm, Weekends\n9am-5pm\t2 radiographers\nMPH\tMRI 2\t8\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-5pm\t2 radiographers\nMIH\tMRI\t19\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-8pm, Weekends\n9am-5pm (limited days)\t2 radiographers\nRBHSC\tMRI\t11\tMonday to Friday\n08:30-5pm\t2 radiographers","answerHtml":"The tables below detail the location of each scanner, the age of each scanner, working hours and staffing requirements. The annual downtime will vary across the different sites due to a range of factors such as routine maintenance, faults or component failure and staff sickness.
My Department recognises the importance of increasing MRI scanning capacity and additional funding has recently been allocated to improve the waiting times for this diagnostic modality. This is already having a positive impact with total MRI waits reducing by approximately 19% over the last 12 months.
Western Trust
| Site | Scanner | Age (Years) | Operating Hours | Staffing |
| Altnagelvin Hospital | MRI | 7 | Mon–Thu 08:30–20:30; Fri 08:30–17:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00 | Band 7 Radiographer + 2 Band 6 Radiographers + Assistant Out of hours Band 7 or 6 radiographer + Assistant |
| South West Acute Hospital | MRI | 3 | Mon–Thu 08:30–17:00; Fri 08:30–17:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00 | Band 7 Radiographer + 2x Band 6 Radiographers + Assistant; Out of hours: Band 7 or 6 radiographer + Assistant |
| North West Cancer Centre | MRI | <1 | Tue–Fri 09:00–17:00 | Band 7 Radiographer + 2 Band 6 Radiographers + Assistant |
Southern Trust
| Site | Scanner | Age (Years) | Operating Hours | Staffing |
| Craigavon Area Hospital | MRI 1 | 2 | Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00 | 2 Radiographers + 1 assistant |
| Craigavon Area Hospital | MRI 2 | <1 | Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00 | 2 Radiographers + 1 assistant |
| South Tyrone Hospital | MRI | 1 | Temporarily Limited | 2 Radiographers + 1 assistant |
| Daisy Hill Hospital | Mobile MRI | 5 | Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 | 2 radiographers + 1 assistant |
Northern Trust
| Site | Scanner | Age (Years) | Operating Hours | Staffing |
| Antrim Area Hospital | MRI 1 | 10 | Mon–Fri 08:30–20:00 Sat – Sun 09:00 – 17:00 | 3 Radiographers + 1 assistant (in hours) |
| Antrim Area Hospital | MRI 2 | 8 | Mon–Thu 08:30-20:00 Fri-Sat 08:30-16:30 | 3 Radiographers + 1 assistant (in hours) |
| Causeway Hospital | MRI | <1 | Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 | 3 Radiographers + 1 assistant (in hours) |
South Eastern Trust
| Site | Scanner | Age (Years) | Operating Hours | Staffing |
| Ulster Hospital | MR1 | 13 | Mon-Thu 08:00-20:20 Fri 08:50-17:00 | 2 Radiographers |
| Ulster Hospital | MR2 | 7 | Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00 | 2 Radiographers |
| Ulster Hospital | MR3 | 6 | Mon-Fri 08:50-17:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-13:00 | 3 Radiographers |
Belfast Trust
| Site | Scanner | Age (Years) | Operating Hours | Staffing |
| RVH | MRI 1 | 11 | Monday to Friday 08:30-8pm, Weekends 9am-5pm | 2 radiographers Out-of-hours on-call emergency service, 1 Band 6 radiographer and 1 Assistant |
| RVH | MRI 2 | 6 | Monday to Friday 08:30-8pm, Weekends 9am-5pm | 2 radiographers |
| BCH | MRI 1 | 1 | Monday to Friday 08:30-5pm | 2 radiographers |
| BCH | MRI 2 | 2 | Monday to Friday 08:30-5pm | 2 radiographers |
| BCH | MRI 3 | 12 | Monday to Friday 08:30-8pm | 2 radiographers |
| MPH | MRI 1 | 8 | Monday to Friday 08:30-8pm, Weekends 9am-5pm | 2 radiographers |
| MPH | MRI 2 | 8 | Monday to Friday 08:30-5pm | 2 radiographers |
| MIH | MRI | 19 | Monday to Friday 08:30-8pm, Weekends 9am-5pm (limited days) | 2 radiographers |
| RBHSC | MRI | 11 | Monday to Friday 08:30-5pm | 2 radiographers |
The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
The workload of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) is not centrally measured or tracked by the EA.
Responsibility for monitoring and managing workload rests with individual schools, reflecting the fact that each school operates within a unique context, including differing pupil needs, staffing structures, and demographic profiles. Schools are required to adhere to the statutory Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice, which sets out their responsibilities in identifying, assessing, and supporting pupils with SEN. Within this framework, it is for school leadership teams to determine how SENCo responsibilities are organised and how workload is distributed and reviewed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047204%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486849","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486849"}},{"id":"487707","reference":"AQO 3625/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide an update on school places for the 2026/27 academic year for those with additional needs.","answerText":"My department and the Education Authority (EA) are working intensively to address the needs of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) ahead of September 2026.\n\nThere is currently an estimated pressure of approximately 300-350 SEN places, and resolving this remains a priority.\n\nSignificant progress has been made, with over 6,000 additional SEN places created across Northern Ireland since 2020. In preparation for September 2026, the EA has managed over 300 site visits and initiated more than 100 projects, estimated to create over 1,100 additional places for children and young people with SEN across local communities throughout Northern Ireland.\n\nMembers are aware that I wrote to all schools in Northern Ireland on 24 February this year advising that I now require all mainstream schools which the EA considers suitable to facilitate Specialist Provision to engage constructively with them to put it in place. Since then, the EA initially identified 70 schools in areas of high pressure which potentially had capacity to offer Specialist Provision. In April, EA officers started an intensive period of engagement and consultation with these schools to assess their viability to proceed. As part of this site visits are ongoing and are focused on identifying options and solutions for Specialist Provision for September 2026 and beyond. This is in addition to schools that are already working with the EA to establish placements.","answerHtml":"My department and the Education Authority (EA) are working intensively to address the needs of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) ahead of September 2026.
There is currently an estimated pressure of approximately 300-350 SEN places, and resolving this remains a priority.
Significant progress has been made, with over 6,000 additional SEN places created across Northern Ireland since 2020. In preparation for September 2026, the EA has managed over 300 site visits and initiated more than 100 projects, estimated to create over 1,100 additional places for children and young people with SEN across local communities throughout Northern Ireland.
Members are aware that I wrote to all schools in Northern Ireland on 24 February this year advising that I now require all mainstream schools which the EA considers suitable to facilitate Specialist Provision to engage constructively with them to put it in place. Since then, the EA initially identified 70 schools in areas of high pressure which potentially had capacity to offer Specialist Provision. In April, EA officers started an intensive period of engagement and consultation with these schools to assess their viability to proceed. As part of this site visits are ongoing and are focused on identifying options and solutions for Specialist Provision for September 2026 and beyond. This is in addition to schools that are already working with the EA to establish placements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203625%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487707","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487707"}},{"id":"485527","reference":"AQW 46618/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-19","answerBy":"2026-05-26","answered":"2026-05-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of schools; and (ii) the number of days schools, had to close due to security alerts in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The Department only holds records of cases where a setting has closed for a whole day without morning registration being taken.\n\nAcademic year\tNo. of schools\tNo. of days\n2021/22\tNil\tNil\n2022/23\t3\t2\n2023/24\tNil\tNil\n2024/25\t2\t1\n2025/26\tNil\tNil","answerHtml":"The Department only holds records of cases where a setting has closed for a whole day without morning registration being taken.
| Academic year | No. of schools | No. of days |
| 2021/22 | Nil | Nil |
| 2022/23 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023/24 | Nil | Nil |
| 2024/25 | 2 | 1 |
| 2025/26 | Nil | Nil |
In the 2024/25 academic year the teacher vacancy rate in (i) nursery schools was 3.7%, (ii) primary schools was 1.7% and (iii) secondary schools was 1.4%.
Please note, the teacher vacancy rate has been calculated using the number of unfilled vacancies divided by the headcount of teachers in November 2024. This is the most recent data available. Data relating to November 2025 will be available next month.
The teacher vacancy data is collected at the start of November each year through the Teacher Vacancy Survey. The survey provides a snapshot of the vacancies in schools at that time each year.
The headcount of teachers is taken from the Teachers’ Payroll System in November each year and validated with schools.
It should be noted that data is not available for voluntary and private pre-schools. In addition, data in relation to nursery units attached to primary schools is included in the figure presented for primary and cannot be disaggregated.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046489%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485224","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485224"}},{"id":"485223","reference":"AQW 46488/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-18","answerBy":"2026-06-03","answered":"2026-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 45636/22-27, whether any assessment has been made of the rise in numbers of children on tracer letters.","answerText":"The number of pupils on tracer letters fluctuates in response to referrals received by the Education Welfare Service, including those originating from other jurisdictions.\n\nThe increase in the number of children included in tracer letters was due to disturbances in summer 2025.","answerHtml":"The number of pupils on tracer letters fluctuates in response to referrals received by the Education Welfare Service, including those originating from other jurisdictions.
The increase in the number of children included in tracer letters was due to disturbances in summer 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046488%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485223","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485223"}},{"id":"485222","reference":"AQW 46487/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-18","answerBy":"2026-06-03","answered":"2026-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the projected number of young people due to leave or graduate from special schools over the next five years.","answerText":"Pupils with a statement of special educational needs may choose to stay in school until the end of the academic year in which they reach 19 years of age. The figures in the table below relate to pupils who will be aged 19 by the end of each academic year. These estimates have been derived from the latest school census data by determining the current ages of pupils in special schools and projecting how many will turn 19 in the upcoming academic years.\n\nIt should be noted, however, that not all of these pupils will necessarily remain in the school system until they reach age 19. Some may leave education earlier, while others may transfer between different educational settings. This includes movement from special schools to mainstream schools or Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) provision, as well as transfers from mainstream or EOTAS settings into special schools.\n\nNumber of pupils in special schools turning 19 years old by end of academic year\n\nAcademic Year\tNumber of pupils\n2025/26\t300\n2026/27\t391\n2027/28\t476\n2028/29\t532\n2029/30\t514\n\nSource: Annual School Census","answerHtml":"Pupils with a statement of special educational needs may choose to stay in school until the end of the academic year in which they reach 19 years of age. The figures in the table below relate to pupils who will be aged 19 by the end of each academic year. These estimates have been derived from the latest school census data by determining the current ages of pupils in special schools and projecting how many will turn 19 in the upcoming academic years.
It should be noted, however, that not all of these pupils will necessarily remain in the school system until they reach age 19. Some may leave education earlier, while others may transfer between different educational settings. This includes movement from special schools to mainstream schools or Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) provision, as well as transfers from mainstream or EOTAS settings into special schools.
Number of pupils in special schools turning 19 years old by end of academic year
| Academic Year | Number of pupils |
| 2025/26 | 300 |
| 2026/27 | 391 |
| 2027/28 | 476 |
| 2028/29 | 532 |
| 2029/30 | 514 |
Source: Annual School Census
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046487%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485222","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485222"}},{"id":"484972","reference":"AQW 46387/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-15","answerBy":"2026-06-02","answered":"2026-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the cost of each commissioned report related to the cervical cancer screening issues in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, including the (i) RCPATH Consulting Report; (ii) Southern Health and Social Care Trust Cervical Cytology Review - Activity and Outcomes Report; (iii) Cervical Cancers in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Area; (iv) Independent expert opinion on findings of the Cervical Screening Review relating to the cervical cytology laboratory in the Southern Health Social Care Trust; (v) Independent Review of the Quality Assurance Arrangements for Cervical Screening in Northern Ireland; (vi) Summary Learning Report; and (vii) Summary Report on Issues Related to Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme.","answerText":"Reports (i) to (vi) were commissioned by the Southern Trust and/or the Public Health Agency and they have provided the following information:\n\nReport\tLead Organisation(s)\tCost (£)\nRCPATH Consulting Report\tSouthern Health and Social Care Trust\t£30,000 (& VAT)\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust Cervical Cytology Review - Activity and Outcomes Report\tPublic Health Agency and\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust\t£0.00\nCervical Cancers in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Area\tPublic Health Agency\t£0.00\nIndependent expert opinion on findings of the Cervical Screening Review relating to the cervical cytology laboratory in the Southern Health Social Care Trust\tPublic Health Agency and\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust\t£0.00\nIndependent Review of the Quality Assurance Arrangements for Cervical Screening in Northern Ireland\tPublic Health Agency\tNo invoice has been submitted yet.\nSummary SAI Learning Report\tSouthern Health and Social Care Trust\tNo invoice has been submitted yet\n\nReport (vii) was commissioned by my Department\n\nSummary Report on Issues Related to Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme\tDepartment of Health\t£18,000","answerHtml":"Reports (i) to (vi) were commissioned by the Southern Trust and/or the Public Health Agency and they have provided the following information:
| Report | Lead Organisation(s) | Cost (£) |
| RCPATH Consulting Report | Southern Health and Social Care Trust | £30,000 (& VAT) |
| Southern Health and Social Care Trust Cervical Cytology Review - Activity and Outcomes Report | Public Health Agency and Southern Health and Social Care Trust | £0.00 |
| Cervical Cancers in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Area | Public Health Agency | £0.00 |
| Independent expert opinion on findings of the Cervical Screening Review relating to the cervical cytology laboratory in the Southern Health Social Care Trust | Public Health Agency and Southern Health and Social Care Trust | £0.00 |
| Independent Review of the Quality Assurance Arrangements for Cervical Screening in Northern Ireland | Public Health Agency | No invoice has been submitted yet. |
| Summary SAI Learning Report | Southern Health and Social Care Trust | No invoice has been submitted yet |
Report (vii) was commissioned by my Department
| Summary Report on Issues Related to Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme | Department of Health | £18,000 |
The Department of Justice has advised that the Statutory Rule 2026/12 (SR), which came into effect on 17 February 2026 and amends the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979, effectively provides a means through which such self-employed individuals can obtain an Enhanced check and, upon request, provide it to, for example, a parent for scrutiny prior to commencing a private tutoring arrangement.
As I have previously noted the responsibility for the regulation of the private tutoring sector does not sit with my department, however, officials are currently examining how this issue is addressed across other UK jurisdictions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046386%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484971","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484971"}},{"id":"484581","reference":"AQW 46190/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-13","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the changes to the Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12, to detail (i) any modelling that was carried out to examine the impact on childminders and children; and (ii) whether a Quality Impact Assessment was carried out.","answerText":"The changes which I announced on April 5th were based on a comparison of the position in neighbouring jurisdictions and an analysis of the 495 responses to a public consultation exercise carried out in 2025. The consultation analysis is available at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-announces-changes-areas-childcare-regulation.\n\nThe impact of these changes will be monitored by HSC Trusts through annual inspections.","answerHtml":"The changes which I announced on April 5th were based on a comparison of the position in neighbouring jurisdictions and an analysis of the 495 responses to a public consultation exercise carried out in 2025. The consultation analysis is available at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-announces-changes-areas-childcare-regulation.
The impact of these changes will be monitored by HSC Trusts through annual inspections.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046190%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484581","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484581"}},{"id":"484580","reference":"AQW 46189/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-13","answerBy":"2026-05-29","answered":"2026-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any research undertaken and evidence used to inform the changes to childminding ratios made in the Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12.","answerText":"In addition to the information received by a wide range of stakeholders in response to the consultation exercise carried out last year, consideration was given to the childminding ratios in place in neighbouring jurisdictions. Although the total number of children that a childminder is permitted to care for varies, all 3 of the other UK jurisdictions and the Republic of Ireland limit the number of children under 8 years old cared for by a single childminder to 6, with up to 3 of those children being under compulsory school age.","answerHtml":"In addition to the information received by a wide range of stakeholders in response to the consultation exercise carried out last year, consideration was given to the childminding ratios in place in neighbouring jurisdictions. Although the total number of children that a childminder is permitted to care for varies, all 3 of the other UK jurisdictions and the Republic of Ireland limit the number of children under 8 years old cared for by a single childminder to 6, with up to 3 of those children being under compulsory school age.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046189%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484580","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484580"}},{"id":"484579","reference":"AQW 46188/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-13","answerBy":"2026-05-29","answered":"2026-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 45403/22-27, to detail the number of Education Authority behavioural specialists, broken down by each Local Impact Team.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has provided the following information:\n\nLocal IMPACT Teams (LITs)\tTeachers\tInterventions Officers\tBehaviour Support Assistants (BSA)/ Classroom Assistants (CAs)\t*Area Team Members\nWestern Health Trust Area\nEnniskillen LIT\t1\nOmagh LIT\t1 Recruited\t1\nDerry City LIT\t1 Recruited\t1\nLimavady LIT Waterside LIT Dungiven LIT\nNorthern Health Trust Area\nCauseway LIT\t1\t1\nCookstown LIT\t1\t2\nBallymena LIT\t\t1\nAntrim LIT\t1\t1\t\t1\nNewtownabbey\nSouthern Health Trust Area\nDungannon LIT\t1\t1\nCraigavon LIT\t\t1\t\t2\nArmagh LIT\nNewry LIT\t\t1\nSouth Eastern Health Trust Area\nLisburn LIT\t\t\t\t1\nBallynahinch LIT\t1 Recruited\nBangor, Ards LIT\nBelfast Health Trust Area\nBelfast North LIT\t\t1\nEast LIT\t1\t1\nSouth West LIT\t1\t1\nWest LIT\t\t1\nTOTAL\t10\t14\t\t4\n\n*Area Teams are Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) specialists at Assistant Advisory Officer Grade.\n\nThe EA is also drawing on staff within Post-Primary and Primary Partnership/Education Other Than At School centres to maximise available capacity and respond to increasing levels of demand. However, it must be recognised that these staff are concurrently supporting pupils with complex behavioural needs, including those at risk of or subject to suspension or expulsion.\n\nGiven ongoing pressures, targeted recruitment has taken place and three additional SBEW specialist teachers have been appointed and will take up post shortly. This will provide some enhancement to existing capacity; however, demand for SBEW support continues to exceed available resource across all geographic areas.\n\nPrimary and Post Primary Partnership Centres:\n\nPartnership Centres\tSenior Teachers\tTeachers (FTE)\tIntervention Officers\tBSAs/CAs\n\nPrimary Partnership\n\nFir trees Omagh, Strabane\t1\t5.5\t\t8\nLittle Oaks\nL/Derry\t1\t4\t2\t4\nTree Tops Strabane\t1\t3\t1\t5\nThornberry Coleraine\t1\t2\t\t10\nSunflowers\nAntrim\t1\t3.5\t\t10.5 (FTE)\nWillow\nBelfast\t1\t4.8\t1\t8\nTamnamore Dungannon\t1\t3.5\t3\t6\nPost Primary Partnership\nMaydown\nL/Derry\t1\t4\t0.8\n(PT Youth worker)\t2\nSunlea\nColeraine\t1\t2.6\t\t1\nRathmore\nAntrim\t1\t3.8\t\t1\nNEGC\nNewtownabbey\t1\t4.4\t\t1\nLink\nBelfast\t1\t9.8\t\t3\nKinnego Dungannon\t1\t2.5\t\t2\nTotal:\t13\t53.4\t7.8\t61.5\n\nTrust Area\tWaitlist total number for SBEW Support as of April 26\nWestern\t220\nNorth\t210\nSouthern\t160\nSouth Eastern\t112\nBelfast\t274\nTotal\t976","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has provided the following information:
| Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) | Teachers | Interventions Officers | Behaviour Support Assistants (BSA)/ Classroom Assistants (CAs) | *Area Team Members |
| Western Health Trust Area | ||||
| Enniskillen LIT | 1 | |||
| Omagh LIT | 1 Recruited | 1 | ||
| Derry City LIT | 1 Recruited | 1 | ||
| Limavady LIT Waterside LIT Dungiven LIT | ||||
| Northern Health Trust Area | ||||
| Causeway LIT | 1 | 1 | ||
| Cookstown LIT | 1 | 2 | ||
| Ballymena LIT | 1 | |||
| Antrim LIT | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Newtownabbey | ||||
| Southern Health Trust Area | ||||
| Dungannon LIT | 1 | 1 | ||
| Craigavon LIT | 1 | 2 | ||
| Armagh LIT | ||||
| Newry LIT | 1 | |||
| South Eastern Health Trust Area | ||||
| Lisburn LIT | 1 | |||
| Ballynahinch LIT | 1 Recruited | |||
| Bangor, Ards LIT | ||||
| Belfast Health Trust Area | ||||
| Belfast North LIT | 1 | |||
| East LIT | 1 | 1 | ||
| South West LIT | 1 | 1 | ||
| West LIT | 1 | |||
| TOTAL | 10 | 14 | 4 |
*Area Teams are Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) specialists at Assistant Advisory Officer Grade.
The EA is also drawing on staff within Post-Primary and Primary Partnership/Education Other Than At School centres to maximise available capacity and respond to increasing levels of demand. However, it must be recognised that these staff are concurrently supporting pupils with complex behavioural needs, including those at risk of or subject to suspension or expulsion.
Given ongoing pressures, targeted recruitment has taken place and three additional SBEW specialist teachers have been appointed and will take up post shortly. This will provide some enhancement to existing capacity; however, demand for SBEW support continues to exceed available resource across all geographic areas.
Primary and Post Primary Partnership Centres:
| Partnership Centres | Senior Teachers | Teachers (FTE) | Intervention Officers | BSAs/CAs |
| Primary Partnership |
| Fir trees Omagh, Strabane | 1 | 5.5 | 8 | |
| Little Oaks L/Derry | 1 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Tree Tops Strabane | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Thornberry Coleraine | 1 | 2 | 10 | |
| Sunflowers Antrim | 1 | 3.5 | 10.5 (FTE) | |
| Willow Belfast | 1 | 4.8 | 1 | 8 |
| Tamnamore Dungannon | 1 | 3.5 | 3 | 6 |
| Post Primary Partnership | ||||
| Maydown L/Derry | 1 | 4 | 0.8 (PT Youth worker) | 2 |
| Sunlea Coleraine | 1 | 2.6 | 1 | |
| Rathmore Antrim | 1 | 3.8 | 1 | |
| NEGC Newtownabbey | 1 | 4.4 | 1 | |
| Link Belfast | 1 | 9.8 | 3 | |
| Kinnego Dungannon | 1 | 2.5 | 2 | |
| Total: | 13 | 53.4 | 7.8 | 61.5 |
| Trust Area | Waitlist total number for SBEW Support as of April 26 |
| Western | 220 |
| North | 210 |
| Southern | 160 |
| South Eastern | 112 |
| Belfast | 274 |
| Total | 976 |
The Education Authority has advised that:
There has been ongoing, positive engagement through the Joint Education and Health Oversight Group, and through direct engagement with the Department of Health, around how the development of multi-disciplinary specialist support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) can be achieved. Subject to consultation responses, a key element of SEN transformation through the Enhanced Support Model will be the development of multi-disciplinary specialist support for SEN, to include Allied Health Professionals and other staff.
Increased access to specialist roles, including health professionals will require investment in training as well as changes to current service delivery models which can only be achieved through transforming the current model of SEN support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046187%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484578","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484578"}},{"id":"484172","reference":"AQW 45999/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-11","answerBy":"2026-05-27","answered":"2026-05-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, in relation to Early Years Local Impact Teams, to detail (i) the number of staff on each team; (ii) the number of requests for support received by each team, in the last year; and (iii) the current waiting list for each team.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised the following:\n\nEarly Years LIT Team\tField Staff FTE\tTotal No. RFIs Received\tTotal No. Awaiting Support\nBelfast\t5.8\t178\t31\nSouth Eastern\t7\t174\t29\nSouthern East\t4.8\t109\t14\nSouthern West\t5.6\t167\t6\nWestern North\t5.6\t241\t40\nWestern South\t5.2\t174\t45\nNorthern East\t6\t151\t17\nNorthern West\t5.6\t79\t9\nTotal\t45.6\t1273\t191","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised the following:
| Early Years LIT Team | Field Staff FTE | Total No. RFIs Received | Total No. Awaiting Support |
| Belfast | 5.8 | 178 | 31 |
| South Eastern | 7 | 174 | 29 |
| Southern East | 4.8 | 109 | 14 |
| Southern West | 5.6 | 167 | 6 |
| Western North | 5.6 | 241 | 40 |
| Western South | 5.2 | 174 | 45 |
| Northern East | 6 | 151 | 17 |
| Northern West | 5.6 | 79 | 9 |
| Total | 45.6 | 1273 | 191 |
My officials are currently undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the 469 consultation responses received which will be used to inform the final version of the strategy.
While it is difficult to estimate when this exercise will be complete, I can confirm publication of the outcomes of the analysis will be made publicly available in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045998%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484171","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484171"}},{"id":"484170","reference":"AQW 45997/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-11","answerBy":"2026-05-27","answered":"2026-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the job roles in each Local Impact Team.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised the following:\n\nSchool Age Local IMPACT Teams\n\nRoles within LIT\nNHSCT\t1. Antrim\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n2. Ballymena, Larne\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n3. Coleraine, Glens\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n4. Cookstown, Magherafelt\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer)\n5. Newtownabbey\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSupport Staff (Support Assistants)\nBHSCT\t6. Belfast East\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n7. Belfast North\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n8. Belfast South-west\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teachers\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n9. Belfast West\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\nSEHSCT\t10. Ballynahinch, Downpatrick\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nSBEW Teacher to start in June\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer)\n11. Bangor, Ards\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n12. Lisburn\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nSupport Staff (Support Assistants)\nX1 Assistant Advisory Officer SBEW for Trust Area\nSHSCT\t13. Armagh\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teachers\nSupport Staff (Support Assistants)\n14. Craigavon, Portadown, Lurgan\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer)\n15. Dungannon\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teachers\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer)\n16. Newry\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer)\nX2 Assistant Advisory Officers SBEW to support Trust Area\nWHSCT\t17. Derry City\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n18. Enniskillen\tLIT Manager\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teacher to start In June\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer)\n19. Omagh\tLIT Manager\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teacher to start in June\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n20. Waterside, Limavady, Dungiven\tLIT Manager\nAutism Teacher/Advisory Teachers\nCognition and Learning Teachers\nLanguage and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher\nSBEW Teachers\nSupport Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants)\n\nEarly Years support both Statutory and Non-Statutory settings.\n\nEY LIT Team\tRoles within LIT\nBelfast\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nClassroom Assistant\nSouth Eastern\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nIntervention Officers\nClassroom Assistant\nSouthern East\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nIntervention Officers\nClassroom Assistant\nSouthern West\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nIntervention Officers\nClassroom Assistant\nWestern North\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nWestern South\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nIntervention Officers\nNorthern East\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nIntervention Officers\nClassroom Assistant\nNorthern West\tLIT Manager\nTeachers/Advisory Teachers\nIntervention Officers\nClassroom Assistant\n\nThe EA has advised that in order to maximise available capacity and respond to increasing levels of demand, it is also drawing on staff within Post-Primary and Primary partnership/EOTAS centres and also Special Schools Outreach Services.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised the following:
School Age Local IMPACT Teams
| Roles within LIT | ||
| NHSCT | 1. Antrim | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) |
| 2. Ballymena, Larne | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) | |
| 3. Coleraine, Glens | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) | |
| 4. Cookstown, Magherafelt | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer) | |
| 5. Newtownabbey | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher Support Staff (Support Assistants) | |
| BHSCT | 6. Belfast East | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teacher Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) |
| 7. Belfast North | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) | |
| 8. Belfast South-west | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teacher Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teachers Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) | |
| 9. Belfast West | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) | |
| SEHSCT | 10. Ballynahinch, Downpatrick | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers SBEW Teacher to start in June Support Staff (Intervention Officer) |
| 11. Bangor, Ards | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teacher Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) | |
| 12. Lisburn | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Support Staff (Support Assistants) | |
| X1 Assistant Advisory Officer SBEW for Trust Area | ||
| SHSCT | 13. Armagh | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teacher Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teachers Support Staff (Support Assistants) |
| 14. Craigavon, Portadown, Lurgan | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer) | |
| 15. Dungannon | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teachers Support Staff (Intervention Officer) | |
| 16. Newry | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer) | |
| X2 Assistant Advisory Officers SBEW to support Trust Area | ||
| WHSCT | 17. Derry City | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teacher Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) |
| 18. Enniskillen | LIT Manager Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teacher to start In June Support Staff (Intervention Officer) | |
| 19. Omagh | LIT Manager Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teacher to start in June Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) | |
| 20. Waterside, Limavady, Dungiven | LIT Manager Autism Teacher/Advisory Teachers Cognition and Learning Teachers Language and Communication Teacher/Advisory Teacher SBEW Teachers Support Staff (Intervention Officer/Support Assistants) |
Early Years support both Statutory and Non-Statutory settings.
| EY LIT Team | Roles within LIT |
| Belfast | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers Classroom Assistant |
| South Eastern | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers Intervention Officers Classroom Assistant |
| Southern East | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers Intervention Officers Classroom Assistant |
| Southern West | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers Intervention Officers Classroom Assistant |
| Western North | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers |
| Western South | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers Intervention Officers |
| Northern East | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers Intervention Officers Classroom Assistant |
| Northern West | LIT Manager Teachers/Advisory Teachers Intervention Officers Classroom Assistant |
The EA has advised that in order to maximise available capacity and respond to increasing levels of demand, it is also drawing on staff within Post-Primary and Primary partnership/EOTAS centres and also Special Schools Outreach Services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045997%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484170","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484170"}},{"id":"483905","reference":"AQW 45892/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-08","answerBy":"2026-05-14","answered":"2026-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions his Department plans to take following the introduction of the UK Safer Internet Centre's guidance on image guidance for education settings.","answerText":"The UK Safer Internet Centre’s guidance is a valuable resource to support schools in the development and review of their social media and school communications policies.\n\nMy officials reviewed the guidance to ensure it aligns with departmental policy and following this review, I agreed that the guidance should be circulated to all schools and education settings. This was issued on the day of publication through the Education Authority’s Child Protection Support Service.\n\nThe guidance will also be considered further as part of the development of safeguarding resources for schools.","answerHtml":"The UK Safer Internet Centre’s guidance is a valuable resource to support schools in the development and review of their social media and school communications policies.
My officials reviewed the guidance to ensure it aligns with departmental policy and following this review, I agreed that the guidance should be circulated to all schools and education settings. This was issued on the day of publication through the Education Authority’s Child Protection Support Service.
The guidance will also be considered further as part of the development of safeguarding resources for schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045892%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483905","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483905"}},{"id":"483904","reference":"AQW 45891/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-08","answerBy":"2026-05-26","answered":"2026-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SPiMS) created; and (ii) the amount of money spent on SPiMS, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of Specialist Provisions created over the last three years was 101 in 2023, 114 in 2024 and 131 in 2025.\n\nRecurrent costs for the last three years were £34,446,769 in 2022/23, £43,552,105 in 2023/24 and £62,654,591 in 2024/25.\n\nThe capital expenditure on Specialist Provisions was £4,853,018 in 2023/24 and £11,803,498 in 2024/25. Prior to 2023/24 financial year, coding was not in place to separately identify expenditure on Specialist Provisions.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of Specialist Provisions created over the last three years was 101 in 2023, 114 in 2024 and 131 in 2025.
Recurrent costs for the last three years were £34,446,769 in 2022/23, £43,552,105 in 2023/24 and £62,654,591 in 2024/25.
The capital expenditure on Specialist Provisions was £4,853,018 in 2023/24 and £11,803,498 in 2024/25. Prior to 2023/24 financial year, coding was not in place to separately identify expenditure on Specialist Provisions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045891%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483904","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483904"}},{"id":"483616","reference":"AQW 45757/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-22","answered":"2026-08-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT)-owned respite facilities, or host families providing respite care, that have received funding through the Disabled Facilities Grant Scheme, in the last two years, to support adaptations for respite provision, including the amount of funding allocated, broken down by HSCT.","answerText":"Disabled Facilities Grants are means-tested grants administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) on behalf of the Department for Communities (DfC). The scheme provides financial assistance to disabled homeowners, private tenants and landlords to undertake major adaptations to private dwellings, such as stairlifts, wet rooms and access ramps, to improve accessibility, safety and independent living.\n\nWhile Health and Social Care Trust Occupational Therapists support access to the scheme through assessment of need and recommendations for appropriate adaptations, responsibility for administering DFGs, including the holding of funding and expenditure data, rests with the NIHE rather than the Department of Health or HSCTs.\n\nEligibility for DFG funding is limited to owner-occupiers, private tenants and landlords. HSCT-owned respite facilities are not eligible for DFG funding. Similarly, the scheme is intended to support adaptations to private homes and does not provide a specific funding stream for HSCT facilities or host family respite provision.\n\nConsequently, no HSCT-owned respite facilities, or host families providing respite care, have received funding through the DFG scheme during the last two years. Therefore, the amount of DFG funding allocated for these purposes, including any breakdown by HSCT, is nil.\n\nAs my Department does not routinely collect information on DFG expenditure in relation to respite provision, any further information relating to DFG funding is likely to be held by the DfC and/or the NIHE.","answerHtml":"Disabled Facilities Grants are means-tested grants administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) on behalf of the Department for Communities (DfC). The scheme provides financial assistance to disabled homeowners, private tenants and landlords to undertake major adaptations to private dwellings, such as stairlifts, wet rooms and access ramps, to improve accessibility, safety and independent living.
While Health and Social Care Trust Occupational Therapists support access to the scheme through assessment of need and recommendations for appropriate adaptations, responsibility for administering DFGs, including the holding of funding and expenditure data, rests with the NIHE rather than the Department of Health or HSCTs.
Eligibility for DFG funding is limited to owner-occupiers, private tenants and landlords. HSCT-owned respite facilities are not eligible for DFG funding. Similarly, the scheme is intended to support adaptations to private homes and does not provide a specific funding stream for HSCT facilities or host family respite provision.
Consequently, no HSCT-owned respite facilities, or host families providing respite care, have received funding through the DFG scheme during the last two years. Therefore, the amount of DFG funding allocated for these purposes, including any breakdown by HSCT, is nil.
As my Department does not routinely collect information on DFG expenditure in relation to respite provision, any further information relating to DFG funding is likely to be held by the DfC and/or the NIHE.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045757%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483616","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483616"}},{"id":"483615","reference":"AQW 45756/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-22","answered":"2026-08-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of children under 18 years of age accessing respite facilities for children with learning disabilities, broken down by (i) Health and Social Care Trust; and (ii) type of provision.","answerText":"BELFAST HSC TRUST (BHSCT):\n\nForest Lodge Short Breaks – 6 children/young people\n\nForest Lodge Nursing Short Breaks – 22 children/young people\n\nFostering Short Breaks – < 5 children/young people\n\nBarnardo’s Whistlestop – 11 children/young people\n\nNORTHERN HSC TRUST (NHSCT):\n\nIn the last year, 39 children have accessed short breaks in Whitehaven, the Trust’s Short Break Unit.\n\nSOUTH EASTERN HSC TRUST (SEHSCT):\n\nThe South Eastern HSC Trust contracts with Positive Futures, Cedar Foundation and the YMCA who deliver community based Short Breaks on a weekly Basis for a 3-hourly session for 90 young people.\n\nThe South Eastern Trust’s Community Out Reach Service supports 19 children who have been receiving 2:1 outreach support either weekly or fortnightly. The team have also provided occasional and holiday supports to an additional 32 young people across the service\n\nThe Children’s Disability Fostering Short Breaks Service – Currently there are 5 approved foster carers who provide a monthly 2-night short break to 6 children and young people and their families. The Trust plan to work towards expansion of this provision.\n\nGreen Hill Residential Short Breaks Home provides placements 6 nights per week, and 21 children are receiving overnight support over a monthly period.\n\nRedwood Children’s Home currently provides both Shared Care arrangements and full-time residential care to < 5 young people.\n\nThe South Eastern HSC Trust supports 16 children through the provision of morning and after schools’ provision by contracting with the Day Care provider Cool.\n\nThe Trust supports 7 young people with complex medical presentations within the Short Breaks Nursing Home operated by the Belfast Trust in Forest Lodge.\n\nSOUTHERN HSC TRUST (SHSCT):\n\nResidential Overnights -33 children\n\nShort Breaks fostering – 19 children\n\nChildren’s Hospice - 31 children\n\nWESTERN HSC TRUST (WHSCT):\n\nDue to the Trust’s residential short break facilities having been required to provide medium – long term care, respite provision for children under 18 with learning disabilities in lieu of residential provision has been delivered through a mixed model, including direct payments, contracts with specific voluntary sector agencies such as Cedar and Positive Futures.\n\nIn addition to this, the Western Trust has used specialist services such as Butterfly Lodge and Northern Ireland Hospice for those Children with complex health care and specific nursing needs. Within the Western HSC Trust 15 children currently access NI Children’s Hospice, and 26 access Butterfly Lodge.\n\nA Short Break Fostering service has recently been established within the Western HSC Trust, and recruitment of foster carers is ongoing.","answerHtml":"BELFAST HSC TRUST (BHSCT):
Forest Lodge Short Breaks – 6 children/young people
Forest Lodge Nursing Short Breaks – 22 children/young people
Fostering Short Breaks – < 5 children/young people
Barnardo’s Whistlestop – 11 children/young people
NORTHERN HSC TRUST (NHSCT):
In the last year, 39 children have accessed short breaks in Whitehaven, the Trust’s Short Break Unit.
SOUTH EASTERN HSC TRUST (SEHSCT):
The South Eastern HSC Trust contracts with Positive Futures, Cedar Foundation and the YMCA who deliver community based Short Breaks on a weekly Basis for a 3-hourly session for 90 young people.
The South Eastern Trust’s Community Out Reach Service supports 19 children who have been receiving 2:1 outreach support either weekly or fortnightly. The team have also provided occasional and holiday supports to an additional 32 young people across the service
The Children’s Disability Fostering Short Breaks Service – Currently there are 5 approved foster carers who provide a monthly 2-night short break to 6 children and young people and their families. The Trust plan to work towards expansion of this provision.
Green Hill Residential Short Breaks Home provides placements 6 nights per week, and 21 children are receiving overnight support over a monthly period.
Redwood Children’s Home currently provides both Shared Care arrangements and full-time residential care to < 5 young people.
The South Eastern HSC Trust supports 16 children through the provision of morning and after schools’ provision by contracting with the Day Care provider Cool.
The Trust supports 7 young people with complex medical presentations within the Short Breaks Nursing Home operated by the Belfast Trust in Forest Lodge.
SOUTHERN HSC TRUST (SHSCT):
Residential Overnights -33 children
Short Breaks fostering – 19 children
Children’s Hospice - 31 children
WESTERN HSC TRUST (WHSCT):
Due to the Trust’s residential short break facilities having been required to provide medium – long term care, respite provision for children under 18 with learning disabilities in lieu of residential provision has been delivered through a mixed model, including direct payments, contracts with specific voluntary sector agencies such as Cedar and Positive Futures.
In addition to this, the Western Trust has used specialist services such as Butterfly Lodge and Northern Ireland Hospice for those Children with complex health care and specific nursing needs. Within the Western HSC Trust 15 children currently access NI Children’s Hospice, and 26 access Butterfly Lodge.
A Short Break Fostering service has recently been established within the Western HSC Trust, and recruitment of foster carers is ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045756%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483615","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483615"}},{"id":"483614","reference":"AQW 45755/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-22","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail all respite facilities for children with learning disabilities used by each Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT), including (i) HSCT-run facilities; (ii) facilities in the independent sector; (iii) host family schemes; and (iv) any other respite provision commissioned or funded by each HSCT.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045755%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483614","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483614"}},{"id":"483613","reference":"AQW 45754/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-22","answered":"2026-05-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any next steps in relation to the Five Year Education Budget Strategy.","answerText":"The next steps and implementation of the Five-Year Budget Strategy for Education are set out in section 5 of the Strategy document.\n\nSince the Strategy was published on 4 February, a Programme Board has been established to oversee the delivery of reform at scale.\n\nThe public consultation concluded on 3 April 2026. A summary of the responses to the consultation have published on my department’s website.","answerHtml":"The next steps and implementation of the Five-Year Budget Strategy for Education are set out in section 5 of the Strategy document.
Since the Strategy was published on 4 February, a Programme Board has been established to oversee the delivery of reform at scale.
The public consultation concluded on 3 April 2026. A summary of the responses to the consultation have published on my department’s website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045754%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483613","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483613"}},{"id":"485273","reference":"AQO 3574/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-18","answered":"2026-05-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he is considering amendments to the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 to align with the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023.","answerText":"The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 re-introduced provisions around third-party harassment into the Equality Act 2010, which had been repealed in the rest of the UK in 2013 but had not been repealed here. It could be said, therefore, that since 2013 the provisions around third-party harassment have been stronger in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK.\n\nFor this reason, there is no need to make amendments to the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 to align with the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. My officials will, of course, continue to monitor legislation in GB to ensure the protections offered in Northern Ireland are informed by developments elsewhere.","answerHtml":"The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 re-introduced provisions around third-party harassment into the Equality Act 2010, which had been repealed in the rest of the UK in 2013 but had not been repealed here. It could be said, therefore, that since 2013 the provisions around third-party harassment have been stronger in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK.
For this reason, there is no need to make amendments to the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 to align with the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. My officials will, of course, continue to monitor legislation in GB to ensure the protections offered in Northern Ireland are informed by developments elsewhere.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203574%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485273","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485273"}},{"id":"485354","reference":"AQO 3566/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-18","answered":"2026-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his actions to address the blue-green algae crisis at Lough Neagh.","answerText":"Of the 37 actions within the Plan, 20 have been delivered and 17 are actively progressing. I remain committed to driving forward the delivery of the remaining actions at pace.\n\nProgress to date reflects coordinated efforts across key themes including scientific research and innovation, enhanced monitoring and enforcement, education and stakeholder engagement, regulatory reform, and strategic communications.\n\nWhilst important strides have been made, it is essential to recognise that the recovery of Lough Neagh will require sustained, long-term action. Given the depth and complexity of the problem, substantial recovery will take many years, if not decades.","answerHtml":"Of the 37 actions within the Plan, 20 have been delivered and 17 are actively progressing. I remain committed to driving forward the delivery of the remaining actions at pace.
Progress to date reflects coordinated efforts across key themes including scientific research and innovation, enhanced monitoring and enforcement, education and stakeholder engagement, regulatory reform, and strategic communications.
Whilst important strides have been made, it is essential to recognise that the recovery of Lough Neagh will require sustained, long-term action. Given the depth and complexity of the problem, substantial recovery will take many years, if not decades.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203566%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485354","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485354"}},{"id":"483347","reference":"AQW 45638/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-06","answerBy":"2026-05-12","answered":"2026-05-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following his announcement of £10.7 million investment into GenAI licences on 6 May 2026, to detail (i) a breakdown of the organisations providing the different services; (ii) any tender process that was undertaken to appoint the licences; (iii) where the budget has come from for these services; and (iv) any specific outcomes that are attached to licence contracts.","answerText":"(i) The GenAI capability referenced in the Minister’s announcement is being delivered through a combination of existing frameworks and newly procured licences via a tender process. The two major platform providers are Microsoft and Google.\n\n(ii) The provision of licences has been undertaken in line with public procurement requirements. Where possible, existing contractual arrangements and frameworks have been utilised to enable rapid and compliant deployment. Any additional procurement activity has followed established Education Authority and Department of Finance guidance to ensure value for money, transparency and compliance.\n\n(iii) The £10.7 million investment forms part of allocated funding to support digital transformation within education, including the safe and effective introduction of generative AI technologies. Funding has been drawn from approved departmental budgets, linked to TransformED and aligned to the wider education technology and innovation programme.\n\n(iv) The licences are intended to support a range of educational and operational outcomes, including:\n\nEnhanced teaching and learning through access to AI-assisted tools\n\nImproved productivity for teachers and school leaders\n\nDevelopment of digital skills and AI literacy among pupils and staff\n\nStrengthened safeguards and governance for safe AI use in an education context\n\nAlignment with broader digital transformation objectives across the education sector.\n\nAll deployments are subject to appropriate governance, data protection and safeguarding requirements, including ongoing monitoring and evaluation of impact.","answerHtml":"(i) The GenAI capability referenced in the Minister’s announcement is being delivered through a combination of existing frameworks and newly procured licences via a tender process. The two major platform providers are Microsoft and Google.
(ii) The provision of licences has been undertaken in line with public procurement requirements. Where possible, existing contractual arrangements and frameworks have been utilised to enable rapid and compliant deployment. Any additional procurement activity has followed established Education Authority and Department of Finance guidance to ensure value for money, transparency and compliance.
(iii) The £10.7 million investment forms part of allocated funding to support digital transformation within education, including the safe and effective introduction of generative AI technologies. Funding has been drawn from approved departmental budgets, linked to TransformED and aligned to the wider education technology and innovation programme.
(iv) The licences are intended to support a range of educational and operational outcomes, including:
Enhanced teaching and learning through access to AI-assisted tools
Improved productivity for teachers and school leaders
Development of digital skills and AI literacy among pupils and staff
Strengthened safeguards and governance for safe AI use in an education context
Alignment with broader digital transformation objectives across the education sector.
All deployments are subject to appropriate governance, data protection and safeguarding requirements, including ongoing monitoring and evaluation of impact.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045638%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483347","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483347"}},{"id":"483346","reference":"AQW 45637/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-06","answerBy":"2026-05-21","answered":"2026-05-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any further work that has been done to establish the number of children who are missing in education.","answerText":"The Department of Education (DE) have funded the Education Authority (EA) to create a defined CME Specialist Post to work in collaboration with 5 Nation CME colleagues to develop operational arrangements for schools and on the maintenance of data analysis.\n\nA draft policy framework has been produced however as Children Missing Education (CME) was one of the priorities being consulted on within the Attendance Matters Strategy, this work is currently being refined following the consultation.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education (DE) have funded the Education Authority (EA) to create a defined CME Specialist Post to work in collaboration with 5 Nation CME colleagues to develop operational arrangements for schools and on the maintenance of data analysis.
A draft policy framework has been produced however as Children Missing Education (CME) was one of the priorities being consulted on within the Attendance Matters Strategy, this work is currently being refined following the consultation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045637%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483346","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483346"}},{"id":"483345","reference":"AQW 45636/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-06","answerBy":"2026-05-21","answered":"2026-05-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) tracer letters that have been sent out by the Education Authority for children missing from school; and (ii) children that were on each letter, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"Academic Year\tNumber of tracer letters sent to Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one\tNumber of Tracers Letters sent to Post Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one\n2025/26 (at 8/5/26)\t4 (59,29,14,26)\t4 (23,10,14,20)\n2024/25\t4 (27,12,31,6)\t4 (16,12,25,2)\n2023/24\t5 (13,7,23,16,4)\t5 (11,3,16,21,10)\n2022/23\t4 (13,16,10,13)\t4 (2,12,8,4)\n2021/22\t5 (9,4,7,26,18)\t5 (9,16,3,13,2)","answerHtml":"| Academic Year | Number of tracer letters sent to Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one | Number of Tracers Letters sent to Post Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one |
| 2025/26 (at 8/5/26) | 4 (59,29,14,26) | 4 (23,10,14,20) |
| 2024/25 | 4 (27,12,31,6) | 4 (16,12,25,2) |
| 2023/24 | 5 (13,7,23,16,4) | 5 (11,3,16,21,10) |
| 2022/23 | 4 (13,16,10,13) | 4 (2,12,8,4) |
| 2021/22 | 5 (9,4,7,26,18) | 5 (9,16,3,13,2) |
Multi-disciplinary support is available from the Education Authority (EA) to schools supporting staff who have experienced sexual harassment by pupils.
Within the EA’s People Directorate, a variety of services are reactive in supporting post incident care. Relevant services support schools to provide immediate support for the staff member who has experienced the harmful behaviour.
These services are aware of the need for a trauma informed approach, and a training programme is underway, within which key teams will be provided with Safeguarding Board NI level 1 Trauma Informed Practice training. The aim of embedding a trauma informed approach is to better equip managers and school leaders to support staff. The use of Lena Counselling Services and Occupational Health may be appropriate in some cases to support staff.
Similarly, EA services that reactively support schools in managing harmful behaviour for pupils will be involved, such as Child Protection and Safeguarding Service and Restorative Practice service. In some circumstances Restorative Practice may be helpful to both the staff member and pupil involved.
The following proactive initiatives build capacity and resilience within managers and staff to deal with such incidents effectively:
Staff receive mandatory training on “Understanding Diversity & Inclusion”, “Promoting a Dignified Workplace”, and “Active Bystander" which include information on gender equality and sexual harassment. Additional training is also provided for First Time Principals and Boards of Governors.
The recent development of EA’s updated Audit of Inequalities 2025/26, which includes a chapter on Gender and analysis on the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls in relation to employment and service provision.
Targeted Stakeholder Engagement Sessions to inform EA’s new Equality Action Plan to be launched in 2026, included the topic of Violence Against Women and Girls as a priority.
EA facilitates the Joint Consultative Forum for engagement with Education Officials, Voluntary and Community Sector organisations, Trade Unions and compliance organisations. This has included roundtables and presentations with the Executive Office on the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework in December 2024 and UK Feminista on ‘A Whole School Approach to Tackling Sexual Harassment’ in April 2026.
The staff member or their manager may avail of resources on EA’s HealthWell Hub and EA Website:
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy
EA DSVA Workplace Policy 2021.pdf
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Manager Toolkit
DSVA Managers Toolkit.pdf
Women’s Aid Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Webinar
Health Well
Free 24/7 confidential staff counselling via Lena by Inspire
Lena (by Inspire) | Health Well
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045635%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483344"}},{"id":"483058","reference":"AQW 45535/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-05","answerBy":"2026-05-20","answered":"2026-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the number of children and young people who have been impacted by harmful sexual behaviour within school is recorded and tracked.","answerText":"The DE Circular 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides guidance to support the handling of incidents of potential or actual Harmful Sexual Behaviour.\n\nProcedures for recording all safeguarding and child protection concerns are outlined in Circular 2020/07 - Child Protection: Record Keeping in Schools. This policy circular makes clear that accurate recording of child protection concerns by schools is essential. The CPSS keep records of the number of children who come to their attention regarding Harmful Sexual Behaviour, and the types of support offered.","answerHtml":"The DE Circular 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides guidance to support the handling of incidents of potential or actual Harmful Sexual Behaviour.
Procedures for recording all safeguarding and child protection concerns are outlined in Circular 2020/07 - Child Protection: Record Keeping in Schools. This policy circular makes clear that accurate recording of child protection concerns by schools is essential. The CPSS keep records of the number of children who come to their attention regarding Harmful Sexual Behaviour, and the types of support offered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045535%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483058","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483058"}},{"id":"483057","reference":"AQW 45534/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-05","answerBy":"2026-05-20","answered":"2026-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any risk assessments currently carried out by the Education Authority to protect teachers from harmful sexual behaviour from pupils.","answerText":"No risk assessments are currently carried out by the Education Authority (EA) to protect teachers from harmful sexual behaviour from pupils.\n\nSupport is provided by the EA for staff who experience this type of behaviour from pupils included, and I have links to this support below.\n\nDomestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy\n\nEA DSVA Workplace Policy 2021.pdf\n\nDomestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Manager Toolkit\n\nDSVA Managers Toolkit.pdf\n\nWomen’s Aid Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Webinar\n\nHealth Well\n\nFree 24/7 confidential staff counselling via Lena by Inspire\n\nLena (by Inspire) | Health Well\n\nAll EA Staff, whether temporary or permanent, Teaching and Non-Teaching are able to access EA’s HealthWell Hub.\n\nThe Hub is an external Digital Solution that provides a range of initiatives and information in relation to Health and Wellbeing. Please see the link for the Hub -Health Well.\n\nPrincipals can also contact EA’s Health and Wellbeing Service directly via our Helpdesk to discuss further bespoke support in relation to Health and Wellbeing interventions and training:\n\nHR Online Query Form (for non-urgent queries) - Ask HR Helpdesk Query Form\n\nEAaskHR Helpdesk - 028 9047 0555 / Contact the dedicated EAaskHR Helpdesk on a single point of contact and ask to speak to the Health and Wellbeing Service.\n\nIn addition, the following training initiatives have also been developed and are delivered to support staff, Principals and Boards of Governors.\n\n• Understanding Diversity & Inclusion\n\n• Promoting a Dignified Workplace","answerHtml":"No risk assessments are currently carried out by the Education Authority (EA) to protect teachers from harmful sexual behaviour from pupils.
Support is provided by the EA for staff who experience this type of behaviour from pupils included, and I have links to this support below.
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy
EA DSVA Workplace Policy 2021.pdf
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Manager Toolkit
DSVA Managers Toolkit.pdf
Women’s Aid Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Webinar
Health Well
Free 24/7 confidential staff counselling via Lena by Inspire
Lena (by Inspire) | Health Well
All EA Staff, whether temporary or permanent, Teaching and Non-Teaching are able to access EA’s HealthWell Hub.
The Hub is an external Digital Solution that provides a range of initiatives and information in relation to Health and Wellbeing. Please see the link for the Hub -Health Well.
Principals can also contact EA’s Health and Wellbeing Service directly via our Helpdesk to discuss further bespoke support in relation to Health and Wellbeing interventions and training:
HR Online Query Form (for non-urgent queries) - Ask HR Helpdesk Query Form
EAaskHR Helpdesk - 028 9047 0555 / Contact the dedicated EAaskHR Helpdesk on a single point of contact and ask to speak to the Health and Wellbeing Service.
In addition, the following training initiatives have also been developed and are delivered to support staff, Principals and Boards of Governors.
• Understanding Diversity & Inclusion
• Promoting a Dignified Workplace
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045534%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483057","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483057"}},{"id":"483056","reference":"AQW 45533/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-05","answerBy":"2026-05-20","answered":"2026-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Education Authority has a central policy to ensure schools adequately handle incidents of children and young people experiencing harmful sexual behaviour by other school pupils.","answerText":"The DE Circular 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides guidance to support the handling of incidents of potential or actual Harmful Sexual Behaviour.\n\nProcedures for recording all safeguarding and child protection concerns are outlined in Circular 2020/07 - Child Protection: Record Keeping in Schools. This policy circular makes clear that accurate recording of child protection concerns by schools is essential. The CPSS keep records of the number of children who come to their attention regarding Harmful Sexual Behaviour, and the types of support offered.","answerHtml":"The DE Circular 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides guidance to support the handling of incidents of potential or actual Harmful Sexual Behaviour.
Procedures for recording all safeguarding and child protection concerns are outlined in Circular 2020/07 - Child Protection: Record Keeping in Schools. This policy circular makes clear that accurate recording of child protection concerns by schools is essential. The CPSS keep records of the number of children who come to their attention regarding Harmful Sexual Behaviour, and the types of support offered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045533%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483056","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483056"}},{"id":"483055","reference":"AQW 45532/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-05","answerBy":"2026-05-20","answered":"2026-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether any work is underway to enable families with children born in July and August, who can no longer access Tax Free Childcare, to still access the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) eligibility criteria is intentionally structured to align with Tax-Free Childcare (TFC), however, work is underway to explore the feasibility of options for families in Northern Ireland with children born in July and August who no longer qualify due to TFC ineligibility. In line with agreed protocol arrangements, my officials are engaging with His Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and NICSS scheme administrators to understand the operational implications of extending NICSS eligibility in these circumstances.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) eligibility criteria is intentionally structured to align with Tax-Free Childcare (TFC), however, work is underway to explore the feasibility of options for families in Northern Ireland with children born in July and August who no longer qualify due to TFC ineligibility. In line with agreed protocol arrangements, my officials are engaging with His Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and NICSS scheme administrators to understand the operational implications of extending NICSS eligibility in these circumstances.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045532%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483055","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483055"}},{"id":"482782","reference":"AQW 45403/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of Education Authority behavioural specialists currently available to support schools, broken down by geographic area.","answerText":"The number of behavioural specialists broken down by Health and Social Care Trust area who are currently available to support schools, is set out below:\n\nTrust Area\tNumber of Behavioural Specialists (FTE)\nWestern Health Trust\t46.3*\nNorthern Health Trust\t53.8\nSouthern Health Trust\t25\nSouth Eastern Health Trust\t1*\nBelfast Health Trust\t34.6\nTotal\t160.7\n\n*Three additional specialist teachers have been appointed (two in the Western Trust and one in the South-Eastern Trust) and will take up post shortly.","answerHtml":"The number of behavioural specialists broken down by Health and Social Care Trust area who are currently available to support schools, is set out below:
| Trust Area | Number of Behavioural Specialists (FTE) |
| Western Health Trust | 46.3* |
| Northern Health Trust | 53.8 |
| Southern Health Trust | 25 |
| South Eastern Health Trust | 1* |
| Belfast Health Trust | 34.6 |
| Total | 160.7 |
*Three additional specialist teachers have been appointed (two in the Western Trust and one in the South-Eastern Trust) and will take up post shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045403%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482782","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482782"}},{"id":"482781","reference":"AQW 45402/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the current Local Impact Team waiting lists by (i) geographic location; and (ii) type of intervention required.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that the overall Local Impact Team waiting list currently stands at 1,921. This total is broken down as follows:\n\n(i) geographic location:\n\nHealth and Social Care Trust\tWaiting List\nBelfast\t418\nNorthern\t384\nSouth Eastern\t212\nWestern\t476\nSouthern\t431\n\n(ii) type of intervention required:\n\nIntervention\tWaiting List\nCognition and Learning\t585\nSocial, Behavioural, Emotional and Well-being\t982\nPhysical Needs\t21\nSpeech, Language and Communication Needs\t320\nSensory\t9\n\nThe information provided is correct as of 6 May 2026. It has been extracted from a dynamic reporting dashboard and, as such, totals may be subject to minor variance.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that the overall Local Impact Team waiting list currently stands at 1,921. This total is broken down as follows:
(i) geographic location:
| Health and Social Care Trust | Waiting List |
| Belfast | 418 |
| Northern | 384 |
| South Eastern | 212 |
| Western | 476 |
| Southern | 431 |
(ii) type of intervention required:
| Intervention | Waiting List |
| Cognition and Learning | 585 |
| Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Well-being | 982 |
| Physical Needs | 21 |
| Speech, Language and Communication Needs | 320 |
| Sensory | 9 |
The information provided is correct as of 6 May 2026. It has been extracted from a dynamic reporting dashboard and, as such, totals may be subject to minor variance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045402%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482781","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482781"}},{"id":"482780","reference":"AQW 45401/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 41419/22-27, for an update on any engagement his Department has had with the UK Treasury regarding the issue of Tax Free Childcare support in Northern Ireland, including any planned next steps.","answerText":"My officials are continuing to engage with Treasury on the interaction between the Tax‑Free Childcare age cut‑off and the school year structure here. The issue was raised with Treasury in March 2026 and followed up again on 1 May 2026 to seek an update, including any initial assessment of feasibility, operational implications or costs. Treasury has confirmed they are engaging with HM Revenue and Customs on this matter.\n\nI also raised this issue at my bilateral meeting with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury following the Finance Interministerial Standing Committee meeting on 19 March 2026.\n\nOfficials will continue to pursue this issue with Treasury.","answerHtml":"My officials are continuing to engage with Treasury on the interaction between the Tax‑Free Childcare age cut‑off and the school year structure here. The issue was raised with Treasury in March 2026 and followed up again on 1 May 2026 to seek an update, including any initial assessment of feasibility, operational implications or costs. Treasury has confirmed they are engaging with HM Revenue and Customs on this matter.
I also raised this issue at my bilateral meeting with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury following the Finance Interministerial Standing Committee meeting on 19 March 2026.
Officials will continue to pursue this issue with Treasury.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045401%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482780","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482780"}},{"id":"482779","reference":"AQW 45400/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 32023/22-27, for an update on the implementation of the Violence at Work Policy.","answerText":"The Education Authority is currently working with Trade Unions to finalise the Preventing Violence at Work Framework and Guidance, with the intention of it being issued to schools by 31 May 2026.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority is currently working with Trade Unions to finalise the Preventing Violence at Work Framework and Guidance, with the intention of it being issued to schools by 31 May 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045400%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482779","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482779"}},{"id":"482291","reference":"AQW 45151/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-29","answerBy":"2026-05-05","answered":"2026-05-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any reason a request from the Northern Ireland Prison Service to visit the Maze Long Kesh site as part of the International Corrections and Prisons Association annual conference in October was rejected.","answerText":"Maze/Long Kesh is currently a regeneration site: the condition and facilities at the former prison are such that it is not suitable for general public access.\n\nThe sensitivity surrounding the site must also be given consideration.\n\nRequests for access are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account of these factors.","answerHtml":"Maze/Long Kesh is currently a regeneration site: the condition and facilities at the former prison are such that it is not suitable for general public access.
The sensitivity surrounding the site must also be given consideration.
Requests for access are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account of these factors.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045151%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482291","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482291"}},{"id":"482069","reference":"AQW 45033/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-28","answerBy":"2026-05-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail when the expert review into the three cervical screening reports will be completed and published.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045033%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482069","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482069"}},{"id":"482068","reference":"AQW 45032/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-28","answerBy":"2026-05-14","answered":"2026-05-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of young people due to leave special schools this year.","answerText":"Pupils with a statement of special education needs can chose to remain in school until the end of the academic year in which they turn 19 years old. Based on the most recent School Census, it is estimated that 300 pupils will be aged 19 and over at the end of the current academic year.","answerHtml":"Pupils with a statement of special education needs can chose to remain in school until the end of the academic year in which they turn 19 years old. Based on the most recent School Census, it is estimated that 300 pupils will be aged 19 and over at the end of the current academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045032%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482068","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482068"}},{"id":"482067","reference":"AQW 45031/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-28","answerBy":"2026-05-14","answered":"2026-05-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when he will make a decision on Downshire Primary School's development proposal to integrated status.","answerText":"Development Proposal (DP) 735 which proposes that Downshire Primary School will transform to Controlled Integrated Status, with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, was published by the Education Authority on 11 September 2024.\n\nI am currently reviewing the report submitted to me by officials and, as I explained previously, the assessment of a DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of children.\n\nI am aware of the desire for early clarity on this issue and I hope to be in a position to make a decision on the proposal shortly.","answerHtml":"Development Proposal (DP) 735 which proposes that Downshire Primary School will transform to Controlled Integrated Status, with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, was published by the Education Authority on 11 September 2024.
I am currently reviewing the report submitted to me by officials and, as I explained previously, the assessment of a DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of children.
I am aware of the desire for early clarity on this issue and I hope to be in a position to make a decision on the proposal shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045031%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482067","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482067"}},{"id":"481808","reference":"AQW 44924/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-01","answered":"2026-05-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any actions being taken to improve safety on the Saintfield Road, at the junction of Old Ballynahinch Road, following multiple recent collisions.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nI can advise that my Department has already introduced a number of measures to improve road safety at this location, and officials are developing a preliminary design to change the layout of this junction.\n\nThe development of this scheme will involve detailed design, accommodation works, land acquisition, funding and a separate procurement process and is being consider in conjunction with the adjacent junctions of Crossans and Ballymacbrennan crossroads.\n\nOfficials are also considering additional traffic management measures that could be introduced to improve road safety in the short term. This includes enhanced signing, replacement of existing and new area of high friction surfacing on the approach to the junction.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
I can advise that my Department has already introduced a number of measures to improve road safety at this location, and officials are developing a preliminary design to change the layout of this junction.
The development of this scheme will involve detailed design, accommodation works, land acquisition, funding and a separate procurement process and is being consider in conjunction with the adjacent junctions of Crossans and Ballymacbrennan crossroads.
Officials are also considering additional traffic management measures that could be introduced to improve road safety in the short term. This includes enhanced signing, replacement of existing and new area of high friction surfacing on the approach to the junction.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044924%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481808","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481808"}},{"id":"481807","reference":"AQW 44923/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the development and publication of the Eastern Transport Plan 2035.","answerText":"The Eastern Transport Plan (ETP) 2035 is being developed in close alignment with the Local Development Plans (LDPs) for the councils of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast City, Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Mid and East Antrim.\n\nAs Belfast City Council’s LDP is the most advanced, the first iteration of the ETP will focus on the Belfast City Centre Transport Plan and the Metropolitan Area Transport Plan. A draft of these elements of the ETP will be published for public consultation in the coming months.\n\nGiven the differing timescales for the preparation and adoption of the remaining councils’ LDPs, the remaining iterations of the ETP will be published in line with each council’s LDP timetable. These timetables are published on respective council websites.","answerHtml":"The Eastern Transport Plan (ETP) 2035 is being developed in close alignment with the Local Development Plans (LDPs) for the councils of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast City, Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Mid and East Antrim.
As Belfast City Council’s LDP is the most advanced, the first iteration of the ETP will focus on the Belfast City Centre Transport Plan and the Metropolitan Area Transport Plan. A draft of these elements of the ETP will be published for public consultation in the coming months.
Given the differing timescales for the preparation and adoption of the remaining councils’ LDPs, the remaining iterations of the ETP will be published in line with each council’s LDP timetable. These timetables are published on respective council websites.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044923%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481807","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481807"}},{"id":"481806","reference":"AQW 44922/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for update on the development of plans to improve safety between Moira and Moira Train Station.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. However, they have advised that progress on the new Park & Ride facility at Moira Rail Halt is at an advanced stage and remains on course to become operational in early summer. Once open, the site will provide over 480 free parking spaces for commuters accessing rail services at Moira.\n\nThe work includes the construction of a 2.5m wide footway, linking the park and ride site to Moira Railway Station. This additional footway width is to provide extra capacity for pedestrians at peak times. Street lighting along this link will be upgraded to current standards.\n\nMy department is also considering potential improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station. Design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. However, they have advised that progress on the new Park & Ride facility at Moira Rail Halt is at an advanced stage and remains on course to become operational in early summer. Once open, the site will provide over 480 free parking spaces for commuters accessing rail services at Moira.
The work includes the construction of a 2.5m wide footway, linking the park and ride site to Moira Railway Station. This additional footway width is to provide extra capacity for pedestrians at peak times. Street lighting along this link will be upgraded to current standards.
My department is also considering potential improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station. Design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044922%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481806","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481806"}},{"id":"481397","reference":"AQW 44675/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-23","answerBy":"2026-05-11","answered":"2026-05-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the recent pavement repairs on Moira Main Street, outside of the doctor's surgery, meets adequate standards.","answerText":"I can advise that the repairs to the pavement at the location specified are temporary works to make the area safe for pedestrians. Permanent repairs have been instructed to our contractor and will be completed in line with programmed works. As the repairs are temporary, no costs have been incurred.\n\nWhere actionable defects are instructed for permanent repair either through our internal or external contractors, inspections are undertaken on a percentage of completed road or footway defect repairs. This is done on completion of the permanent repair and before payments are processed.\n\nIn addition to the contractual checks above, issues will also be recorded at the next routine inspection.\n\nIf a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements","answerHtml":"I can advise that the repairs to the pavement at the location specified are temporary works to make the area safe for pedestrians. Permanent repairs have been instructed to our contractor and will be completed in line with programmed works. As the repairs are temporary, no costs have been incurred.
Where actionable defects are instructed for permanent repair either through our internal or external contractors, inspections are undertaken on a percentage of completed road or footway defect repairs. This is done on completion of the permanent repair and before payments are processed.
In addition to the contractual checks above, issues will also be recorded at the next routine inspection.
If a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044675%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481397","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481397"}},{"id":"481396","reference":"AQW 44674/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-23","answerBy":"2026-05-11","answered":"2026-05-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 39614/22-27, to detail the amount that was spent on pavement repairs on Moira Main Street, outside of the doctor's surgery.","answerText":"I can advise that the repairs to the pavement at the location specified are temporary works to make the area safe for pedestrians. Permanent repairs have been instructed to our contractor and will be completed in line with programmed works. As the repairs are temporary, no costs have been incurred.\n\nWhere actionable defects are instructed for permanent repair either through our internal or external contractors, inspections are undertaken on a percentage of completed road or footway defect repairs. This is done on completion of the permanent repair and before payments are processed.\n\nIn addition to the contractual checks above, issues will also be recorded at the next routine inspection.\n\nIf a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements","answerHtml":"I can advise that the repairs to the pavement at the location specified are temporary works to make the area safe for pedestrians. Permanent repairs have been instructed to our contractor and will be completed in line with programmed works. As the repairs are temporary, no costs have been incurred.
Where actionable defects are instructed for permanent repair either through our internal or external contractors, inspections are undertaken on a percentage of completed road or footway defect repairs. This is done on completion of the permanent repair and before payments are processed.
In addition to the contractual checks above, issues will also be recorded at the next routine inspection.
If a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044674%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481396","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481396"}},{"id":"481395","reference":"AQW 44673/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-23","answerBy":"2026-05-11","answered":"2026-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 44133/22-27, to detail (i) the number of staff who work exclusively on EA TV; and (ii) the number of staff who work as part of the Education Authority's wider communication and productions team.","answerText":"the number of staff who work exclusively on EA TV;\n\n3 x full-time permanent staff members\n\n1 x full-time temporary staff member\n\nthe number of staff who work as part of the Education Authority's wider communication and productions team;\n\n9 x full-time communications professionals\n\n3 x administrative support (2 full-time, one part-time)\n\n1 x full-time graphic design post","answerHtml":"the number of staff who work exclusively on EA TV;
3 x full-time permanent staff members
1 x full-time temporary staff member
the number of staff who work as part of the Education Authority's wider communication and productions team;
9 x full-time communications professionals
3 x administrative support (2 full-time, one part-time)
1 x full-time graphic design post
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044673%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481395","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481395"}},{"id":"481304","reference":"AQO 3499/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-23","answerBy":"2026-05-05","answered":"2026-05-05","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the provision of children's respite services.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"The additional regional funding provided for the children with disabilities service is being spent on a range of initiatives to improve family and community support for children with a disability, with the aim of increasing short-break provision and expanding specialist care programmes. The trusts have increased contracts with voluntary and community providers, securing additional support for families through a broad range of service initiatives. I remain very mindful of the urgent focus on overnight short-break provision for children with disabilities. However, it has to be recognised that the provision of short breaks for children with disability is much more expansive than solely overnight provision. I can confirm that there has been increased service provision across all five geographic trusts that has supported improved access to short breaks, either via day supports or overnight provision. I advise Members that, as a result of the children with disability investment, approximately 869 additional overnight short breaks were provided across the region between January 2025 and the end of January 2026. That is in addition to the development of a variety of valuable community and family support services that further enhanced children with disability services. Whilst the regional investment is beginning to address key areas, I need to reiterate to Members that short-break services for children with disabilities remain fragile. The longer-term development of a comprehensive continuum of services will take some time. It will be necessary to address the significant gap that exists in residential provision alongside preventative community-based services, in order to protect the availability of short-break services. Further sustained investment, in capital projects and workforce development, will be required over several years."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. The documentary 'I am not Okay' laid bare the dire circumstances that so many of our families with children with complex needs are living with. In response to that programme, the Minister announced £13 million to deal with the issues that those families were experiencing. I have to say that that announcement is looking increasingly cynical because those families are still \"not Okay\". Will the Minister provide a full breakdown of how the £13·1 million investment into children's social care and respite services for the past financial year was spent? Specifically, how much has been spent on delivering beds for respite?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I will ignore the accusation of being cynical and address the fundamental. The five trusts have confirmed final funding for the financial year 2025-26 across a range of proposals. The amount of funding, which is rounded up, is as follows: Belfast Trust, £2·2 million; Northern Trust, £1·4 million; South Eastern Trust, £2·1 million; Southern Trust, £1·4 million; and Western Trust, £2·2 million. That is a total of approximately £9·4 million, so, therefore, there is approximately £3·7 million of slippage against the original funding of £13·1 million. I apologise for that, but I do not apologise for the ambition in securing £13·1 million, and it is recurrent funding."},{"speaker":"Ms Ferguson","text":"Obviously, I very much welcome the £2·2 million going to the Western Trust for children's respite care and support. Given the current regional recruitment campaign that will target the recruitment of carers, who, we all know, are the backbone of society, how many is the Minister aiming to recruit and will it be sufficient to meet the current unmet need in respite services?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"As ever, the answer has to be predicated and ring-fenced by the budget, but I thank the Member for welcoming the investment in her area. Recruitment is very challenging in that area, and the Member may well be aware of that. We will press on with trying to get the right workforce in the right place as soon as possible. It is important to say that I am also committed to supporting the parents and carers of young people with disabilities. Let me write to the Member if I have more detail from the Department."},{"speaker":"Ms Hunter","text":"Many parents whom I speak with in my constituency say that they are burnt out, overwhelmed, exhausted and injured many days of the week. Many of them say that they feel that they are being failed. Do you think that they are being failed, Minister?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I acknowledge how difficult it is for those parents. What we traditionally call \"burn out\" is very common, and I get it. I have met many parents and carers and not just those who we now call the \"Spotlight mums\", whom I have met on a number of occasions. However, it is a rather emotive way to phrase the question. There are a lot of people in the Department and across the health and social care geographic trusts who are trying to do their best. Therefore, I do not agree with the language that the Member has used. I agree with her, and I imagine that she would agree with me, that we can and must do better."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203499%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481304","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-05-05&docID=482193#AQO%203499/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481304"}},{"id":"480975","reference":"AQW 44480/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-21","answerBy":"2026-05-07","answered":"2026-05-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) whether the delivery of the new Education Information Solutions system is (a) on schedule; and (b) within budget; and (ii) an update on progress to date.","answerText":"(i)\n\n(a) The delivery timeline for the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) programme has been impacted most recently by the December 2024 decision to terminate the Strategic Partner contract with Fujitsu and the subsequent legal challenge affecting the Schools Management System procurement and business case approvals. Although delivery schedules face unavoidable short-term delays, progress continues across the EdIS programme.\n\n(b) Whilst revised budget forecasts show improvement, the final outturn against budget position depends on approval of the revised business case which is currently going through the approvals process.\n\n(ii)\n\nEdIS is a large-scale and complex educational technology and digital transformation programme comprising a total of 33 projects. Of these, eighteen projects have been delivered, nine projects are currently in delivery, four are planned to commence in 2026 and the remaining two are still in the planning phase.","answerHtml":"(i)
(a) The delivery timeline for the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) programme has been impacted most recently by the December 2024 decision to terminate the Strategic Partner contract with Fujitsu and the subsequent legal challenge affecting the Schools Management System procurement and business case approvals. Although delivery schedules face unavoidable short-term delays, progress continues across the EdIS programme.
(b) Whilst revised budget forecasts show improvement, the final outturn against budget position depends on approval of the revised business case which is currently going through the approvals process.
(ii)
EdIS is a large-scale and complex educational technology and digital transformation programme comprising a total of 33 projects. Of these, eighteen projects have been delivered, nine projects are currently in delivery, four are planned to commence in 2026 and the remaining two are still in the planning phase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044480%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480975","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480975"}},{"id":"480974","reference":"AQW 44479/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-21","answerBy":"2026-05-07","answered":"2026-05-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when anonymised regional data on incidents of bullying-type behaviour in schools will be published.","answerText":"I welcome the opportunity that the provision of comprehensive, anonymised regional data on bullyingtype incidents in schools would provide the Department and Education Authority (EA) with, in terms of helping to inform and strengthen our collective response to bullyingtype behaviour and safeguarding the well-being of every pupil.\n\nAgainst the background, Departmental officials are working with the EA’s Education Information Solutions (EdIS) Programme Team and the Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABIST) to explore the provision of anonymised regional data on bullyingtype incidents recorded through the new Bromcom School Management System. The EA’s EdIS team has indicated that implementation of this measure would require significant development work, crossteam support and training, and could not be delivered until the full rollout of Bromcom across all schools is complete.\n\nBromcom implementation began with pilot schools in March 2026 and is scheduled for completion by March 2027; development to enable anonymised regional reporting cannot progress until after this full rollout is completed. It is recognised that the work on anonymised regional reporting will require further resource to support development and implementation and to promote consistent use of Bromcom by schools to record bullyingtype incidents. My officials will continue to engage with ABSIT and the EdIS team to support the progression of this work.","answerHtml":"I welcome the opportunity that the provision of comprehensive, anonymised regional data on bullyingtype incidents in schools would provide the Department and Education Authority (EA) with, in terms of helping to inform and strengthen our collective response to bullyingtype behaviour and safeguarding the well-being of every pupil.
Against the background, Departmental officials are working with the EA’s Education Information Solutions (EdIS) Programme Team and the Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABIST) to explore the provision of anonymised regional data on bullyingtype incidents recorded through the new Bromcom School Management System. The EA’s EdIS team has indicated that implementation of this measure would require significant development work, crossteam support and training, and could not be delivered until the full rollout of Bromcom across all schools is complete.
Bromcom implementation began with pilot schools in March 2026 and is scheduled for completion by March 2027; development to enable anonymised regional reporting cannot progress until after this full rollout is completed. It is recognised that the work on anonymised regional reporting will require further resource to support development and implementation and to promote consistent use of Bromcom by schools to record bullyingtype incidents. My officials will continue to engage with ABSIT and the EdIS team to support the progression of this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044479%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480974","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480974"}},{"id":"480973","reference":"AQW 44478/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-21","answerBy":"2026-05-07","answered":"2026-05-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any tailored referral and treatment pathways that exist in Northern Ireland, for adults and young people with a learning disability and present with an eating disorder.","answerText":"Northern Ireland has a Regional Eating Disorder Care Pathway, however there is no specific referral or treatment pathways for either adults or young people with eating disorders tailored to the needs of individuals with learning disabilities (LD). The main referral route is via GP and includes initial physical and mental health assessment.\n\nWhilst the Regional Care Pathway is not specifically tailored for adults presenting with a learning difficulty and an eating disorder, services are designed to diagnose, treat and improve the wellbeing of all those people requiring mental health care, irrespective of disability. This is in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as outlined in the Regional Care Pathway.\n\nIf a young person has a learning disability and professionals suspect they are struggling with an eating disorder, they may be referred to eating disorder services within CAMHS and jointly supported.\n\nTrust\tAdults\tYoung People\nSHSCT\tFollow the regional pathway; no learning disability (LD)-specific pathway.\tStandard CAMHS triage. If LD is identified, CAMHS Eating Disorder team co-works with CAMHS LD services to provide tailored support.\nBHSCT\tUse regional pathway; not LD-specific but intended to be inclusive of all, regardless of disability.\tManaged by community dietetics/paediatrics unless an eating disorder is suspected, then referred to CAMHS Eating Disorder Team. (Co-occurrence of classic eating disorders with LD is considered less common.)\nSEHSCT\tManaged by BHSCT services.\tReferred mainly via GP to CAMHS (or occasionally paediatrics).\nNHSCT\tNo tailored pathway. Support provided through Learning Disability multidisciplinary teams, with Eating Disorder Service input and co-working where needed.\tNo specific pathway for severe LD. CAMHS Eating Disorder Service supports those with mild–moderate LD.\nWHSCT\tNo dedicated pathway. Individuals are referred to LD psychology or psychiatry services, with care delivered based on need. Typically, not seen by other specialist mental health services.\tNo response provided.","answerHtml":"Northern Ireland has a Regional Eating Disorder Care Pathway, however there is no specific referral or treatment pathways for either adults or young people with eating disorders tailored to the needs of individuals with learning disabilities (LD). The main referral route is via GP and includes initial physical and mental health assessment.
Whilst the Regional Care Pathway is not specifically tailored for adults presenting with a learning difficulty and an eating disorder, services are designed to diagnose, treat and improve the wellbeing of all those people requiring mental health care, irrespective of disability. This is in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as outlined in the Regional Care Pathway.
If a young person has a learning disability and professionals suspect they are struggling with an eating disorder, they may be referred to eating disorder services within CAMHS and jointly supported.
| Trust | Adults | Young People |
| SHSCT | Follow the regional pathway; no learning disability (LD)-specific pathway. | Standard CAMHS triage. If LD is identified, CAMHS Eating Disorder team co-works with CAMHS LD services to provide tailored support. |
| BHSCT | Use regional pathway; not LD-specific but intended to be inclusive of all, regardless of disability. | Managed by community dietetics/paediatrics unless an eating disorder is suspected, then referred to CAMHS Eating Disorder Team. (Co-occurrence of classic eating disorders with LD is considered less common.) |
| SEHSCT | Managed by BHSCT services. | Referred mainly via GP to CAMHS (or occasionally paediatrics). |
| NHSCT | No tailored pathway. Support provided through Learning Disability multidisciplinary teams, with Eating Disorder Service input and co-working where needed. | No specific pathway for severe LD. CAMHS Eating Disorder Service supports those with mild–moderate LD. |
| WHSCT | No dedicated pathway. Individuals are referred to LD psychology or psychiatry services, with care delivered based on need. Typically, not seen by other specialist mental health services. | No response provided. |
In Northern Ireland a confirmed diagnosis of a learning disability is required to access Adult Learning Disability Services. A diagnosis of learning disability is based on following criteria [all must apply]:
Significant impairment in intellectual functioning,
Significant impairment in adaptive functioning, and
Onset during the developmental period (i.e. first 18 years of life).
Young adults, predominantly autistic young adults, who present with complex needs but do not meet the diagnostic threshold for Learning Disability services are a relatively small cohort regionally, but these individuals can present with levels of vulnerability and functional need comparable to those with a learning disability, creating challenges in accessing appropriate ongoing support in adulthood.
Diagnosing intellectual disabilities often involves clinical judgment alongside standardised psychometric assessments, including IQ tests.
An individual’s IQ level is not a barrier to services but rather a measurement used to direct an individual towards services best placed to meet their assessed needs, whether Learning Disability services or elsewhere, and IQ psychometric assessments are used to support decision making. An individual may have a broad range of needs, and Health and Social Care Trusts provide Adult Social Care services based on assessed need and within available resources to best meet an individual’s presenting needs across Programmes of Care, such as Physical and Sensory Disability and Mental Health Services.
Post 19 support is also provided by other Government Departments, and my Department remains committed to working with other Departments in respect of post 19 services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044477%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480972","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480972"}},{"id":"480971","reference":"AQW 44476/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-21","answerBy":"2026-05-07","answered":"2026-05-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any current pathways and supports in place for young people with additional needs, leaving a special school as they transition from children to adult services.","answerText":"My Department’s draft Learning Disability Service Model is designed to improve services for individuals with a diagnosed learning disability, but it is not intended to operate as a single pathway for all people with complex needs. It sets out several key ambitions for people with complex needs, to receive lifelong, co-ordinated support tailored to their needs and enabling choice and control.\n\nHealth and social care support for a young person is determined by HSC Trusts through the assessed needs process, in line with established eligibility criteria.\n\nA Regional Transition Protocol for Children and Young People with a Learning Disability, including those with a Learning Disability and Co-occurring Autism, has been developed. Confirmation of funding to facilitate a pilot of the protocol is awaited, to support full regional implementation. Children’s and Adult Learning Disability Services across HSC Trusts remain committed to enhancing the Transition process.\n\nWork is also ongoing to review and update the Adult Autism Care Pathway, to help achieve consistency in diagnostic and support services across Trusts, in line with NICE guidelines. This work is being informed by scoping work with HSC Trusts to better understand service needs, existing pathways and regional demand. Future provision will depend on available funding, while Trusts will continue to meet the needs of their populations.\n\nMy Department will continue to work with HSC organisations and Executive colleagues to strengthen pathways and improve coordination of support for young people with complex needs.","answerHtml":"My Department’s draft Learning Disability Service Model is designed to improve services for individuals with a diagnosed learning disability, but it is not intended to operate as a single pathway for all people with complex needs. It sets out several key ambitions for people with complex needs, to receive lifelong, co-ordinated support tailored to their needs and enabling choice and control.
Health and social care support for a young person is determined by HSC Trusts through the assessed needs process, in line with established eligibility criteria.
A Regional Transition Protocol for Children and Young People with a Learning Disability, including those with a Learning Disability and Co-occurring Autism, has been developed. Confirmation of funding to facilitate a pilot of the protocol is awaited, to support full regional implementation. Children’s and Adult Learning Disability Services across HSC Trusts remain committed to enhancing the Transition process.
Work is also ongoing to review and update the Adult Autism Care Pathway, to help achieve consistency in diagnostic and support services across Trusts, in line with NICE guidelines. This work is being informed by scoping work with HSC Trusts to better understand service needs, existing pathways and regional demand. Future provision will depend on available funding, while Trusts will continue to meet the needs of their populations.
My Department will continue to work with HSC organisations and Executive colleagues to strengthen pathways and improve coordination of support for young people with complex needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044476%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480971","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480971"}},{"id":"480311","reference":"AQW 44135/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-16","answerBy":"2026-04-22","answered":"2026-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether Bright Start funding will continue for 2026-2027.","answerText":"The Executive has not yet agreed a budget for 2026-27; however, to provide clarity for affected organisations, I have agreed an Interim Resource Budget for the first three months of the 202627 financial year. As a result, the Department of Health has received confirmation of an interim three-month resource funding allocation in respect of the administration and delivery of the Bright Start School Age Childcare Grant Scheme from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026.\n\nAny decision regarding future funding will be considered in the context of my Department’s 2026-27 budget allocation, the allocation of earmarked funding for the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and wider financial pressures.","answerHtml":"The Executive has not yet agreed a budget for 2026-27; however, to provide clarity for affected organisations, I have agreed an Interim Resource Budget for the first three months of the 202627 financial year. As a result, the Department of Health has received confirmation of an interim three-month resource funding allocation in respect of the administration and delivery of the Bright Start School Age Childcare Grant Scheme from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026.
Any decision regarding future funding will be considered in the context of my Department’s 2026-27 budget allocation, the allocation of earmarked funding for the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and wider financial pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044135%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480311","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480311"}},{"id":"480310","reference":"AQW 44134/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-16","answerBy":"2026-05-01","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 34399/22-27; (ii) AQW 42439/22-27; (iii) AQW 43004/22-27; and (iv) AQW 43250/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044134%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480310","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480310"}},{"id":"480309","reference":"AQW 44133/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-16","answerBy":"2026-05-01","answered":"2026-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent on (i) EA TV; and (ii) podcasts created by the Education Authority, in the last three years.","answerText":"DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION\n\nPaul Givan, Minister\n\nRathgael House, Balloo Road\n\nBangor, BT19 7PR\n\nMichelle Guy MLA\n\nParliament Buildings\n\nBallymiscaw\n\nStormont\n\n01/05/2026\n\nAQW 44133/22-27\n\nMichelle Guy MLA has asked:\n\nTo ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent on\n\nEA TV; and\n\npodcasts created by the Education Authority, in the last three years.\n\nANSWER\n\nEA TV costs over the last 3 years can be broken down as follows:\n\nCost category\tAmount (£)\nStaff Costs (including pension contributions)\t530,702\nRunning Costs (video server and licence fees)\t2,752\nPodcast Costs (production and platform streaming costs)\t-\nTotal EA TV Costs\t533,454\n\nThere is no additional cost to the Education Authority for the production of podcasts as these are part of the service provision and scope of the EA TV service.\n\nPaul Givan MLA\n\nMinister of Education","answerHtml":"DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Paul Givan, Minister
Rathgael House, Balloo Road
Bangor, BT19 7PR
Michelle Guy MLA
Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
01/05/2026
AQW 44133/22-27
Michelle Guy MLA has asked:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent on
EA TV; and
podcasts created by the Education Authority, in the last three years.
ANSWER
EA TV costs over the last 3 years can be broken down as follows:
| Cost category | Amount (£) |
| Staff Costs (including pension contributions) | 530,702 |
| Running Costs (video server and licence fees) | 2,752 |
| Podcast Costs (production and platform streaming costs) | - |
| Total EA TV Costs | 533,454 |
There is no additional cost to the Education Authority for the production of podcasts as these are part of the service provision and scope of the EA TV service.
Paul Givan MLA
Minister of Education
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044133%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480309","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480309"}},{"id":"480181","reference":"AQO 3473/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-16","answerBy":"2026-04-27","answered":"2026-04-27","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will request a further review of Pupil Allocation Numbers for non-statutory settings.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The EA is responsible for managing preschool admissions processes and ensuring that sufficient places are available to accommodate target-age children. In doing so, the EA takes account of all provision across statutory and non-statutory settings. My Department plays no role in that process. The admissions process is still ongoing, but already 98·8% of children have been offered a place in a setting of their parents' preference, and 92·4% have been offered their first-preference setting. I appreciate that settings are naturally keen to attract as many funded places as possible, especially given the continuing decline in the birth rate, which is placing all settings under pressure, and that must be managed fairly by the EA. The pupil allocation number (PAN) review carried out by the EA at my request last year included a range of measures to improve the process in both the short and longer term, many of which have already been implemented. Details of that are available on the EA website. I believe that there may be scope to further improve the manner in which the EA takes account of parents' preferences while still balancing its relevant statutory duties. The PAN review includes an action to consider alternative PAN allocation models that will enable a range of options to be fully explored with stakeholders and thoroughly tested to ensure effectiveness before any changes are made."},{"speaker":"","text":"My officials are supporting the EA in carrying out initial modelling to inform workshops to discuss alternative allocation models. That work is at an early stage, but it is intended that the first workshop will be held before the end of this academic year."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We move to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203473%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480181","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-27&docID=481245#AQO%203473/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480181"}},{"id":"480165","reference":"AQO 3457/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-16","answerBy":"2026-04-27","answered":"2026-04-27","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the next steps they will take to regenerate the Maze Long Kesh site.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"We have been clear that we want to realise the immense economic, historical and reconciliation potential of the site and are committed to working with the Maze/Long Kesh board to maximise those opportunities for the benefit of all. We recognise that that will require us to move with consensus and sensitivity, and we are committed to working with the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation to achieve that. We are considering advice from officials on short- to medium-term priorities and options for the board. Discussions are ongoing at official level, and, over the coming weeks, we expect to receive further input to help frame our consideration of the way forward. We can assure the Member that the future of the site very much remains a live issue that we are committed to resolving."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you, First Minister, for the response. We all know that political differences between the DUP and Sinn Féin are the barrier to progress on the site. What are you doing to make progress, and when will you meet the board of the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation? You last met in July 2024."},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"We will meet the board in the very near future. I do not have the date in front of me. You are right that there needs to be political agreement for the site to move forward. I want that. We can strike the right balance to have the site's historical, economic and social inclusion aspects delivered on, but that requires political will across all parties. Unfortunately, that is not there, but that is not to say that I accept that or give up on it. I will continue to try to move it forward. Imagine if we could bring in the likes of National Museums to curate the site. There are ways of doing it that are respectful and dignified and that preserve the historical nature of the site but also allow us to open up its economic opportunities. I hope that we can get to that juncture. It has been a long time in the making, but I commend the people on the board for keeping things in a state of readiness, so that we are able to go for protecting the listed and retained buildings. Clearly, we need a political agreement in order to step forward and develop the site."},{"speaker":"Ms Murphy","text":"First Minister, I welcome your comment that the future of the site remains a live issue. Do you agree with me that fully regenerating the site would be transformative socially and economically and that it is time to move forward on that without delay?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"Yes. I restate my commitment to delivering on the site. The people of Lagan Valley and across the North would really benefit from a political agreement that allows the site to be opened up, retains the listed and historic buildings, reaches for the economic potential and provides the opportunity to create thousands of jobs. We have to keep raising it in this forum; we have to keep talking about it; and we have to find a way forward that maximises the social and economic benefits of a fully regenerated Long Kesh site, which is what people really want to see. It is certainly what I want to see."},{"speaker":"Mrs Cameron","text":"The 108th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force was marked on 1 April this year. The Ulster Aviation Society celebrated it with the handover of a Harrier jet from the Chief of the Air Staff. I am sure that the First Minister will demonstrate our working together by joining me in commending the work of the Ulster Aviation Society as an example of how listed buildings can be utilised and preserved."},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"As a charitable organisation, the Ulster Aviation Society plays a really important role in protecting and promoting our aviation heritage through saving, restoring and exhibiting heritage aircraft for public benefit."},{"speaker":"","text":"It is a good example of something that is working well on the site. Imagine what we could do if we were to work together in the same vein to open up the site in its entirety to maximise its benefits and its historical nature. There is a lot there for everybody, so we just need to get political agreement."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We will now move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203457%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480165","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-27&docID=481245#AQO%203457/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480165"}},{"id":"479369","reference":"AQW 43749/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 42344/22-27, to detail (i) the current percentage of pothole repairs checked for quality; and (ii) how this has changed over the last three years.","answerText":"As outlined in my answer to AQW 42344/22-27 defects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, my officials undertake a percentage check to assess the quality of the pothole repair and confirm works for payment if the repair meets the required threshold.\n\nSection Office staff aim to undertake a minimum 10% check of repairs, however these checks are not subjected to formal monitoring and as such the Department cannot comment on trend data over the last three years.","answerHtml":"As outlined in my answer to AQW 42344/22-27 defects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, my officials undertake a percentage check to assess the quality of the pothole repair and confirm works for payment if the repair meets the required threshold.
Section Office staff aim to undertake a minimum 10% check of repairs, however these checks are not subjected to formal monitoring and as such the Department cannot comment on trend data over the last three years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043749%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479369","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479369"}},{"id":"479368","reference":"AQW 43748/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 43130/22-27, to detail the number of placements in (i) primary; (ii) secondary; and (iii) special, schools that need to be created.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nAs of the 22nd April 2026 there remains a pressure of circa 250 Primary and circa 105 Post Primary across special schools and specialist provisions to meet the needs of pupils for the new academic year.\n\n*Data is subject to change as statutory assessments and annual reviews for children in transition years are received and processed.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
As of the 22nd April 2026 there remains a pressure of circa 250 Primary and circa 105 Post Primary across special schools and specialist provisions to meet the needs of pupils for the new academic year.
*Data is subject to change as statutory assessments and annual reviews for children in transition years are received and processed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043748%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479368","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479368"}},{"id":"479367","reference":"AQW 43747/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps being taken to identify and support families who may be struggling with caring responsibilities for adults with complex needs.","answerText":"The Department of Health recognises the important role families play in caring for adults with complex needs and is committed to ensuring that carers are appropriately identified and supported.\n\nHealth and Social Care Trusts have a statutory responsibility to assess any adult who appears to require care or support. Adults or their families may request an assessment at any stage, either directly through their local Trust or via referral from a GP, hospital or community professional. Assessments are provided free of charge and consider functional ability, health and safety, risks and support needs, as well as the views of the adult and their support network.\n\nPlanning and review of care arrangements are expected to take place at key intervals, including transition from children’s services, following hospital discharge, or where needs change, to help identify emerging pressures on families at an early stage.\n\nCarers can also request a carer’s assessment under the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002. This assessment considers the impact of caring on the individual, their ability to continue caring safely and the support required, including respite, practical assistance and/or emotional support.\n\nWhere assessment of need indicates that additional support is required, Trusts determine eligibility for packages of care using regionally agreed criteria, with a focus on supporting individuals to remain living at home where possible. For those whose needs can no longer be met in the community, residential care may also be considered following assessment where appropriate.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health recognises the important role families play in caring for adults with complex needs and is committed to ensuring that carers are appropriately identified and supported.
Health and Social Care Trusts have a statutory responsibility to assess any adult who appears to require care or support. Adults or their families may request an assessment at any stage, either directly through their local Trust or via referral from a GP, hospital or community professional. Assessments are provided free of charge and consider functional ability, health and safety, risks and support needs, as well as the views of the adult and their support network.
Planning and review of care arrangements are expected to take place at key intervals, including transition from children’s services, following hospital discharge, or where needs change, to help identify emerging pressures on families at an early stage.
Carers can also request a carer’s assessment under the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002. This assessment considers the impact of caring on the individual, their ability to continue caring safely and the support required, including respite, practical assistance and/or emotional support.
Where assessment of need indicates that additional support is required, Trusts determine eligibility for packages of care using regionally agreed criteria, with a focus on supporting individuals to remain living at home where possible. For those whose needs can no longer be met in the community, residential care may also be considered following assessment where appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043747%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479367","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479367"}},{"id":"479366","reference":"AQW 43746/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of elderly carers who are supporting adults with complex needs; and (ii) whether comprehensive data is collected on this.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043746%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479366","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479366"}},{"id":"479365","reference":"AQW 43745/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there is any policy or guidance in place to assist carers in planning for the future care of dependants with complex needs, particularly in the event of illness or death.","answerText":"A range of relevant Health and Social Care (HSC) support mechanisms and guidance are in place to support planning for the long-term care of people with complex needs and including the needs of their carers.\n\nCarers’ Assessments are provided under the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 and, which enable carers to discuss their own needs future and long care arrangements, and contingency planning in the event an emergency.\n\nThe HSC ‘Care management, provision of Services and Charging Guidance’ Circular (2010) provides Trusts with guidance on the care management process of assessment and case management for short or long-term needs, including for people with complex needs. For those individuals who, due to the complexity of their needs require a varying range of supports, the provision of services will be planned and co-ordinated by an identified HSC professional within an individual case management approach. This guidance is currently being reviewed and updated by my Department.\n\nThe Learning Disability Service Model (LDSM) in Northern Ireland has completed public consultation and is currently in the analysis and finalisation phase. The LDSM sets out ambitions for people with complex needs to receive lifelong, coordinated support involving their families and carers, that is tailored to individual needs and enables choice and control across their lives.\n\nThe Department will continue to work with HSC Trusts and key stakeholders to ensure carers of people with complex needs are supported and are able to access appropriate advice and assistance.","answerHtml":"A range of relevant Health and Social Care (HSC) support mechanisms and guidance are in place to support planning for the long-term care of people with complex needs and including the needs of their carers.
Carers’ Assessments are provided under the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 and, which enable carers to discuss their own needs future and long care arrangements, and contingency planning in the event an emergency.
The HSC ‘Care management, provision of Services and Charging Guidance’ Circular (2010) provides Trusts with guidance on the care management process of assessment and case management for short or long-term needs, including for people with complex needs. For those individuals who, due to the complexity of their needs require a varying range of supports, the provision of services will be planned and co-ordinated by an identified HSC professional within an individual case management approach. This guidance is currently being reviewed and updated by my Department.
The Learning Disability Service Model (LDSM) in Northern Ireland has completed public consultation and is currently in the analysis and finalisation phase. The LDSM sets out ambitions for people with complex needs to receive lifelong, coordinated support involving their families and carers, that is tailored to individual needs and enables choice and control across their lives.
The Department will continue to work with HSC Trusts and key stakeholders to ensure carers of people with complex needs are supported and are able to access appropriate advice and assistance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043745%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479365","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479365"}},{"id":"478741","reference":"AQW 43602/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-31","answerBy":"2026-04-08","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer AQW 34399/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043602%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478741","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478741"}},{"id":"478740","reference":"AQW 43601/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-31","answerBy":"2026-04-17","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any support, outside of nursing provision, provided to special schools to ensure the safety of those taking part in summer schemes.","answerText":"The Education Authority, Department of Health and my department will continue to work closely in order to operationalise summer schemes, including identifying each child’s needs in advance and putting the right support in place; completing site risk assessments; ensuring appropriate staffing levels and training; and providing oversight of activities for children and young people throughout the scheme.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority, Department of Health and my department will continue to work closely in order to operationalise summer schemes, including identifying each child’s needs in advance and putting the right support in place; completing site risk assessments; ensuring appropriate staffing levels and training; and providing oversight of activities for children and young people throughout the scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043601%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478740","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478740"}},{"id":"478739","reference":"AQW 43600/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-31","answerBy":"2026-04-17","answered":"2026-04-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of special schools able to run summer schemes in summer 2026.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) anticipates that uptake for summer scheme provision will be similar to last year, when 33 Special Schools participated.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) anticipates that uptake for summer scheme provision will be similar to last year, when 33 Special Schools participated.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043600%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478739","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478739"}},{"id":"478439","reference":"AQW 43502/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-27","answerBy":"2026-04-01","answered":"2026-03-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any alternative provisions being put in place, should special school summer schemes not go ahead this year.","answerText":"Following my direction, officials in the Education Authority liaised with the Department of Health and concerns regarding on-site nursing provision to support the safe running of Special School Summer Schemes for 2026 have now been addressed.","answerHtml":"Following my direction, officials in the Education Authority liaised with the Department of Health and concerns regarding on-site nursing provision to support the safe running of Special School Summer Schemes for 2026 have now been addressed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043502%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478439","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478439"}},{"id":"478438","reference":"AQW 43501/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-27","answerBy":"2026-04-15","answered":"2026-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions that are being taken to ensure special school summer schemes can go ahead this year.","answerText":"I have tasked the Chief Nursing Officer to meet with the five regional HSC Trust nursing leaders to develop plans to meet the Education Authority’s request for a registered nurse to be present on each site to ensure the summer schemes in Special Schools can proceed this year. Some key data has been requested from EA to enable the HSC to fulfil this request and we await receipt.\n\nWhilst extremely challenging, my Department is committed to making every effort to source the identified additional nursing cover, involving appropriate staff with the right skills and knowledge including the appropriate children’s safeguarding training.","answerHtml":"I have tasked the Chief Nursing Officer to meet with the five regional HSC Trust nursing leaders to develop plans to meet the Education Authority’s request for a registered nurse to be present on each site to ensure the summer schemes in Special Schools can proceed this year. Some key data has been requested from EA to enable the HSC to fulfil this request and we await receipt.
Whilst extremely challenging, my Department is committed to making every effort to source the identified additional nursing cover, involving appropriate staff with the right skills and knowledge including the appropriate children’s safeguarding training.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043501%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478438","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478438"}},{"id":"478437","reference":"AQW 43500/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-27","answerBy":"2026-04-15","answered":"2026-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the amount it would cost to provide adequate nursing provision for special school summer schemes this year.","answerText":"Recognising the importance of these Summer Schemes to the children attending them and their families, I have tasked the Chief Nursing Officer to work with the nursing leaders across our five regional HSC Trusts to develop plans to meet the Education Authority’s request for the presence of a registered nurse at each SEN school summer scheme in 2026.\n\nWhilst this will be extremely challenging, my Department is committed to making every effort to source the identified additional nursing cover, involving appropriate staff with the right skills and knowledge including the appropriate children’s safeguarding training.\n\nUntil the plan is completed, however, it is not possible to estimate the cost of implementing it.","answerHtml":"Recognising the importance of these Summer Schemes to the children attending them and their families, I have tasked the Chief Nursing Officer to work with the nursing leaders across our five regional HSC Trusts to develop plans to meet the Education Authority’s request for the presence of a registered nurse at each SEN school summer scheme in 2026.
Whilst this will be extremely challenging, my Department is committed to making every effort to source the identified additional nursing cover, involving appropriate staff with the right skills and knowledge including the appropriate children’s safeguarding training.
Until the plan is completed, however, it is not possible to estimate the cost of implementing it.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043500%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478437","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478437"}},{"id":"478436","reference":"AQW 43499/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-27","answerBy":"2026-04-15","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions being taken to ensure special school summer schemes can go ahead this year.","answerText":"Officials indicated a number of weeks ago that challenges around inter alia, on-site nursing provision may have prevented summer schemes from proceeding in 2026.\n\nLines of communication remain open at all times between myself and the Minister of Health. Following discussions on 27 March, we issued a joint statement confirming a solution to nursing provision which will enable special school summer schemes to proceed safely.","answerHtml":"Officials indicated a number of weeks ago that challenges around inter alia, on-site nursing provision may have prevented summer schemes from proceeding in 2026.
Lines of communication remain open at all times between myself and the Minister of Health. Following discussions on 27 March, we issued a joint statement confirming a solution to nursing provision which will enable special school summer schemes to proceed safely.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043499%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478436","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478436"}},{"id":"478435","reference":"AQW 43498/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-27","answerBy":"2026-04-15","answered":"2026-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) when he was first made aware that there was an issue with nursing provision for special school summer schemes; (ii) when he last made contact with the Minister of Health regarding these issues.","answerText":"Officials indicated a number of weeks ago that challenges around inter alia, on-site nursing provision may have prevented summer schemes from proceeding in 2026.\n\nLines of communication remain open at all times between myself and the Minister of Health. Following discussions on 27 March, we issued a joint statement confirming a solution to nursing provision which will enable special school summer schemes to proceed safely.","answerHtml":"Officials indicated a number of weeks ago that challenges around inter alia, on-site nursing provision may have prevented summer schemes from proceeding in 2026.
Lines of communication remain open at all times between myself and the Minister of Health. Following discussions on 27 March, we issued a joint statement confirming a solution to nursing provision which will enable special school summer schemes to proceed safely.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043498%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478435","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478435"}},{"id":"480775","reference":"AQO 3434/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-26","answerBy":"2026-04-20","answered":"2026-04-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he plans to expand the Women's Centre Childcare Fund.","answerText":"There are no plans for an expansion of the current provision of the Womens Child Care Centre Fund.\n\nThis fund was established as an interim measure; Strategic Investment Board advised against expansion in advance of an agreed system wide childcare framework.\n\nMy officials are currently working on proposals on the future of the funding in light of the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.","answerHtml":"There are no plans for an expansion of the current provision of the Womens Child Care Centre Fund.
This fund was established as an interim measure; Strategic Investment Board advised against expansion in advance of an agreed system wide childcare framework.
My officials are currently working on proposals on the future of the funding in light of the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203434%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480775","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480775"}},{"id":"477945","reference":"AQW 43250/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-25","answerBy":"2026-03-31","answered":"2026-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the Minister of State for Care stating that the UK Government intend to improve visitation rights and end blanket bans on contact of relatives of people with with learning disabilities in care, whether any assessment has been made regarding action to be taken in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Guidance around appropriate arrangements for visiting across a range of health and social care settings was developed and enhanced throughout the pandemic period. The current guidance, including the detail of the Care Partner scheme, is published on my Department’s website. The guidance is predicated on the principle that there should be no unreasonable restrictions placed on any patient or resident to prevent them from being able to receive visitors.\n\nWork is being planned to complete a light touch review of the visiting guidance, to broaden its focus and remove the more Covid specific references that remain throughout it.\n\nMy Department remains committed to embedding the principles of person-centred visiting, co-production, and meaningful contact across all care settings. Officials will continue to work with families, providers, and partners to seek to maintain and strengthen the principles that made visiting guidance and Care Partner arrangements work well: flexibility, collaboration, compassion, and shared commitment to patients’ and residents’ wellbeing.","answerHtml":"Guidance around appropriate arrangements for visiting across a range of health and social care settings was developed and enhanced throughout the pandemic period. The current guidance, including the detail of the Care Partner scheme, is published on my Department’s website. The guidance is predicated on the principle that there should be no unreasonable restrictions placed on any patient or resident to prevent them from being able to receive visitors.
Work is being planned to complete a light touch review of the visiting guidance, to broaden its focus and remove the more Covid specific references that remain throughout it.
My Department remains committed to embedding the principles of person-centred visiting, co-production, and meaningful contact across all care settings. Officials will continue to work with families, providers, and partners to seek to maintain and strengthen the principles that made visiting guidance and Care Partner arrangements work well: flexibility, collaboration, compassion, and shared commitment to patients’ and residents’ wellbeing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043250%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477945","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477945"}},{"id":"477944","reference":"AQW 43249/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-25","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department monitors incidents of families being denied visiting access to children who are in Health and Social Care Trust-led disability residential care.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043249%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477944","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477944"}},{"id":"477943","reference":"AQW 43248/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-25","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":"2026-04-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the work his Department is doing as part of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.","answerText":"My department is actively driving forward Action 6 of the ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework’ and Delivery Plan. Central to this is the development of a Healthy Relationships Action Plan, which will coordinate targeted interventions for children and young people and strengthen their understanding of healthy, respectful relationships.\n\nAs part of this work, we are developing a suite of education led actions for schools and education settings. These will ensure that staff feel supported, confident and appropriately equipped with the resources they need to address these issues effectively, and within the limits of their professional role.\n\nSchools are at the forefront of this agenda and as Minister I am committed to ensuring they have the tools required to take this important conversation forward.","answerHtml":"My department is actively driving forward Action 6 of the ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework’ and Delivery Plan. Central to this is the development of a Healthy Relationships Action Plan, which will coordinate targeted interventions for children and young people and strengthen their understanding of healthy, respectful relationships.
As part of this work, we are developing a suite of education led actions for schools and education settings. These will ensure that staff feel supported, confident and appropriately equipped with the resources they need to address these issues effectively, and within the limits of their professional role.
Schools are at the forefront of this agenda and as Minister I am committed to ensuring they have the tools required to take this important conversation forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043248%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477943","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477943"}},{"id":"477706","reference":"AQW 43131/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-24","answerBy":"2026-03-30","answered":"2026-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on her Department's implementation of the recommendations in the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman report, reference 202000405.","answerText":"The Department has accepted and implemented all the recommendations set out in the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman report, reference 202000405.","answerHtml":"The Department has accepted and implemented all the recommendations set out in the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman report, reference 202000405.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043131%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477706","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477706"}},{"id":"477705","reference":"AQW 43130/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-24","answerBy":"2026-04-10","answered":"2026-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on placements for children with special educational needs for the 2026-2027 academic year.","answerText":"The Education Authority has confirmed that as of 27 March 2026, there is a shortfall of approximately 384 special education places for September 2026.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has confirmed that as of 27 March 2026, there is a shortfall of approximately 384 special education places for September 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043130%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477705","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477705"}},{"id":"477704","reference":"AQW 43129/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-24","answerBy":"2026-04-10","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any action being taken in partnership with the Minister of Health to provide early support for any parents who are struggling with teaching their children how to toilet themselves independently.","answerText":"Department officials have engaged with pre-school leaders who advised that the issue of children starting pre-school unable to toilet themselves independently, primarily relates to children with medical or special educational needs and/or penultimate aged children. The draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy includes an action to, “make legislative changes, subject to consultation, to amend the age range for funded statutory pre-school provision, removing the current requirement to enrol children in their penultimate pre-school year.”\n\nConsultation on the draft Strategy closed on 24 March 2026. My officials are now analysing responses received with a view to preparing the final Strategy, which I intend to bring forward for Executive approval in due course. Implementation of the actions will be subject to the required budget being made available by the Executive.\n\nEarly intervention across education and health services supports children to develop independence in toileting. The DE Sure Start programme, delivered in collaboration with DoH can signpost families to appropriate health related guidance and support. The Getting Ready to Learn Programme also promotes parental involvement in early learning, including the development of toileting skills.\n\nAdditionally, each pre-school setting has an allocated Health Visitor who can provide toileting advice, offer guidance to parents and where needed, targeted support. For school aged children, or children with physical or developmental needs, the School Nursing Service is available to provide support.","answerHtml":"Department officials have engaged with pre-school leaders who advised that the issue of children starting pre-school unable to toilet themselves independently, primarily relates to children with medical or special educational needs and/or penultimate aged children. The draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy includes an action to, “make legislative changes, subject to consultation, to amend the age range for funded statutory pre-school provision, removing the current requirement to enrol children in their penultimate pre-school year.”
Consultation on the draft Strategy closed on 24 March 2026. My officials are now analysing responses received with a view to preparing the final Strategy, which I intend to bring forward for Executive approval in due course. Implementation of the actions will be subject to the required budget being made available by the Executive.
Early intervention across education and health services supports children to develop independence in toileting. The DE Sure Start programme, delivered in collaboration with DoH can signpost families to appropriate health related guidance and support. The Getting Ready to Learn Programme also promotes parental involvement in early learning, including the development of toileting skills.
Additionally, each pre-school setting has an allocated Health Visitor who can provide toileting advice, offer guidance to parents and where needed, targeted support. For school aged children, or children with physical or developmental needs, the School Nursing Service is available to provide support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043129%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477704","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477704"}},{"id":"477703","reference":"AQW 43128/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-24","answerBy":"2026-04-10","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has carried out any assessment of concerns from school leaders and staff regarding the number of children with no specific medical or special educational needs starting pre-schools unable to toilet themselves independently.","answerText":"Department officials have engaged with pre-school leaders who advised that the issue of children starting pre-school unable to toilet themselves independently, primarily relates to children with medical or special educational needs and/or penultimate aged children. The draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy includes an action to, “make legislative changes, subject to consultation, to amend the age range for funded statutory pre-school provision, removing the current requirement to enrol children in their penultimate pre-school year.”\n\nConsultation on the draft Strategy closed on 24 March 2026. My officials are now analysing responses received with a view to preparing the final Strategy, which I intend to bring forward for Executive approval in due course. Implementation of the actions will be subject to the required budget being made available by the Executive.\n\nEarly intervention across education and health services supports children to develop independence in toileting. The DE Sure Start programme, delivered in collaboration with DoH can signpost families to appropriate health related guidance and support. The Getting Ready to Learn Programme also promotes parental involvement in early learning, including the development of toileting skills.\n\nAdditionally, each pre-school setting has an allocated Health Visitor who can provide toileting advice, offer guidance to parents and where needed, targeted support. For school aged children, or children with physical or developmental needs, the School Nursing Service is available to provide support.","answerHtml":"Department officials have engaged with pre-school leaders who advised that the issue of children starting pre-school unable to toilet themselves independently, primarily relates to children with medical or special educational needs and/or penultimate aged children. The draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy includes an action to, “make legislative changes, subject to consultation, to amend the age range for funded statutory pre-school provision, removing the current requirement to enrol children in their penultimate pre-school year.”
Consultation on the draft Strategy closed on 24 March 2026. My officials are now analysing responses received with a view to preparing the final Strategy, which I intend to bring forward for Executive approval in due course. Implementation of the actions will be subject to the required budget being made available by the Executive.
Early intervention across education and health services supports children to develop independence in toileting. The DE Sure Start programme, delivered in collaboration with DoH can signpost families to appropriate health related guidance and support. The Getting Ready to Learn Programme also promotes parental involvement in early learning, including the development of toileting skills.
Additionally, each pre-school setting has an allocated Health Visitor who can provide toileting advice, offer guidance to parents and where needed, targeted support. For school aged children, or children with physical or developmental needs, the School Nursing Service is available to provide support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043128%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477703","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477703"}},{"id":"477452","reference":"AQW 43004/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-23","answerBy":"2026-04-09","answered":"2026-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of parents who have completed positive parenting programmes, delivered or commissioned by Health and Social Care Trusts, Sure Start, or through Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership-supported Family Support Hubs, in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) programme type; and (ii) Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts and Sure Start projects deliver or commission a range of evidencebased positive parenting programmes. The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership does not directly commission or deliver parenting programmes; however, Family Support Hubs operating within CYPSP structures support families to access provision delivered by Trusts, Sure Start projects and voluntary and community sector partners.\n\nThere is no single regional system in which information on positive parenting programmes is centrally recorded. Health and Social Care Trusts were therefore asked to provide information on the number of parents who have completed positive parenting programmes over the last five years.\n\nWhile Trusts were requested to provide information specifically in relation to positive parenting programmes, there may be variation between Trust areas in how programmes have been classified as meeting this definition. In addition, the data provided relates to the number of parents reported as having completed programmes rather than the number of families, which may impact on comparability across areas.\n\nThe information below is based on data reported by individual Health and Social Care Trusts.\n\nBelfast Health and Social Care Trust\n\nYear\tProgramme\tParents Completed\n2021/22\tIncredible Years ASLD Programme\t17\nIncredible Year Baby Programme\t11\nTOTAL:\t28\n2022/23\tIncredible Years ASLD Programme\t19\nIncredible Year Baby Programme\t16\nTOTAL:\t35\n2023/24\tIncredible Years ASLD Programme\t44\nIncredible Year Baby Programme\t11\nTOTAL:\t55\n2024/25\tIncredible Years ASLD Programme\t21\nSolihull Understanding Your Baby\t8\nIncredible Year Baby Programme\t4\nTOTAL:\t33\n2025/26\tIncredible Years ASLD Programme\t33\nSolihull Understanding Your Baby\t6\nIncredible Year Baby Programme\t7\nTOTAL:\t46\n\nNorthern Health and Social Care Trust\n\nYear\tProgramme\tParents Completed\n2021/22\tProgrammes through CAMHS\t50\nFocus on Families\t16\nTOTAL:\t66\n2022/23\tProgrammes through CAMHS\t43\nProgrammes through Surestart\t18\nFocus on Families\t16\nForest Families (MDT GP Federation)\t40\nTOTAL:\t117\n2023/24\tProgrammes through CAMHS\t23\nProgrammes through Surestart\t33\nFocus on Families\t16\nForest Families (MDT GP Federation)\t40\nTOTAL:\t112\n2024/25\tProgrammes through CAMHS\t18\nProgrammes through Surestart\t34\nHomestart East\t32\nFocus on Families\t17\nForest Families (MDT GP Federation)\t40\nTOTAL:\t141\n2025/26\tProgrammes through CAMHS\t47\nProgrammes through Surestart\t21\nHomestart East\t24\nFocus on Families\t17\nForest Families (MDT GP Federation)\t40\nThriving Families (MDT GP Federation)\t4\nNOW\t11\nParenting workshops x3 (MDT GP Federation)\t15\nTOTAL:\t179\n\nSouth Eastern Health and Social Care Trust\n\nYear\tProgramme\tParents Completed\n2021/22\t11 Evidence Based programmes\t291\nDown & Ards Sure Start\t142\nTOTAL:\t433\n2022/23\t11 Evidence Based programmes\t302\nDown & Ards Sure Start\t193\nTOTAL:\t495\n2023/24\t11 Evidence Based programmes\t301\nDown & Ards Sure Start\t220\nTOTAL:\t521\n2024/25\t11 Evidence Based programmes\t386\nDown & Ards Sure Start\t312\nTOTAL:\t698\n2025/26\t11 Evidence Based programmes\t323\nDown & Ards Sure Start\t370\nTOTAL:\t693\n\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust\n\nYear\tProgramme\tParents Completed\n2021/22\tMellow Bumps\t18\nMellow Dads\t15\nIncredible Years Baby\t47\nIncredible Years School Age\t42\nIncredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay\t27\nOdyssey Parenting Your Teen\t38\nWalking on Eggshells\t17\nTOTAL:\t204\n2022/23\tMellow Bumps\t16\nIncredible Years Baby\t52\nIncredible Years School Age\t40\nIncredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay\t28\nSolihull Understanding Your Child\t9\nParents Plus ADHD Programme\t16\nParents Plus Special Needs\t9\nOdyssey Parenting Your Teen\t30\nWalking on Eggshells\t17\nTOTAL:\t217\n2023/24\tMellow Bumps\t24\nIncredible Years Baby\t94\nIncredible Years School Age\t36\nIncredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay\t24\nSolihull Understanding Your Child\t8\nParents Plus ADHD Programme\t16\nParents Plus Special Needs\t24\nOdyssey Parenting Your Teen\t37\nWalking on Eggshells\t14\nTOTAL:\t277\n2024/25\tMellow Bumps\t30\nMellow Dads\t12\nMellow Growing Together\t8\nIncredible Years Baby\t101\nIncredible Years School Age\t8\nIncredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay\t29\nSolihull Understanding Your Child\t5\nSolihull Understanding Your Foster Child\t12\nParents Plus Early Years\t10\nParents Plus Childrens Programme\t10\nParents Plus ADHD Programme\t16\nParents Plus Special Needs\t18\nOdyssey Parenting Your Teen\t34\nWalking on Eggshells\t17\nTOTAL:\t310\n2025/26\tMellow Bumps\t33\nMellow Dads\t14\nMellow Growing Together\t8\nIncredible Years Baby\t45\nIncredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay\t15\nParents Plus Early Years\t9\nParents Plus Childrens Programme\t11\nParents Plus ADHD Programme\t17\nInvest in Play\t18\nParents Plus Special Needs\t6\nWalking on Eggshells\t12\nTOTAL: (partial year)\t188\n\nWestern Health and Social Care Trust\n\nYear\tProgramme\tParents Completed\n2021/22\tSolihull\t101\nRaised with Respect\t12\nNurturing Programme\t101\nIncredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme\t82\nModel of Attachment Practice\t7\nCircle of Security\t5\nSaving your Baby’s Life\t20\nChild Development Programme\t82\nSweet Pea Sweet Dream\t37\nYarn Awhile\t18\nBaby Massage\t54\nTOTAL:\t519\n2022/23\tSolihull\t76\nRaised with Respect\t20\nNurturing Programme\t152\nIncredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme\t64\nCircle of Security\t8\nHENRY (Nutrition Matters)\t14\nSaving your Baby’s Life\t33\nChild Development Programme\t186\nSweet Pea Sweet Dream\t41\nYarn Awhile\t35\nBaby Massage\t60\nPrepared Parents\t45\nTOTAL:\t734\n2023/24\tSolihull\t36\nRaised with Respect\t25\nNurturing Programme\t159\nIncredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme\t76\nCircle of Security\t13\nHENRY (Nutrition Matters)\t27\nNurturing Courage\t13\nSaving your Baby’s Life\t38\nChild Development Programme\t86\nParents - Connect with your child\t60\nParenting Support (Delivered by WHSCT Family Response Teams)\t22\nSweet Pea Sweet Dream\t33\nScreen Time & Children\t24\nYour Journey Together\t55\nYarn Awhile\t27\nBaby Massage\t61\nLego & Emotions Parent and Child\t14\nPrepared Parents\t43\nTOTAL:\t812\n2024/25\tSolihull\t53\nRaised with Respect\t34\nNurturing Programme\t168\nIncredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme\t64\nModel of Attachment Practice\t2\nCircle of Security\t1\nHENRY (Nutrition Matters)\t31\nNurturing Courage\t6\nSaving your Baby’s Life\t40\nChild Development Programme\t103\nParents - Connect with your child\t30\nParenting Support (Delivered by WHSCT Family Response Teams)\t58\nSweet Pea Sweet Dream\t38\nScreen Time & Children\t22\nYour Journey Together\t39\nYarn Awhile\t53\nBaby Massage\t67\nLego & Emotions Parent and Child\t44\nInside Out Resiliency Programme Parent and Child\t48\nFood For Thought\t18\nTOTAL:\t919\n2025/26\tSolihull\t82\nRaised with Respect\t29\nNurturing Programme\t193\nIncredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme\t49\nParenting When Separated\t4\nCircle of Security\t10\nHENRY (Nutrition Matters)\t29\nCook it!\t1\nNurturing Courage\t7\nSaving your Baby’s Life\t43\nChild Development Programme\t98\nParenting Support (Delivered by WHSCT Family Response Teams)\t55\nSweet Pea Sweet Dream\t48\nScreen Time & Children\t22\nYour Journey Together\t62\nYarn Awhile\t44\nBaby Massage\t62\nLego & Emotions Parent and Child\t38\nInside Out Resiliency Programme Parent and Child\t52\nFood For Thought\t18\nPrepared Parents\t41\nTOTAL: (partial year)\t987\n\nSure Starts\n\nInformation relating to Sure Start projects has been provided by the Childcare Partnership within the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).\n\nData reported for Sure Start projects, as set out in the tables, reflects activity classified at project level as a parenting programme. This may include a range of delivery formats, such as groupbased programmes, home visits and onetoone parenting support.\n\nThe figures reported represent the number of unique adults who attended at least one parentingrelated activity during the relevant year. As such:\n\nthe same adult may have attended more than one activity within a year; and\n\nthe figures do not confirm that parents completed all sessions of a structured parenting programme.\n\nSome Health and Social Care Trusts have included information relating to Sure Start provision as part of their returns. As a result, there is a potential for duplication between Trustreported and Sure Startreported data.\n\nYear\tSummary of Sure Start Parenting Programme Activities\tNumber of attended unique Adults\n2021/22\tBHSCT area\t342\nNHSCT area\t116\nSEHSCT area\t118\nSHSCT area\t214\nWHSCT area\t665\nREGIONAL TOTAL:\t1455\n2022/23\tBHSCT area\t113\nNHSCT area\t281\nSEHSCT area\t127\nSHSCT area\t477\nWHSCT area\t570\nREGIONAL TOTAL:\t1568\n2023/24\tBHSCT area\t340\nNHSCT area\t325\nSEHSCT area\t281\nSHSCT area\t753\nWHSCT area\t1144\nREGIONAL TOTAL:\t2843\n2024/25\tBHSCT area\t395\nNHSCT area\t343\nSEHSCT area\t320\nSHSCT area\t747\nWHSCT area\t851\nREGIONAL TOTAL:\t2656\n2025/26\tBHSCT area\t399\nNHSCT area\t343\nSEHSCT area\t213\nSHSCT area\t566\nWHSCT area\t783\nREGIONAL TOTAL:\t2304","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts and Sure Start projects deliver or commission a range of evidencebased positive parenting programmes. The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership does not directly commission or deliver parenting programmes; however, Family Support Hubs operating within CYPSP structures support families to access provision delivered by Trusts, Sure Start projects and voluntary and community sector partners.
There is no single regional system in which information on positive parenting programmes is centrally recorded. Health and Social Care Trusts were therefore asked to provide information on the number of parents who have completed positive parenting programmes over the last five years.
While Trusts were requested to provide information specifically in relation to positive parenting programmes, there may be variation between Trust areas in how programmes have been classified as meeting this definition. In addition, the data provided relates to the number of parents reported as having completed programmes rather than the number of families, which may impact on comparability across areas.
The information below is based on data reported by individual Health and Social Care Trusts.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
| Year | Programme | Parents Completed |
| 2021/22 | Incredible Years ASLD Programme | 17 |
| Incredible Year Baby Programme | 11 | |
| TOTAL: | 28 | |
| 2022/23 | Incredible Years ASLD Programme | 19 |
| Incredible Year Baby Programme | 16 | |
| TOTAL: | 35 | |
| 2023/24 | Incredible Years ASLD Programme | 44 |
| Incredible Year Baby Programme | 11 | |
| TOTAL: | 55 | |
| 2024/25 | Incredible Years ASLD Programme | 21 |
| Solihull Understanding Your Baby | 8 | |
| Incredible Year Baby Programme | 4 | |
| TOTAL: | 33 | |
| 2025/26 | Incredible Years ASLD Programme | 33 |
| Solihull Understanding Your Baby | 6 | |
| Incredible Year Baby Programme | 7 | |
| TOTAL: | 46 |
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
| Year | Programme | Parents Completed |
| 2021/22 | Programmes through CAMHS | 50 |
| Focus on Families | 16 | |
| TOTAL: | 66 | |
| 2022/23 | Programmes through CAMHS | 43 |
| Programmes through Surestart | 18 | |
| Focus on Families | 16 | |
| Forest Families (MDT GP Federation) | 40 | |
| TOTAL: | 117 | |
| 2023/24 | Programmes through CAMHS | 23 |
| Programmes through Surestart | 33 | |
| Focus on Families | 16 | |
| Forest Families (MDT GP Federation) | 40 | |
| TOTAL: | 112 | |
| 2024/25 | Programmes through CAMHS | 18 |
| Programmes through Surestart | 34 | |
| Homestart East | 32 | |
| Focus on Families | 17 | |
| Forest Families (MDT GP Federation) | 40 | |
| TOTAL: | 141 | |
| 2025/26 | Programmes through CAMHS | 47 |
| Programmes through Surestart | 21 | |
| Homestart East | 24 | |
| Focus on Families | 17 | |
| Forest Families (MDT GP Federation) | 40 | |
| Thriving Families (MDT GP Federation) | 4 | |
| NOW | 11 | |
| Parenting workshops x3 (MDT GP Federation) | 15 | |
| TOTAL: | 179 |
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
| Year | Programme | Parents Completed |
| 2021/22 | 11 Evidence Based programmes | 291 |
| Down & Ards Sure Start | 142 | |
| TOTAL: | 433 | |
| 2022/23 | 11 Evidence Based programmes | 302 |
| Down & Ards Sure Start | 193 | |
| TOTAL: | 495 | |
| 2023/24 | 11 Evidence Based programmes | 301 |
| Down & Ards Sure Start | 220 | |
| TOTAL: | 521 | |
| 2024/25 | 11 Evidence Based programmes | 386 |
| Down & Ards Sure Start | 312 | |
| TOTAL: | 698 | |
| 2025/26 | 11 Evidence Based programmes | 323 |
| Down & Ards Sure Start | 370 | |
| TOTAL: | 693 |
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
| Year | Programme | Parents Completed |
| 2021/22 | Mellow Bumps | 18 |
| Mellow Dads | 15 | |
| Incredible Years Baby | 47 | |
| Incredible Years School Age | 42 | |
| Incredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay | 27 | |
| Odyssey Parenting Your Teen | 38 | |
| Walking on Eggshells | 17 | |
| TOTAL: | 204 | |
| 2022/23 | Mellow Bumps | 16 |
| Incredible Years Baby | 52 | |
| Incredible Years School Age | 40 | |
| Incredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay | 28 | |
| Solihull Understanding Your Child | 9 | |
| Parents Plus ADHD Programme | 16 | |
| Parents Plus Special Needs | 9 | |
| Odyssey Parenting Your Teen | 30 | |
| Walking on Eggshells | 17 | |
| TOTAL: | 217 | |
| 2023/24 | Mellow Bumps | 24 |
| Incredible Years Baby | 94 | |
| Incredible Years School Age | 36 | |
| Incredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay | 24 | |
| Solihull Understanding Your Child | 8 | |
| Parents Plus ADHD Programme | 16 | |
| Parents Plus Special Needs | 24 | |
| Odyssey Parenting Your Teen | 37 | |
| Walking on Eggshells | 14 | |
| TOTAL: | 277 | |
| 2024/25 | Mellow Bumps | 30 |
| Mellow Dads | 12 | |
| Mellow Growing Together | 8 | |
| Incredible Years Baby | 101 | |
| Incredible Years School Age | 8 | |
| Incredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay | 29 | |
| Solihull Understanding Your Child | 5 | |
| Solihull Understanding Your Foster Child | 12 | |
| Parents Plus Early Years | 10 | |
| Parents Plus Childrens Programme | 10 | |
| Parents Plus ADHD Programme | 16 | |
| Parents Plus Special Needs | 18 | |
| Odyssey Parenting Your Teen | 34 | |
| Walking on Eggshells | 17 | |
| TOTAL: | 310 | |
| 2025/26 | Mellow Bumps | 33 |
| Mellow Dads | 14 | |
| Mellow Growing Together | 8 | |
| Incredible Years Baby | 45 | |
| Incredible Years Autism & Speech & Language Delay | 15 | |
| Parents Plus Early Years | 9 | |
| Parents Plus Childrens Programme | 11 | |
| Parents Plus ADHD Programme | 17 | |
| Invest in Play | 18 | |
| Parents Plus Special Needs | 6 | |
| Walking on Eggshells | 12 | |
| TOTAL: (partial year) | 188 |
Western Health and Social Care Trust
| Year | Programme | Parents Completed |
| 2021/22 | Solihull | 101 |
| Raised with Respect | 12 | |
| Nurturing Programme | 101 | |
| Incredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme | 82 | |
| Model of Attachment Practice | 7 | |
| Circle of Security | 5 | |
| Saving your Baby’s Life | 20 | |
| Child Development Programme | 82 | |
| Sweet Pea Sweet Dream | 37 | |
| Yarn Awhile | 18 | |
| Baby Massage | 54 | |
| TOTAL: | 519 | |
| 2022/23 | Solihull | 76 |
| Raised with Respect | 20 | |
| Nurturing Programme | 152 | |
| Incredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme | 64 | |
| Circle of Security | 8 | |
| HENRY (Nutrition Matters) | 14 | |
| Saving your Baby’s Life | 33 | |
| Child Development Programme | 186 | |
| Sweet Pea Sweet Dream | 41 | |
| Yarn Awhile | 35 | |
| Baby Massage | 60 | |
| Prepared Parents | 45 | |
| TOTAL: | 734 | |
| 2023/24 | Solihull | 36 |
| Raised with Respect | 25 | |
| Nurturing Programme | 159 | |
| Incredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme | 76 | |
| Circle of Security | 13 | |
| HENRY (Nutrition Matters) | 27 | |
| Nurturing Courage | 13 | |
| Saving your Baby’s Life | 38 | |
| Child Development Programme | 86 | |
| Parents - Connect with your child | 60 | |
| Parenting Support (Delivered by WHSCT Family Response Teams) | 22 | |
| Sweet Pea Sweet Dream | 33 | |
| Screen Time & Children | 24 | |
| Your Journey Together | 55 | |
| Yarn Awhile | 27 | |
| Baby Massage | 61 | |
| Lego & Emotions Parent and Child | 14 | |
| Prepared Parents | 43 | |
| TOTAL: | 812 | |
| 2024/25 | Solihull | 53 |
| Raised with Respect | 34 | |
| Nurturing Programme | 168 | |
| Incredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme | 64 | |
| Model of Attachment Practice | 2 | |
| Circle of Security | 1 | |
| HENRY (Nutrition Matters) | 31 | |
| Nurturing Courage | 6 | |
| Saving your Baby’s Life | 40 | |
| Child Development Programme | 103 | |
| Parents - Connect with your child | 30 | |
| Parenting Support (Delivered by WHSCT Family Response Teams) | 58 | |
| Sweet Pea Sweet Dream | 38 | |
| Screen Time & Children | 22 | |
| Your Journey Together | 39 | |
| Yarn Awhile | 53 | |
| Baby Massage | 67 | |
| Lego & Emotions Parent and Child | 44 | |
| Inside Out Resiliency Programme Parent and Child | 48 | |
| Food For Thought | 18 | |
| TOTAL: | 919 | |
| 2025/26 | Solihull | 82 |
| Raised with Respect | 29 | |
| Nurturing Programme | 193 | |
| Incredible Years including baby, toddler and ASD IYs programme | 49 | |
| Parenting When Separated | 4 | |
| Circle of Security | 10 | |
| HENRY (Nutrition Matters) | 29 | |
| Cook it! | 1 | |
| Nurturing Courage | 7 | |
| Saving your Baby’s Life | 43 | |
| Child Development Programme | 98 | |
| Parenting Support (Delivered by WHSCT Family Response Teams) | 55 | |
| Sweet Pea Sweet Dream | 48 | |
| Screen Time & Children | 22 | |
| Your Journey Together | 62 | |
| Yarn Awhile | 44 | |
| Baby Massage | 62 | |
| Lego & Emotions Parent and Child | 38 | |
| Inside Out Resiliency Programme Parent and Child | 52 | |
| Food For Thought | 18 | |
| Prepared Parents | 41 | |
| TOTAL: (partial year) | 987 |
Sure Starts
Information relating to Sure Start projects has been provided by the Childcare Partnership within the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).
Data reported for Sure Start projects, as set out in the tables, reflects activity classified at project level as a parenting programme. This may include a range of delivery formats, such as groupbased programmes, home visits and onetoone parenting support.
The figures reported represent the number of unique adults who attended at least one parentingrelated activity during the relevant year. As such:
the same adult may have attended more than one activity within a year; and
the figures do not confirm that parents completed all sessions of a structured parenting programme.
Some Health and Social Care Trusts have included information relating to Sure Start provision as part of their returns. As a result, there is a potential for duplication between Trustreported and Sure Startreported data.
| Year | Summary of Sure Start Parenting Programme Activities | Number of attended unique Adults |
| 2021/22 | BHSCT area | 342 |
| NHSCT area | 116 | |
| SEHSCT area | 118 | |
| SHSCT area | 214 | |
| WHSCT area | 665 | |
| REGIONAL TOTAL: | 1455 | |
| 2022/23 | BHSCT area | 113 |
| NHSCT area | 281 | |
| SEHSCT area | 127 | |
| SHSCT area | 477 | |
| WHSCT area | 570 | |
| REGIONAL TOTAL: | 1568 | |
| 2023/24 | BHSCT area | 340 |
| NHSCT area | 325 | |
| SEHSCT area | 281 | |
| SHSCT area | 753 | |
| WHSCT area | 1144 | |
| REGIONAL TOTAL: | 2843 | |
| 2024/25 | BHSCT area | 395 |
| NHSCT area | 343 | |
| SEHSCT area | 320 | |
| SHSCT area | 747 | |
| WHSCT area | 851 | |
| REGIONAL TOTAL: | 2656 | |
| 2025/26 | BHSCT area | 399 |
| NHSCT area | 343 | |
| SEHSCT area | 213 | |
| SHSCT area | 566 | |
| WHSCT area | 783 | |
| REGIONAL TOTAL: | 2304 |
I recognise the importance of maintaining and improving the condition of our road network, particularly in rural areas, given the impact on road safety, vehicle damage and connectivity.
As part of my commitment to the maintenance of rural roads, an initial £5 million was allocated to the Roads Recovery Fund, which principally targets rural roads. As part of the December monitoring round, I was able to increase this the funding to the Roads Recovery Fund up to a total of £9 million pounds to deliver real benefits across the rural network.
Further to this funding, a public consultation has now concluded on my draft Road Maintenance Strategy, which seeks to improve the overall condition of the road network and enhance safety and quality, as a means of improving resilience. The Strategy proposes a targeted programme of intelligent maintenance investment, supported by a more sustainable maintenance regime.
My officials are currently considering the consultation responses in detail, and I intend to finalise the Road Maintenance Strategy as soon as possible following publication of the consultation report.
I have also committed £1.3 million to the provision of a groundbreaking, full digital survey of the North’s entire road network. This will provide a level of detailed, consistent data that will support more efficient, evidencebased decisions on maintenance interventions.
The information from this digital stocktake will assist officials in taking a more targeted approach to routine maintenance activities, such as patching, helping to ensure the best possible use of limited resources across the network.
These measures are designed to maximise the benefits of every pound invested in road maintenance, including on rural roads.
However, I have been clear that these initiatives alone cannot address the consequences of many years of underinvestment. I will therefore continue to work with Executive colleagues to secure appropriate levels of funding to improve the quality of our roads and to support delivery of the priorities set out in the Programme for Government.
In addition, I have invested heavily through the Roads Recovery Fund, a significant proportion of which is focused on addressing conditions on rural roads and supporting local connectivity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203392%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479553","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479553"}},{"id":"476841","reference":"AQO 3367/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, following the Minister of Health's comments that the Delivery Unit will be considering how to progress post-19 special educational needs provision, to outline any specific work that will be carried out in the remainder of the 2022-2027 mandate.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Supporting young people with special educational needs is a priority for the Executive, and we all recognise the importance of clear, well-planned pathways into further training, education or employment and of providing access to appropriate health pathways. The delivery unit is overseeing a portfolio of transformation activity, within which a number of projects are aimed at strengthening pathways and outcomes for young people with special educational needs. Given the size of the unit and its agreed work programme, there is very limited further capacity to undertake an exercise of the scale recently suggested by the Health Minister. However, we have asked our officials to engage in wider discussions to help understand the scope and the trajectory of the work and whether there can be a role for the delivery unit in future phases."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the deputy First Minister for the response. Based on what she said, was it appropriate for the Health Minister to refer the issue to the delivery unit, or can that be viewed as an attempt to simply pass the buck on action to deliver post-19 provision to the Executive Office, in effect, delaying action on post-19 provision in this mandate rather than accelerating it?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. Like her, I have no doubt, I have heard very genuine representations about the challenges that many families and, indeed, young people face when they hit 19. I think that there is a shared desire to do more. We need to do more to support those families. I recognise, as I have already referenced, the incredibly constrained financial environment that we are all trying to operate in. However, where I agree with the Member is that getting adequate support for young people post-19 with special educational or other needs should be business as usual in Departments. Yes, it is a cross-cutting issue. Departments need to speak to each other on this important issue, and I believe that they should be able to do that. If we look back, we see that some of the funding for this very important area came from external funds, and it was never mainstreamed in Departments' budgets to the extent that it needed to be. That needs to change. I have a huge amount of sympathy with the lobby groups on the issue, but, more than that, I am determined that we need to do something meaningful on this, and that requires Departments to get their heads together to try to resolve the issue and take a look at what we can do. That will, of course, require looking at the finances of all of this, but let us start by seeing what the actions are and what they will cost and how we can work together to make something work for those young people and their families."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"There seems to be a lack of understanding among some Members about the role of the delivery unit. Will the deputy First Minister provide some clarity and explain how important it is that the unit is small and is able to be agile enough to deliver as intended?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Absolutely. The delivery unit proposal is in the Programme for Government, and it is there because of some of issues that I have already mentioned. There is frustration that the way that we are doing things at the moment is not delivering in the way that we want. We have all heard the old adage that, if we continue to do things in the way that we have always done them, we are always going to get the same result. We have to change the way that we do business. That requires a lot of boring stuff and process stuff, including, as I said, upskilling to get the right people with the right skills in the right places to deliver on political agreements and the will of this place. It also includes looking at our processes to streamline those and get rid of anything that is unnecessary. It is important in all that and in introducing the delivery unit that it is agile and small and is able to add value. There are lots of lessons to be learnt from the Strategic Investment Board. What once should have been very strategic becomes something that is really about getting to grips in Departments and helping to deliver the nuts and bolts. That is important, but it is not strategic. We need to be careful that the delivery unit does not get pulled in that way and that it remains at the centre and able to come in on a task-and-finish basis and add value to what we need it to do."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203367%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476841","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-13&docID=477835#AQO%203367/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476841"}},{"id":"476027","reference":"AQW 42440/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-12","answerBy":"2026-03-30","answered":"2026-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 41503/22-27, to detail the number of times the Education Authority has invoked contract management controls, in the last five years, broken down by (a) requesting clarification from contractors; (b) issuing noncompliance notices; (c) requesting rework at no additional cost; (d) escalation to senior managers and the Head of Maintenance for contractual remedies.","answerText":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Maintenance Service issues approximately 60,000 task orders each year to contractors for work across the EA school estate.\n\nThe information you have requested, detailing the number of times the EA has invoked contract management controls in the last five years broken down by (a) requesting clarification from contractors; (b) issuing noncompliance notices; (c) requesting rework at no additional cost; (d) escalation to senior managers and the Head of Maintenance for contractual remedies is not readily available in the form requested and can only be collated at disproportionate cost.\n\nThe EA has confirmed that the new Term Service Contracts will emphasise key performance indicators targeting poor contractor responses, completion times, workmanship quality and reducing repetitive site visits, with a stronger emphasis on achieving first-time site fixes.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Maintenance Service issues approximately 60,000 task orders each year to contractors for work across the EA school estate.
The information you have requested, detailing the number of times the EA has invoked contract management controls in the last five years broken down by (a) requesting clarification from contractors; (b) issuing noncompliance notices; (c) requesting rework at no additional cost; (d) escalation to senior managers and the Head of Maintenance for contractual remedies is not readily available in the form requested and can only be collated at disproportionate cost.
The EA has confirmed that the new Term Service Contracts will emphasise key performance indicators targeting poor contractor responses, completion times, workmanship quality and reducing repetitive site visits, with a stronger emphasis on achieving first-time site fixes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042440%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476027","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476027"}},{"id":"476026","reference":"AQW 42439/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-12","answerBy":"2026-03-30","answered":"2026-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW40506/22-27 whether any assessment has been made on (i) the number of missed 3+ year reviews; (ii) the level of data on late reviews; and (iii) the information his Department have on the impact of missed reviews.","answerText":"The 3+ year review is not part of the current core Healthy Child, Healthy Future (HCHF) dataset submitted by Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs). As a result, HSCTs do not routinely report performance on 3+ reviews, and no regional analysis is undertaken on completion, lateness, or impact. This limits the level of assessment, noted below, that can be made across points (i)–(iii).\n\nAll HSCTs report that noncompletion of 3+ year reviews can occur for reasons such as parental refusal, absence, movement between preschool settings, or questionnaire returned without attendance. HSCTs have also highlighted a range of mitigations to limit the impact of noncompletion, including making repeated attempts to complete the review, undertaking followup by the named Health Visitor before transfer to the School Nursing service, and ensuring families continue to have access to the universal Health Visiting service should any concerns arise.\n\nData on late 3+ year reviews is limited. The 3+ review may be completed at any point during the preschool year, meaning children may be aged either three or four depending on school entry eligibility. This wider timeframe makes it difficult to define lateness on a consistent regional basis. Only the Northern HSCT records late reviews; all other HSCTs report that this information is not held.\n\nNo HSCT holds specific data on the impact of missed 3+ year reviews, as this review is not currently included in the core dataset submitted through the HCHF reporting process.\n\nThe 3+ review is an important contact as it is the final formal Health Visiting review before a child enters school and provides an opportunity to identify any emerging needs. The refreshed HCHF framework, once implemented, will strengthen data capture and reporting by mandating standardised collection of 3+ review data across all HSCTs and enabling greater flexibility as to where the review can be completed to help reduce missed contacts.","answerHtml":"The 3+ year review is not part of the current core Healthy Child, Healthy Future (HCHF) dataset submitted by Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs). As a result, HSCTs do not routinely report performance on 3+ reviews, and no regional analysis is undertaken on completion, lateness, or impact. This limits the level of assessment, noted below, that can be made across points (i)–(iii).
All HSCTs report that noncompletion of 3+ year reviews can occur for reasons such as parental refusal, absence, movement between preschool settings, or questionnaire returned without attendance. HSCTs have also highlighted a range of mitigations to limit the impact of noncompletion, including making repeated attempts to complete the review, undertaking followup by the named Health Visitor before transfer to the School Nursing service, and ensuring families continue to have access to the universal Health Visiting service should any concerns arise.
Data on late 3+ year reviews is limited. The 3+ review may be completed at any point during the preschool year, meaning children may be aged either three or four depending on school entry eligibility. This wider timeframe makes it difficult to define lateness on a consistent regional basis. Only the Northern HSCT records late reviews; all other HSCTs report that this information is not held.
No HSCT holds specific data on the impact of missed 3+ year reviews, as this review is not currently included in the core dataset submitted through the HCHF reporting process.
The 3+ review is an important contact as it is the final formal Health Visiting review before a child enters school and provides an opportunity to identify any emerging needs. The refreshed HCHF framework, once implemented, will strengthen data capture and reporting by mandating standardised collection of 3+ review data across all HSCTs and enabling greater flexibility as to where the review can be completed to help reduce missed contacts.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042439%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476026","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476026"}},{"id":"476025","reference":"AQW 42438/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-12","answerBy":"2026-03-30","answered":"2026-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any work has been undertaken to develop a function within the online reporting portal, that would allow users to receive email updates on the progress of faults they have reported.","answerText":"My department receives approximately 90,000 road faults and 60,000 lighting faults annually. The system for reporting such faults was first introduced by the Department in 2015, and is now available for members of the public to report instances directly using this online system Report a pothole or other surface defect | nidirect or via the NI Direct contact centre.\n\nWhen a fault is reported, an automated acknowledgement email is issued which provides an indication of the priority of the fault and a webpage link and reference number to facilitate tracking.\n\nThe reference number can be used to track updates to the fault report via the dedicated NI Direct webpage Track progress of a reported road fault or issue | nidirect which will provide details of any investigation and where possible an indication of the timescale for repair.","answerHtml":"My department receives approximately 90,000 road faults and 60,000 lighting faults annually. The system for reporting such faults was first introduced by the Department in 2015, and is now available for members of the public to report instances directly using this online system Report a pothole or other surface defect | nidirect or via the NI Direct contact centre.
When a fault is reported, an automated acknowledgement email is issued which provides an indication of the priority of the fault and a webpage link and reference number to facilitate tracking.
The reference number can be used to track updates to the fault report via the dedicated NI Direct webpage Track progress of a reported road fault or issue | nidirect which will provide details of any investigation and where possible an indication of the timescale for repair.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042438%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476025","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476025"}},{"id":"477340","reference":"AQO 3341/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-12","answerBy":"2026-03-23","answered":"2026-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the proposed development of a business support scheme for childcare providers.","answerText":"My Department is progressing the development of a specialised business support service for childcare providers. The need for such a service was identified in the Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Market Research report.\n\nOfficials are currently developing the specification of the proposed service and engaging with stakeholders both across and beyond Government to seek their input and determine the most appropriate delivery model.\n\nThe childcare sector is complex and highly regulated. It is made up of a wide range of business models, from individual childminders to voluntary and community organisations and private providers. In addition, it is vital to allow parents, and particularly mothers to work.\n\nIt is therefore essential that the Childcare Business Support Service reflects the sector’s diversity and is designed to meet those needs as effectively as possible.","answerHtml":"My Department is progressing the development of a specialised business support service for childcare providers. The need for such a service was identified in the Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Market Research report.
Officials are currently developing the specification of the proposed service and engaging with stakeholders both across and beyond Government to seek their input and determine the most appropriate delivery model.
The childcare sector is complex and highly regulated. It is made up of a wide range of business models, from individual childminders to voluntary and community organisations and private providers. In addition, it is vital to allow parents, and particularly mothers to work.
It is therefore essential that the Childcare Business Support Service reflects the sector’s diversity and is designed to meet those needs as effectively as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203341%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477340","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477340"}},{"id":"477791","reference":"AQO 3330/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-12","answerBy":"2026-03-23","answered":"2026-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, in the absence of HMRC carrying out a local impact assessment on proposed changes to the wear and tear allowance for childminders, when his Department will review the potential impact this will have on the childcare sector.","answerText":"Taxation policy is a retained matter, and as such the Treasury and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have responsibility for tax policy and administration across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. This includes decisions taken under their Making Tax Digital programme, and the removal of the 10 per cent wear‑and‑tear allowance previously available to childminders.\n\nUnder established Executive protocols, the Department of Finance leads on engagement with Treasury and HMRC regarding tax matters.\n\nMy Department has received an increasing number of representations from childminders and sector bodies outlining concerns about the proposed removal of the allowance. These concerns relate both to the potential financial implications and to the increased administrative burden associated with the new arrangements.\n\nIn light of this, I have written to the Minister of Finance to:\n\ninform him of the volume of correspondence received on this issue;\n\nseek clarification on whether HMRC has undertaken any analysis of the potential impact on childminders in Northern Ireland; and\n\nrequest that the Department of Education be kept informed of any developments.\n\nI have also asked that I receive a copy of HMRC’s formal guidance once it becomes available, which I understand was expected in early 2026.\n\nMy Department does not hold detailed financial information for individual childminders, the majority of whom operate as private commercial enterprises, and there is understandable reluctance within the sector to share business‑sensitive data — a point also highlighted in the 2025 Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support report undertaken for the Department for the Economy. This limits our ability to undertake any robust local assessment of financial loss or individual impact.\n\nLooking ahead, and subject to Executive funding, the proposed Business Advisory Service within the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy may provide scope for more structured analysis of business pressures within the sector, including those arising from taxation or regulatory changes.\n\nMy officials will monitor any impact the HMRC changes may have on childminder provision at a strategic level in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Taxation policy is a retained matter, and as such the Treasury and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have responsibility for tax policy and administration across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. This includes decisions taken under their Making Tax Digital programme, and the removal of the 10 per cent wear‑and‑tear allowance previously available to childminders.
Under established Executive protocols, the Department of Finance leads on engagement with Treasury and HMRC regarding tax matters.
My Department has received an increasing number of representations from childminders and sector bodies outlining concerns about the proposed removal of the allowance. These concerns relate both to the potential financial implications and to the increased administrative burden associated with the new arrangements.
In light of this, I have written to the Minister of Finance to:
inform him of the volume of correspondence received on this issue;
seek clarification on whether HMRC has undertaken any analysis of the potential impact on childminders in Northern Ireland; and
request that the Department of Education be kept informed of any developments.
I have also asked that I receive a copy of HMRC’s formal guidance once it becomes available, which I understand was expected in early 2026.
My Department does not hold detailed financial information for individual childminders, the majority of whom operate as private commercial enterprises, and there is understandable reluctance within the sector to share business‑sensitive data — a point also highlighted in the 2025 Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support report undertaken for the Department for the Economy. This limits our ability to undertake any robust local assessment of financial loss or individual impact.
Looking ahead, and subject to Executive funding, the proposed Business Advisory Service within the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy may provide scope for more structured analysis of business pressures within the sector, including those arising from taxation or regulatory changes.
My officials will monitor any impact the HMRC changes may have on childminder provision at a strategic level in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203330%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477791","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477791"}},{"id":"475789","reference":"AQW 42344/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage, of pothole repairs that (a) failed to meet the required standards at first inspection; and (b) required further remedial work, broken down by Section Office, for each of the last five years.","answerText":"Maintenance staff inspect and make-safe defects by working to address the highest priority defects as fast as possible, in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public.\n\nDefects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, my officials undertake a percentage check to assess the quality of the pothole repair and confirm works for payment if the repair meets the required threshold.\n\nIf a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements.","answerHtml":"Maintenance staff inspect and make-safe defects by working to address the highest priority defects as fast as possible, in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
Defects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, my officials undertake a percentage check to assess the quality of the pothole repair and confirm works for payment if the repair meets the required threshold.
If a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042344%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475789","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475789"}},{"id":"475788","reference":"AQW 42343/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of times a payment to a contractor was withheld or delayed, as a result of failing to meet her Department’s quality standards during inspection, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"My Department may withhold or delay payments to contractors pending resolution of queries or completion of necessary remedial works. While the Department's financial system does record details of disputed invoices, the information held is insufficient to separately identify payments withheld because of issues identified during inspection of works.","answerHtml":"My Department may withhold or delay payments to contractors pending resolution of queries or completion of necessary remedial works. While the Department's financial system does record details of disputed invoices, the information held is insufficient to separately identify payments withheld because of issues identified during inspection of works.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042343%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475788","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475788"}},{"id":"475787","reference":"AQW 42342/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the percentage of pothole repairs, carried out each year, that are subject to a quality assurance inspection.","answerText":"Maintenance staff inspect and make-safe defects by working to address the highest priority defects as fast as possible, in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public.\n\nDefects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, my officials undertake a percentage check to assess the quality of the pothole repair and confirm works for payment if the repair meets the required threshold.\n\nIf a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements.","answerHtml":"Maintenance staff inspect and make-safe defects by working to address the highest priority defects as fast as possible, in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
Defects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, my officials undertake a percentage check to assess the quality of the pothole repair and confirm works for payment if the repair meets the required threshold.
If a repair fails to satisfy the required standards, officials will request that it be rectified and subjected to further inspection. This process will continue until the repair fully complies with all stipulated requirements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042342%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475787","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475787"}},{"id":"475786","reference":"AQW 42341/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has carried out any assessment of the introduction of V-Levels in England.","answerText":"My Department is currently considering the potential implications of the reform of post-16 vocational pathways in England. In particular, the potential impact on the range of vocational qualifications that will be available to Northern Ireland schools in future years.\n\nMy officials have been engaging with officials in the Department for Education in England who are leading these reforms, as well as liaising with officials in the Department for the Economy who also have a policy interest in potential changes to the vocational qualifications landscape. That engagement will continue as details of the proposed changes emerge.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently considering the potential implications of the reform of post-16 vocational pathways in England. In particular, the potential impact on the range of vocational qualifications that will be available to Northern Ireland schools in future years.
My officials have been engaging with officials in the Department for Education in England who are leading these reforms, as well as liaising with officials in the Department for the Economy who also have a policy interest in potential changes to the vocational qualifications landscape. That engagement will continue as details of the proposed changes emerge.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042341%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475786","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475786"}},{"id":"475785","reference":"AQW 42340/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when he will answer AQW 39612/22-27.","answerText":"I provided a response to AQW 39612/22‑27 on 16 March 2026.","answerHtml":"I provided a response to AQW 39612/22‑27 on 16 March 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042340%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475785","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475785"}},{"id":"475504","reference":"AQW 42222/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-13","answered":"2026-03-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme will continue this year.","answerText":"The continuation of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme was announced on 11 March: Education Minister announces continuation of Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme | Department of Education","answerHtml":"The continuation of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme was announced on 11 March: Education Minister announces continuation of Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme | Department of Education
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042222%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475504"}},{"id":"475503","reference":"AQW 42221/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he has taken to ensure more pupils have access to pre-vocational, and technical, education.","answerText":"Pupils in key stage 4 and post-16 are entitled to have access to both general and applied qualifications. Under the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, provision is made which requires the Board of Governors of a grant-aided school to provide access to twenty-one qualifying courses of which not fewer than one third should be applied (vocational) courses and not fewer than one third shall be general (academic) courses.\n\nA “qualifying course” is a course of study which leads to an external qualification and the Board of Governors of a grant-aided school can provide access to qualifying courses either in their school or through collaboration with another provider.\n\nA list of approved courses is maintained by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment and this provides a good mix of both applied and general courses for pupils. My Department continues to work with the Department for the Economy on the actions contained within the 14-19 Framework. This includes consideration of how more effective collaboration can be achieved between schools, colleges and training providers.\n\nHigh quality careers education and advice are also important in ensuring learners are aware of pathways and qualifications available to them. Young people are supported through independent, impartial information and guidance about the range of pathways, including those vocational and technical routes available to them. My officials are working with colleagues in the Department for the Economy to implement several actions that will increase opportunities for work-related learning and engagement with employers for both learners and their teachers.","answerHtml":"Pupils in key stage 4 and post-16 are entitled to have access to both general and applied qualifications. Under the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, provision is made which requires the Board of Governors of a grant-aided school to provide access to twenty-one qualifying courses of which not fewer than one third should be applied (vocational) courses and not fewer than one third shall be general (academic) courses.
A “qualifying course” is a course of study which leads to an external qualification and the Board of Governors of a grant-aided school can provide access to qualifying courses either in their school or through collaboration with another provider.
A list of approved courses is maintained by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment and this provides a good mix of both applied and general courses for pupils. My Department continues to work with the Department for the Economy on the actions contained within the 14-19 Framework. This includes consideration of how more effective collaboration can be achieved between schools, colleges and training providers.
High quality careers education and advice are also important in ensuring learners are aware of pathways and qualifications available to them. Young people are supported through independent, impartial information and guidance about the range of pathways, including those vocational and technical routes available to them. My officials are working with colleagues in the Department for the Economy to implement several actions that will increase opportunities for work-related learning and engagement with employers for both learners and their teachers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042221%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475503"}},{"id":"475502","reference":"AQW 42220/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, as part of his changes to AS and A Levels, whether pupils will have the choice to take part of the new three unit assessment at the end of year 13.","answerText":"Pupils will be able to take one unit of the new modular A level at the end of Year 13 or all three units at the end of year 14. CCEA will designate one of the three units of assessment for each A level subject that can be taken at the end of Year 13. The designated unit will be worth 30% with the remaining 70% of assessment being taken in year 14.","answerHtml":"Pupils will be able to take one unit of the new modular A level at the end of Year 13 or all three units at the end of year 14. CCEA will designate one of the three units of assessment for each A level subject that can be taken at the end of Year 13. The designated unit will be worth 30% with the remaining 70% of assessment being taken in year 14.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042220%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475502"}},{"id":"475501","reference":"AQW 42219/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-03-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will conduct further consultation on extending A Levels over two years.","answerText":"Under my new Policy Framework for General Qualifications, CCEA A levels will continue to be delivered over two years. The new three-unit modular A level structure will allow pupils to be entered for one unit at the end of Year 13, with two units being taken in Year 14. Alternatively, all three units may be taken at the end of Year 14.\n\nThe consultation on the future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels ran from September 2025 until November 2025 and received over 3500 responses as well as almost 4500 from the young persons’ version. In addition, my Department held several post-consultation events in January 2026 to seek further feedback from school leaders young people on the proposals before any decisions were made.\n\nConsidering the extensive consultation process already conducted by my Department, there are no plans for further consultation on A levels.","answerHtml":"Under my new Policy Framework for General Qualifications, CCEA A levels will continue to be delivered over two years. The new three-unit modular A level structure will allow pupils to be entered for one unit at the end of Year 13, with two units being taken in Year 14. Alternatively, all three units may be taken at the end of Year 14.
The consultation on the future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels ran from September 2025 until November 2025 and received over 3500 responses as well as almost 4500 from the young persons’ version. In addition, my Department held several post-consultation events in January 2026 to seek further feedback from school leaders young people on the proposals before any decisions were made.
Considering the extensive consultation process already conducted by my Department, there are no plans for further consultation on A levels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042219%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475501","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475501"}},{"id":"475258","reference":"AQW 42136/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-09","answerBy":"2026-03-13","answered":"2026-03-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 41503/22-27, to detail the number of complaints received regarding maintenance work, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The information that you have requested detailing the number of complaints received regarding maintenance work, in each of the last five years, will take some time to collate. I will arrange to have the information forwarded to you as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The information that you have requested detailing the number of complaints received regarding maintenance work, in each of the last five years, will take some time to collate. I will arrange to have the information forwarded to you as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042136%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475258","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475258"}},{"id":"475257","reference":"AQW 42135/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-09","answerBy":"2026-03-25","answered":"2026-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the cost of increasing the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme to 20 per cent; and (ii) whether this increase will occur from April 2026, as suggested in the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.","answerText":"I have extended the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) beyond 1 April 2026 at the current subsidy contribution of 15%, however, as the Budgets for 2026-27, including the final allocation for the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, have not yet been set by the Executive I am not in a position to provide any commitments to increase the percentage contribution for the NICSS.\n\nAny increase in the subsidy rate above 15% would require significant additional recurrent funding. Moving from 15% to 20% represents a one third uplift in the level of subsidy and would therefore require a broadly proportionate increase in the overall scheme budget.\n\nAny decision regarding future increases will be considered in the context of the allocation of earmarked funding for the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and wider financial pressures.","answerHtml":"I have extended the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) beyond 1 April 2026 at the current subsidy contribution of 15%, however, as the Budgets for 2026-27, including the final allocation for the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, have not yet been set by the Executive I am not in a position to provide any commitments to increase the percentage contribution for the NICSS.
Any increase in the subsidy rate above 15% would require significant additional recurrent funding. Moving from 15% to 20% represents a one third uplift in the level of subsidy and would therefore require a broadly proportionate increase in the overall scheme budget.
Any decision regarding future increases will be considered in the context of the allocation of earmarked funding for the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and wider financial pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042135%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475257","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475257"}},{"id":"474528","reference":"AQW 41869/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-04","answerBy":"2026-03-09","answered":"2026-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when special schools will receive confirmation of funding for summer schemes.","answerText":"It is expected that special schools will be notified about summer schemes before the end of March 2026.\n\nAny decision on running summer schemes in special schools is an operational one for the Education Authority.","answerHtml":"It is expected that special schools will be notified about summer schemes before the end of March 2026.
Any decision on running summer schemes in special schools is an operational one for the Education Authority.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041869%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=474528","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=474528"}},{"id":"474527","reference":"AQW 41868/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-04","answerBy":"2026-03-20","answered":"2026-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any support that her Department has made available to provide childcare support, for those in further and higher education.","answerText":"The Department has a number of student support schemes which provide childcare support to those in further and higher education.\n\nFor those studying in Further Education the Care to Learn (NI) Scheme provides financial support towards registered childcare costs for students who are over compulsory school age and have not reached the age of 20 before the start of their course. For those Further Education students aged 18 and over, Further Education Grants and the Hardship Fund provide financial support with registered childcare costs.\n\nIn respect of Higher Education, the Department provides a means-tested childcare grant to help towards the costs of registered or approved childcare for eligible students studying at Higher Education Providers. In addition, the Department makes available Student Support Funds (also known as Hardship Funds) through the local Higher Education Institutions. These provide assistance to those who without additional support may be unable to continue with their course, potentially including help with childcare costs.","answerHtml":"The Department has a number of student support schemes which provide childcare support to those in further and higher education.
For those studying in Further Education the Care to Learn (NI) Scheme provides financial support towards registered childcare costs for students who are over compulsory school age and have not reached the age of 20 before the start of their course. For those Further Education students aged 18 and over, Further Education Grants and the Hardship Fund provide financial support with registered childcare costs.
In respect of Higher Education, the Department provides a means-tested childcare grant to help towards the costs of registered or approved childcare for eligible students studying at Higher Education Providers. In addition, the Department makes available Student Support Funds (also known as Hardship Funds) through the local Higher Education Institutions. These provide assistance to those who without additional support may be unable to continue with their course, potentially including help with childcare costs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=474527","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=474527"}},{"id":"474526","reference":"AQW 41867/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-04","answerBy":"2026-03-20","answered":"2026-03-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the timeline for; and (ii) who is involved in, the review of vocational qualifications.","answerText":"In the coming months my Department plans to review the range of vocational and applied qualifications that are currently approved for teaching in Northern Ireland schools. Planning for this review is at a very early stage as my primary focus, and that of my officials, has been on reforming GCSEs and A levels.","answerHtml":"In the coming months my Department plans to review the range of vocational and applied qualifications that are currently approved for teaching in Northern Ireland schools. Planning for this review is at a very early stage as my primary focus, and that of my officials, has been on reforming GCSEs and A levels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041867%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=474526","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=474526"}},{"id":"473984","reference":"AQW 41663/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-02","answerBy":"2026-03-18","answered":"2026-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 31462/22-27, for an update on when the review of delegated nursing tasks in relation to direct payment carers will be published.","answerText":"My Department commissioned the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery (NIPEC) to lead a review of the delegation of healthcare tasks, with the aim of gaining a comprehensive understanding of current practices and identifying viable pathways for safe and effective delegation in line with existing guidelines and legislation.\n\nGiven the complexity of the issues involved, the review has taken time to progress through the necessary stages of evidence gathering, stakeholder input, and professional scrutiny. The work is now at an advanced stage and is expected to be finalised shortly.","answerHtml":"My Department commissioned the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery (NIPEC) to lead a review of the delegation of healthcare tasks, with the aim of gaining a comprehensive understanding of current practices and identifying viable pathways for safe and effective delegation in line with existing guidelines and legislation.
Given the complexity of the issues involved, the review has taken time to progress through the necessary stages of evidence gathering, stakeholder input, and professional scrutiny. The work is now at an advanced stage and is expected to be finalised shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041663%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473984","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473984"}},{"id":"473983","reference":"AQW 41662/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-02","answerBy":"2026-03-18","answered":"2026-03-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any actions her Department is taking to address the frequent flooding on Warren Park, Lisburn.","answerText":"My officials visited Warren Park on 27 February 2026 to assess the condition of the road gullies in the area when three of the four gullies were fully cleaned. An issue was identified with the outlet pipe in the remaining gully, and arrangements are in place to have this addressed by the end of March 2026.","answerHtml":"My officials visited Warren Park on 27 February 2026 to assess the condition of the road gullies in the area when three of the four gullies were fully cleaned. An issue was identified with the outlet pipe in the remaining gully, and arrangements are in place to have this addressed by the end of March 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041662%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473983","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473983"}},{"id":"473774","reference":"AQW 41605/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-27","answerBy":"2026-03-05","answered":"2026-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 39515/22-27, to detail a statistical breakdown of the number of calls to the Education Authority’s Child Protection Support Service, disaggregated by safeguarding category, for the past five years.","answerText":"Please see a breakdown of calls as requested set out below.\n\nYear 24/25 – Total Calls 11,095 includes Operation Encompass follow up support\n\nCategory\tNo\nOperation Encompass\t2940\nSafeguarding\t1803\nPolicy & Procedures\t964\nPerformance Licence\t793\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t599\nPotential Allegation of Staff\t556\nSignposting\t553\nPotential Physical Abuse\t530\nDigital Safety\t320\nTraining\t254\nPotential Neglect\t246\nPotential Domestic Abuse\t164\nRisk Assessment\t146\nPotential Mental Health\t146\nChaperone License\t132\nEmployment Permit\t127\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t113\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t106\nPotential Self Harm\t106\nBOPA\t101\nPolice Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT)\t90\nPotential Drug Related\t89\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t80\nOperation Encompass\t59\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t56\nPotential Exploitation\t10\nAsylum Seekers/ Refugees\t5\nPotential Forced Marriage\t2\nPSNI Cyber Crime Unit\t2\nPotential Female Genital Mutilation\t1\nNational Crime Agency (NCA)\t1\nNISTR\t1\n\nYear 23/24 Total Calls is 9101 includes Operation Encompass follow up support\n\nCategory\tNo\nOperation Encompass\t1590\nSafeguarding\t1560\nPerformance Licences\t977\nPolicy & Procedures\t867\nSignposting\t586\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t547\nPotential Physical Abuse\t466\nPotential Allegations of Staff\t465\nDigital Safety\t326\nPotential Neglect\t226\nPotential Domestic Abuse\t211\nTraining\t176\nPotential Mental Health\t153\nRisk Assessment\t135\nEmployment Permit\t114\nPotential Drug Related\t113\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t106\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t97\nPotential Self Harm\t92\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t78\nNo School Contact\t64\nChaperone License\t45\nBOPA\t40\nPolice Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT)\t29\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t16\nPotential Female Genital Mutilation\t7\nPotential Forced Marriage\t6\nPotential Exploitation\t5\nAsylum Seekers/ Refugees\t2\nPotential Physical Abuse\t1\nPotential Mental Health\t1\n\nYear 22/23 Total Calls 8107 – Operation Encompass follow up support\n\nCategory\tNo\nSafeguarding\t1493\nPolicy & Procedures\t954\nOperation Encompass from PSNI\t842\nCEET\t814\nSignposting\t643\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t524\nPotential Physical Abuse\t474\nPotential Allegations of Staff\t394\nPotential Neglect\t298\nDigital Safety\t292\nTraining\t229\nPotential Domestic Violence\t206\nOperation Encompass from Schools\t188\nPotential Mental Health\t157\nRisk Assessment\t144\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t109\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t104\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t104\nPotential Self Harm\t71\nNo School Contact\t27\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t25\nPotential Exploitation\t15\n\nYear 21/22 Total Calls 6628\n\nCategory\tNo\nSafeguarding\t1104\nPolicy & Procedures\t1095\nCEET\t623\nSignposting\t611\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t488\nPotential Physical Abuse\t482\nPotential Allegations of Staff\t323\nDigital Safety\t287\nPotential Neglect\t268\nTraining\t254\nPotential Domestic Violence\t188\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t167\nPotential Mental Health\t163\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t119\nRisk Assessment\t108\nOperation Encompass from Schools\t96\nPotential Self Harm\t96\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t86\nNo School Contact\t20\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t19\nPotential Exploitation\t11\nPotential Forced Marriage\t7\nPotential Female Genital Mutilation\t6\nNISTR\t6\nCovid 19\t1\n\nYear 20/21 Total Calls 4765\n\nCategory\tNo\nSafeguarding\t1162\nCEET\t629\nSignposting\t511\nPolicy & Procedures\t462\nPotential Physical Abuse\t287\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t257\nDigital Safety\t247\nTraining\t202\nPotential Allegations of Staff\t199\nPotential Neglect\t164\nPotential Mental Health\t129\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t109\nPotential Domestic Violence\t101\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t81\nPotential Self Harm\t75\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t61\nRisk Assessment\t57\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t27\nCovid 19\t3\nPotential Exploitation\t1\nPotential Honour Based Violence\t1","answerHtml":"Please see a breakdown of calls as requested set out below.
Year 24/25 – Total Calls 11,095 includes Operation Encompass follow up support
| Category | No |
| Operation Encompass | 2940 |
| Safeguarding | 1803 |
| Policy & Procedures | 964 |
| Performance Licence | 793 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 599 |
| Potential Allegation of Staff | 556 |
| Signposting | 553 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 530 |
| Digital Safety | 320 |
| Training | 254 |
| Potential Neglect | 246 |
| Potential Domestic Abuse | 164 |
| Risk Assessment | 146 |
| Potential Mental Health | 146 |
| Chaperone License | 132 |
| Employment Permit | 127 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 113 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 106 |
| Potential Self Harm | 106 |
| BOPA | 101 |
| Police Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT) | 90 |
| Potential Drug Related | 89 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 80 |
| Operation Encompass | 59 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 56 |
| Potential Exploitation | 10 |
| Asylum Seekers/ Refugees | 5 |
| Potential Forced Marriage | 2 |
| PSNI Cyber Crime Unit | 2 |
| Potential Female Genital Mutilation | 1 |
| National Crime Agency (NCA) | 1 |
| NISTR | 1 |
Year 23/24 Total Calls is 9101 includes Operation Encompass follow up support
| Category | No |
| Operation Encompass | 1590 |
| Safeguarding | 1560 |
| Performance Licences | 977 |
| Policy & Procedures | 867 |
| Signposting | 586 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 547 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 466 |
| Potential Allegations of Staff | 465 |
| Digital Safety | 326 |
| Potential Neglect | 226 |
| Potential Domestic Abuse | 211 |
| Training | 176 |
| Potential Mental Health | 153 |
| Risk Assessment | 135 |
| Employment Permit | 114 |
| Potential Drug Related | 113 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 106 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 97 |
| Potential Self Harm | 92 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 78 |
| No School Contact | 64 |
| Chaperone License | 45 |
| BOPA | 40 |
| Police Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT) | 29 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 16 |
| Potential Female Genital Mutilation | 7 |
| Potential Forced Marriage | 6 |
| Potential Exploitation | 5 |
| Asylum Seekers/ Refugees | 2 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 1 |
| Potential Mental Health | 1 |
Year 22/23 Total Calls 8107 – Operation Encompass follow up support
| Category | No |
| Safeguarding | 1493 |
| Policy & Procedures | 954 |
| Operation Encompass from PSNI | 842 |
| CEET | 814 |
| Signposting | 643 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 524 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 474 |
| Potential Allegations of Staff | 394 |
| Potential Neglect | 298 |
| Digital Safety | 292 |
| Training | 229 |
| Potential Domestic Violence | 206 |
| Operation Encompass from Schools | 188 |
| Potential Mental Health | 157 |
| Risk Assessment | 144 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 109 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 104 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 104 |
| Potential Self Harm | 71 |
| No School Contact | 27 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 25 |
| Potential Exploitation | 15 |
Year 21/22 Total Calls 6628
| Category | No |
| Safeguarding | 1104 |
| Policy & Procedures | 1095 |
| CEET | 623 |
| Signposting | 611 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 488 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 482 |
| Potential Allegations of Staff | 323 |
| Digital Safety | 287 |
| Potential Neglect | 268 |
| Training | 254 |
| Potential Domestic Violence | 188 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 167 |
| Potential Mental Health | 163 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 119 |
| Risk Assessment | 108 |
| Operation Encompass from Schools | 96 |
| Potential Self Harm | 96 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 86 |
| No School Contact | 20 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 19 |
| Potential Exploitation | 11 |
| Potential Forced Marriage | 7 |
| Potential Female Genital Mutilation | 6 |
| NISTR | 6 |
| Covid 19 | 1 |
Year 20/21 Total Calls 4765
| Category | No |
| Safeguarding | 1162 |
| CEET | 629 |
| Signposting | 511 |
| Policy & Procedures | 462 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 287 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 257 |
| Digital Safety | 247 |
| Training | 202 |
| Potential Allegations of Staff | 199 |
| Potential Neglect | 164 |
| Potential Mental Health | 129 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 109 |
| Potential Domestic Violence | 101 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 81 |
| Potential Self Harm | 75 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 61 |
| Risk Assessment | 57 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 27 |
| Covid 19 | 3 |
| Potential Exploitation | 1 |
| Potential Honour Based Violence | 1 |
The number of staff in the Child Protection Support Service is detailed below.
| Job Title | Number of Staff and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) |
| Head of Service | 1 (1 FTE) |
| Deputy Head of Service | 2 (2 FTE) |
| Designated Officers for Child Protection | 22 (21 FTE) |
| Designated Officers for Children in Entertainment & Employment Team (CEET) | 3 (2 FTE) |
| Regional Administrative Support Manager | 1 (1 FTE) |
| Executive Officer | 1 (1 FTE) |
| Senior Clerical Officers (SCO) – Operations | 5 (5 FTE) |
| Senior Clerical Officers – CEET | 3 (2 FTE) |
Although there is no formal complaints process, school leaders can report issues and concerns to the Education Authority (EA) via their Area Maintenance Officer and the Maintenance Help Desk in the first instance. When required, these concerns will be escalated to Senior Managers and Head of Maintenance.
This process facilitates the reporting of poor workmanship, contractor performance and requests for follow-up inspections or rectification works.
When a complaint is made about a contractor’s performance the following protocols are followed:
EA tracking of the complaint so it can be followed up with the school leader.
Review of the contractor’s work by EA Maintenance Service against the contractual Key Performance Indicators (KPI), with penalty action if required.
Examination of job records, contractor submission documents, the Maintenance Audit regime or price lists.
If the complaint is regarding the level of workmanship, the EA invokes standard contract management controls that include the following:
Requesting clarifications from contractors.
Issuing noncompliance notices.
Requesting rework at no additional cost.
Escalating to Senior Managers and the Head of Maintenance for contractual remedies.
Going forward with the new Term Service Contracts, stakeholder engagement meetings will be held with school leaders as a formal mechanism to:
Gather feedback from schools, principals, contractors and internal maintenance teams.
Review service performance, KPIs, customer satisfaction and areas for improvement.
Provide updates on contracts, operational delivery, statutory compliance, and upcoming changes.
Ensure alignment between Maintenance Service, schools, contractors, and senior leadership
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041503%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473630","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473630"}},{"id":"473629","reference":"AQW 41502/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-13","answered":"2026-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any engagement his Department has had with school leaders, regarding improving how maintenance procurement works; and (ii) whether alternative models have been considered, in each of the last two years.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for maintenance of controlled and maintained schools.\n\nThe EA has engaged regularly with school leaders in learning lessons from legacy Term Service Contracts (TSCs) and how maintenance contracts could be improved. This engagement highlighted the following key areas for improvement:\n\nsome poor contractor response/completion times\n\nquality of workmanship.\n\nrepetitive site visits by contractors.\n\nineffective health & safety.\n\ncost certainty for Local Management of Schools (LMS) works.\n\nthe need for improved management information systems.\n\nthe need for a greater flexibility for schools to complete non-technical minor repairs outside that of the TSCs.\n\nAs a result of this feedback, the EA has undertaken a new procurement model, comprising an 18-lot structure designed around the eleven council areas, with the Building and Mechanical & Electrical works procured separately within six procurement exercises.\n\nThe implementation of these procurements will lead to the delivery of significant changes including completion of task orders in compliance with specified Key Performance Indicators, including:\n\nquality of workmanship.\n\nadherence to health and safety requirements.\n\nlive reporting/tracking of maintenance works.\n\nadherence to task order response and completion times.\n\nThe new contracts include an LMS addendum for cost certainty, which means that the most requested maintenance activities have set prices fixed for the duration of the contract, to provide assurance and transparency to school leaders.\n\nThere is also live integration with EA management information systems, resulting in live reporting on all task orders whilst providing early warning of contractual non-performance.\n\nTen of the 18 lots have been successfully implemented across the schools’ estate, with the remaining contractual lots scheduled to commence from 1 April 2026.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for maintenance of controlled and maintained schools.
The EA has engaged regularly with school leaders in learning lessons from legacy Term Service Contracts (TSCs) and how maintenance contracts could be improved. This engagement highlighted the following key areas for improvement:
some poor contractor response/completion times
quality of workmanship.
repetitive site visits by contractors.
ineffective health & safety.
cost certainty for Local Management of Schools (LMS) works.
the need for improved management information systems.
the need for a greater flexibility for schools to complete non-technical minor repairs outside that of the TSCs.
As a result of this feedback, the EA has undertaken a new procurement model, comprising an 18-lot structure designed around the eleven council areas, with the Building and Mechanical & Electrical works procured separately within six procurement exercises.
The implementation of these procurements will lead to the delivery of significant changes including completion of task orders in compliance with specified Key Performance Indicators, including:
quality of workmanship.
adherence to health and safety requirements.
live reporting/tracking of maintenance works.
adherence to task order response and completion times.
The new contracts include an LMS addendum for cost certainty, which means that the most requested maintenance activities have set prices fixed for the duration of the contract, to provide assurance and transparency to school leaders.
There is also live integration with EA management information systems, resulting in live reporting on all task orders whilst providing early warning of contractual non-performance.
Ten of the 18 lots have been successfully implemented across the schools’ estate, with the remaining contractual lots scheduled to commence from 1 April 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041502%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473629","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473629"}},{"id":"473628","reference":"AQW 41501/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-13","answered":"2026-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail all funding spent by her Department from the Executive funding for Early Learning and Childcare, in the last two years","answerText":"My Department was allocated £415,000 from the Executive to fund a range of skills interventions to support Early Learning and Childcare.\n\nThis funding supported the development of 12 accredited microcredential courses as well as research into higher level qualifications that will support individuals progression into management roles.\n\nAdditionally, my Department spent £153,288 on the Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research.","answerHtml":"My Department was allocated £415,000 from the Executive to fund a range of skills interventions to support Early Learning and Childcare.
This funding supported the development of 12 accredited microcredential courses as well as research into higher level qualifications that will support individuals progression into management roles.
Additionally, my Department spent £153,288 on the Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041501%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473628","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473628"}},{"id":"473627","reference":"AQW 41500/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-13","answered":"2026-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the intended services of the Childcare Business Advisory Service, referenced in the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.","answerText":"My Department is leading on the development of a Childcare Business Support Service as part of the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy to strengthen the long‑term financial sustainability of the childcare sector. The service will provide targeted, specialist support to childcare providers, including childminders, voluntary and community settings, and private providers, aimed at helping them improve financial planning, resilience and operational sustainability.","answerHtml":"My Department is leading on the development of a Childcare Business Support Service as part of the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy to strengthen the long‑term financial sustainability of the childcare sector. The service will provide targeted, specialist support to childcare providers, including childminders, voluntary and community settings, and private providers, aimed at helping them improve financial planning, resilience and operational sustainability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041500%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473627","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473627"}},{"id":"473551","reference":"AQO 3286/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-10","answered":"2026-03-10","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission to outline the plans for MLA induction in the next Assembly mandate.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"I thank the Member for her question, and I may require an extra minute. The Clerking and Member Support Office is leading the development of arrangements to support Member induction in the next Assembly mandate. The induction programme is intended to provide structured support for new Members from the outset, while also offering updates for returning Members, targeted learning for Chairpersons and Committees, and relevant information for constituency office staff. Initial scoping work is under way to identify the key elements of the programme. This has focused on reviewing previous Assembly induction arrangements, examining approaches adopted in other Parliaments, and identifying programme elements that have proved effective for different categories of Members, including those co-opted during the current mandate. This phase is intended to inform the development of material that is practical, accessible and aligned with Members’ needs at the beginning of the mandate. Building on that foundation, the next phase will focus on the identification and production of core content. It is envisaged that that will include a programme of introductory sessions, briefings and guidance materials designed to support Members in understanding Assembly procedures and practices, as well as the range of services and supports available to assist them in carrying out their roles. Alongside content development, consideration is being given to the tools and formats best suited to an environment that requires timely access to information, effective support for scrutiny and decision-making, and the capacity to respond to tight turnaround times. The diversity of content, methods of access, immediacy of need and appropriate depth of detail will all be taken into account in shaping an effective and flexible induction programme. Throughout the development process, structured engagement points will be built in to gather feedback and trial outputs with key stakeholder groups, including Whips, Members and constituency staff. The induction programme will build on the established parliamentary excellence programme, which is well used and will continue to be a core element of Member support in the next mandate."},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"I am sorry: there is no time for a supplementary question, Michelle. Members should take their ease."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203286%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473551","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-10&docID=474548#AQO%203286/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473551"}},{"id":"473317","reference":"AQW 41419/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-25","answerBy":"2026-03-12","answered":"2026-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he has made representations to the UK Government regarding children born in July and August losing out on Tax Free Childcare support, due school year differences between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The Minister for Education wrote to me on 23 February to highlight this specific issue and to request that my Department raise it with the Treasury, my officials have raised this matter with Treasury Officials.\n\nSupporting families through affordable childcare provision is essential to improving labour market participation and driving economic growth.","answerHtml":"The Minister for Education wrote to me on 23 February to highlight this specific issue and to request that my Department raise it with the Treasury, my officials have raised this matter with Treasury Officials.
Supporting families through affordable childcare provision is essential to improving labour market participation and driving economic growth.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041419%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473317","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473317"}},{"id":"473316","reference":"AQW 41418/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-25","answerBy":"2026-03-12","answered":"2026-03-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any policy in relation to the completion of the autism medical questionnaire required for the Education Authority to process alternative transport arrangements for school pupils, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"There is no separate “autism-specific” questionnaire policy in relation to HSC staff completing Special Educational Needs (SEN) assessment forms, autism is included under long-term medical needs. Trust clinicians complete the Education Authority (EA) SEN medical form when clinically appropriate.\n\nThe EA SEN process requires a medical questionnaire, completed by a Consultant, confirming how a child’s presenting needs, not their autism diagnosis, impacts a child’s ability to use standard transport.\n\nThe SEN Code of Practice is an important guidance document that all statutory educational settings/schools must follow when making decisions about identifying, assessing and making provision for children/young people who have, or may have, special educational needs. No Health & Social Care Trust has its own policy relating to SEN.\n\nThe Code explicitly requires co‑operation between health and social services and education providers during identification, assessment and provision for children with SEN. This includes:\n\nSharing relevant health information (where appropriate and with consent)\n\nParticipating in multi-disciplinary decision‑making\n\nAdvising schools or the EA when a pupil has needs that may affect learning.","answerHtml":"There is no separate “autism-specific” questionnaire policy in relation to HSC staff completing Special Educational Needs (SEN) assessment forms, autism is included under long-term medical needs. Trust clinicians complete the Education Authority (EA) SEN medical form when clinically appropriate.
The EA SEN process requires a medical questionnaire, completed by a Consultant, confirming how a child’s presenting needs, not their autism diagnosis, impacts a child’s ability to use standard transport.
The SEN Code of Practice is an important guidance document that all statutory educational settings/schools must follow when making decisions about identifying, assessing and making provision for children/young people who have, or may have, special educational needs. No Health & Social Care Trust has its own policy relating to SEN.
The Code explicitly requires co‑operation between health and social services and education providers during identification, assessment and provision for children with SEN. This includes:
Sharing relevant health information (where appropriate and with consent)
Participating in multi-disciplinary decision‑making
Advising schools or the EA when a pupil has needs that may affect learning.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041418%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473316","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473316"}},{"id":"473315","reference":"AQW 41417/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-25","answerBy":"2026-03-12","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer AQW 40510/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041417%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473315","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473315"}},{"id":"472712","reference":"AQW 41225/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-23","answerBy":"2026-03-10","answered":"2026-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 40718/22-27, to detail the number of calls received by the Education Authority's Child Protection Support Service, broken down by safeguarding concern, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"Please see a breakdown of calls as requested set out below.\n\nYear 24.25 – Total Calls 11,095 includes Operation Encompass\n\nCategory\tNo\nOperation Encompass\t2940\nSafeguarding\t1803\nPolicy & Procedures\t964\nPerformance Licence\t793\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t599\nPotential Allegation of Staff\t556\nSignposting\t553\nPotential Physical Abuse\t530\nDigital Safety\t320\nTraining\t254\nPotential Neglect\t246\nPotential Domestic Abuse\t164\nRisk Assessment\t146\nPotential Mental Health\t146\nChaperone License\t132\nEmployment Permit\t127\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t113\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t106\nPotential Self Harm\t106\nBOPA\t101\nPolice Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT)\t90\nPotential Drug Related\t89\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t80\nOperation Encompass\t59\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t56\nPotential Exploitation\t10\nAsylum Seekers/ Refugees\t5\nPotential Forced Marriage\t2\nPSNI Cyber Crime Unit\t2\nPotential Female Genital Mutilation\t1\nNational Crime Agency (NCA)\t1\nNISTR\t1\n\nYear 23.24 Total Calls is 9101 includes Operation Encompass\n\nCategory\tNo\nOperation Encompass\t1590\nSafeguarding\t1560\nPerformance Licences\t977\nPolicy & Procedures\t867\nSignposting\t586\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t547\nPotential Physical Abuse\t466\nPotential Allegations of Staff\t465\nDigital Safety\t326\nPotential Neglect\t226\nPotential Domestic Abuse\t211\nTraining\t176\nPotential Mental Health\t153\nRisk Assessment\t135\nEmployment Permit\t114\nPotential Drug Related\t113\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t106\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t97\nPotential Self Harm\t92\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t78\nNo School Contact\t64\nChaperone License\t45\nBOPA\t40\nPolice Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT)\t29\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t16\nPotential Female Genital Mutilation\t7\nPotential Forced Marriage\t6\nPotential Exploitation\t5\nAsylum Seekers/ Refugees\t2\nPotential Physical Abuse\t1\nPotential Mental Health\t1\n\nYear 22.23 Total Calls 8107 – Operation Encompass below\n\nCategory\tNo\nSafeguarding\t1493\nPolicy & Procedures\t954\nOperation Encompass from PSNI\t842\nCEET\t814\nSignposting\t643\nPotential Harmful Sexual Behaviour\t524\nPotential Physical Abuse\t474\nPotential Allegations of Staff\t394\nPotential Neglect\t298\nDigital Safety\t292\nTraining\t229\nPotential Domestic Violence\t206\nOperation Encompass from Schools\t188\nPotential Mental Health\t157\nRisk Assessment\t144\nPotential Sexual Abuse\t109\nPotential Emotional Abuse\t104\nPotential Suicidal Ideation\t104\nPotential Self Harm\t71\nNo School Contact\t27\nPotential Child Sexual Exploitation\t25\nPotential Exploitation\t15","answerHtml":"Please see a breakdown of calls as requested set out below.
Year 24.25 – Total Calls 11,095 includes Operation Encompass
| Category | No |
| Operation Encompass | 2940 |
| Safeguarding | 1803 |
| Policy & Procedures | 964 |
| Performance Licence | 793 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 599 |
| Potential Allegation of Staff | 556 |
| Signposting | 553 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 530 |
| Digital Safety | 320 |
| Training | 254 |
| Potential Neglect | 246 |
| Potential Domestic Abuse | 164 |
| Risk Assessment | 146 |
| Potential Mental Health | 146 |
| Chaperone License | 132 |
| Employment Permit | 127 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 113 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 106 |
| Potential Self Harm | 106 |
| BOPA | 101 |
| Police Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT) | 90 |
| Potential Drug Related | 89 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 80 |
| Operation Encompass | 59 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 56 |
| Potential Exploitation | 10 |
| Asylum Seekers/ Refugees | 5 |
| Potential Forced Marriage | 2 |
| PSNI Cyber Crime Unit | 2 |
| Potential Female Genital Mutilation | 1 |
| National Crime Agency (NCA) | 1 |
| NISTR | 1 |
Year 23.24 Total Calls is 9101 includes Operation Encompass
| Category | No |
| Operation Encompass | 1590 |
| Safeguarding | 1560 |
| Performance Licences | 977 |
| Policy & Procedures | 867 |
| Signposting | 586 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 547 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 466 |
| Potential Allegations of Staff | 465 |
| Digital Safety | 326 |
| Potential Neglect | 226 |
| Potential Domestic Abuse | 211 |
| Training | 176 |
| Potential Mental Health | 153 |
| Risk Assessment | 135 |
| Employment Permit | 114 |
| Potential Drug Related | 113 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 106 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 97 |
| Potential Self Harm | 92 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 78 |
| No School Contact | 64 |
| Chaperone License | 45 |
| BOPA | 40 |
| Police Child Internet Protection Team (PCIPT) | 29 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 16 |
| Potential Female Genital Mutilation | 7 |
| Potential Forced Marriage | 6 |
| Potential Exploitation | 5 |
| Asylum Seekers/ Refugees | 2 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 1 |
| Potential Mental Health | 1 |
Year 22.23 Total Calls 8107 – Operation Encompass below
| Category | No |
| Safeguarding | 1493 |
| Policy & Procedures | 954 |
| Operation Encompass from PSNI | 842 |
| CEET | 814 |
| Signposting | 643 |
| Potential Harmful Sexual Behaviour | 524 |
| Potential Physical Abuse | 474 |
| Potential Allegations of Staff | 394 |
| Potential Neglect | 298 |
| Digital Safety | 292 |
| Training | 229 |
| Potential Domestic Violence | 206 |
| Operation Encompass from Schools | 188 |
| Potential Mental Health | 157 |
| Risk Assessment | 144 |
| Potential Sexual Abuse | 109 |
| Potential Emotional Abuse | 104 |
| Potential Suicidal Ideation | 104 |
| Potential Self Harm | 71 |
| No School Contact | 27 |
| Potential Child Sexual Exploitation | 25 |
| Potential Exploitation | 15 |
My department will be publishing the consultation response document in the coming weeks.
While the consultation was carried out in 2025, carrying out an analysis of the 495 responses received from a wide range of stakeholders with contrasting views has regrettably taken longer than expected.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041224%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472711","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472711"}},{"id":"472710","reference":"AQW 41223/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-23","answerBy":"2026-03-10","answered":"2026-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) who is represented on the task and finish group for restraint and seclusion; and (ii) the dates of any meetings, since the group was established in July 2025.","answerText":"Invitations to the join the Restraint and Seclusion Task and Finish Group were issued to selected relevant stakeholders in November 2024, and the first meeting of those who accepted the invitation was held in December 2024.\n\n(i) Membership of Restraint and Seclusion Task and Finish Group is as follows:\n\nHill Croft School\n\nClarawood School\n\nLakewood School\n\nBrownlow Integrated College\n\nBelfast Boys Model School\n\nTullygally Primary School\n\nCastle Gardens Primary School (withdrew from the group on the 29 August 2025 due to competing priorities and time constraints)\n\nLoughshore EOTAS\n\nTreetops EOTAS\n\nEducation Authority\n\nNorthern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (Resigned from the group on the 13 August 2025)\n\nChildren’s Law Centre (Resigned from the group on the 13 August 2025)\n\nPublic Health Agency (PHA)\n\nRoyal College of Nursing (Resigned from the group on the 27 February 2025)\n\n(ii) The Restraint and Seclusion Task and Finish Group met on the following dates:\n\n5 December 2024 – initial meeting.\n\n9 January 2025 – meeting between DE officials and education representatives from the Task and Finish Group.\n\n20 February 2025 – meeting between DE officials, education representatives from the Task and Finish Group, NICCY, and CLC.\n\n10 April 2025 – full meeting of the Task and Finish Group. PHA did not attend.\n\n16 June 2025 – DE officials convened a health and education multi-agency workshop, which included the Task and Finish Group, along with wider stakeholders.","answerHtml":"Invitations to the join the Restraint and Seclusion Task and Finish Group were issued to selected relevant stakeholders in November 2024, and the first meeting of those who accepted the invitation was held in December 2024.
(i) Membership of Restraint and Seclusion Task and Finish Group is as follows:
Hill Croft School
Clarawood School
Lakewood School
Brownlow Integrated College
Belfast Boys Model School
Tullygally Primary School
Castle Gardens Primary School (withdrew from the group on the 29 August 2025 due to competing priorities and time constraints)
Loughshore EOTAS
Treetops EOTAS
Education Authority
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (Resigned from the group on the 13 August 2025)
Children’s Law Centre (Resigned from the group on the 13 August 2025)
Public Health Agency (PHA)
Royal College of Nursing (Resigned from the group on the 27 February 2025)
(ii) The Restraint and Seclusion Task and Finish Group met on the following dates:
5 December 2024 – initial meeting.
9 January 2025 – meeting between DE officials and education representatives from the Task and Finish Group.
20 February 2025 – meeting between DE officials, education representatives from the Task and Finish Group, NICCY, and CLC.
10 April 2025 – full meeting of the Task and Finish Group. PHA did not attend.
16 June 2025 – DE officials convened a health and education multi-agency workshop, which included the Task and Finish Group, along with wider stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041223%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472710","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472710"}},{"id":"472709","reference":"AQW 41222/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-23","answerBy":"2026-03-10","answered":"2026-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he intends to bring forward legislation to establish a compulsory register of all children not in school, including those who have never been registered with a school, similar to the provisions in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill currently progressing through Westminster, in order to strengthen safeguarding and ensure that every child is receiving a suitable education.","answerText":"I am aware of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which is progressing through the various stages at Westminster. My officials are considering the implications of the Bill recognising the distinct legislative context in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which is progressing through the various stages at Westminster. My officials are considering the implications of the Bill recognising the distinct legislative context in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041222%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472709","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472709"}},{"id":"472493","reference":"AQW 41140/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-20","answerBy":"2026-03-09","answered":"2026-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the current membership of the working group on Restrictive Practices; and (ii) the number of times the group has met, in the last two years.","answerText":"(i) Membership of the Restraint and Seclusion Working Group is as follows:\n\nThe Department of Education\n\nThe Education & Training Inspectorate (ETI)\n\nThe Department of Health\n\nThe Department of Justice\n\nThe Education Authority\n\nThe Public Health Agency\n\n(ii) In the last two years the Restraint and Seclusion Working Group met on the following dates to receive updates on the progress to develop draft guidance:\n\n15 April 2025 – Joint meeting with the Restraint and Seclusion Reference Group (Neither the Department of Health nor the Public Health Agency attended this meeting)\n\n10 May 2024 – Joint meeting with the Restraint and Seclusion Reference Group","answerHtml":"(i) Membership of the Restraint and Seclusion Working Group is as follows:
The Department of Education
The Education & Training Inspectorate (ETI)
The Department of Health
The Department of Justice
The Education Authority
The Public Health Agency
(ii) In the last two years the Restraint and Seclusion Working Group met on the following dates to receive updates on the progress to develop draft guidance:
15 April 2025 – Joint meeting with the Restraint and Seclusion Reference Group (Neither the Department of Health nor the Public Health Agency attended this meeting)
10 May 2024 – Joint meeting with the Restraint and Seclusion Reference Group
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041140%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472493","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472493"}},{"id":"472492","reference":"AQW 41139/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-20","answerBy":"2026-03-09","answered":"2026-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of Education Authority Transition Co-ordinators currently employed; and (ii) the number of vacancies in the team.","answerText":"There are 10 Permanent Transition Coordinators currently employed in the Service.\n\nThere are currently no Transition Coordinator vacancies.","answerHtml":"There are 10 Permanent Transition Coordinators currently employed in the Service.
There are currently no Transition Coordinator vacancies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041139%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472492","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472492"}},{"id":"472253","reference":"AQW 41040/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-19","answerBy":"2026-03-06","answered":"2026-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether a Rural Needs Impact Assessment has been carried out in relation to DFI Eastern Division’s decision to direct elected representatives to use the online portal for enquiries, given concerns that the mapping system does not reliably identify or locate particularly rural roads in search functions; and (ii) to detail any steps her Department will take to ensure that rural constituents are not disadvantaged by this system.","answerText":"My Department, particularly the Transport and Roads Asset Management teams, receive a very high volume of correspondence each year from members of the public and elected representatives. It is not the Department’s intention to reduce engagement or accessibility, and I want to be clear that direct contact with the Department will continue where issues are complex, ongoing, or would benefit from local knowledge and discussion.\n\nWhere an initial report is acknowledged and routine correspondence is closed on the system, that does not prevent follow-up on the underlying issue. Elected representatives can seek confirmation of inspection outcomes, prioritisation and anticipated repair timeframes through the relevant Divisional Roads Office, and I have asked officials to ensure that such enquiries are actively managed and that clear updates are provided where needed.\n\nAt Ministerial level, I am aware of the difficulties faced by the department in the recruitment and retention of civil engineers into specialist posts within the organisation and am pressing ahead with measures to strengthen delivery, including ongoing recruitment to key frontline and supervisory roles where vacancies arise, reviewing how section offices prioritise and programme defect repairs, and tightening quality assurance around correspondence handling so that acknowledgements and subsequent updates are accurate and consistent. These steps are already underway and improvements in responsiveness should be evident as recruitment campaigns conclude and as revised processes embed over the coming months.\n\nIn relation to rural areas, a Rural Needs Impact Assessment has not been undertaken by Eastern Division, as rural roads are fully included within the mapping system used by the portal. Defects can be reported using road names, postcodes or GPS locations, and where an exact point is difficult to identify, additional descriptive information can be provided to assist officials in locating the issue. These features are intended to ensure that rural users are not disadvantaged and that reports can be acted upon effectively.\n\nI want to reassure Members that the Department remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to resolving issues as promptly as possible, while making best use of available systems to deliver an effective and responsive service across all communities.","answerHtml":"My Department, particularly the Transport and Roads Asset Management teams, receive a very high volume of correspondence each year from members of the public and elected representatives. It is not the Department’s intention to reduce engagement or accessibility, and I want to be clear that direct contact with the Department will continue where issues are complex, ongoing, or would benefit from local knowledge and discussion.
Where an initial report is acknowledged and routine correspondence is closed on the system, that does not prevent follow-up on the underlying issue. Elected representatives can seek confirmation of inspection outcomes, prioritisation and anticipated repair timeframes through the relevant Divisional Roads Office, and I have asked officials to ensure that such enquiries are actively managed and that clear updates are provided where needed.
At Ministerial level, I am aware of the difficulties faced by the department in the recruitment and retention of civil engineers into specialist posts within the organisation and am pressing ahead with measures to strengthen delivery, including ongoing recruitment to key frontline and supervisory roles where vacancies arise, reviewing how section offices prioritise and programme defect repairs, and tightening quality assurance around correspondence handling so that acknowledgements and subsequent updates are accurate and consistent. These steps are already underway and improvements in responsiveness should be evident as recruitment campaigns conclude and as revised processes embed over the coming months.
In relation to rural areas, a Rural Needs Impact Assessment has not been undertaken by Eastern Division, as rural roads are fully included within the mapping system used by the portal. Defects can be reported using road names, postcodes or GPS locations, and where an exact point is difficult to identify, additional descriptive information can be provided to assist officials in locating the issue. These features are intended to ensure that rural users are not disadvantaged and that reports can be acted upon effectively.
I want to reassure Members that the Department remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to resolving issues as promptly as possible, while making best use of available systems to deliver an effective and responsive service across all communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041040%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472253","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472253"}},{"id":"472252","reference":"AQW 41039/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-19","answerBy":"2026-03-06","answered":"2026-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the reason why DFI Eastern Division is no longer accepting correspondence from elected representatives and, is instead, directing all enquiries to the online portal, except in cases that are deemed as complicated issues; (ii) any criteria used to determine what constitutes a complicated issue; and (iii) any assessment her Department has been made of the impact of this approach on constituency casework and timely issue resolution.","answerText":"My Department, particularly the Transport and Roads Asset Management teams, receive a very high volume of correspondence each year from members of the public and elected representatives. It is not the Department’s intention to reduce engagement or accessibility, and I want to be clear that direct contact with the Department will continue where issues are complex, ongoing, or would benefit from local knowledge and discussion.\n\nWhere an initial report is acknowledged and routine correspondence is closed on the system, that does not prevent follow-up on the underlying issue. Elected representatives can seek confirmation of inspection outcomes, prioritisation and anticipated repair timeframes through the relevant Divisional Roads Office, and I have asked officials to ensure that such enquiries are actively managed and that clear updates are provided where needed.\n\nAt Ministerial level, I am aware of the difficulties faced by the department in the recruitment and retention of civil engineers into specialist posts within the organisation and am pressing ahead with measures to strengthen delivery, including ongoing recruitment to key frontline and supervisory roles where vacancies arise, reviewing how section offices prioritise and programme defect repairs, and tightening quality assurance around correspondence handling so that acknowledgements and subsequent updates are accurate and consistent. These steps are already underway and improvements in responsiveness should be evident as recruitment campaigns conclude and as revised processes embed over the coming months.\n\nIn relation to rural areas, a Rural Needs Impact Assessment has not been undertaken by Eastern Division, as rural roads are fully included within the mapping system used by the portal. Defects can be reported using road names, postcodes or GPS locations, and where an exact point is difficult to identify, additional descriptive information can be provided to assist officials in locating the issue. These features are intended to ensure that rural users are not disadvantaged and that reports can be acted upon effectively.\n\nI want to reassure Members that the Department remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to resolving issues as promptly as possible, while making best use of available systems to deliver an effective and responsive service across all communities.","answerHtml":"My Department, particularly the Transport and Roads Asset Management teams, receive a very high volume of correspondence each year from members of the public and elected representatives. It is not the Department’s intention to reduce engagement or accessibility, and I want to be clear that direct contact with the Department will continue where issues are complex, ongoing, or would benefit from local knowledge and discussion.
Where an initial report is acknowledged and routine correspondence is closed on the system, that does not prevent follow-up on the underlying issue. Elected representatives can seek confirmation of inspection outcomes, prioritisation and anticipated repair timeframes through the relevant Divisional Roads Office, and I have asked officials to ensure that such enquiries are actively managed and that clear updates are provided where needed.
At Ministerial level, I am aware of the difficulties faced by the department in the recruitment and retention of civil engineers into specialist posts within the organisation and am pressing ahead with measures to strengthen delivery, including ongoing recruitment to key frontline and supervisory roles where vacancies arise, reviewing how section offices prioritise and programme defect repairs, and tightening quality assurance around correspondence handling so that acknowledgements and subsequent updates are accurate and consistent. These steps are already underway and improvements in responsiveness should be evident as recruitment campaigns conclude and as revised processes embed over the coming months.
In relation to rural areas, a Rural Needs Impact Assessment has not been undertaken by Eastern Division, as rural roads are fully included within the mapping system used by the portal. Defects can be reported using road names, postcodes or GPS locations, and where an exact point is difficult to identify, additional descriptive information can be provided to assist officials in locating the issue. These features are intended to ensure that rural users are not disadvantaged and that reports can be acted upon effectively.
I want to reassure Members that the Department remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to resolving issues as promptly as possible, while making best use of available systems to deliver an effective and responsive service across all communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041039%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472252","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472252"}},{"id":"471870","reference":"AQW 40836/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, given that the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy notes that consideration has been given to capping fees, to detail the level of scoping that was completed by his Department in respect of this.","answerText":"As part of the development of the draft Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, my Department undertook significant scoping and analysis of how fee capping models operate in practice, including the funding, regulatory and delivery mechanisms typically required to support them. Officials also engaged with counterparts in other jurisdictions, including the Republic of Ireland, to understand how different approaches to managing parental fees operate and the wider system supports that accompany them.\n\nAlongside this, the Department considered relevant independent evidence and research and drew on engagement with childcare providers and sector representatives through the ELC Stakeholder Engagement Forum and wider strategy development activity.\n\nThis scoping informed the position reflected in the draft Strategy, recognising that there is significant fiscal, regulatory and operational implications associated with such an approach. For these reasons, the capping of fees is not included within the draft Strategy but will be kept under consideration.","answerHtml":"As part of the development of the draft Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, my Department undertook significant scoping and analysis of how fee capping models operate in practice, including the funding, regulatory and delivery mechanisms typically required to support them. Officials also engaged with counterparts in other jurisdictions, including the Republic of Ireland, to understand how different approaches to managing parental fees operate and the wider system supports that accompany them.
Alongside this, the Department considered relevant independent evidence and research and drew on engagement with childcare providers and sector representatives through the ELC Stakeholder Engagement Forum and wider strategy development activity.
This scoping informed the position reflected in the draft Strategy, recognising that there is significant fiscal, regulatory and operational implications associated with such an approach. For these reasons, the capping of fees is not included within the draft Strategy but will be kept under consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040836%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471870","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471870"}},{"id":"471869","reference":"AQW 40835/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to introduce or commission a dedicated specialist clinic for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.","answerText":"Elhers-Danlos patients are currently referred by GP to Rheumatology services across the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland for multidisciplinary support for joint issues, physiotherapy and pain management.\n\nThere are currently no plans to commission a dedicated specialist clinic for Elhers-Danlos Syndrome in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Elhers-Danlos patients are currently referred by GP to Rheumatology services across the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland for multidisciplinary support for joint issues, physiotherapy and pain management.
There are currently no plans to commission a dedicated specialist clinic for Elhers-Danlos Syndrome in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040835%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471869","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471869"}},{"id":"471868","reference":"AQW 40834/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current clinical pathways available for individuals diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.","answerText":"Elhers-Danlos patients are currently referred by GP to Rheumatology services across the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland for multidisciplinary support for joint issues, physiotherapy and pain management.\n\nThere are currently no plans to commission a dedicated specialist clinic for Elhers-Danlos Syndrome in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Elhers-Danlos patients are currently referred by GP to Rheumatology services across the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland for multidisciplinary support for joint issues, physiotherapy and pain management.
There are currently no plans to commission a dedicated specialist clinic for Elhers-Danlos Syndrome in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040834%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471868","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471868"}},{"id":"471867","reference":"AQW 40833/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to develop adult safeguarding guidance and policy for the education sector.","answerText":"Officials are currently working on a refreshed and strengthened ‘Safeguarding in Education Guidance’ document, and it is intended that this will set out clearly expectations for adult safeguarding in education.","answerHtml":"Officials are currently working on a refreshed and strengthened ‘Safeguarding in Education Guidance’ document, and it is intended that this will set out clearly expectations for adult safeguarding in education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040833%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471867","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471867"}},{"id":"471866","reference":"AQW 40832/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any resource provided to the Children in Entertainment and Employment Team functions, in terms of its statutory requirement.","answerText":"The Children in Entertainment and Employment Team functions fall under the Education Authority’s (EA) Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) which is a core EA service, and the resourcing of this team is a matter for the EA when considering its block grant allocation.","answerHtml":"The Children in Entertainment and Employment Team functions fall under the Education Authority’s (EA) Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) which is a core EA service, and the resourcing of this team is a matter for the EA when considering its block grant allocation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040832%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471866","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471866"}},{"id":"471601","reference":"AQW 40718/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-02-20","answered":"2026-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 39515/22-27, for his assessment of the increase in calls to the Child Protection Support Service.","answerText":"The Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (EA CPSS) Helpline ensures access to timely and specialist safeguarding advice from Designated Officers.\n\nThe EA has advised that the increased demand on the service reflects emerging safeguarding and child protection issues and complexity, including:\n\nImpact of poverty and neglect on pupils\n\nOperation Encompass (increase in domestic violence, including information being shared with schools by PSNI)\n\nOnline safety and abuse including artificially generated images and deepfakes\n\nImpact of social media/Trolling\n\nRacist behaviour and community unrest impacting on pupils, school communities\n\nHarmful Sexual Behaviour displayed in school by young people\n\nAllegations against staff\n\nChild Sexual Exploitation and Child Criminal Exploitation\n\nBullying\n\nSubstance misuse (drugs and alcohol)\n\nMy officials are working closely with the CPSS officers to ensure that the department’s guidance and operational support for schools reflect this.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (EA CPSS) Helpline ensures access to timely and specialist safeguarding advice from Designated Officers.
The EA has advised that the increased demand on the service reflects emerging safeguarding and child protection issues and complexity, including:
Impact of poverty and neglect on pupils
Operation Encompass (increase in domestic violence, including information being shared with schools by PSNI)
Online safety and abuse including artificially generated images and deepfakes
Impact of social media/Trolling
Racist behaviour and community unrest impacting on pupils, school communities
Harmful Sexual Behaviour displayed in school by young people
Allegations against staff
Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Criminal Exploitation
Bullying
Substance misuse (drugs and alcohol)
My officials are working closely with the CPSS officers to ensure that the department’s guidance and operational support for schools reflect this.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040718%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471601","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471601"}},{"id":"471600","reference":"AQW 40717/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any engagement his Department has had with other Departments, regarding the impact of the Adult Protection Bill on educational institutions.","answerText":"While the Bill is primarily health led and focused on health and Social Care Trust functions, officials are liaising with colleagues from the Department of Health regarding the Adult Protection Bill and are actively considering its potential implications for the education sector.\n\nThe department has not engaged with any department other than Health at this time in respect of the Bill.","answerHtml":"While the Bill is primarily health led and focused on health and Social Care Trust functions, officials are liaising with colleagues from the Department of Health regarding the Adult Protection Bill and are actively considering its potential implications for the education sector.
The department has not engaged with any department other than Health at this time in respect of the Bill.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040717%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471600","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471600"}},{"id":"471599","reference":"AQW 40716/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) employment permits; and (ii) performance licenses, issued by the Education Authority, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"EmploymentPerformance\n\nPermitsLicences\n\n2020/21261,376\n\n2021/22576,647\n\n2022/23888,870\n\n2023/248411,109\n\n2024/2510212,416","answerHtml":"EmploymentPerformance
PermitsLicences
2020/21261,376
2021/22576,647
2022/23888,870
2023/248411,109
2024/2510212,416
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040716%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471599","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471599"}},{"id":"471598","reference":"AQW 40715/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any consideration his Department has given to the implications of the Adult Protection Bill for educational settings.","answerText":"While the Bill is primarily health led and focused on health and Social Care Trust functions, officials are liaising with colleagues from the Department of Health regarding the Adult Protection Bill and are actively considering its potential implications for the education sector.\n\nThe department has not engaged with any department other than Health at this time in respect of the Bill.","answerHtml":"While the Bill is primarily health led and focused on health and Social Care Trust functions, officials are liaising with colleagues from the Department of Health regarding the Adult Protection Bill and are actively considering its potential implications for the education sector.
The department has not engaged with any department other than Health at this time in respect of the Bill.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040715%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471598","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471598"}},{"id":"471597","reference":"AQW 40714/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 39515/22-27, to detail a breakdown of the type of support requested from the Child Protection Support Service.","answerText":"The Education Authority advises that the support required in each Helpline call varies accordingly to the level of risk and the specific circumstances of each child, family, and school. Each call is triaged by the receiving Designated Officer (DO), who assesses the concern and identifies the appropriate next steps.\n\nSupport may include advising on immediate safeguarding actions, determining whether referrals to statutory agencies are necessary, guiding schools through referral processes, escalating practice issues to external partners, and advising on relevant lines of enquiry with children, parents, staff or other parties.\n\nThrough the helpline, DOs also support school safeguarding teams to ensure their practice is aligned to legislation, Department of Education Circulars, and policy. They frequently provide mentoring, coaching, and emotional support to safeguarding staff, recognising the pressures and potential for vicarious trauma associated with the role.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority advises that the support required in each Helpline call varies accordingly to the level of risk and the specific circumstances of each child, family, and school. Each call is triaged by the receiving Designated Officer (DO), who assesses the concern and identifies the appropriate next steps.
Support may include advising on immediate safeguarding actions, determining whether referrals to statutory agencies are necessary, guiding schools through referral processes, escalating practice issues to external partners, and advising on relevant lines of enquiry with children, parents, staff or other parties.
Through the helpline, DOs also support school safeguarding teams to ensure their practice is aligned to legislation, Department of Education Circulars, and policy. They frequently provide mentoring, coaching, and emotional support to safeguarding staff, recognising the pressures and potential for vicarious trauma associated with the role.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040714%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471597","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471597"}},{"id":"471339","reference":"AQW 40605/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-13","answerBy":"2026-03-02","answered":"2026-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of rising childcare costs.","answerText":"Childcare fees in Northern Ireland are set by individual providers, most of whom operate as private businesses. As a result, there is a wide variation in fees across the market, reflecting differences in provision, location and operating costs.\n\nAnalysis of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) data shows that childcare fees have increased by approximately 12% on average, between September 2024 and April 2025. This analysis is based on daycare settings, which represent 83% of the total subsidy payments made since April 2025.\n\nThis increase was not unexpected given that providers increase their fees annually, however, wider inflationary and wage pressures across the childcare sector from April 2025 are likely to also have had an impact. In anticipation of these fee increases I increased the NICSS monthly subsidy cap for the scheme by 10% in April 2025 and raised the administrative payments to providers.\n\nWhile increases in fees are determined by individual childcare providers, the net cost paid by parents will vary depending on their individual circumstances and eligibility to existing financial support schemes, such as Universal Credit, Tax Free Childcare and the NICSS. However, I acknowledge that childcare costs for some families remain unacceptably high and that is why the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, currently issued for public consultation, sets out further proposals to improve affordability for working parents while supporting a sustainable childcare sector.\n\nThrough the NICSS, my Department will continue to monitor the costs of childcare to inform policy decisions going forward.","answerHtml":"Childcare fees in Northern Ireland are set by individual providers, most of whom operate as private businesses. As a result, there is a wide variation in fees across the market, reflecting differences in provision, location and operating costs.
Analysis of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) data shows that childcare fees have increased by approximately 12% on average, between September 2024 and April 2025. This analysis is based on daycare settings, which represent 83% of the total subsidy payments made since April 2025.
This increase was not unexpected given that providers increase their fees annually, however, wider inflationary and wage pressures across the childcare sector from April 2025 are likely to also have had an impact. In anticipation of these fee increases I increased the NICSS monthly subsidy cap for the scheme by 10% in April 2025 and raised the administrative payments to providers.
While increases in fees are determined by individual childcare providers, the net cost paid by parents will vary depending on their individual circumstances and eligibility to existing financial support schemes, such as Universal Credit, Tax Free Childcare and the NICSS. However, I acknowledge that childcare costs for some families remain unacceptably high and that is why the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, currently issued for public consultation, sets out further proposals to improve affordability for working parents while supporting a sustainable childcare sector.
Through the NICSS, my Department will continue to monitor the costs of childcare to inform policy decisions going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040605%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471339","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471339"}},{"id":"471146","reference":"AQW 40510/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-12","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of why 1,467 One Year Health Reviews were recorded as No Contact in 2024-25.","answerText":"While it is not possible to confirm the specific reason in every case, the most common reasons why a one-year health review may not have been completed include:\n\n•Family relocation - movement out of Trust / NI\n\n•Parental Choice to decline the review\n\n•Repeated non engagement despite follow up attempts\n\n•Vacant Caseloads – Staff capacity\n\nQuarterly reports identify outstanding year 1 health reviews, and a range of follow up processes are in place. Additional weekly/ weekend clinics are offered to families of children with outstanding year 1 health reviews to minimise the risk of children being overlooked.\n\nWhere there is parental decline or persistent non engagement, appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures are followed in line with Trust & regional guidance. Health Visitors will also liaise with GP where appropriate.","answerHtml":"While it is not possible to confirm the specific reason in every case, the most common reasons why a one-year health review may not have been completed include:
•Family relocation - movement out of Trust / NI
•Parental Choice to decline the review
•Repeated non engagement despite follow up attempts
•Vacant Caseloads – Staff capacity
Quarterly reports identify outstanding year 1 health reviews, and a range of follow up processes are in place. Additional weekly/ weekend clinics are offered to families of children with outstanding year 1 health reviews to minimise the risk of children being overlooked.
Where there is parental decline or persistent non engagement, appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures are followed in line with Trust & regional guidance. Health Visitors will also liaise with GP where appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040510%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471146","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471146"}},{"id":"471145","reference":"AQW 40509/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-12","answerBy":"2026-02-27","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any plans in place to develop an adult safeguarding policy within his Department.","answerText":"Officials are developing a refreshed and strengthened ‘Safeguarding in Education Guidance’ document, and it is intended that this will set out clear expectations for adult safeguarding in education.\n\nThe Education Authority are also undertaking operational policy development in respect of adult safeguarding and officials will continue to engage with officers in respect of the outworkings of how schools are supported to implement this.","answerHtml":"Officials are developing a refreshed and strengthened ‘Safeguarding in Education Guidance’ document, and it is intended that this will set out clear expectations for adult safeguarding in education.
The Education Authority are also undertaking operational policy development in respect of adult safeguarding and officials will continue to engage with officers in respect of the outworkings of how schools are supported to implement this.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040509%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471145","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471145"}},{"id":"471144","reference":"AQW 40508/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-12","answerBy":"2026-02-27","answered":"2026-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of the quality of pothole repairs in recent months; and (ii) to detail any quality inspection that is carried out to ensure repairs do not degrade quickly.","answerText":"I refer the member to my answer to AQW 39446 / 22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to my answer to AQW 39446 / 22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040508%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471144","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471144"}},{"id":"471143","reference":"AQW 40507/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-12","answerBy":"2026-02-27","answered":"2026-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of Health Reviews at one year recorded as Contact Late in 2024-25, broken down by the number of months they were late.","answerText":"The table below presents the available data from the South Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Belfast Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) for one-year reviews recorded as Contact Late in 2024-25.\n\nMonths Late\tNHSCT\tSHSCT\tBHSCT\tSEHSCT\n<1 month\t796\t643\t613\t320\n1–2 months\t497\t308\t389\t99\n2–3 months\t274\t185\t202\t10\n3–4 months\t171\t97\t108\t5\n4–5 months\t86\t55\t55\t3\n5–6 months\t49\t46\t24\t1\n6–7 months\t21\t7\t16\tN/A\n7–8 months\t10\t6\t8\tN/A\n8–9 months\t3\t4\t6\tN/A\n9–10 months\t3\tN/A\t2\tN/A\n10–11 months\t1\t1\tN/A\tN/A\n12–13 months\t1\tN/A\tN/A\tN/A\n13–14 months\t2\tN/A\tN/A\tN/A\n\nThe Western HSCT does not record lateness by month; instead, they provide quarterly totals, reporting 97 late reviews in quarter one, 91 in quarter two, 70 in quarter three and 100 in quarter four.\n\nDelays in reviews can arise for a number of reasons, including child or parental illness, parental requests to postpone, staffing pressures due to vacancies or leave, and occasional recording errors.","answerHtml":"The table below presents the available data from the South Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Belfast Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) for one-year reviews recorded as Contact Late in 2024-25.
| Months Late | NHSCT | SHSCT | BHSCT | SEHSCT |
| <1 month | 796 | 643 | 613 | 320 |
| 1–2 months | 497 | 308 | 389 | 99 |
| 2–3 months | 274 | 185 | 202 | 10 |
| 3–4 months | 171 | 97 | 108 | 5 |
| 4–5 months | 86 | 55 | 55 | 3 |
| 5–6 months | 49 | 46 | 24 | 1 |
| 6–7 months | 21 | 7 | 16 | N/A |
| 7–8 months | 10 | 6 | 8 | N/A |
| 8–9 months | 3 | 4 | 6 | N/A |
| 9–10 months | 3 | N/A | 2 | N/A |
| 10–11 months | 1 | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| 12–13 months | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 13–14 months | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Western HSCT does not record lateness by month; instead, they provide quarterly totals, reporting 97 late reviews in quarter one, 91 in quarter two, 70 in quarter three and 100 in quarter four.
Delays in reviews can arise for a number of reasons, including child or parental illness, parental requests to postpone, staffing pressures due to vacancies or leave, and occasional recording errors.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040507%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471143"}},{"id":"471142","reference":"AQW 40506/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-12","answerBy":"2026-02-27","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of Health Reviews at three years which were (i) completed; (ii) late; and (iii) not completed, in the last three years.","answerText":"The table below provides the available information on three-year health reviews completed, late and not completed over the last three years.\n\nStatus\tYear\t3+ Year Reviews\nBHSCT\tNHSCT\tSHSCT\tSEHSCT\tWHSCT\nCompleted\t22/23\t4082\t5211\tN/A*\t3804\t2216\n23/24\t4004\t5158\t3675\t3631\t2222\n24/25\t3921\t5011\t4132\t3522\t2126\n\nLate\t22/23\tN/A**\t533\tN/A**\tN/A**\tN/A**\n23/24\tN/A**\t278\tN/A**\tN/A**\tN/A**\n24/25\tN/A**\t266\tN/A**\tN/A**\tN/A**\n\nNot Completed\t22/23\t174\t179\tN/A*\t368\t1368\n23/24\t233\t150\t996\t381\t1322\n24/25\t356\t181\t779\t257\t1273\n\n* Southern Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) was unable to provide data for 2022/23.\n\n**Data for late three-year reviews is recorded by Northern HSCT only; all other HSCTs report this information is not held.","answerHtml":"The table below provides the available information on three-year health reviews completed, late and not completed over the last three years.
| Status | Year | 3+ Year Reviews | ||||
| BHSCT | NHSCT | SHSCT | SEHSCT | WHSCT | ||
| Completed | 22/23 | 4082 | 5211 | N/A* | 3804 | 2216 |
| 23/24 | 4004 | 5158 | 3675 | 3631 | 2222 | |
| 24/25 | 3921 | 5011 | 4132 | 3522 | 2126 | |
| Late | 22/23 | N/A** | 533 | N/A** | N/A** | N/A** |
| 23/24 | N/A** | 278 | N/A** | N/A** | N/A** | |
| 24/25 | N/A** | 266 | N/A** | N/A** | N/A** | |
| Not Completed | 22/23 | 174 | 179 | N/A* | 368 | 1368 |
| 23/24 | 233 | 150 | 996 | 381 | 1322 | |
| 24/25 | 356 | 181 | 779 | 257 | 1273 |
* Southern Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) was unable to provide data for 2022/23.
**Data for late three-year reviews is recorded by Northern HSCT only; all other HSCTs report this information is not held.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040506%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471142"}},{"id":"470585","reference":"AQW 40271/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-10","answerBy":"2026-02-25","answered":"2026-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the legislation to prohibit the overtaking of school buses while they are stopped to drop-off or pick-up passengers.","answerText":"I have established a Safer Journeys to School Programme within the Department to examine options to improve safety for school journeys, including legislative options. This work is evidence-led to ensure interventions are effective and proportionate.\n\nThe Department remains committed to improving road safety and will continue to engage with stakeholders to deliver the most effective measures.","answerHtml":"I have established a Safer Journeys to School Programme within the Department to examine options to improve safety for school journeys, including legislative options. This work is evidence-led to ensure interventions are effective and proportionate.
The Department remains committed to improving road safety and will continue to engage with stakeholders to deliver the most effective measures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040271%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470585","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470585"}},{"id":"470584","reference":"AQW 40270/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-10","answerBy":"2026-02-25","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the care pathway and clinical oversight available, to patients with complex multi-system conditions.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040270%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470584","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470584"}},{"id":"470583","reference":"AQW 40269/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-10","answerBy":"2026-02-25","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps that are being taken to ensure that patients with complex presentations are not repeatedly passed between specialties without a coordinated clinical lead.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040269%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470583","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470583"}},{"id":"470582","reference":"AQW 40268/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-10","answerBy":"2026-02-25","answered":"2026-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any ways, Emergency Departments are supported to appropriately assess and manage patients, with rare or multi-system conditions.","answerText":"All Emergency Departments (EDs) are designed and equipped to assess and manage a broad range of presenting conditions, including complex, multisystem and rare conditions. ED clinicians are trained to identify undifferentiated and atypical presentations and to escalate care appropriately.\n\nED teams have access to senior decisionmakers, specialty advice, regional clinical pathways and diagnostic support to assist in the management of patients with complex needs. Digital health records and established referral mechanisms enable clinicians to access relevant information and specialist input where required.\n\nMy Department does not mandate specific additional systems or facilities for the assessment of patients with rare or multisystem conditions within EDs. Instead, ED services are structured to provide flexible, responsive care that can accommodate the full range of patient presentations.","answerHtml":"All Emergency Departments (EDs) are designed and equipped to assess and manage a broad range of presenting conditions, including complex, multisystem and rare conditions. ED clinicians are trained to identify undifferentiated and atypical presentations and to escalate care appropriately.
ED teams have access to senior decisionmakers, specialty advice, regional clinical pathways and diagnostic support to assist in the management of patients with complex needs. Digital health records and established referral mechanisms enable clinicians to access relevant information and specialist input where required.
My Department does not mandate specific additional systems or facilities for the assessment of patients with rare or multisystem conditions within EDs. Instead, ED services are structured to provide flexible, responsive care that can accommodate the full range of patient presentations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040268%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470582","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470582"}},{"id":"470098","reference":"AQW 40053/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of non-statutory pre-school providers that have had their Pupil Allocation Numbers increased for the 2026-2027 intake.","answerText":"The Education Authority Pre-School Education Group (EA PEG) has responsibility for the allocation of Pupil Admission Numbers (PANs) for non-statutory pre-school settings participating in the Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP). The EA wrote to all settings on 4 November 2025 to advise them of their provisional PAN allocation for the 2026/27 academic year.\n\nThe 2026/27 pre-school admissions process remains ongoing at this time and the EA will continue to review local provision in all areas throughout the process and may adjust PANs for settings where it is appropriate to do so to meet demand. The EA has advised that as of 10 February a total of 35 non-statutory settings have had their PAN increased for the 2026-2027 academic year.\n\nFinal PAN allocations for settings will not be determined until the close of Stage Two of the admissions process.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority Pre-School Education Group (EA PEG) has responsibility for the allocation of Pupil Admission Numbers (PANs) for non-statutory pre-school settings participating in the Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP). The EA wrote to all settings on 4 November 2025 to advise them of their provisional PAN allocation for the 2026/27 academic year.
The 2026/27 pre-school admissions process remains ongoing at this time and the EA will continue to review local provision in all areas throughout the process and may adjust PANs for settings where it is appropriate to do so to meet demand. The EA has advised that as of 10 February a total of 35 non-statutory settings have had their PAN increased for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Final PAN allocations for settings will not be determined until the close of Stage Two of the admissions process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040053%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470098","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470098"}},{"id":"470097","reference":"AQW 40052/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any options childminders, and childcare providers, have to refer children who have additional needs, for support.","answerText":"As per my Department’s Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care, if a registered childcare provider identifies a child in their care as possibly having additional needs their observations should be sensitively discussed with the child’s parents and the parents should be encouraged to seek relevant help. The childcare provider also has a responsibility to ensure that the physical environment is suitable for each child.","answerHtml":"As per my Department’s Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care, if a registered childcare provider identifies a child in their care as possibly having additional needs their observations should be sensitively discussed with the child’s parents and the parents should be encouraged to seek relevant help. The childcare provider also has a responsibility to ensure that the physical environment is suitable for each child.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040052%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470097","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470097"}},{"id":"470096","reference":"AQW 40051/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are any plans to stop speech and language therapy provision ahead of children entering pre-school.","answerText":"Accessing speech and language therapy in the early years of childhood is extremely important in determining the future success of a child. It is therefore vital that we work closely with our education colleagues to support children who may be struggling with their speech and communication.\n\nThere are no plans to stop speech and language therapy provision ahead of children entering pre-school","answerHtml":"Accessing speech and language therapy in the early years of childhood is extremely important in determining the future success of a child. It is therefore vital that we work closely with our education colleagues to support children who may be struggling with their speech and communication.
There are no plans to stop speech and language therapy provision ahead of children entering pre-school
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040051%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470096","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470096"}},{"id":"470095","reference":"AQW 40050/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the reason why non-statutory pre-school providers can not accept children with additional needs as supernumerary, similar to statutory providers.","answerText":"The Education Authority makes individual arrangements for children for whom statements are maintained under Article 16 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, including, where appropriate, naming the most appropriate pre-school placement for them in that statement. This applies to placement in both statutory and non-statutory pre-school settings.\n\nLegislation requires the Department to determine an admissions number and enrolment number for each statutory school, including statutory pre-schools. “Supernumerary” placement refers to a placement that is not counted within the statutory admissions or enrolment numbers for a statutory school.\n\nAs non-statutory pre-schools do not have statutory admissions or enrolment numbers, “supernumerary” placement is not applicable. Placements in these settings are made under Articles 10 and 12 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority makes individual arrangements for children for whom statements are maintained under Article 16 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, including, where appropriate, naming the most appropriate pre-school placement for them in that statement. This applies to placement in both statutory and non-statutory pre-school settings.
Legislation requires the Department to determine an admissions number and enrolment number for each statutory school, including statutory pre-schools. “Supernumerary” placement refers to a placement that is not counted within the statutory admissions or enrolment numbers for a statutory school.
As non-statutory pre-schools do not have statutory admissions or enrolment numbers, “supernumerary” placement is not applicable. Placements in these settings are made under Articles 10 and 12 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040050%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470095","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470095"}},{"id":"470094","reference":"AQW 40049/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the reason why non-statutory pre-school providers have a different route to refer children to Education Authority Local Impact Teams.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nEducation and Library Board SEN services were originally designed and scoped to only support grant-maintained preschool settings where the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice (CoP) applies fully.\n\nAs non-statutory providers do not uniformly apply the SEN CoP, their route to access EA SEN support services has remained predominantly via Community Paediatrics/Allied Health Professional referral to the Educational Psychology Service who then refer into the Local Impact Teams (LITs).","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
Education and Library Board SEN services were originally designed and scoped to only support grant-maintained preschool settings where the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice (CoP) applies fully.
As non-statutory providers do not uniformly apply the SEN CoP, their route to access EA SEN support services has remained predominantly via Community Paediatrics/Allied Health Professional referral to the Educational Psychology Service who then refer into the Local Impact Teams (LITs).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040049%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470094","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470094"}},{"id":"469906","reference":"AQW 39937/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-10","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will introduce specific legislation regarding the use of e-scooters.","answerText":"It is currently illegal to use e-scooters on public roads and public spaces here and I have no plans to change that position. Anyone using an e-scooter illegally may be subject to enforcement action by the PSNI.\n\nThe Department is exploring measures to raise awareness around the dangers associated with e-scooters.\n\nThe Department is also monitoring the progress of a pilot scheme for rental e-scooters in Britain, as well as the impact of the legislative changes in the south which made the use of e-scooters legal and regulated their use on public roads from May 2024. This evidence base can help inform the department of what steps to take in relation to the registration and regulation of e-scooters.","answerHtml":"It is currently illegal to use e-scooters on public roads and public spaces here and I have no plans to change that position. Anyone using an e-scooter illegally may be subject to enforcement action by the PSNI.
The Department is exploring measures to raise awareness around the dangers associated with e-scooters.
The Department is also monitoring the progress of a pilot scheme for rental e-scooters in Britain, as well as the impact of the legislative changes in the south which made the use of e-scooters legal and regulated their use on public roads from May 2024. This evidence base can help inform the department of what steps to take in relation to the registration and regulation of e-scooters.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039937%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469906","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469906"}},{"id":"469905","reference":"AQW 39936/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-20","answered":"2026-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any assessment made of the postal services currently utilised by Health and Social Care Trusts for issuing patient correspondence, including appointment letters; and (ii) whether the use of economy postal products is meeting the needs of patients, particularly in light of reports of missed or late appointments due to delayed delivery.","answerText":"The Department has not carried out an assessment of the postal service currently utilised by the Health and Social Care Trusts and no assessment has been made as to whether use of economy postal products is meeting the needs of patients.\n\nHowever, to minimise any patient inconvenience, Trusts have implemented a dual notification system for appointment reminders. In addition to sending appointment letters to patients, Trusts also use text message reminders to notify patients of their upcoming appointments in most services.\n\nFurthermore, the Encompass system is now fully operational across Northern Ireland. All patients and service users will be able to securely access a subset of their health and social care record via the My Care application, which provides secure online access to personal health information such as appointment letters, clinic letters, medication details, and some test results. They can also view appointments and track the progress of their treatment","answerHtml":"The Department has not carried out an assessment of the postal service currently utilised by the Health and Social Care Trusts and no assessment has been made as to whether use of economy postal products is meeting the needs of patients.
However, to minimise any patient inconvenience, Trusts have implemented a dual notification system for appointment reminders. In addition to sending appointment letters to patients, Trusts also use text message reminders to notify patients of their upcoming appointments in most services.
Furthermore, the Encompass system is now fully operational across Northern Ireland. All patients and service users will be able to securely access a subset of their health and social care record via the My Care application, which provides secure online access to personal health information such as appointment letters, clinic letters, medication details, and some test results. They can also view appointments and track the progress of their treatment
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039936%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469905","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469905"}},{"id":"477327","reference":"AQO 3122/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-16","answered":"2026-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his efforts to improve environmental governance in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Improving environmental governance remains a priority, and following the independent review, which brought forward the key recommendation to establish and Independent Environment Protection Agency in Northern Ireland, I brought a paper to the Executive seeking agreement in principle to move forward with establishing the new body.\n\nI am not alone in finding this hugely frustrating when we consider the costs of inaction and the overwhelming support for change that would benefit everyone. I would urge my Executive colleagues to provide the support needed so this important reform can advance.\n\nIn parallel, officials are considering the wider recommendations falling within DAERA’s remit, noting where elements align with existing programmes of work. This includes ongoing activity to improve transparency around environmental information and to strengthen internal systems and processes. This approach enables my Department to maintain focus on areas within its direct control, pending an Executive decision on the broader governance reforms.\n\nEnvironmental governance is fundamental to protecting our environment, building public trust, and ensuring Northern Ireland meets its obligations. I remain committed to driving this agenda forward and ensuring that the reforms identified by the Panel are taken forward in a structured, evidencebased and timely way.","answerHtml":"Improving environmental governance remains a priority, and following the independent review, which brought forward the key recommendation to establish and Independent Environment Protection Agency in Northern Ireland, I brought a paper to the Executive seeking agreement in principle to move forward with establishing the new body.
I am not alone in finding this hugely frustrating when we consider the costs of inaction and the overwhelming support for change that would benefit everyone. I would urge my Executive colleagues to provide the support needed so this important reform can advance.
In parallel, officials are considering the wider recommendations falling within DAERA’s remit, noting where elements align with existing programmes of work. This includes ongoing activity to improve transparency around environmental information and to strengthen internal systems and processes. This approach enables my Department to maintain focus on areas within its direct control, pending an Executive decision on the broader governance reforms.
Environmental governance is fundamental to protecting our environment, building public trust, and ensuring Northern Ireland meets its obligations. I remain committed to driving this agenda forward and ensuring that the reforms identified by the Panel are taken forward in a structured, evidencebased and timely way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203122%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477327","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477327"}},{"id":"469629","reference":"AQW 39822/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-04","answerBy":"2026-02-19","answered":"2026-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the reason for the delay in taking forward the proposal for an Independent Commission into a sustainable school estate.","answerText":"I accepted the Independent Review of Education (IRE) panel’s recommendation (no. 20) to reconfigure the network of schools ‘in principle’. The panel determined that Northern Ireland currently has too many non-viable small schools and too many small sixth forms. To tackle this problem – which has both educational and financial dimensions – the Panel stated that we need a new approach to Area Planning.\n\nAs part of the considerations that lead to recommendation 20 the IRE panel proposed the establishment of an Independent Planning Commission to take the lead in developing a Northern Ireland wide plan for a new network of schools.\n\nCurrent plans to reconfigure the network of schools, in line with my Department’s priorities, are detailed in the Strategic Area Plan and the Education Authority’s published Operational Plans. These plans and associated actions will run through to August 2027.\n\nMy Department has set out its proposals for a Five-Year Education Budget Strategy. Consultation on the strategy closes on 3 April 2026. The strategy includes proposals to restructure the school estate and within that context a Commission may be appointed to lead on this work. I will make a decision on the establishment of a Commission after the responses to the consultation have been considered.","answerHtml":"I accepted the Independent Review of Education (IRE) panel’s recommendation (no. 20) to reconfigure the network of schools ‘in principle’. The panel determined that Northern Ireland currently has too many non-viable small schools and too many small sixth forms. To tackle this problem – which has both educational and financial dimensions – the Panel stated that we need a new approach to Area Planning.
As part of the considerations that lead to recommendation 20 the IRE panel proposed the establishment of an Independent Planning Commission to take the lead in developing a Northern Ireland wide plan for a new network of schools.
Current plans to reconfigure the network of schools, in line with my Department’s priorities, are detailed in the Strategic Area Plan and the Education Authority’s published Operational Plans. These plans and associated actions will run through to August 2027.
My Department has set out its proposals for a Five-Year Education Budget Strategy. Consultation on the strategy closes on 3 April 2026. The strategy includes proposals to restructure the school estate and within that context a Commission may be appointed to lead on this work. I will make a decision on the establishment of a Commission after the responses to the consultation have been considered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039822%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469629","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469629"}},{"id":"469628","reference":"AQW 39821/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-04","answerBy":"2026-02-19","answered":"2026-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any planned process for appointing an Independent Commission, to review the sustainability of the school estate.","answerText":"My Department has set out its proposals for a Five-Year Education Budget Strategy. Consultation on the strategy closes on 3 April 2026.\n\nThe strategy includes proposals to restructure the school estate and within that context an Independent Commission may be appointed to lead on this work. I will make a decision on the establishment of an Independent Commission and process for doing so, if applicable, after the responses to the consultation have been considered.","answerHtml":"My Department has set out its proposals for a Five-Year Education Budget Strategy. Consultation on the strategy closes on 3 April 2026.
The strategy includes proposals to restructure the school estate and within that context an Independent Commission may be appointed to lead on this work. I will make a decision on the establishment of an Independent Commission and process for doing so, if applicable, after the responses to the consultation have been considered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039821%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469628","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469628"}},{"id":"469627","reference":"AQW 39820/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-04","answerBy":"2026-02-19","answered":"2026-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any process used for the review of eligibility criteria for transport assistance, proposed in his written statement on a Five-Year Education Budget Strategy.","answerText":"At this stage, the reforms outlined in the five-year education budget strategy remain consultation proposals. The reforms will be finalised once the budget position is confirmed, taking account of the outcome of the public consultation. Formal governance structures, overseen by the Permanent Secretary, will ensure robust oversight as the reform programme develops.\n\nIndividual reform projects will be taken forward in key areas with any reviews focussed on supporting evidence-based policy decisions to ensure that vital services remain fit for purpose, sustainable and meet the needs of pupils and families.","answerHtml":"At this stage, the reforms outlined in the five-year education budget strategy remain consultation proposals. The reforms will be finalised once the budget position is confirmed, taking account of the outcome of the public consultation. Formal governance structures, overseen by the Permanent Secretary, will ensure robust oversight as the reform programme develops.
Individual reform projects will be taken forward in key areas with any reviews focussed on supporting evidence-based policy decisions to ensure that vital services remain fit for purpose, sustainable and meet the needs of pupils and families.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039820%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469627","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469627"}},{"id":"469626","reference":"AQW 39819/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-04","answerBy":"2026-02-19","answered":"2026-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how the special educational needs budget for schools will be set, as referenced in his written statement on a Five-Year Education Budget Strategy.","answerText":"The Five-Year Education Budget Strategy is currently out for public consultation and responses will need to be considered before budgets can be set.","answerHtml":"The Five-Year Education Budget Strategy is currently out for public consultation and responses will need to be considered before budgets can be set.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039819%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469626","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469626"}},{"id":"469382","reference":"AQW 39734/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-03","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-03-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement her officials are having to ensure drainage, utility and resurfacing work, will be coordinated with planned public realm schemes, undertaken in Hillsborough and Moira.","answerText":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high quality public realm schemes including those in Hillsborough and Moira.\n\nWhere schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.\n\nWhilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.\n\nMy Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high quality public realm schemes including those in Hillsborough and Moira.
Where schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.
Whilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.
My Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.
My officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039734%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469382","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469382"}},{"id":"469111","reference":"AQW 39615/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-06","answered":"2026-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the compensation claims, paid by her Department for damage caused to vehicles due to road defects, broken down by constituency, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The management information my Department holds in relation to roads related public liability claims can be found online at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-asset-maintenance-directorate-management-information-roads-related-claims-period-20202021-20242025.\n\nTable 4.2 provides details of concluded claims in which compensation was paid over the last five full financial years, broken down by Section Office and claim type. Please note that my Department maintains information on public liability claims by Roads Section Office areas, which broadly align with Council areas. In addition, claims received in a particular financial year are not always concluded in the same year. Therefore, the concluded claims figures for a given financial year will usually include claims that were received in previous financial years.\n\nClaim figures have been extracted from DfI's Claims Management System, whereas the financial data has been extracted from the NICS accounting system, Account NI.","answerHtml":"The management information my Department holds in relation to roads related public liability claims can be found online at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-asset-maintenance-directorate-management-information-roads-related-claims-period-20202021-20242025.
Table 4.2 provides details of concluded claims in which compensation was paid over the last five full financial years, broken down by Section Office and claim type. Please note that my Department maintains information on public liability claims by Roads Section Office areas, which broadly align with Council areas. In addition, claims received in a particular financial year are not always concluded in the same year. Therefore, the concluded claims figures for a given financial year will usually include claims that were received in previous financial years.
Claim figures have been extracted from DfI's Claims Management System, whereas the financial data has been extracted from the NICS accounting system, Account NI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039615%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469111","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469111"}},{"id":"469110","reference":"AQW 39614/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the number of pavement defects that have been fixed on Main Street, Moira, in the last four months; and (ii) any work her Department has scheduled, given the dangerous condition of the pavements.","answerText":"In the last four months, a total of 5 defects have been recorded and repaired on Main Street, Moira.\n\nIn addition, sections of footpath along Main Street have been identified for patching and this work is expected to be completed by summer 2026.","answerHtml":"In the last four months, a total of 5 defects have been recorded and repaired on Main Street, Moira.
In addition, sections of footpath along Main Street have been identified for patching and this work is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039614%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469110"}},{"id":"469109","reference":"AQW 39613/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any action being taken to reduce gynaecological appointments and surgeries, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Significant work is underway across the health and social care system to reduce waiting times for gynaecology outpatient appointments and surgery, and to standardise and strengthen pathways for gynaecology conditions in every Trust.\n\nMost referrals begin in primary care, and new pathways reflect this. Where patients cannot be managed by their GP, they may be referred to the Gynaecology Enhanced Primary Care Service or to secondary care. Primary and secondary care teams are working jointly to ensure patients are seen in the right place, at the right time, by the right professional.\n\nThe Enhanced Primary Care Service is supporting this by managing pessary fitting, HRT, heavy menstrual bleeding and contraception locally. By 30 September 2025, it had delivered over 2,100 appointments. When fully operational, it is expected to manage around 6,000 patient contacts per year.\n\nIn secondary care, Trusts are implementing action plans, including Getting it Right (GIRFT) recommendations, to reduce long waits. Between April and December 2025, £3.9m of additional funding supported waiting list initiatives, clinical validation and onestop clinics. From October 2025 alone, there has been a 52% reduction in patients waiting over three years for an outpatient appointment and a 58% reduction for inpatient/day case waits. Further updates will be provided by March 2026.\n\nA regional Gynaecology Provider Collaborative was established in February 2025. The Collaborative (Trusts and SPPG) are focused on standardising pathways and maximising capacity to tackle the longest waiting patients while developing a sustainable, regionally consistent service model in Gynaecology.\n\nAdditional funding through the Elective Care Framework is addressing service gaps, and work continues to improve pathways for women with gynaecological conditions. Some improvements will require investment; others can be delivered through modernisation. However, the current financial position does limit progress for nonurgent conditions such as endometriosis, unless clinically indicated.\n\nI hope this is helpful.","answerHtml":"Significant work is underway across the health and social care system to reduce waiting times for gynaecology outpatient appointments and surgery, and to standardise and strengthen pathways for gynaecology conditions in every Trust.
Most referrals begin in primary care, and new pathways reflect this. Where patients cannot be managed by their GP, they may be referred to the Gynaecology Enhanced Primary Care Service or to secondary care. Primary and secondary care teams are working jointly to ensure patients are seen in the right place, at the right time, by the right professional.
The Enhanced Primary Care Service is supporting this by managing pessary fitting, HRT, heavy menstrual bleeding and contraception locally. By 30 September 2025, it had delivered over 2,100 appointments. When fully operational, it is expected to manage around 6,000 patient contacts per year.
In secondary care, Trusts are implementing action plans, including Getting it Right (GIRFT) recommendations, to reduce long waits. Between April and December 2025, £3.9m of additional funding supported waiting list initiatives, clinical validation and onestop clinics. From October 2025 alone, there has been a 52% reduction in patients waiting over three years for an outpatient appointment and a 58% reduction for inpatient/day case waits. Further updates will be provided by March 2026.
A regional Gynaecology Provider Collaborative was established in February 2025. The Collaborative (Trusts and SPPG) are focused on standardising pathways and maximising capacity to tackle the longest waiting patients while developing a sustainable, regionally consistent service model in Gynaecology.
Additional funding through the Elective Care Framework is addressing service gaps, and work continues to improve pathways for women with gynaecological conditions. Some improvements will require investment; others can be delivered through modernisation. However, the current financial position does limit progress for nonurgent conditions such as endometriosis, unless clinically indicated.
I hope this is helpful.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039613%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469109","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469109"}},{"id":"469108","reference":"AQW 39612/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount his Department spent on legal fees on (i) the appeal against the 2022 High Court decision on the teaching of Religious Education in schools; and (ii) the subsequent Supreme Court case.","answerText":"Total legal fees to date incurred by the Department in relation to JR87 is £131,711.89, however it should be noted that total costs have not yet been finalised.\n\nThis encompasses both the appeal against the 2022 High Court decision and the subsequent Supreme Court proceedings (July 2022 to February 2026).\n\nFurther costs are expected but not yet confirmed.","answerHtml":"Total legal fees to date incurred by the Department in relation to JR87 is £131,711.89, however it should be noted that total costs have not yet been finalised.
This encompasses both the appeal against the 2022 High Court decision and the subsequent Supreme Court proceedings (July 2022 to February 2026).
Further costs are expected but not yet confirmed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039612%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469108","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469108"}},{"id":"469107","reference":"AQW 39611/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients who have died while on a waiting list for an initial consultant appointment, in the last 12 months.","answerText":"My Department does not hold data in a format that would allow me to report this information. There is currently no routine reporting of deaths occurring while patients are on a waiting list for an initial consultant appointment, nor is there a regional agreement on how such events should be defined or recorded. Capturing this information would require a standardised definition and consistent reporting processes across all Health and Social Care Trusts, which are not currently in place.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold data in a format that would allow me to report this information. There is currently no routine reporting of deaths occurring while patients are on a waiting list for an initial consultant appointment, nor is there a regional agreement on how such events should be defined or recorded. Capturing this information would require a standardised definition and consistent reporting processes across all Health and Social Care Trusts, which are not currently in place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039611%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469107","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469107"}},{"id":"468896","reference":"AQW 39516/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-30","answerBy":"2026-02-16","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any additional resources allocated to the Child Protection Support Service in response to demand, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) is a core EA service, and the decision in respect of resourcing would be a matter for the EA when considering its block grant allocation.\n\nEA has advised that it has not allocated additional core resources to the CPSS during the last five years.\n\nSince 2022/23, however, the department has secured an additional £660k from the Department of Justice’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Fund to support EA CPSS in progressing both the pilot phase and wider rollout of Operation Encompass across education settings.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) is a core EA service, and the decision in respect of resourcing would be a matter for the EA when considering its block grant allocation.
EA has advised that it has not allocated additional core resources to the CPSS during the last five years.
Since 2022/23, however, the department has secured an additional £660k from the Department of Justice’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Fund to support EA CPSS in progressing both the pilot phase and wider rollout of Operation Encompass across education settings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039516%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468896","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468896"}},{"id":"468895","reference":"AQW 39515/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-30","answerBy":"2026-02-16","answered":"2026-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of calls received by the Child Protection Support Service, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of calls received in each of the last 5 years by the Child Protection Support Service is as follows:\n\n2020/214,765\n\n2021/226,628\n\n2022/238,112\n\n2023/249,101\n\n2024/2511,086","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of calls received in each of the last 5 years by the Child Protection Support Service is as follows:
2020/214,765
2021/226,628
2022/238,112
2023/249,101
2024/2511,086
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039515%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468895","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468895"}},{"id":"468745","reference":"AQW 39434/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-13","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any action her Department will take, following the flooding at The Old Mill, Culcavy.","answerText":"Storm Chandra brought high winds and significant levels of rainfall in a relatively short period of time, resulting in a number of incidents of flooding across our road network including at the Old Mill, Culcavy.\n\nGiven the extent of the disruption across the road network, it will take time for staff to undertake investigatory work in relation to the flooding as we prioritise work to clear water and debris from our road network.\n\nMy officials will consider the cause of the flooding and identify if any remedial works can be undertaken to alleviate this problem in the future.","answerHtml":"Storm Chandra brought high winds and significant levels of rainfall in a relatively short period of time, resulting in a number of incidents of flooding across our road network including at the Old Mill, Culcavy.
Given the extent of the disruption across the road network, it will take time for staff to undertake investigatory work in relation to the flooding as we prioritise work to clear water and debris from our road network.
My officials will consider the cause of the flooding and identify if any remedial works can be undertaken to alleviate this problem in the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039434%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468745","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468745"}},{"id":"468744","reference":"AQW 39433/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-13","answered":"2026-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any action her Department will take, following the flooding caused by Strom Chandra at the entrance to Bridge Road from Lany Road, close to Meadow Bridge Primary School, Hillsborough.","answerText":"Storm Chandra brought high winds and significant levels of rainfall in a relatively short period of time, resulting in a number of incidents of flooding across our road network including the Hillsborough area at the location mentioned.\n\nGiven the extent of the disruption across the road network, it will take time for staff to undertake investigatory work in relation to the flooding as we prioritise work to clear water and debris from our road network.\n\nMy officials will consider the cause of the flooding and identify if any remedial works can be undertaken to alleviate this problem in the future.","answerHtml":"Storm Chandra brought high winds and significant levels of rainfall in a relatively short period of time, resulting in a number of incidents of flooding across our road network including the Hillsborough area at the location mentioned.
Given the extent of the disruption across the road network, it will take time for staff to undertake investigatory work in relation to the flooding as we prioritise work to clear water and debris from our road network.
My officials will consider the cause of the flooding and identify if any remedial works can be undertaken to alleviate this problem in the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039433%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468744","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468744"}},{"id":"468233","reference":"AQW 39215/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any urgent action her Department will take, to ensure flooding underneath the railway bridge on the A26 Moira roundabout, does not continue to occur.","answerText":"Storm Chandra was a multi-weather event which brought wind and unprecedented rain, causing widespread flooding issues. Alongside our multi-agency partners, officials worked in difficult conditions to respond and minimise disruption.\n\nI am advised that the road gullies at the Moira Roundabout on the A26 drain into open channels situated on adjacent land. At the start of January 2026, the gullies and open drains within the vicinity of this location were cleaned however due to heavy rainfall in the weeks leading up to Storm Chandra, the River Lagan was at a very high level already, which contributed to the flooding.\n\nInspection and maintenance of gullies and drains are critical components of rural infrastructure management and officials will continue to monitor these and arrange regular cleaning to mitigate the effects of such weather events.","answerHtml":"Storm Chandra was a multi-weather event which brought wind and unprecedented rain, causing widespread flooding issues. Alongside our multi-agency partners, officials worked in difficult conditions to respond and minimise disruption.
I am advised that the road gullies at the Moira Roundabout on the A26 drain into open channels situated on adjacent land. At the start of January 2026, the gullies and open drains within the vicinity of this location were cleaned however due to heavy rainfall in the weeks leading up to Storm Chandra, the River Lagan was at a very high level already, which contributed to the flooding.
Inspection and maintenance of gullies and drains are critical components of rural infrastructure management and officials will continue to monitor these and arrange regular cleaning to mitigate the effects of such weather events.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039215%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468233","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468233"}},{"id":"468232","reference":"AQW 39214/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the recommendations from the Education Authority and his Department's review into school closure procedures, following Storm Amy, were applied for Storm Chandra.","answerText":"The implementation of the recommendations arising from the Storm Amy review remains a key priority for my Departmental officials and working closely with Education Authority (EA) colleagues, continue to make good progress.\n\nThe Report highlighted several issues relating to communication with schools, including the need for all future EA messaging to be agreed with the Department and to clearly set out the nature of any closure and the required actions.\n\nThese recommendations were implemented in practice during Storm Chandra, when the requirement for the EA to seek approval for all communications through the Department’s Press Office ensured consistent, timely and clear messaging regarding the emergency school closures.\n\nA small number of recommendations remain in progress, and these are being taken forward as a priority. This includes the development of an Education Civil Contingencies Protocol, which is anticipated to be finalised within the coming weeks.","answerHtml":"The implementation of the recommendations arising from the Storm Amy review remains a key priority for my Departmental officials and working closely with Education Authority (EA) colleagues, continue to make good progress.
The Report highlighted several issues relating to communication with schools, including the need for all future EA messaging to be agreed with the Department and to clearly set out the nature of any closure and the required actions.
These recommendations were implemented in practice during Storm Chandra, when the requirement for the EA to seek approval for all communications through the Department’s Press Office ensured consistent, timely and clear messaging regarding the emergency school closures.
A small number of recommendations remain in progress, and these are being taken forward as a priority. This includes the development of an Education Civil Contingencies Protocol, which is anticipated to be finalised within the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039214%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468232","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468232"}},{"id":"468231","reference":"AQW 39213/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether her Department will undertake an urgent review to determine how the M1 west bound, between junction six, Saintfield Road, and junction eight at Blaris, became flooded during Storm Chandra; and (ii) to detail any preventative work that can take place to stop it happening again.","answerText":"Storm Chandra brought high winds and significant levels of rainfall in a relatively short period of time, resulting in a number of incidents of flooding across our road network, including on the M1 west bound.\n\nGiven the extent of the disruption across the road network, it will take time for staff to undertake investigatory work in relation to the flooding as we prioritise work to clear water and debris from our road network.\n\nThis particular stretch of the M1 is managed on our behalf through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract. My officials will work with the contractor to determine the cause of the flooding and identify if any remedial works can be undertaken to alleviate this problem in the future.","answerHtml":"Storm Chandra brought high winds and significant levels of rainfall in a relatively short period of time, resulting in a number of incidents of flooding across our road network, including on the M1 west bound.
Given the extent of the disruption across the road network, it will take time for staff to undertake investigatory work in relation to the flooding as we prioritise work to clear water and debris from our road network.
This particular stretch of the M1 is managed on our behalf through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract. My officials will work with the contractor to determine the cause of the flooding and identify if any remedial works can be undertaken to alleviate this problem in the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039213%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468231","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468231"}},{"id":"468016","reference":"AQW 39102/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-26","answerBy":"2026-02-10","answered":"2026-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools with school crossing patrols, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol (SCP) scheme and for the employment of SCP officers. It has advised that schools should contact their local EA transport office to discuss options to cover a vacant SCP post on a temporary basis.\n\nIt is important that even where a school has identified an individual who could fill an SCP role on a temporary basis, they must first seek EA advice and approval. For an individual to be legally permitted to stop traffic under the SCP scheme, they must be appointed by the EA as an SCP and must be operating at an EA approved location with the statutory uniform and signage. An individual attempting to stop traffic without EA authority is not covered or indemnified by the EA for any legal consequences arising from unauthorised schoolcrossing activities and may be committing an offence.\n\nThe EA has advised that it currently employs 345 SCPs and has provided information below detailing the number of SCPs employed in each of the last five financial years.\n\nFinancial Year\t2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\nNumber of SCPs\t449\t431\t388\t365\t329","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol (SCP) scheme and for the employment of SCP officers. It has advised that schools should contact their local EA transport office to discuss options to cover a vacant SCP post on a temporary basis.
It is important that even where a school has identified an individual who could fill an SCP role on a temporary basis, they must first seek EA advice and approval. For an individual to be legally permitted to stop traffic under the SCP scheme, they must be appointed by the EA as an SCP and must be operating at an EA approved location with the statutory uniform and signage. An individual attempting to stop traffic without EA authority is not covered or indemnified by the EA for any legal consequences arising from unauthorised schoolcrossing activities and may be committing an offence.
The EA has advised that it currently employs 345 SCPs and has provided information below detailing the number of SCPs employed in each of the last five financial years.
| Financial Year | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Number of SCPs | 449 | 431 | 388 | 365 | 329 |
The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol (SCP) scheme and for the employment of SCP officers. It has advised that schools should contact their local EA transport office to discuss options to cover a vacant SCP post on a temporary basis.
It is important that even where a school has identified an individual who could fill an SCP role on a temporary basis, they must first seek EA advice and approval. For an individual to be legally permitted to stop traffic under the SCP scheme, they must be appointed by the EA as an SCP and must be operating at an EA approved location with the statutory uniform and signage. An individual attempting to stop traffic without EA authority is not covered or indemnified by the EA for any legal consequences arising from unauthorised schoolcrossing activities and may be committing an offence.
The EA has advised that it currently employs 345 SCPs and has provided information below detailing the number of SCPs employed in each of the last five financial years.
| Financial Year | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Number of SCPs | 449 | 431 | 388 | 365 | 329 |
I have included in the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy a range of proposed actions to support children and early years settings. This includes a commitment to introduce an integrated Early Years Curriculum Framework for children aged 0–6 that provides a learning continuum for children below compulsory school age and through the transition to formal education.
This action flowed from a recommendation contained in the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and was also raised by key early learning and childcare stakeholders during the strategy development process. It also includes actions in relation to the expansion of services for children facing disadvantage through my Department’s Sure Start Programme and Pathway Fund, and the expansion of developmental provision for children aged 2–3 (in their pre-pre school year) as well as building the sustainability and capacity of the ELC sector and enhance the early years infrastructure through a skilled and valued workforce.
I also secured funding of £4.5m in 2025/26 from the ELC budget for the Pre-school Inclusion Fund to support DE funded pre-school education providers to meet the needs of children in their settings who have or may have special educational needs requiring early additional support. The Fund provides flexibility to those settings to secure additional staffing hours or specific training and/ or source external supports.
The draft Strategy was published for public consultation on 17th December 2025 and I welcome all comments on it. Decisions on the implementation and timing of the draft actions within the draft Strategy will largely depend on the outcome of public consultation and the availability of funding from the Northern Ireland Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038989%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467734","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467734"}},{"id":"467733","reference":"AQW 38988/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-23","answerBy":"2026-02-09","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any monitoring of school preparedness currently taking place in (i) pre-schools; and (ii) primary schools.","answerText":"DE does not assess or monitor 'school preparedness'. The 3+ Review, conducted by Health Visitors in pre-school settings, is designed to assess children's overall development before they enter formal education.\n\nIt also helps to identify any developmental needs; facilitating early provision of support where required or onward referral if needed and assists the pre-school in planning for the whole class, or for individual children.","answerHtml":"DE does not assess or monitor 'school preparedness'. The 3+ Review, conducted by Health Visitors in pre-school settings, is designed to assess children's overall development before they enter formal education.
It also helps to identify any developmental needs; facilitating early provision of support where required or onward referral if needed and assists the pre-school in planning for the whole class, or for individual children.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038988%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467733","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467733"}},{"id":"467732","reference":"AQW 38987/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-23","answerBy":"2026-02-09","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how each Health and Social Care Trust coordinates adult day centre placements.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) advise on receiving a referral for a day centre placement, an assessment of the individuals needs is undertaken by the Trust. Following this assessment of need, the Trust will work in partnership with the individual and their family representatives/carers as appropriate, to co-ordinate appropriate support and service provision, aligned to assessed need.\n\nDue to demand for day centre placements, HSCTS may on occasion operate a waiting list. HSCTs may consider alternatives to daycentre, based on assessed need, including day opportunities, community and voluntary services, home care provision or direct payments. HSCTs undertake Reviews of individuals’ needs periodically to ensure service provision continues to meet assessed need.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) advise on receiving a referral for a day centre placement, an assessment of the individuals needs is undertaken by the Trust. Following this assessment of need, the Trust will work in partnership with the individual and their family representatives/carers as appropriate, to co-ordinate appropriate support and service provision, aligned to assessed need.
Due to demand for day centre placements, HSCTS may on occasion operate a waiting list. HSCTs may consider alternatives to daycentre, based on assessed need, including day opportunities, community and voluntary services, home care provision or direct payments. HSCTs undertake Reviews of individuals’ needs periodically to ensure service provision continues to meet assessed need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038987%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467732","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467732"}},{"id":"467731","reference":"AQW 38986/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-23","answerBy":"2026-02-09","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there is transport support available to adults attending day centres outside of their Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) report day centre attendance and transport provision may be provided within Trust areas following assessment and in accordance with assessed need. HSCTs provided the following response in respect of transport to day centres outside their Trust geographical boundary.\n\nNorthern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT):\n\nThe NHSCT advise that they do not typically provide transport to day centres outside of their Trust area. The Trust further advised the exception to this is if the Trust resident had been assessed as having complex needs that could only be met by a service outside of the Trust.\n\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT):\n\nThe SHSCT advise that they will provide transport to Day Centres outside of the Trust boundary if required by the assessed needs of the individual.\n\nWestern Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT):\n\nThe WHSCT advise that they do not provide transport outside of their Trust boundary.\n\nSouthern Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT):\n\nThe SEHSCT advise the Trust only provides transport to day centres within their Trust area only.\n\nBelfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT):\n\nThe BHSCT advise that they do not place individuals outside of the BHSCT Trust boundary, with transport then provided within the Trust geographical area","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) report day centre attendance and transport provision may be provided within Trust areas following assessment and in accordance with assessed need. HSCTs provided the following response in respect of transport to day centres outside their Trust geographical boundary.
Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT):
The NHSCT advise that they do not typically provide transport to day centres outside of their Trust area. The Trust further advised the exception to this is if the Trust resident had been assessed as having complex needs that could only be met by a service outside of the Trust.
Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT):
The SHSCT advise that they will provide transport to Day Centres outside of the Trust boundary if required by the assessed needs of the individual.
Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT):
The WHSCT advise that they do not provide transport outside of their Trust boundary.
Southern Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT):
The SEHSCT advise the Trust only provides transport to day centres within their Trust area only.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT):
The BHSCT advise that they do not place individuals outside of the BHSCT Trust boundary, with transport then provided within the Trust geographical area
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038986%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467731","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467731"}},{"id":"467420","reference":"AQO 3025/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-22","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline any work that is ongoing to ensure schools are getting value for money through maintenance contracts and are not having to pay excessive amounts.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan (The Minister of Education)","text":"The Education Authority (EA) is implementing its new term service contracts for maintenance and minor works. Sixteen of the 18 lots have been awarded, with 10 lots already implemented across Northern Ireland. It is anticipated that all 16 lots awarded will be fully implemented by 1 April 2026. The new contracts have been designed to strengthen value for money, through a combination of improved commercial controls, clearer performance management and greater cost certainty. Contract pricing has been benchmarked through competitive procurement, with clear schedules of rates and fixed pricing addendums. Stronger contract management arrangements, including enhanced reporting and governance, provide earlier visibility of emerging issues and reduce the risk of cost escalation over the contract term. The contracts also include a local management of schools addendum for cost certainty. That means that the most requested maintenance activities have set prices fixed for the duration of the contract, ensuring assurance and transparency for school leaders. In addition, improved data and reporting requirements support better forward planning and more informed decisions for capital investments. In addition to the new contracts, a pilot project is currently being agreed by the EA to test the delegation of low-value tenant maintenance, such as painting and carpeting, to schools in the 2026-27 financial year."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you, Minister, for that response. In the midst of the financial crisis in education, it is vital that we have confidence that procurement is achieving value for money. A school leader in our constituency recently vented his frustration to me that the EA procurement frameworks were not delivering on that. He was forced to pay an annual fee of over £600 for one supplier, yet he still had to pay that supplier a further £500 in fees to deliver pretty much nothing. Yet, in another sector, he used the same supplier who charged him considerably less. Minister, can you provide an assurance that the new systems will achieve value for money for schools and ensure that the taxpayer and our schools are not being ripped off by those contracts?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I share exactly the same sentiments that the Member has articulated. It is a frustration of mine when principals outline that they would be able to achieve greater value for money by going into a direct contract award instead of having to go through the EA. When I engage with the EA on that, it outlines that, when it comes to the economy of scale of being a large purchaser and being able to secure contracts, it can deliver greater value for money than allowing schools to be able to procure things individually. That is an open question for people to interrogate. I have engaged with the EA on that to try to identify lower-value spend, which should be at the discretion of the school. Understandably, there needs to be a procurement framework for significant capital works, but, where there is low-value spend, there should be greater levels of autonomy for schools, and I outlined in my initial response some of the work that is being taken forward to provide for that."},{"speaker":"Mrs Cameron","text":"Will the Minister outline the work that is being done to allow schools greater flexibility in procurement within the existing frameworks?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I touched on that in my earlier response. The EA is looking at options through a pilot scheme to give schools greater autonomy in purchasing low-value consumables through their delegated budget and choosing whether to use EA frameworks or alternative suppliers. The main objective of the project will be to assess the potential benefits and impact of removing the mandate to use framework arrangements. In addition, the pilot will assess the level of risk attached to schools undertaking procurement below the £10,000 threshold in the absence of the EA's centre of procurement expertise support and knowledge, and that will be part of the outworkings of the pilot that the EA wishes to take forward."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203025%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467420","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-02-02&docID=468375#AQO%203025/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467420"}},{"id":"467312","reference":"AQW 38774/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-21","answerBy":"2026-02-05","answered":"2026-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 31465/22-27, whether he has plans to develop legislation to ensure all children must be registered with the Education Authority.","answerText":"In Northern Ireland, the legal responsibility for ensuring that a child receives an education rests with their parents, who may choose to provide that education at home. Currently, there is no legislation in Northern Ireland requiring home educating parents to register their child with the Education Authority or the Department of Education and this reflects the current position in other UK jurisdictions.\n\nAs part of the ‘Attendance Matters Strategy’, my Department is developing a policy around children missing education which will be refined following the Attendance Matters consultation. This work will consider the legislative position and developments in other jurisdictions and may involve exploring the case for introducing a mandatory register of children who are not registered in the formal grant aided school system.","answerHtml":"In Northern Ireland, the legal responsibility for ensuring that a child receives an education rests with their parents, who may choose to provide that education at home. Currently, there is no legislation in Northern Ireland requiring home educating parents to register their child with the Education Authority or the Department of Education and this reflects the current position in other UK jurisdictions.
As part of the ‘Attendance Matters Strategy’, my Department is developing a policy around children missing education which will be refined following the Attendance Matters consultation. This work will consider the legislative position and developments in other jurisdictions and may involve exploring the case for introducing a mandatory register of children who are not registered in the formal grant aided school system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038774%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467312","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467312"}},{"id":"467311","reference":"AQW 38773/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-21","answerBy":"2026-02-05","answered":"2026-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils being electively home educated, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has provided the information below in respect of the number of children it was informed of who were being electively home educated in each of the last five years. Whilst the EA is aware of children who have attended and subsequently been deregistered from a school, there is no duty on parents to inform the Department of Education or the EA if they have chosen to educate their children at home. Thus, there is no complete record of children being electively home educated in Northern Ireland.\n\nYear\tNumber of Pupils recorded as EHE\n2025-2026 (as at Jan 2026)\t1150\n2024/2025\t1220\n2023/2024\t1060\n2022/2023\t907\n2021/2022\t808","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has provided the information below in respect of the number of children it was informed of who were being electively home educated in each of the last five years. Whilst the EA is aware of children who have attended and subsequently been deregistered from a school, there is no duty on parents to inform the Department of Education or the EA if they have chosen to educate their children at home. Thus, there is no complete record of children being electively home educated in Northern Ireland.
| Year | Number of Pupils recorded as EHE |
| 2025-2026 (as at Jan 2026) | 1150 |
| 2024/2025 | 1220 |
| 2023/2024 | 1060 |
| 2022/2023 | 907 |
| 2021/2022 | 808 |
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) already considers a school’s policy in relation to restricting the use of mobile phones under the broader heading of ‘Health, Wellbeing and Keeping Safe’. Inspectors scrutinise associated policy documentation, coupled with direct observation of learning and teaching in the classroom to evaluate the effectiveness of the policies in practice, rather than compliance alone. Any areas requiring action will be referenced explicitly in the inspection report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038772%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467310","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467310"}},{"id":"467309","reference":"AQW 38771/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-21","answerBy":"2026-02-05","answered":"2026-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when he will make a decision on Downshire Primary School's development proposal to integrated status.","answerText":"Development Proposal (DP) 735 which proposes that Downshire Primary School will transform to Controlled Integrated Status, with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, was published by the Education Authority on 11 September 2024.\n\nA report on the proposal has recently been submitted to me for consideration by my officials.\n\nThe assessment of any DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all children and to ensure they have access to high quality education that is viable and sustainable in the long term.\n\nI am aware of the need for clarity and certainty for the school and its community; therefore, I will endeavour to provide that clarity and certainty as soon as practically possible.","answerHtml":"Development Proposal (DP) 735 which proposes that Downshire Primary School will transform to Controlled Integrated Status, with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, was published by the Education Authority on 11 September 2024.
A report on the proposal has recently been submitted to me for consideration by my officials.
The assessment of any DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all children and to ensure they have access to high quality education that is viable and sustainable in the long term.
I am aware of the need for clarity and certainty for the school and its community; therefore, I will endeavour to provide that clarity and certainty as soon as practically possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038771%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467309","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467309"}},{"id":"466886","reference":"AQW 38545/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-19","answerBy":"2026-02-03","answered":"2026-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he is considering a recruitment drive to improve waiting times for ADHD assessments.","answerText":"The Department commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD in early February 2025, the findings of which will help inform options for a commissioned ADHD service, subject to future budget availability in an extremely challenging financial environment.\n\nThe needs assessment, which covers both adults and children, will aim to determine the level of demand for a commissioned service, as well as recommendations for what such a service might look like. Consideration of future staffing requirements has formed an integral part of the needs assessment.\n\nThe final ADHD needs assessment report was received by the Department at the end of November 2025. The report is currently under consideration, with a view to identifying next steps and arranging publication thereafter. It is anticipated that the report will be published in early 2026.","answerHtml":"The Department commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD in early February 2025, the findings of which will help inform options for a commissioned ADHD service, subject to future budget availability in an extremely challenging financial environment.
The needs assessment, which covers both adults and children, will aim to determine the level of demand for a commissioned service, as well as recommendations for what such a service might look like. Consideration of future staffing requirements has formed an integral part of the needs assessment.
The final ADHD needs assessment report was received by the Department at the end of November 2025. The report is currently under consideration, with a view to identifying next steps and arranging publication thereafter. It is anticipated that the report will be published in early 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038545%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466886","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466886"}},{"id":"466885","reference":"AQW 38544/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-19","answerBy":"2026-02-03","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions being taken to improve waiting times for ADHD assessments.","answerText":"There is currently no commissioned service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Northern Ireland. ADHD provision has evolved across Trusts in response to population demand and expertise within HSC teams. There is some provision available across the Health and Social Care system, but there are inconsistencies and lengthy waiting times across Trusts. In response, the Department commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD in early February 2025, with the purpose of informing options for a commissioned ADHD service across Trusts, subject to future budget availability.\n\nThe needs assessment, which covers both adults and children, aimed to determine the level of demand for a commissioned service, as well as recommendations for what such a service might look like, including potential implementation and staffing costs. The final needs assessment was received by the Department on 30 November 2025 (in line with the revised agreed timeframe for completion) and subsequently published on 12 February 2026, noting that any decisions on future commissioning of ADHD services would be in the context of overall affordability.\n\nOfficials have now commenced an options appraisal process to identify what options could potentially be implemented in the short to medium term to help address the need for ADHD services.\n\nThe Department is currently operating within a constrained budget and is required to make decisions in relation to the work that can be delivered within current resources. Any decision to commission services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, and in the context of future budget availability.","answerHtml":"There is currently no commissioned service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Northern Ireland. ADHD provision has evolved across Trusts in response to population demand and expertise within HSC teams. There is some provision available across the Health and Social Care system, but there are inconsistencies and lengthy waiting times across Trusts. In response, the Department commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD in early February 2025, with the purpose of informing options for a commissioned ADHD service across Trusts, subject to future budget availability.
The needs assessment, which covers both adults and children, aimed to determine the level of demand for a commissioned service, as well as recommendations for what such a service might look like, including potential implementation and staffing costs. The final needs assessment was received by the Department on 30 November 2025 (in line with the revised agreed timeframe for completion) and subsequently published on 12 February 2026, noting that any decisions on future commissioning of ADHD services would be in the context of overall affordability.
Officials have now commenced an options appraisal process to identify what options could potentially be implemented in the short to medium term to help address the need for ADHD services.
The Department is currently operating within a constrained budget and is required to make decisions in relation to the work that can be delivered within current resources. Any decision to commission services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, and in the context of future budget availability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038544%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466885"}},{"id":"466705","reference":"AQW 38433/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-16","answerBy":"2026-01-22","answered":"2026-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, given the requirement in paragraph six of TNC2011/2 on tackling violence/abuse against teachers in schools which states the Employing Authority should also collate all information received on incidents of violence or abusive behaviour against teachers and submit an annual report to the Teachers‘ Negotiating Committee (TNC), for information, to detail (i) the number of reports provided to the TNC, broken down by employing authority, in each of the last five years; and (ii) the number of incidents reported in each yearly report, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"Assaults on school staff are not reported to my Department but instead are reported to the Education Authority (EA).\n\nParagraph 6 of TNC 2011/2 details that all incidents of abusive behaviour should be reported to the principal of the school or other designated teacher who shall then record and report the incident to their Employing Authority.\n\nThe Employing Authority is required then to assess the incident and determine if it is reportable under the provisions of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations Northern Ireland, 1997.\n\nAs you state in your question, the Employing Authority should provide an annual report to the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) for their information.\n\nWhile we are aware that collation of these incidents is being maintained by the employing authority, we are only aware of one report being provided to members of TNC by the Education Authority (EA) on behalf of the EA and CCMS in the past five years.\n\nThe EA has been maintaining the number of incidents involving assaults against staff and provided the following data in response to previous Assembly Questions, which details reported assaults against staff within both Controlled Schools and Catholic Maintained Schools in each of the past 5 years:\n\nYear\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\tTOTAL\nNumber of reported assaults against staff\t790\t1273\t1578\t2080\t3579\t9300\n\nThese figures have also been broken down into school type:\n\nSchool Type\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\tGrand Total\nNursery\t0\t2\t0\t13\t8\t23\nOther\t2\t8\t14\t44\t21\t89\nPost Primary\t8\t5\t7\t9\t6\t35\nPrimary\t39\t35\t113\t119\t288\t594\nSpecial\t741\t1223\t1444\t1895\t3256\t8559\nGrand Total\t790\t1273\t1578\t2080\t3579\t9300","answerHtml":"Assaults on school staff are not reported to my Department but instead are reported to the Education Authority (EA).
Paragraph 6 of TNC 2011/2 details that all incidents of abusive behaviour should be reported to the principal of the school or other designated teacher who shall then record and report the incident to their Employing Authority.
The Employing Authority is required then to assess the incident and determine if it is reportable under the provisions of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations Northern Ireland, 1997.
As you state in your question, the Employing Authority should provide an annual report to the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) for their information.
While we are aware that collation of these incidents is being maintained by the employing authority, we are only aware of one report being provided to members of TNC by the Education Authority (EA) on behalf of the EA and CCMS in the past five years.
The EA has been maintaining the number of incidents involving assaults against staff and provided the following data in response to previous Assembly Questions, which details reported assaults against staff within both Controlled Schools and Catholic Maintained Schools in each of the past 5 years:
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | TOTAL |
| Number of reported assaults against staff | 790 | 1273 | 1578 | 2080 | 3579 | 9300 |
These figures have also been broken down into school type:
| School Type | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Grand Total |
| Nursery | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 8 | 23 |
| Other | 2 | 8 | 14 | 44 | 21 | 89 |
| Post Primary | 8 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 35 |
| Primary | 39 | 35 | 113 | 119 | 288 | 594 |
| Special | 741 | 1223 | 1444 | 1895 | 3256 | 8559 |
| Grand Total | 790 | 1273 | 1578 | 2080 | 3579 | 9300 |
The vascular varicose vein outpatient service is delivered by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, providing a specialist regional service within Northern Ireland.
There are currently two ways in which a patient can access vascular services within Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; either from a referral by an Emergency Department or by referral by a GP or another clinician.
Due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins.
Patients are now assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals which do not meet these criteria will not be offered an outpatient appointment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038432%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466704","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466704"}},{"id":"466703","reference":"AQW 38431/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-16","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 36768/22-27, to detail (i) how GPs can request a case review by an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) panel; and (ii) whether the EUR panel is independent of the Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"An appeals process can be developed whereby a consultant or GP can make an appeal on behalf of the patient. The appeal panel will be led by the SPPG and will have clinical input from Trusts and the PHA.\n\nAn appeal can be made if the patient does not meet the criteria in the EUR policy commissioning position but the consultant/GP believes that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean the patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. The panel will consider the appeals and ensure that the decision making processes are fair, equitable and ethical.\n\nThe consultant/GP must:\n\nProvide details as to what extent, if at all, the patient meets the criteria;\n\nDescribe why the consultant/GP considers the patient to be clinically exceptional.\n\nThe definition of exceptionality on which appeals will be considered is:\n\nThe patient is significantly different to the general population of patients with the condition in question.\n\nAND\n\nIs likely to gain significantly more benefit from the intervention than might normally be expected for patients with that condition.\n\nA small panel will be convened, comprising SPPG, Public Health Agency (PHA) and HSC Trust representation (none of whom to have any previous involvement in the individual case) to assess the exceptional clinical circumstances. Every appeal shall be considered on its own merits, although particular care will be taken to identify and consider any exceptional circumstances that might demand or permit a departure from established policy and practice.\n\nAppeals should only be submitted to SPPG via a GP or Consultant and emailed via eur@hscnni.net","answerHtml":"An appeals process can be developed whereby a consultant or GP can make an appeal on behalf of the patient. The appeal panel will be led by the SPPG and will have clinical input from Trusts and the PHA.
An appeal can be made if the patient does not meet the criteria in the EUR policy commissioning position but the consultant/GP believes that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean the patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. The panel will consider the appeals and ensure that the decision making processes are fair, equitable and ethical.
The consultant/GP must:
Provide details as to what extent, if at all, the patient meets the criteria;
Describe why the consultant/GP considers the patient to be clinically exceptional.
The definition of exceptionality on which appeals will be considered is:
The patient is significantly different to the general population of patients with the condition in question.
AND
Is likely to gain significantly more benefit from the intervention than might normally be expected for patients with that condition.
A small panel will be convened, comprising SPPG, Public Health Agency (PHA) and HSC Trust representation (none of whom to have any previous involvement in the individual case) to assess the exceptional clinical circumstances. Every appeal shall be considered on its own merits, although particular care will be taken to identify and consider any exceptional circumstances that might demand or permit a departure from established policy and practice.
Appeals should only be submitted to SPPG via a GP or Consultant and emailed via eur@hscnni.net
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038431%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466703","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466703"}},{"id":"466702","reference":"AQW 38430/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-16","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there is a criteria for GPs to refer patients to a tissue viability nurses.","answerText":"My Department does not routinely commission set criteria for referral but would expect clinicians to consider recognised best practice guidance in determining the most appropriate pathways for their patient. Primary care referrals to secondary care can be informed or supported by criteria or advice from secondary care colleagues but a patient’s GP can always make a referral to a hospital Trust if they consider this to be the most appropriate route or in the best clinical interests of the patient.\n\nWithin South Eastern Trust, the Tissue Viability (TV) Team has five tissue viability nurses and a specialist tissue viability lead nurse. They provide specialist wound management and preventative advice for patients with complex aetiologies/ comorbidities and psychosocial issues. The TV team also provides practical support and education in wound management in the clinical setting.\n\nAll patients with wounds or who are at risk of tissue damage and require specialist advice from the tissue viability team, will be assessed and treated in a manner, which considers all aspects of the individual’s health care needs to improve patient experience and outcomes.\n\nReferrals to the service can be made via Primary Care Connect via GPs, community nurses, pharmacists and other authorised clinicians. The service operates Monday to Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm (excluding bank holidays), Tel: 02895 988000.\n\nI hope this overview of the HSC arrangements in your constituency addresses any concerns you may have.","answerHtml":"My Department does not routinely commission set criteria for referral but would expect clinicians to consider recognised best practice guidance in determining the most appropriate pathways for their patient. Primary care referrals to secondary care can be informed or supported by criteria or advice from secondary care colleagues but a patient’s GP can always make a referral to a hospital Trust if they consider this to be the most appropriate route or in the best clinical interests of the patient.
Within South Eastern Trust, the Tissue Viability (TV) Team has five tissue viability nurses and a specialist tissue viability lead nurse. They provide specialist wound management and preventative advice for patients with complex aetiologies/ comorbidities and psychosocial issues. The TV team also provides practical support and education in wound management in the clinical setting.
All patients with wounds or who are at risk of tissue damage and require specialist advice from the tissue viability team, will be assessed and treated in a manner, which considers all aspects of the individual’s health care needs to improve patient experience and outcomes.
Referrals to the service can be made via Primary Care Connect via GPs, community nurses, pharmacists and other authorised clinicians. The service operates Monday to Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm (excluding bank holidays), Tel: 02895 988000.
I hope this overview of the HSC arrangements in your constituency addresses any concerns you may have.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038430%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466702","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466702"}},{"id":"466701","reference":"AQW 38429/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-16","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) whether her Department has an up-to-date register of salt and grit bin locations; and (ii) how often her Department updates this register.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department keeps an up-to-date register of salt and grit bin locations which is updated when salt bins are added to the network through application and successful assessment or when removed by request or through non usage.\n\nThe most recent totals are shown in the table below:\n\nSalt Bin Location\tCount\nEastern Division\nBelfast North\t373\nBelfast South\t204\nLisburn and Castlereagh\t416\nEastern Total\t993\nNorthern Division\nAntrim and Newtownabbey\t389\nCauseway Coast and Glens East\t167\nCauseway Coast and Glens West\t522\nMid and East Antrim\t400\nNorthern Total\t1478\nSouthern Division\nArds and North Down\t425\nArmagh Banbridge and Craigavon East\t477\nArmagh Banbridge and Craigavon West\t326\nNewry Mourne and Down West\t384\nNewry Mourne and Down East\t405\nSouthern Total\t2017\nWestern Division\nFermanagh and Omagh East\t219\nFermanagh and Omagh West\t222\nLondonderry and Strabane\t424\nMid Ulster North\t250\nMid Ulster South\t260\nWestern Total\t1375\nDepartmental Total\t5863","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department keeps an up-to-date register of salt and grit bin locations which is updated when salt bins are added to the network through application and successful assessment or when removed by request or through non usage.
The most recent totals are shown in the table below:
| Salt Bin Location | Count |
| Eastern Division | |
| Belfast North | 373 |
| Belfast South | 204 |
| Lisburn and Castlereagh | 416 |
| Eastern Total | 993 |
| Northern Division | |
| Antrim and Newtownabbey | 389 |
| Causeway Coast and Glens East | 167 |
| Causeway Coast and Glens West | 522 |
| Mid and East Antrim | 400 |
| Northern Total | 1478 |
| Southern Division | |
| Ards and North Down | 425 |
| Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon East | 477 |
| Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon West | 326 |
| Newry Mourne and Down West | 384 |
| Newry Mourne and Down East | 405 |
| Southern Total | 2017 |
| Western Division | |
| Fermanagh and Omagh East | 219 |
| Fermanagh and Omagh West | 222 |
| Londonderry and Strabane | 424 |
| Mid Ulster North | 250 |
| Mid Ulster South | 260 |
| Western Total | 1375 |
| Departmental Total | 5863 |
Work on the development of policy in this area continues with Children Missing Education included as one six priorities in the draft ‘Attendance Matters’ strategy, which is currently out for public consultation.
Once the consultation responses have been collated and considered then officials will seek to consult and engage with stakeholders more widely on the draft Children Missing Education policy framework.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038353%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466483","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466483"}},{"id":"466482","reference":"AQW 38352/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-15","answerBy":"2026-01-30","answered":"2026-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether (i) he; or (ii) his Department, has contacted Ofcom with regards to the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023.","answerText":"I wrote to the Director of Ofcom in Northern Ireland following the publication of the Ofcom ‘Protection of Children Codes and Guidance’ (May 2025) highlighting the importance of its work in creating a safer life online through the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023, particularly in relation to children and young people.\n\nMy officials continue to engage with Ofcom representatives as part of the work of the Online Safety Strategy Cross Departmental Implementation Group chaired by the Department of Health.","answerHtml":"I wrote to the Director of Ofcom in Northern Ireland following the publication of the Ofcom ‘Protection of Children Codes and Guidance’ (May 2025) highlighting the importance of its work in creating a safer life online through the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023, particularly in relation to children and young people.
My officials continue to engage with Ofcom representatives as part of the work of the Online Safety Strategy Cross Departmental Implementation Group chaired by the Department of Health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038352%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466482","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466482"}},{"id":"466520","reference":"AQO 2990/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-15","answerBy":"2026-01-26","answered":"2026-01-26","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the Housing Supply Strategy 2024-2039, specifically in preventing families being made homeless from the private rental sector.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I will shortly bring the first action plan for the strategy to the Executive. The plan will detail a range of actions that Departments will deliver over the first three years. We know that increasing overall supply is the most effective way to prevent homelessness and reduce pressure on the private rented sector. The actions in the strategy action plan will therefore be focused on addressing the whole-system issues that impact on supply across all tenures. The strategy included a commitment to introduce much longer notice to quit periods for tenants in the private rented sector. I launched a consultation on the secondary legislation to enable that on 5 January, and I intend to put that protection in place later in the year."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"A recent report showed that the average monthly rent for a house in Northern Ireland had passed £1,000. How concerned is the Minister about the impact that that has on people who present as homeless?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I am concerned, because that is additional financial stress on people. Many struggle to find somewhere to live, and it is incumbent on us to do everything that we can to make sure that we have homes for people in Northern Ireland who need them. Those homes need to be across all tenures. That is why I have introduced the intermediate rent scheme, using financial transactions capital to get more homes built; it is why I am pushing for the revitalisation of the Housing Executive; it is why we are using Housing Executive reserves to buy more homes, so that we push down on the temporary accommodation budget as well; and it is why we are changing the housing association rates so that we can stretch the money further and build more homes. We recognise that that is a problem in the private rented sector. It affects everybody. That is why we need to do everything that we can to build more homes."},{"speaker":"Mr Brooks","text":"I agree with the Member who asked the question and with the Minister's response: things are getting incredibly difficult for those in the private rented sector. What will the Minister's fuel poverty strategy do for those people?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"It is important that the fuel poverty strategy help people across all tenures, not just those in housing association or Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties. Many of those who are most affected by these issues are in the private rented sector. We need to secure those interventions and help those who are impacted on most. I will make a significant announcement on that very soon."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We move on to topicals."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"I know that a question for urgent oral answer has been tabled on the Minister's latest breach of the ministerial code, so I will ask about something else."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202990%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466520","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-01-26&docID=467176#AQO%202990/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466520"}},{"id":"466308","reference":"AQW 38247/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-14","answerBy":"2026-01-19","answered":"2026-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any engagement his Department has had with HMRC to assess the impact of the removal of the 10 per cent wear-and-tear tax deduction for childminders, as part of the move to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, on (i) childminders in Northern Ireland; (ii) the sustainability of the childminding sector; and (iii) the (a) affordability; and (b) availability, of childcare for local families.","answerText":"My officials have raised this issue with HMRC, which is responsible for the administration of income tax. My officials pressed on what engagement HMRC has had, or is planning to have, with the local sector and what assessments have been carried out to gauge the impact of the proposed changes.\n\nHMRC has indicated that it has carried out an assessment of the impact for childminders, and it has found no devolution-specific issues. HMRC has also indicated that they expect the number of childminders impacted to be low and those that are impacted can continue to claim tax relief for wear and tear by deducting the actual cost of buying, repairing or replacing items. Childminders can also deduct the cost of business expenses such as utilities, cleaning and equipment. HMRC has indicated that this will allow childminders to receive tax relief for all of the costs that they incur in relation to their childminding business.\n\nHMRC has also stated that it is currently engaging with sector bodies, including with the NI Childminding Association (NICMA). My officials have pressed HMRC on the importance of recognising and acting on any concerns from the sector ahead of the proposed changes coming into effect.","answerHtml":"My officials have raised this issue with HMRC, which is responsible for the administration of income tax. My officials pressed on what engagement HMRC has had, or is planning to have, with the local sector and what assessments have been carried out to gauge the impact of the proposed changes.
HMRC has indicated that it has carried out an assessment of the impact for childminders, and it has found no devolution-specific issues. HMRC has also indicated that they expect the number of childminders impacted to be low and those that are impacted can continue to claim tax relief for wear and tear by deducting the actual cost of buying, repairing or replacing items. Childminders can also deduct the cost of business expenses such as utilities, cleaning and equipment. HMRC has indicated that this will allow childminders to receive tax relief for all of the costs that they incur in relation to their childminding business.
HMRC has also stated that it is currently engaging with sector bodies, including with the NI Childminding Association (NICMA). My officials have pressed HMRC on the importance of recognising and acting on any concerns from the sector ahead of the proposed changes coming into effect.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038247%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466308","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466308"}},{"id":"466307","reference":"AQW 38246/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-14","answerBy":"2026-01-29","answered":"2026-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has contacted Ofcom in relation to the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023.","answerText":"The Department of Health sponsors the Executives’ Online Safety Strategy and, as such, I receive regular updates from Ofcom regarding their implementation of the Online Safety Act. As part of this ongoing engagement, I met with Ofcom officials in October 2024 to discuss their work to deliver the requirements of the Act. In addition, at a recent meeting of the Online Safety Strategy Cross-Departmental Implementation Group (CDIG), Bimpe Archer from Ofcom provided members with an update on their ongoing work in this area.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health sponsors the Executives’ Online Safety Strategy and, as such, I receive regular updates from Ofcom regarding their implementation of the Online Safety Act. As part of this ongoing engagement, I met with Ofcom officials in October 2024 to discuss their work to deliver the requirements of the Act. In addition, at a recent meeting of the Online Safety Strategy Cross-Departmental Implementation Group (CDIG), Bimpe Archer from Ofcom provided members with an update on their ongoing work in this area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038246%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466307","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466307"}},{"id":"466306","reference":"AQW 38245/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-14","answerBy":"2026-01-29","answered":"2026-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he has written to any UK Government Ministers or Departments in relation to online safety of children and young people, in the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"Whilst I have not directly written to any UK Government Ministers or Departments in relation to online safety, my department maintains effective links with the wider UK online safety landscape through its sponsorship of the Executive’s Online Safety Strategy and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI). This includes ongoing engagement with Ofcom in its role as the independent regulator for Online Safety.\n\nAs the central body with responsibility for online safety in Northern Ireland, SBNI also participates in the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) Early Warnings Group, which supports timely information sharing and collaboration on the development of resources to strengthen online safety practice.","answerHtml":"Whilst I have not directly written to any UK Government Ministers or Departments in relation to online safety, my department maintains effective links with the wider UK online safety landscape through its sponsorship of the Executive’s Online Safety Strategy and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI). This includes ongoing engagement with Ofcom in its role as the independent regulator for Online Safety.
As the central body with responsibility for online safety in Northern Ireland, SBNI also participates in the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) Early Warnings Group, which supports timely information sharing and collaboration on the development of resources to strengthen online safety practice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038245%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466306","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466306"}},{"id":"466305","reference":"AQW 38244/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-14","answerBy":"2026-01-29","answered":"2026-01-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any work that has been progressed to provide schools with greater flexibility, in relation to procurement spend, through existing frameworks.","answerText":"The EA is considering the options available for providing schools with flexibility on the use of frameworks established for use by schools. This includes a potential pilot project that will provide schools with greater autonomy in purchasing low-value consumables from their delegated budget and the choice to use EA frameworks or alternative suppliers.\n\nThe objective will be to assess the potential benefits and impact of removing the mandate to use framework arrangements. In addition, the pilot will assess the level of risk attached to schools undertaking procurements below the £10,000 threshold (i.e. the absence of the EA’s CoPE support and expertise).","answerHtml":"The EA is considering the options available for providing schools with flexibility on the use of frameworks established for use by schools. This includes a potential pilot project that will provide schools with greater autonomy in purchasing low-value consumables from their delegated budget and the choice to use EA frameworks or alternative suppliers.
The objective will be to assess the potential benefits and impact of removing the mandate to use framework arrangements. In addition, the pilot will assess the level of risk attached to schools undertaking procurements below the £10,000 threshold (i.e. the absence of the EA’s CoPE support and expertise).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038244%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466305","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466305"}},{"id":"466304","reference":"AQW 38243/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-14","answerBy":"2026-01-29","answered":"2026-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has written to any UK Government (i) Ministers; or (ii) Departments, regarding concerns about online safety of children and young people, in the 2022- 27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"While I have not written to other UK Government Ministers or Departments regarding this, during my formal engagements with other Ministers we have discussed digital literacy, AI and the importance of effective regulation for its safe use.\n\nMy officials continue to work closely with colleagues and key stakeholders, across Northern Ireland departments, to ensure delivery of the objectives set out in the Northern Ireland Executive’s cross-departmental Online Safety Strategy Action Plan 2025-27.","answerHtml":"While I have not written to other UK Government Ministers or Departments regarding this, during my formal engagements with other Ministers we have discussed digital literacy, AI and the importance of effective regulation for its safe use.
My officials continue to work closely with colleagues and key stakeholders, across Northern Ireland departments, to ensure delivery of the objectives set out in the Northern Ireland Executive’s cross-departmental Online Safety Strategy Action Plan 2025-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038243%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466304","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466304"}},{"id":"466116","reference":"AQW 38134/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-13","answerBy":"2026-01-19","answered":"2026-01-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any engagement his Department has had with HMRC to assess the impact of the removal of the 10 per cent wear-and-tear tax deduction for childminders, as part of the move to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, on (i) childminders in Northern Ireland; (ii) the sustainability of the childminding sector; and (iii) the (a) affordability; and (b) availability, of childcare for local families.","answerText":"HMRC is responsible for tax policy and administration across the UK, including Northern Ireland. There has been no engagement by HMRC with my Department on the plans to replace the flat-rate 10% deduction for wear-and-tear with a system based on actual costs. It is my understanding that HMRC will publish guidance on the transition in early 2026.My officials will monitor any impact on childminder provision at a strategic level.\n\nThe draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, currently out for public consultation, includes actions to support the affordability and accessibility of childcare for families and the sustainability for providers, including childminders.\n\nFollowing the consultation process, implementation of agreed actions will be subject to Executive agreement and the availability of the budget required.","answerHtml":"HMRC is responsible for tax policy and administration across the UK, including Northern Ireland. There has been no engagement by HMRC with my Department on the plans to replace the flat-rate 10% deduction for wear-and-tear with a system based on actual costs. It is my understanding that HMRC will publish guidance on the transition in early 2026.My officials will monitor any impact on childminder provision at a strategic level.
The draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, currently out for public consultation, includes actions to support the affordability and accessibility of childcare for families and the sustainability for providers, including childminders.
Following the consultation process, implementation of agreed actions will be subject to Executive agreement and the availability of the budget required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038134%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466116","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466116"}},{"id":"466115","reference":"AQW 38133/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-13","answerBy":"2026-01-28","answered":"2026-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the cost of expanding the mobile phone pouch trial to all schools, and (ii) whether other options are being explored to implement the same policy, in a more financially sustainable way.","answerText":"The Department is currently running a pilot in nine post-primary schools across Northern Ireland to test the effectiveness of using lockable pouches as an approach to reducing mobile phone usage during the school day. The pilot is running from September 2025 until March 2026, with over 8000 pupils participating in the pilot.\n\nAn external evaluation of the pilot is being conducted by King’s College London, and the findings will help to inform future policy decisions, including any consideration of a wider roll-out. At this stage, no decision has been taken to expand beyond the current pilot and therefore a full cost model has not been developed. The Department is mindful of the need for any potential future approach to be provide value for money.","answerHtml":"The Department is currently running a pilot in nine post-primary schools across Northern Ireland to test the effectiveness of using lockable pouches as an approach to reducing mobile phone usage during the school day. The pilot is running from September 2025 until March 2026, with over 8000 pupils participating in the pilot.
An external evaluation of the pilot is being conducted by King’s College London, and the findings will help to inform future policy decisions, including any consideration of a wider roll-out. At this stage, no decision has been taken to expand beyond the current pilot and therefore a full cost model has not been developed. The Department is mindful of the need for any potential future approach to be provide value for money.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038133%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466115","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466115"}},{"id":"466114","reference":"AQW 38132/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-13","answerBy":"2026-01-28","answered":"2026-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the membership of the TransformED Local Academics Group.","answerText":"Membership of the TransformED Academics’ Panel is comprised of representatives from the following organisations listed below:\n\nJannette Elwood\tQueen's University Belfast\nTony Gallagher\tQueen's University Belfast\nDaniel Muijs\tQueen's University Belfast\nGavin Duffy\tQueen's University Belfast\nMartin Hagan\tSt Mary's University College\nGeraldine Magennis-Clarke\tSt Mary's University College\nWilliam Kitchen\tStranmillis University College\nPatricia Eaton\tStranmillis University College\nUna O'Connor Bones\tUlster University\nKelsey Shanks\tUlster University\nPaul Connolly\tUlster University\n\nIt should be noted that Geraldine Magennis-Clarke is currently on a one-year secondment to the Department of Education to support work on literacy development and will resume her position on the panel when her secondment is completed.","answerHtml":"Membership of the TransformED Academics’ Panel is comprised of representatives from the following organisations listed below:
| Jannette Elwood | Queen's University Belfast |
| Tony Gallagher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Daniel Muijs | Queen's University Belfast |
| Gavin Duffy | Queen's University Belfast |
| Martin Hagan | St Mary's University College |
| Geraldine Magennis-Clarke | St Mary's University College |
| William Kitchen | Stranmillis University College |
| Patricia Eaton | Stranmillis University College |
| Una O'Connor Bones | Ulster University |
| Kelsey Shanks | Ulster University |
| Paul Connolly | Ulster University |
It should be noted that Geraldine Magennis-Clarke is currently on a one-year secondment to the Department of Education to support work on literacy development and will resume her position on the panel when her secondment is completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038132%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466114","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466114"}},{"id":"466113","reference":"AQW 38131/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-13","answerBy":"2026-01-28","answered":"2026-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 37727/22-27, to detail whether he will use the power of direction to ensure all children have a place for September 2026.","answerText":"The Department of Education and Education Authority are currently considering all options to ensure placements for all children with statements of Special Education Needs for 2026.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education and Education Authority are currently considering all options to ensure placements for all children with statements of Special Education Needs for 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038131%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466113","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466113"}},{"id":"466953","reference":"AQO 2958/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-08","answerBy":"2026-01-20","answered":"2026-01-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice to outline the new You Matter pilot project for women and young men leaving Hydebank Wood College.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nWhile most people leaving prison will have a place to live, for some, leaving prison will be an uncertain time and can mean they have nowhere to stay. Homelessness can be a major barrier to reintegration, and this initiative aims to break that cycle by providing practical support and a sense of dignity at a critical point in their lives.\n\nThe “You Matter Bag” project was created in response to feedback from women and young men in Hydebank Wood who shared the emotional and practical challenges of leaving custody, particularly when facing homelessness, social disconnection or lack of immediate support. By listening to those with lived experience, the project ensures that solutions are not only effective but also respectful and person-centred.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Prison Service teamed up with Start 360 and Ardoyne Youth Club to support people leaving prison by providing each person, who was known to be homeless, with a ‘You Matter’ bag.\n\nThe bags were designed to provide practical tools for that first day such as toiletries including toothpaste, shower gel and antiperspirant, as well as water and cuppa soup, alongside information about where to go for food, shelter and help.\n\nThe bags were financed through a donation to Start360 from People’s Kitchen and were presented to Hydebank Wood College by Ardoyne Youth Club during Homeless Week which ran from 1 to 7 December 2025.\n\nThe project is a great example of partnership working, bringing together Start360 and Hydebank as well as the incredible young people from Ardoyne Youth Club, whose creativity and commitment has been instrumental in shaping this work. This highlights the power of community collaboration in tackling some of the most complex social challenges.\n\nAs a pilot, the project does not claim to solve systemic issues. It hopes to restore dignity, comfort and provide clarity on what comes next. The ambition is to build on its success and secure ongoing funding, so that every person leaving prison has the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
While most people leaving prison will have a place to live, for some, leaving prison will be an uncertain time and can mean they have nowhere to stay. Homelessness can be a major barrier to reintegration, and this initiative aims to break that cycle by providing practical support and a sense of dignity at a critical point in their lives.
The “You Matter Bag” project was created in response to feedback from women and young men in Hydebank Wood who shared the emotional and practical challenges of leaving custody, particularly when facing homelessness, social disconnection or lack of immediate support. By listening to those with lived experience, the project ensures that solutions are not only effective but also respectful and person-centred.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service teamed up with Start 360 and Ardoyne Youth Club to support people leaving prison by providing each person, who was known to be homeless, with a ‘You Matter’ bag.
The bags were designed to provide practical tools for that first day such as toiletries including toothpaste, shower gel and antiperspirant, as well as water and cuppa soup, alongside information about where to go for food, shelter and help.
The bags were financed through a donation to Start360 from People’s Kitchen and were presented to Hydebank Wood College by Ardoyne Youth Club during Homeless Week which ran from 1 to 7 December 2025.
The project is a great example of partnership working, bringing together Start360 and Hydebank as well as the incredible young people from Ardoyne Youth Club, whose creativity and commitment has been instrumental in shaping this work. This highlights the power of community collaboration in tackling some of the most complex social challenges.
As a pilot, the project does not claim to solve systemic issues. It hopes to restore dignity, comfort and provide clarity on what comes next. The ambition is to build on its success and secure ongoing funding, so that every person leaving prison has the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202958%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466953","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466953"}},{"id":"466912","reference":"AQO 2949/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-08","answerBy":"2026-01-19","answered":"2026-01-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will review her Department’s policy on the provision of grit boxes in residential areas, in light of reports from residents of these boxes being removed or not provided where they are required.","answerText":"Salt bins are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis on public roads which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule, providing the necessary criteria are met.\n\nResidents and proprietors can make an application to the Department to request the installation of a salt bin in their area however, provision of new salt boxes is not automatic and may be refused if the location in question is not on the publicly maintained road network; the gradient of the road in question is less than 5%; or if reasonable alternative routes are available.\n\nWhen considering requests for the provision of a salt bin, my officials carry out an evaluation using a criteria based system, which takes into account various factors including topography, traffic volume, road gradient/geometry, alternative routes as well as other factors such as residential usage and community facilities including schools, hospitals and care homes for the elderly.\n\nEqually, residents and proprietors can request the removal of a salt bin, and in some instances, a bin may be removed from a location due to lack of use. In which case, the bin is re-located.\n\nThe current criteria for the provision of salt bins is considered appropriate, and therefore there are no plans to review it at this time.","answerHtml":"Salt bins are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis on public roads which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule, providing the necessary criteria are met.
Residents and proprietors can make an application to the Department to request the installation of a salt bin in their area however, provision of new salt boxes is not automatic and may be refused if the location in question is not on the publicly maintained road network; the gradient of the road in question is less than 5%; or if reasonable alternative routes are available.
When considering requests for the provision of a salt bin, my officials carry out an evaluation using a criteria based system, which takes into account various factors including topography, traffic volume, road gradient/geometry, alternative routes as well as other factors such as residential usage and community facilities including schools, hospitals and care homes for the elderly.
Equally, residents and proprietors can request the removal of a salt bin, and in some instances, a bin may be removed from a location due to lack of use. In which case, the bin is re-located.
The current criteria for the provision of salt bins is considered appropriate, and therefore there are no plans to review it at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202949%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466912","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466912"}},{"id":"465122","reference":"AQW 37727/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-07","answerBy":"2026-01-22","answered":"2026-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) an update on school placements for those with special educational needs and disabilities; and (ii) the number of additional places which still need to be created for September 2026.","answerText":"Ensuring every child with a statement of special educational needs has an appropriate school placement remains a primary focus for my department and the Education Authority.\n\nSince 2020, circa 6,350 additional SEN places have been created in total.\n\n273 schools, approximately 26% of all schools in Northern Ireland, currently offer specialist provision. There are now over 700 specialist provision classes operating across a range of key stages.\n\nThe EA's early planning for September 2026 identified a need for approximately 950 additional places. EA has been actively working with schools and has already initiated projects estimated to accommodate approximately 350 of these placements across specialist provisions and special schools, reducing the cost and length of home to school transport, whilst enhancing positive integration across our school communities.\n\nThroughout November and December, the EA held engagement sessions both in person and online inviting over 300 schools in high-pressure areas to explore the development of specialist provisions within their school community, approximately 90 schools attended. EA is working with those schools that expressed an interest at the events to identify solutions.\n\nMy department and the EA remain committed to the vision that every child with SEN has access to a placement, in their local community and with their peers.\n\nThis will require a fundamental shift towards a system in which all schools offer specialist provision classes.","answerHtml":"Ensuring every child with a statement of special educational needs has an appropriate school placement remains a primary focus for my department and the Education Authority.
Since 2020, circa 6,350 additional SEN places have been created in total.
273 schools, approximately 26% of all schools in Northern Ireland, currently offer specialist provision. There are now over 700 specialist provision classes operating across a range of key stages.
The EA's early planning for September 2026 identified a need for approximately 950 additional places. EA has been actively working with schools and has already initiated projects estimated to accommodate approximately 350 of these placements across specialist provisions and special schools, reducing the cost and length of home to school transport, whilst enhancing positive integration across our school communities.
Throughout November and December, the EA held engagement sessions both in person and online inviting over 300 schools in high-pressure areas to explore the development of specialist provisions within their school community, approximately 90 schools attended. EA is working with those schools that expressed an interest at the events to identify solutions.
My department and the EA remain committed to the vision that every child with SEN has access to a placement, in their local community and with their peers.
This will require a fundamental shift towards a system in which all schools offer specialist provision classes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037727%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465122","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465122"}},{"id":"464803","reference":"AQW 37625/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-06","answerBy":"2026-01-21","answered":"2026-01-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the amount her Department (i) budgeted for; and (ii) spent on, road gritting, over the last three years.","answerText":"The amount my Department budgeted for and spent on the provision of a Winter service for the last three years is detailed in the table below.\n\nFinancial Year\tExpenditure/Budget\n£'m\n2022-23\t8.7\n2023-24\t7.7\n2024-25\t9.6","answerHtml":"The amount my Department budgeted for and spent on the provision of a Winter service for the last three years is detailed in the table below.
| Financial Year | Expenditure/Budget £'m |
| 2022-23 | 8.7 |
| 2023-24 | 7.7 |
| 2024-25 | 9.6 |
The proposal in the draft ELC Strategy does not extend to those offering the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS). Within the current parameters of the NICSS, funding is not provided to support the sustainability of participating childcare providers, many of which are private businesses, and therefore we are unable to impose any requirement to pay their staff the Real Living Wage (RLW).
Following finalisation of the consultation process, I will work with my Executive colleagues, including the Economy Minister, in finalising actions to promote the RLW with all early learning and childcare employing organisations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037624%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=464802","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=464802"}},{"id":"464801","reference":"AQW 37623/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-06","answerBy":"2026-01-21","answered":"2026-01-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any coordination between her Department, the Department of Education and the Education Authority, in regards to adapting the gritting policy to ensure as many schools as possible can remain open during periods of cold weather. over the last three years.","answerText":"The current winter service policy and procedures operated by my Department utilises the widely accepted practice of targeting limited resources for this service on the higher trafficked main through routes and can be viewed on the Department’s website below.\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/winter-service-rsppg-e022\n\nThe application of this policy means that 28% of the total road network, which carries around 80% of traffic, is salted. Route treatment is primarily based on traffic volume not road classification.\n\nOnce the condition of the Primary Salting Network is assured, secondary salting may be undertaken on other, more rural roads, particularly during prolonged periods of hazardous weather. These decisions are taken by experienced engineers who review all available data and Met office expert opinion. This Secondary Salting Network currently gives priority to 80 rural schools across the North.\n\nIn addition to this, all schools which have requested a salt bin or grit pile has been provided with a box on either the public road frontage or a grit pile on the shortest route connecting the school to the salting network.\n\nIt must, however, be emphasised that the service provided cannot eliminate the risks – even on roads that are gritted, ice free conditions cannot be guaranteed.\n\nThe decision to close a school is taken on an individual basis by the school’s Principal / Governing body, taking many factors into account, in addition to whether it is located on the salted network and my Department does not contribute to this process.","answerHtml":"The current winter service policy and procedures operated by my Department utilises the widely accepted practice of targeting limited resources for this service on the higher trafficked main through routes and can be viewed on the Department’s website below.
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/winter-service-rsppg-e022
The application of this policy means that 28% of the total road network, which carries around 80% of traffic, is salted. Route treatment is primarily based on traffic volume not road classification.
Once the condition of the Primary Salting Network is assured, secondary salting may be undertaken on other, more rural roads, particularly during prolonged periods of hazardous weather. These decisions are taken by experienced engineers who review all available data and Met office expert opinion. This Secondary Salting Network currently gives priority to 80 rural schools across the North.
In addition to this, all schools which have requested a salt bin or grit pile has been provided with a box on either the public road frontage or a grit pile on the shortest route connecting the school to the salting network.
It must, however, be emphasised that the service provided cannot eliminate the risks – even on roads that are gritted, ice free conditions cannot be guaranteed.
The decision to close a school is taken on an individual basis by the school’s Principal / Governing body, taking many factors into account, in addition to whether it is located on the salted network and my Department does not contribute to this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037623%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=464801","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=464801"}},{"id":"464800","reference":"AQW 37622/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-06","answerBy":"2026-01-21","answered":"2026-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any protocols in place to address instances where a childcare provider that is part of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme is deemed to have increased fees at an inappropriate or excessive rate.","answerText":"There are currently no protocols in place to address instances where a childcare provider participating in the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) is deemed to have increased fees at an inappropriate or excessive rate. The NICSS is a voluntary scheme to reduce childcare bills for working parents. My Department does not regulate childcare fees or have authority to impose price controls on providers, most of whom operate as private businesses.\n\nDetermining whether a fee increase is inappropriate or excessive would require a detailed understanding of each provider’s business model and financial position, including whether the increase was necessary to maintain sustainability. This level of assessment is outside the scope of NICSS and outside the remit of my Department.\n\nThe Department does, however, monitor overall fee trends through NICSS data to inform policy development under the draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. Proposals within the draft Strategy, currently out for public consultation, aim to improve transparency for families by requiring providers to publish their fees, and to support providers to operate effectively and manage cost pressures through a Childcare Business Advisory Service.","answerHtml":"There are currently no protocols in place to address instances where a childcare provider participating in the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) is deemed to have increased fees at an inappropriate or excessive rate. The NICSS is a voluntary scheme to reduce childcare bills for working parents. My Department does not regulate childcare fees or have authority to impose price controls on providers, most of whom operate as private businesses.
Determining whether a fee increase is inappropriate or excessive would require a detailed understanding of each provider’s business model and financial position, including whether the increase was necessary to maintain sustainability. This level of assessment is outside the scope of NICSS and outside the remit of my Department.
The Department does, however, monitor overall fee trends through NICSS data to inform policy development under the draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. Proposals within the draft Strategy, currently out for public consultation, aim to improve transparency for families by requiring providers to publish their fees, and to support providers to operate effectively and manage cost pressures through a Childcare Business Advisory Service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037622%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=464800","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=464800"}},{"id":"464799","reference":"AQW 37621/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-06","answerBy":"2026-01-21","answered":"2026-01-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how her Department's road gritting policy considers (i) preventing school closures; and (ii) ensuring children can travel to school safely.","answerText":"The current winter service policy and procedures operated by my Department utilises the widely accepted practice of targeting limited resources for this service on the higher trafficked main through routes and can be viewed on the Department’s website below.\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/winter-service-rsppg-e022\n\nThe application of this policy means that 28% of the total road network, which carries around 80% of traffic, is salted. Route treatment is primarily based on traffic volume not road classification.\n\nOnce the condition of the Primary Salting Network is assured, secondary salting may be undertaken on other, more rural roads, particularly during prolonged periods of hazardous weather. These decisions are taken by experienced engineers who review all available data and Met office expert opinion. This Secondary Salting Network currently gives priority to 80 rural schools across the North.\n\nIn addition to this, all schools which have requested a salt bin or grit pile has been provided with a box on either the public road frontage or a grit pile on the shortest route connecting the school to the salting network.\n\nIt must, however, be emphasised that the service provided cannot eliminate the risks – even on roads that are gritted, ice free conditions cannot be guaranteed.\n\nThe decision to close a school during adverse weather is taken on an individual basis by the school’s Principal / Governing body, taking many factors into account, aside from whether it is located on the salted network.","answerHtml":"The current winter service policy and procedures operated by my Department utilises the widely accepted practice of targeting limited resources for this service on the higher trafficked main through routes and can be viewed on the Department’s website below.
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/winter-service-rsppg-e022
The application of this policy means that 28% of the total road network, which carries around 80% of traffic, is salted. Route treatment is primarily based on traffic volume not road classification.
Once the condition of the Primary Salting Network is assured, secondary salting may be undertaken on other, more rural roads, particularly during prolonged periods of hazardous weather. These decisions are taken by experienced engineers who review all available data and Met office expert opinion. This Secondary Salting Network currently gives priority to 80 rural schools across the North.
In addition to this, all schools which have requested a salt bin or grit pile has been provided with a box on either the public road frontage or a grit pile on the shortest route connecting the school to the salting network.
It must, however, be emphasised that the service provided cannot eliminate the risks – even on roads that are gritted, ice free conditions cannot be guaranteed.
The decision to close a school during adverse weather is taken on an individual basis by the school’s Principal / Governing body, taking many factors into account, aside from whether it is located on the salted network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037621%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=464799","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=464799"}},{"id":"462934","reference":"AQW 37057/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-12","answered":"2025-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when he will answer AQW 35254/22-27.","answerText":"I answered AQW 35254/22-27 on 19 December 2025.","answerHtml":"I answered AQW 35254/22-27 on 19 December 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037057%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462934","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462934"}},{"id":"462933","reference":"AQW 37056/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2025-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 36441/22-27, to detail any pilot schemes currently being funded by (i) the Education Authority; and (ii) other non- departmental public bodies funded by his Department.","answerText":"Under the Education Authority’s (EA) Home to School Transport Flexible Fleet pilot, the EA invested in a single seven-seater vehicle during 2023/24 to trial the use of such vehicles in transport operations. The initial pilot produced positive outcomes, leading to an expansion in 2024/25 with the purchase of ten additional vehicles.\n\nThe Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) is currently developing a digital adaptive assessment tool for literacy and numeracy. Computer Adaptive Assessments (CAA) is a voluntary pilot available to all schools and provides free, online adaptive assessments that generate formative and diagnostic data, enabling schools to target literacy and numeracy support effectively at both pupil and class level.","answerHtml":"Under the Education Authority’s (EA) Home to School Transport Flexible Fleet pilot, the EA invested in a single seven-seater vehicle during 2023/24 to trial the use of such vehicles in transport operations. The initial pilot produced positive outcomes, leading to an expansion in 2024/25 with the purchase of ten additional vehicles.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) is currently developing a digital adaptive assessment tool for literacy and numeracy. Computer Adaptive Assessments (CAA) is a voluntary pilot available to all schools and provides free, online adaptive assessments that generate formative and diagnostic data, enabling schools to target literacy and numeracy support effectively at both pupil and class level.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037056%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462933","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462933"}},{"id":"462932","reference":"AQW 37055/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2026-01-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) his assessment of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's response to reports of safeguarding issues within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; and (ii) his next steps regarding this.","answerText":"The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) has operational independence as the statutory regulator of the charity sector in Northern Ireland. While my Department sponsors CCNI, it has no direct role in the delivery of the CCNI’s statutory functions.\n\nI am aware that the Charity Commissioners have decided to open a statutory inquiry into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; they have authority to examine whether there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.\n\nI am satisfied that the Charity Commission is taking necessary action under its authority as the statutory regulator.","answerHtml":"The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) has operational independence as the statutory regulator of the charity sector in Northern Ireland. While my Department sponsors CCNI, it has no direct role in the delivery of the CCNI’s statutory functions.
I am aware that the Charity Commissioners have decided to open a statutory inquiry into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; they have authority to examine whether there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
I am satisfied that the Charity Commission is taking necessary action under its authority as the statutory regulator.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037055%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462932","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462932"}},{"id":"462931","reference":"AQW 37054/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2026-01-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail whether he has considered any discretionary payments for carers, in addition to Carer's Allowance.","answerText":"I am currently considering what additional support can be provided to carers.","answerHtml":"I am currently considering what additional support can be provided to carers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037054%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462931","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462931"}},{"id":"462317","reference":"AQW 36771/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-03","answerBy":"2025-12-08","answered":"2025-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 36442/22-27, to detail (i) any selection criteria used for each of the subject working groups; (ii) the number of people who (a) applied; and (b) were accepted, broken down by each working group, and the type of school they were from; and (iii) the finalised guidance which has been issued to members of the working groups.","answerText":"An open Expressions of Interest process was launched on 16 September for teachers to join Subject Working Groups (SWGs) as part of the curriculum reform project. Selection to working groups was based on information provided within application forms on the following four areas:\n\nSubject expertise.\n\nCurriculum design and pedagogical understanding.\n\nCommunication skills – clarity and effectiveness in written responses.\n\nVision.\n\nThere was significant interest in these roles with a total of 366 applications received. To date, 75 teachers and lecturers were selected to work within the SWGs. Membership of these groups is subject to change should any gaps in expertise or experience be identified, or should individuals not be able to take up post. Should gaps arise further invitations to join the SWGs will issue to previous applicants.\n\nThe expression of interest process ensured representatives across various school types and further and higher education, as follows:\n\nType\tNumber\nPrimary\nMaintained (11)\nControlled (8)\nIntegrated (1)\nOther (1)\t21\nPost-Primary\nVoluntary (19)\nCatholic Maintained Secondary (6)\nControlled Secondary (6)\nGrant Maintained Integrated Secondary (3)\nControlled Grammar (2)\nControlled Integrated Secondary (2)\t38\nSpecial\t2\nFurther and Higher Education\t14\n\nThe operating guidance for subject working groups is not currently publicly available, as it is a living, iterative document and forms part of ongoing policy development.","answerHtml":"An open Expressions of Interest process was launched on 16 September for teachers to join Subject Working Groups (SWGs) as part of the curriculum reform project. Selection to working groups was based on information provided within application forms on the following four areas:
Subject expertise.
Curriculum design and pedagogical understanding.
Communication skills – clarity and effectiveness in written responses.
Vision.
There was significant interest in these roles with a total of 366 applications received. To date, 75 teachers and lecturers were selected to work within the SWGs. Membership of these groups is subject to change should any gaps in expertise or experience be identified, or should individuals not be able to take up post. Should gaps arise further invitations to join the SWGs will issue to previous applicants.
The expression of interest process ensured representatives across various school types and further and higher education, as follows:
| Type | Number |
| Primary Maintained (11) Controlled (8) Integrated (1) Other (1) | 21 |
| Post-Primary Voluntary (19) Catholic Maintained Secondary (6) Controlled Secondary (6) Grant Maintained Integrated Secondary (3) Controlled Grammar (2) Controlled Integrated Secondary (2) | 38 |
| Special | 2 |
| Further and Higher Education | 14 |
The operating guidance for subject working groups is not currently publicly available, as it is a living, iterative document and forms part of ongoing policy development.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036771%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462317","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462317"}},{"id":"462316","reference":"AQW 36770/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-03","answerBy":"2025-12-18","answered":"2025-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department undertook any consultation or impact assessment before deciding to apply elements of the 2023 guidance on rationing healthcare to earlier referrals.","answerText":"The Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out referral criteria for a range of procedures. The policy was reviewed and updated to reflect emerging clinical evidence from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and similar bodies, ensuring decisions are based on best practice and fairness.\n\nThe SPPG (former HSCB) worked with the Equality Unit to undertake an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) to understand any cumulative impacts of the combined changes. These assessments confirmed that the proposed changes will have only a minor impact on service users. The SPPG (former HSCB) assessed the impact of the proposed changes on rural service users and no significant implications were identified.\n\nThe updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and HSCB staff.\n\nIn addition to this there was a pubic consultation launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders to consider and comment on the proposed service model for the Commissioning Position for Effective Use of Resources for the population of Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"The Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out referral criteria for a range of procedures. The policy was reviewed and updated to reflect emerging clinical evidence from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and similar bodies, ensuring decisions are based on best practice and fairness.
The SPPG (former HSCB) worked with the Equality Unit to undertake an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) to understand any cumulative impacts of the combined changes. These assessments confirmed that the proposed changes will have only a minor impact on service users. The SPPG (former HSCB) assessed the impact of the proposed changes on rural service users and no significant implications were identified.
The updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and HSCB staff.
In addition to this there was a pubic consultation launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders to consider and comment on the proposed service model for the Commissioning Position for Effective Use of Resources for the population of Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036770%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462316","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462316"}},{"id":"462315","reference":"AQW 36769/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-03","answerBy":"2025-12-18","answered":"2025-12-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any engagement the Education Authority (i) has had; or (ii) plans to have, with the Presbyterian Church of Ireland regarding ongoing safeguarding investigations.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that it has not been in contact with the Presbyterian Church of Ireland regarding ongoing safeguarding investigations. Such matters are for the PSNI to advise on.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that it has not been in contact with the Presbyterian Church of Ireland regarding ongoing safeguarding investigations. Such matters are for the PSNI to advise on.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036769%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462315","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462315"}},{"id":"462314","reference":"AQW 36768/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-03","answerBy":"2025-12-18","answered":"2025-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any consideration been given to the potential increase in GP treatment room time resulting from changes to rationing rules around the treatment of vascular varicose veins.","answerText":"The treatment of vascular varicose vein within Primary Care remains unchanged following the Department of Health updating the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy. In line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidance, if varicose veins are not bleeding, patients within Primary Care should be given verbal and written information on varicose veins, as well as self-care advice, to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.\n\nBelfast Health and Social Care Trust deliver a specialist regional service within Northern Ireland for those patients with severe varicose veins requiring an outpatient appointment for varicose vein assessment and treatment.","answerHtml":"The treatment of vascular varicose vein within Primary Care remains unchanged following the Department of Health updating the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy. In line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidance, if varicose veins are not bleeding, patients within Primary Care should be given verbal and written information on varicose veins, as well as self-care advice, to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust deliver a specialist regional service within Northern Ireland for those patients with severe varicose veins requiring an outpatient appointment for varicose vein assessment and treatment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036768%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462314","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462314"}},{"id":"462313","reference":"AQW 36767/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-03","answerBy":"2025-12-18","answered":"2025-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the principles governing the use and retrospective application of rationing healthcare rules, including how such cases are assessed and counted.","answerText":"The Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy sets out referral criteria for a range of procedures. The policy was reviewed and updated to reflect emerging clinical evidence from NICE and similar bodies, ensuring decisions are based on best practice and fairness.\n\nImplemented in 2023, the updated EUR policy supports transparency and consistency in decision making. GPs must confirm patients meet the defined clinical criteria before referral to secondary care, while Trusts are responsible for compliance with commissioning positions.\n\nWhen an assessment is made that the patient does not meet EUR criteria, the referral will either be returned to the GP (if at point of referral), or the patient will be discharged (if at the point of outpatient assessment). There are however instances where it will be clinically appropriate to proceed on a case by case basis. It would be anticipated that an EUR panel would consider such cases, rather than individual Consultant oversight/ decision making.\n\nWork is underway to explore how future monitoring of restricted procedures can be effectively integrated into the new digital infrastructure.","answerHtml":"The Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy sets out referral criteria for a range of procedures. The policy was reviewed and updated to reflect emerging clinical evidence from NICE and similar bodies, ensuring decisions are based on best practice and fairness.
Implemented in 2023, the updated EUR policy supports transparency and consistency in decision making. GPs must confirm patients meet the defined clinical criteria before referral to secondary care, while Trusts are responsible for compliance with commissioning positions.
When an assessment is made that the patient does not meet EUR criteria, the referral will either be returned to the GP (if at point of referral), or the patient will be discharged (if at the point of outpatient assessment). There are however instances where it will be clinically appropriate to proceed on a case by case basis. It would be anticipated that an EUR panel would consider such cases, rather than individual Consultant oversight/ decision making.
Work is underway to explore how future monitoring of restricted procedures can be effectively integrated into the new digital infrastructure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036767%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462313","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462313"}},{"id":"462093","reference":"AQW 36665/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-02","answerBy":"2025-12-17","answered":"2025-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any action her Department is taking to reduce the number of young people, not in education, employment or training.","answerText":"The increasing number of young people here who are not in education, employment or training is of concern. This is a complex issue involving a diverse range of young people aged between 16 and 24 with complex factors that necessitates a multi-agency approach.\n\nMy Department is working very closely with the key government departments, including the Department of Education on the implementation of the 14-19 Education and Training Framework. The Framework includes a wide range of actions to ensure that every young person is on the right pathway.\n\nAs Minister I have had a focus on Inclusion and supporting those individuals with lower qualifications. Many of my department’s programmes are aimed at supporting our young people to thrive in training or employment. These include entry level programmes such as Skills for Life and Work and Step Up, with FE colleges offering flexible delivery to accommodate diverse learner needs.","answerHtml":"The increasing number of young people here who are not in education, employment or training is of concern. This is a complex issue involving a diverse range of young people aged between 16 and 24 with complex factors that necessitates a multi-agency approach.
My Department is working very closely with the key government departments, including the Department of Education on the implementation of the 14-19 Education and Training Framework. The Framework includes a wide range of actions to ensure that every young person is on the right pathway.
As Minister I have had a focus on Inclusion and supporting those individuals with lower qualifications. Many of my department’s programmes are aimed at supporting our young people to thrive in training or employment. These include entry level programmes such as Skills for Life and Work and Step Up, with FE colleges offering flexible delivery to accommodate diverse learner needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036665%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462093","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462093"}},{"id":"462092","reference":"AQW 36664/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-02","answerBy":"2025-12-17","answered":"2025-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any engagement her Department has had, regarding proposed curriculum changes from the Department of Education, given the impact changes could have on skills development.","answerText":"My Department has engaged with the Department of Education on the proposed curriculum changes, recognising the impact changes could have on skills development.\n\nAs part of this engagement, officials from my Department met with Lucy Crehan during the course of the Curriculum Review.\n\nOngoing engagement is supported through the Curriculum and Qualifications Thematic Group, which operates within the joint 14–19 structures. This provides an important forum for collaboration between both Departments on curriculum matters.\n\nIn addition, at the recent Cross Departmental Ministerial Meeting with Minister Givan, we discussed the Curriculum Review, including engagement with the newly established Curriculum Taskforce, particularly in relation to issues affecting Further Education.","answerHtml":"My Department has engaged with the Department of Education on the proposed curriculum changes, recognising the impact changes could have on skills development.
As part of this engagement, officials from my Department met with Lucy Crehan during the course of the Curriculum Review.
Ongoing engagement is supported through the Curriculum and Qualifications Thematic Group, which operates within the joint 14–19 structures. This provides an important forum for collaboration between both Departments on curriculum matters.
In addition, at the recent Cross Departmental Ministerial Meeting with Minister Givan, we discussed the Curriculum Review, including engagement with the newly established Curriculum Taskforce, particularly in relation to issues affecting Further Education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036664%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462092","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462092"}},{"id":"462091","reference":"AQW 36663/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-02","answerBy":"2025-12-17","answered":"2025-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will update the school uniform guidelines to include the right for girls to have the choice to wear trousers as part of the school uniform.","answerText":"There is no barrier in either the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill or the associated guidelines to girls wearing trousers as part of their school uniform. I have consistently stated my view that there is a balance to be struck between ensuring school uniform policy requirements are affordable, comfortable, practical for pupils and their parents and respecting the autonomy of schools to determine their individual uniform, in line with the guidelines.\n\nThe Bill and the guidelines require schools to consult with their pupils and parents about the uniform policy requirements, which provides the opportunity for these requirements to be agreed. I am content the School Uniforms Guidelines strike the appropriate balance as they are currently drafted.","answerHtml":"There is no barrier in either the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill or the associated guidelines to girls wearing trousers as part of their school uniform. I have consistently stated my view that there is a balance to be struck between ensuring school uniform policy requirements are affordable, comfortable, practical for pupils and their parents and respecting the autonomy of schools to determine their individual uniform, in line with the guidelines.
The Bill and the guidelines require schools to consult with their pupils and parents about the uniform policy requirements, which provides the opportunity for these requirements to be agreed. I am content the School Uniforms Guidelines strike the appropriate balance as they are currently drafted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036663%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462091","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462091"}},{"id":"461911","reference":"AQW 36588/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-01","answerBy":"2025-12-05","answered":"2025-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any planned works to improve the safety of the Saintfield Road, at the junction with Old Ballynahinch Road, following a number of recent serious collisions at this location.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nI can advise that my officials are developing a preliminary design to change the layout of this junction.\n\nThe development of this scheme will involve detailed design, accommodation works, land acquisition, funding and a separate procurement process. We are also considering additional traffic management measures that could be introduced to improve road safety in the short term.\n\nConcerns relating to driver behaviour should be reported to the PSNI using their 101 number.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
I can advise that my officials are developing a preliminary design to change the layout of this junction.
The development of this scheme will involve detailed design, accommodation works, land acquisition, funding and a separate procurement process. We are also considering additional traffic management measures that could be introduced to improve road safety in the short term.
Concerns relating to driver behaviour should be reported to the PSNI using their 101 number.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036588%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461911","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461911"}},{"id":"461910","reference":"AQW 36587/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-01","answerBy":"2025-12-16","answered":"2025-12-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has met with the Minister for Health to discuss the number of training places for speech and language therapists needed to meet the demand for services within education.","answerText":"I have not met the Minister of Health in this specific topic. However, we continue to engage on Special Education Needs matters as do Officials from both departments.","answerHtml":"I have not met the Minister of Health in this specific topic. However, we continue to engage on Special Education Needs matters as do Officials from both departments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036587%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461910","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461910"}},{"id":"461909","reference":"AQW 36586/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-01","answerBy":"2025-12-16","answered":"2025-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, following the publication of the October 2024 report Enabling Safe Quality Midwifery Services and Care In Northern Ireland report, to detail any progress on a consolidated regional action plan for maternity services.","answerText":"To progress this work, a Maternity and Neonatal Partnership is required. There is a funding requirement associated with this. As you are aware, my Department is currently facing a significant funding deficit. While it has not been possible to allocate all of the additional funding originally requested to establish this Partnership, I have asked my officials to develop a scaled-back, more affordable option.\n\nI have been advised that this new Partnership will be established in the coming weeks. Once established, work will commence at pace on the development of a consolidated regional action plan for Maternity services. This action plan will outline short, medium and long term actions.\n\nAn Oversight Group/Board will also be established as part of the Governance arrangements. The Oversight Group will be responsible for approving the action plan and its agreed implementation.","answerHtml":"To progress this work, a Maternity and Neonatal Partnership is required. There is a funding requirement associated with this. As you are aware, my Department is currently facing a significant funding deficit. While it has not been possible to allocate all of the additional funding originally requested to establish this Partnership, I have asked my officials to develop a scaled-back, more affordable option.
I have been advised that this new Partnership will be established in the coming weeks. Once established, work will commence at pace on the development of a consolidated regional action plan for Maternity services. This action plan will outline short, medium and long term actions.
An Oversight Group/Board will also be established as part of the Governance arrangements. The Oversight Group will be responsible for approving the action plan and its agreed implementation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036586%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461909","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461909"}},{"id":"461908","reference":"AQW 36585/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-01","answerBy":"2025-12-16","answered":"2025-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the establishment of the Maternity and Neonatal Partnership, including (i) the number of times the Partnership has met, since October 2024; and (ii) the membership of the Partnership.","answerText":"There is a funding requirement associated with establishing a Maternity and Neonatal Partnership. As you are aware, my Department is currently facing a significant funding deficit. While it has not been possible to allocate all of the additional funding originally requested to establish this Partnership, I have asked my officials to develop a scaled-back, more affordable option.\n\n(i) I have been advised that this new partnership will be established in the coming weeks.\n\n(ii) Membership of the Partnership will include representation from HSC Trust, DoH Professional and Policy leads, the Public Health Agency, Clinical, Nursing, Midwifery and AHP leads and Service Users representation. Membership will be kept under review and refreshed as required.","answerHtml":"There is a funding requirement associated with establishing a Maternity and Neonatal Partnership. As you are aware, my Department is currently facing a significant funding deficit. While it has not been possible to allocate all of the additional funding originally requested to establish this Partnership, I have asked my officials to develop a scaled-back, more affordable option.
(i) I have been advised that this new partnership will be established in the coming weeks.
(ii) Membership of the Partnership will include representation from HSC Trust, DoH Professional and Policy leads, the Public Health Agency, Clinical, Nursing, Midwifery and AHP leads and Service Users representation. Membership will be kept under review and refreshed as required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036585%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461908","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461908"}},{"id":"461706","reference":"AQW 36518/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-28","answerBy":"2025-12-04","answered":"2025-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 34283/22-27, to detail (i) the number of defects identified; (ii) the date when they are due to be repaired; and (iii) when more significant works will be carried out to improve the condition of the pavements.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government.\n\nWhilst there are many roads that would benefit from investment, including those in Moira village, due to limited budget resources resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.\n\nDetails of the resurfacing schemes completed in 2024/25 and planned for the 2025/26 financial year are included in my Department’s Annual Report to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.\n\nOne NI Water Utility lid defect was identified during the inspection on 4 November 2025which was referred to NI Water for action. I am advised that this utility lid has now been replaced.\n\nSubsequent to this inspection three further defects were noted on Main Street, Moira between 11 November 2025 and 5 December 2025. One has been completed and the other two are programmed with our internal contractor.\n\nA further defect was noted close to the junction of Station Road and Main Street, Moira on 5 December 2025 and this has been repaired.\n\nA routine highway inspection was completed in Main Street, Moira over 16 and 17 December 2025. One defect was identified and this has been issued to the contractor for repair.\n\nIn addition, works are planned to repair an area of flagged footway close to the doctor’s surgery. This work is expected to be completed in January 2026.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government.
Whilst there are many roads that would benefit from investment, including those in Moira village, due to limited budget resources resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.
Details of the resurfacing schemes completed in 2024/25 and planned for the 2025/26 financial year are included in my Department’s Annual Report to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
One NI Water Utility lid defect was identified during the inspection on 4 November 2025which was referred to NI Water for action. I am advised that this utility lid has now been replaced.
Subsequent to this inspection three further defects were noted on Main Street, Moira between 11 November 2025 and 5 December 2025. One has been completed and the other two are programmed with our internal contractor.
A further defect was noted close to the junction of Station Road and Main Street, Moira on 5 December 2025 and this has been repaired.
A routine highway inspection was completed in Main Street, Moira over 16 and 17 December 2025. One defect was identified and this has been issued to the contractor for repair.
In addition, works are planned to repair an area of flagged footway close to the doctor’s surgery. This work is expected to be completed in January 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036518%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461706","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461706"}},{"id":"461705","reference":"AQW 36517/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-28","answerBy":"2025-12-15","answered":"2025-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether any other companies were considered when awarding a Direct Award Contract to InnerDrive, for the Online Teacher Continued Professional Development Academy for post-primary schools.","answerText":"In May 2025, the Department undertook a review of potential providers in relation to the proposed online Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme on the Science of Learning for post-primary schools. This review concluded that InnerDrive was the only supplier that was able to deliver the comprehensive package required within the timescales set out in the TransformED Delivery Plan.","answerHtml":"In May 2025, the Department undertook a review of potential providers in relation to the proposed online Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme on the Science of Learning for post-primary schools. This review concluded that InnerDrive was the only supplier that was able to deliver the comprehensive package required within the timescales set out in the TransformED Delivery Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036517%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461705","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461705"}},{"id":"461704","reference":"AQW 36516/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-28","answerBy":"2025-12-15","answered":"2025-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the resurfacing works carried out in Moira, in the last 12 months.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government.\n\nWhilst there are many roads that would benefit from investment, including those in Moira village, due to limited budget resources resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.\n\nDetails of the resurfacing schemes completed in 2024/25 and planned for the 2025/26 financial year are included in my Department’s Annual Report to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.\n\nOne NI Water Utility lid defect was identified during the inspection on 4 November 2025which was referred to NI Water for action. I am advised that this utility lid has now been replaced.\n\nSubsequent to this inspection three further defects were noted on Main Street, Moira between 11 November 2025 and 5 December 2025. One has been completed and the other two are programmed with our internal contractor.\n\nA further defect was noted close to the junction of Station Road and Main Street, Moira on 5 December 2025 and this has been repaired.\n\nA routine highway inspection was completed in Main Street, Moira over 16 and 17 December 2025. One defect was identified and this has been issued to the contractor for repair.\n\nIn addition, works are planned to repair an area of flagged footway close to the doctor’s surgery. This work is expected to be completed in January 2026.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government.
Whilst there are many roads that would benefit from investment, including those in Moira village, due to limited budget resources resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.
Details of the resurfacing schemes completed in 2024/25 and planned for the 2025/26 financial year are included in my Department’s Annual Report to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
One NI Water Utility lid defect was identified during the inspection on 4 November 2025which was referred to NI Water for action. I am advised that this utility lid has now been replaced.
Subsequent to this inspection three further defects were noted on Main Street, Moira between 11 November 2025 and 5 December 2025. One has been completed and the other two are programmed with our internal contractor.
A further defect was noted close to the junction of Station Road and Main Street, Moira on 5 December 2025 and this has been repaired.
A routine highway inspection was completed in Main Street, Moira over 16 and 17 December 2025. One defect was identified and this has been issued to the contractor for repair.
In addition, works are planned to repair an area of flagged footway close to the doctor’s surgery. This work is expected to be completed in January 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036516%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461704","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461704"}},{"id":"461577","reference":"AQW 36442/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-27","answerBy":"2025-12-03","answered":"2025-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of curriculum taskforce working groups which have been set up; including (ii) their membership; and (iii) the chairs, of each group.","answerText":"The Curriculum Taskforce has established thirteen subject working groups to support curriculum reform.\n\nMembership of these groups is still being finalised and remains fluid as work progresses, and any gaps are identified. The groups consist largely of practising teachers who participate voluntarily, supported by lead drafters and members of the Curriculum Taskforce Advisory Committee.\n\nIn line with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), it would not be appropriate to provide lists of memberships, as this would involve the disclosure of personal data.","answerHtml":"The Curriculum Taskforce has established thirteen subject working groups to support curriculum reform.
Membership of these groups is still being finalised and remains fluid as work progresses, and any gaps are identified. The groups consist largely of practising teachers who participate voluntarily, supported by lead drafters and members of the Curriculum Taskforce Advisory Committee.
In line with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), it would not be appropriate to provide lists of memberships, as this would involve the disclosure of personal data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036442%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461577","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461577"}},{"id":"461576","reference":"AQW 36441/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-27","answerBy":"2025-12-12","answered":"2025-12-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail all pilot programmes currently ongoing, funded by his Department.","answerText":"There are four pilots currently ongoing, funded by my department namely:\n\nthe Mobile Phone Inhibiting Devices pilot;\n\nthe Belfast Wide Early Years (BWEY) pilot;\n\nthe Pre-School Inclusion Fund (PSIF) pilot; and\n\nthe South Belfast Sure Start (SBSS) Roma pilot.","answerHtml":"There are four pilots currently ongoing, funded by my department namely:
the Mobile Phone Inhibiting Devices pilot;
the Belfast Wide Early Years (BWEY) pilot;
the Pre-School Inclusion Fund (PSIF) pilot; and
the South Belfast Sure Start (SBSS) Roma pilot.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036441%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461576","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461576"}},{"id":"461575","reference":"AQW 36440/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-27","answerBy":"2025-12-12","answered":"2025-12-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 35784/22-27, to detail all (i) independent reviews of Department of Education programmes; (ii) Independent Assessors; and (iii) Ministerial Advisory Panels, without associated budget.","answerText":"The details on all (i) independent reviews of Department of Education programmes; (ii) Independent Assessors; and (iii) Ministerial Advisory Panels, without associated budget are set out below:\n\nConsultation event on the barriers and solutions in respect of childcare;\n\nEarly Learning and Childcare Strategy consultation;\n\nEducation Authority Landscape Review;\n\nEvaluation of DE-funded Nurture Provision;\n\nIndependent Review of Education Panel in Northern Ireland;\n\nStrategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum;\n\nReview of DE Targeted Early Years Interventions;\n\nReview of Sure Start Health Professionals;\n\nReview of Childcare Services in Northern Ireland;\n\nReview of Standardisation of the Pre-school Education Programme;\n\nReview of Childcare Costs and Assumptions; and\n\nNorthern Ireland Childcare Survey.\n\nAppointment of independent assessors in the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment.\n\nAppointment of International Ministerial Advisory panel.","answerHtml":"The details on all (i) independent reviews of Department of Education programmes; (ii) Independent Assessors; and (iii) Ministerial Advisory Panels, without associated budget are set out below:
Consultation event on the barriers and solutions in respect of childcare;
Early Learning and Childcare Strategy consultation;
Education Authority Landscape Review;
Evaluation of DE-funded Nurture Provision;
Independent Review of Education Panel in Northern Ireland;
Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum;
Review of DE Targeted Early Years Interventions;
Review of Sure Start Health Professionals;
Review of Childcare Services in Northern Ireland;
Review of Standardisation of the Pre-school Education Programme;
Review of Childcare Costs and Assumptions; and
Northern Ireland Childcare Survey.
Appointment of independent assessors in the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment.
Appointment of International Ministerial Advisory panel.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036440%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461575","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461575"}},{"id":"461574","reference":"AQW 36439/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-27","answerBy":"2025-12-12","answered":"2025-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether Religious Education will be part of the ongoing review of the curriculum.","answerText":"I will set out the process for reviewing the RE syllabus over coming weeks","answerHtml":"I will set out the process for reviewing the RE syllabus over coming weeks
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036439%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461574","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461574"}},{"id":"461573","reference":"AQW 36438/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-27","answerBy":"2025-12-12","answered":"2025-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she is aware of any issue with the online portal for reporting road defects, including potholes, where the report is removed without the pothole being repaired.","answerText":"I am not aware of any issues with regard to the online portal for reporting potholes, however I would advise that when a pothole is reported, officials will undertake a review of the site and determine if the defect is within the Department’s policy to deem it an actionable defect. If the defect meets the required threshold, it will be marked and reported for repair. If the defect does not meet the current threshold of my Department’s Limited Service policy, the report is closed on the system and marked as a “non-actionable” defect.\n\nOn 2nd December, I was pleased to launch the new Road Maintenance Strategy which is now open for public consultation and in support of the new approach I have also commissioned a full digital road survey of all roads in the North.\n\nWe are committed to raising the standard of maintenance across the network, ensuring that interventions are timely, durable, and delivered to consistently high specifications. This will reduce long-term costs, improve user experience, and enhance safety.\n\nWhilst the strategy and survey will provide greater detail to inform strategic decision making, this will also continue to be supported by the reporting of potholes and surface defects via the online portal. Maintenance staff will continue to inspect and make-safe defects in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public.","answerHtml":"I am not aware of any issues with regard to the online portal for reporting potholes, however I would advise that when a pothole is reported, officials will undertake a review of the site and determine if the defect is within the Department’s policy to deem it an actionable defect. If the defect meets the required threshold, it will be marked and reported for repair. If the defect does not meet the current threshold of my Department’s Limited Service policy, the report is closed on the system and marked as a “non-actionable” defect.
On 2nd December, I was pleased to launch the new Road Maintenance Strategy which is now open for public consultation and in support of the new approach I have also commissioned a full digital road survey of all roads in the North.
We are committed to raising the standard of maintenance across the network, ensuring that interventions are timely, durable, and delivered to consistently high specifications. This will reduce long-term costs, improve user experience, and enhance safety.
Whilst the strategy and survey will provide greater detail to inform strategic decision making, this will also continue to be supported by the reporting of potholes and surface defects via the online portal. Maintenance staff will continue to inspect and make-safe defects in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036438%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461573","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461573"}},{"id":"461145","reference":"AQW 36265/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-25","answerBy":"2025-12-10","answered":"2026-01-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any work being done to establish citizens' assemblies, in line with the commitment made in the New Decade, New Approach deal.","answerText":"We recognise and fully support the role that civic society plays in supporting policy making, through co-design and co-production approaches. Consideration continues to be given to a range of matters in relation to the re-establishment of the Civic Forum, and the new arrangements will be brought to the Assembly for its agreement in due course.","answerHtml":"We recognise and fully support the role that civic society plays in supporting policy making, through co-design and co-production approaches. Consideration continues to be given to a range of matters in relation to the re-establishment of the Civic Forum, and the new arrangements will be brought to the Assembly for its agreement in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036265%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461145","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461145"}},{"id":"460438","reference":"AQO 2826/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-02","answered":"2025-12-02","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission for an update on the registration of Parliament Buildings' defibrillators to the network to ensure maximum effect when required.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Allen","text":"The Assembly Commission currently has five defibrillators, all of which were registered with the British Heart Foundation’s national defibrillator network, The Circuit, on 19 September 2025. The devices are routinely checked and maintained to ensure that they are always ready for use."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you. What first aid training is provided to staff in Parliament Buildings, and does it include training on how to use defibrillators?"},{"speaker":"Mr Allen","text":"I do not have all the information to hand, but 52 members of staff are trained in first aid. The use of defibrillators does not require first aid training but is covered in the first aid training. The Assembly Commission will continually keep that under review. The Assembly Commission regularly — yearly, I believe — invites additional staff to undertake that training."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202826%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460438","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-12-02&docID=461172#AQO%202826/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460438"}},{"id":"460168","reference":"AQW 35900/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-19","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) when the Redwood facility will be open; and (ii) the reasons for its delay.","answerText":"(i) The South Eastern HSC Trust is working with the Regulation Quality Improvement Agency (RQIA) with a view to having the Redwood facility fully registered and opened by Monday 1st December 2025.\n\n(ii) The short delay with the opening of the Redwood facility has been attributed to the completion of estates works, successful recruitment of the staff team and meeting the requirements by the RQIA following their pre-registration visit to the home on Monday 10th November. The South Eastern HSC Trust has completed the specified requirements, and is awaiting an imminent response from the RQIA to progress opening.","answerHtml":"(i) The South Eastern HSC Trust is working with the Regulation Quality Improvement Agency (RQIA) with a view to having the Redwood facility fully registered and opened by Monday 1st December 2025.
(ii) The short delay with the opening of the Redwood facility has been attributed to the completion of estates works, successful recruitment of the staff team and meeting the requirements by the RQIA following their pre-registration visit to the home on Monday 10th November. The South Eastern HSC Trust has completed the specified requirements, and is awaiting an imminent response from the RQIA to progress opening.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035900%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460168","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460168"}},{"id":"460167","reference":"AQW 35899/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-19","answerBy":"2025-12-04","answered":"2025-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking, following the the recommendation in the Independent Review of Education, that all learners, starting from age 14, should explore a wider range of educational pathways, including pre-vocational and technical education and learning about the world of work, and to achieve this, schools need to collaborate more effectively, while also working closely with the further education sector, to provide increased choice and flexibility.","answerText":"Through the Entitlement Framework, schools are required to offer access to a minimum of 21 courses at Key Stage 4 and Post-16, of which at least one third must be general and one third applied. This aims to ensure that schools provide access for pupils to a broadly based and balanced range of subjects and qualifications which meet the interests and progression needs of their pupils, whether that is in to training, employment, further or higher education opportunities. These courses may be delivered in collaboration with Further Education colleges, training providers or other schools.\n\nMy Department is continuing to work in collaboration with the Department for the Economy on the actions contained within the 14-19 Framework. This work includes consideration of how more effective collaboration can be achieved between schools, colleges and training providers.\n\nHigh quality careers education in schools is crucial in ensuring learners are aware of their options and the available pathways. All teachers, including careers teachers, have a role to play in ensuring that learners are aware of the range of qualifications and progression pathways available through those qualifications. Young people are further supported through independent, impartial information and guidance about the range of pathways, including vocational and technical routes available to learners.\n\nThrough the joint careers action plan, my officials are working with colleagues in the Department for the Economy to implement several actions that will increase opportunities for work related learning and engagement with employers for both learners and their teachers.","answerHtml":"Through the Entitlement Framework, schools are required to offer access to a minimum of 21 courses at Key Stage 4 and Post-16, of which at least one third must be general and one third applied. This aims to ensure that schools provide access for pupils to a broadly based and balanced range of subjects and qualifications which meet the interests and progression needs of their pupils, whether that is in to training, employment, further or higher education opportunities. These courses may be delivered in collaboration with Further Education colleges, training providers or other schools.
My Department is continuing to work in collaboration with the Department for the Economy on the actions contained within the 14-19 Framework. This work includes consideration of how more effective collaboration can be achieved between schools, colleges and training providers.
High quality careers education in schools is crucial in ensuring learners are aware of their options and the available pathways. All teachers, including careers teachers, have a role to play in ensuring that learners are aware of the range of qualifications and progression pathways available through those qualifications. Young people are further supported through independent, impartial information and guidance about the range of pathways, including vocational and technical routes available to learners.
Through the joint careers action plan, my officials are working with colleagues in the Department for the Economy to implement several actions that will increase opportunities for work related learning and engagement with employers for both learners and their teachers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035899%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460167","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460167"}},{"id":"459870","reference":"AQW 35784/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-18","answerBy":"2025-11-24","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 34786/22-27, for a breakdown of all independent reviews of his Department's programmes and Independent Assessors, that make up the table line entitled, Numerous independent reviews of DE programmes and costs in relation to Independent Assessors and Ministerial Advisory Panel, broken down (i) over the last three years; and (ii) related costs for each one.","answerText":"I refer you to AQW 34786/22-27 where you will note that I included a rationale for the consolidation of the information in the table line entitled “Numerous independent reviews of DE programmes and costs in relation to Independent Assessors and Ministerial Advisory Panel”, as follows:\n\nThe costs of reviews of DE programmes, independent assessors and the International Ministerial Advisory Panel have been consolidated, as providing this information for these individually could lead to the release of personal and commercially sensitive information.\n\nAs such, the Department is unable to provide a detailed list or breakdown of the costs relating to all independent reviews of DE programmes and Independent Assessors by financial year, as releasing this would breach Section 43 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and data protection legislation as it could lead to the identification of the remuneration of individuals.\n\nUnder the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, personal data is defined as any information relating to an identifiable natural person. If statistical data can be linked to an individual—either directly or indirectly—it is considered personal data and must be protected accordingly. Where appropriate, this encourages organisations to anonymise or suppress data to avoid identification and remain compliant with the legislation. This is often referred to as the principle of integrity and confidentiality, which requires the implementation of appropriate technical or organisational measures to safeguard personal data.","answerHtml":"I refer you to AQW 34786/22-27 where you will note that I included a rationale for the consolidation of the information in the table line entitled “Numerous independent reviews of DE programmes and costs in relation to Independent Assessors and Ministerial Advisory Panel”, as follows:
The costs of reviews of DE programmes, independent assessors and the International Ministerial Advisory Panel have been consolidated, as providing this information for these individually could lead to the release of personal and commercially sensitive information.
As such, the Department is unable to provide a detailed list or breakdown of the costs relating to all independent reviews of DE programmes and Independent Assessors by financial year, as releasing this would breach Section 43 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and data protection legislation as it could lead to the identification of the remuneration of individuals.
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, personal data is defined as any information relating to an identifiable natural person. If statistical data can be linked to an individual—either directly or indirectly—it is considered personal data and must be protected accordingly. Where appropriate, this encourages organisations to anonymise or suppress data to avoid identification and remain compliant with the legislation. This is often referred to as the principle of integrity and confidentiality, which requires the implementation of appropriate technical or organisational measures to safeguard personal data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035784%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459870","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459870"}},{"id":"459869","reference":"AQW 35783/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-18","answerBy":"2025-12-03","answered":"2025-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any measures considered by her Department to ease congestion, caused by those turning right from the Hillhall Road onto Largymore Link, during peak times.","answerText":"I can advise that officials have previously considered the removal of the right turn at this junction following similar requests, however the consequential impact of this action may result in increased traffic volumes using Cromwell’s Highway to travel to the Saintfield Road roundabout.\n\nCromwell’s Highway has been the subject of complaints from residents about through traffic and speeding and the removal of the right turn at the Hillhall Road may further encourage rat running to avoid the congestion between Sloan Street and the M1 Saintfield Road roundabout.\n\nWhilst the Hillhall Road carries significant volumes of traffic and the right turning manoeuvre into Largymore Link can cause some delays at peak times, the overall journey time between Largymore Link and Milltown Road is unlikely to be greatly affected by any queuing at this junction as a result of the provision of the right turn facility.\n\nOfficials will continue to keep this location under review.","answerHtml":"I can advise that officials have previously considered the removal of the right turn at this junction following similar requests, however the consequential impact of this action may result in increased traffic volumes using Cromwell’s Highway to travel to the Saintfield Road roundabout.
Cromwell’s Highway has been the subject of complaints from residents about through traffic and speeding and the removal of the right turn at the Hillhall Road may further encourage rat running to avoid the congestion between Sloan Street and the M1 Saintfield Road roundabout.
Whilst the Hillhall Road carries significant volumes of traffic and the right turning manoeuvre into Largymore Link can cause some delays at peak times, the overall journey time between Largymore Link and Milltown Road is unlikely to be greatly affected by any queuing at this junction as a result of the provision of the right turn facility.
Officials will continue to keep this location under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035783%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459869","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459869"}},{"id":"458936","reference":"AQW 35481/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-28","answered":"2025-11-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any transformation work currently ongoing, following the publication of the latest School Population Projections, showing that pupil numbers are projected to decline by 12.7 per cent across all school phases by the 2033-2034 academic year.","answerText":"Area Planning is the process of strategic planning of primary and post-primary education provision. The Department requires the statutory planning authorities (the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools), working with the managing authorities and sectoral support bodies to identify future education needs and develop solutions to meet those needs on an area basis. School population projections are one of a range of data sets used to help identify future need.\n\nActions are and will continue to be taken to reconfigure the network of schools, in line with my Department’s priorities, through the Area Planning process. These changes are detailed in the Strategic Area Plan and associated Operational Plans and are brought forward through the statutory Development Proposal process.","answerHtml":"Area Planning is the process of strategic planning of primary and post-primary education provision. The Department requires the statutory planning authorities (the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools), working with the managing authorities and sectoral support bodies to identify future education needs and develop solutions to meet those needs on an area basis. School population projections are one of a range of data sets used to help identify future need.
Actions are and will continue to be taken to reconfigure the network of schools, in line with my Department’s priorities, through the Area Planning process. These changes are detailed in the Strategic Area Plan and associated Operational Plans and are brought forward through the statutory Development Proposal process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035481%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458936","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458936"}},{"id":"458935","reference":"AQW 35480/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-28","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the reservoir safety works at the Broadwater Reservoir.","answerText":"Broadwater Reservoir is a Controlled Reservoir under the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015. My Department, as Reservoir Manager, oversees monitoring and maintenance. The improvement scheme is currently at design stage with this phase scheduled for completion by Spring 2026. The “National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (UK Reservoir Safety Liaison Group, 2018)”, prevents the release of specific details of the works.","answerHtml":"Broadwater Reservoir is a Controlled Reservoir under the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015. My Department, as Reservoir Manager, oversees monitoring and maintenance. The improvement scheme is currently at design stage with this phase scheduled for completion by Spring 2026. The “National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (UK Reservoir Safety Liaison Group, 2018)”, prevents the release of specific details of the works.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035480%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458935","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458935"}},{"id":"458934","reference":"AQW 35479/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-28","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail what the safety works at Broadwater Reservoir, will entail.","answerText":"Broadwater Reservoir is a Controlled Reservoir under the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015. My Department, as Reservoir Manager, oversees monitoring and maintenance. The improvement scheme is currently at design stage with this phase scheduled for completion by Spring 2026. The “National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (UK Reservoir Safety Liaison Group, 2018)”, prevents the release of specific details of the works.","answerHtml":"Broadwater Reservoir is a Controlled Reservoir under the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015. My Department, as Reservoir Manager, oversees monitoring and maintenance. The improvement scheme is currently at design stage with this phase scheduled for completion by Spring 2026. The “National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (UK Reservoir Safety Liaison Group, 2018)”, prevents the release of specific details of the works.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035479%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458934","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458934"}},{"id":"458763","reference":"AQW 35372/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the rational for a Direct Award Contract being used for the online Continued Professional Development Academy.","answerText":"I would refer the member to the answer to AQW 34775/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 14 November 2025.","answerHtml":"I would refer the member to the answer to AQW 34775/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 14 November 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035372%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458763"}},{"id":"458762","reference":"AQW 35371/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether there is a published agreement between Oxford Brookes University, Amira Learning and the Department of Education, regarding the Reading with AI Research Project.","answerText":"A contract in place between Department of Education and Oxford Brookes University in relation to the Reading with AI Research Project however, this is not a publicly available document.","answerHtml":"A contract in place between Department of Education and Oxford Brookes University in relation to the Reading with AI Research Project however, this is not a publicly available document.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035371%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458762"}},{"id":"458761","reference":"AQW 35370/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how the Reading with AI Research Project became part of the RAISE Programme.","answerText":"The Reading with AI Research Project is one of a number of Cross-Cutting Initiatives progressing as part of the RAISE Programme.\n\nCross Cutting Initiatives span across RAISE and other areas to address common issues and supplement locality led projects by -\n\nresponding in a strategic way to cross-cutting priorities;\n\nbringing additional opportunities to communities around key themes e.g. literacy /numeracy support, improving school attendance and so on; and\n\nproviding opportunities to test the effectiveness of a range of initiatives in tackling educational disadvantage across all types of education setting both within RAISE localities and beyond.\n\nTo that end officials provided a series of options for my consideration, which included the Reading with AI Research Study. The project provides an opportunity to test how AI tools can support literacy, aligned with research-informed approaches to reading it can help to inform future evidence based policy.\n\nThe Reading with AI Research Study aligns with one of RAISE intermediary benefits - Raising standards with a focus on increasing literacy, numeracy and digital skill outcomes for all pupils. Furthermore, the need to improve literacy levels has also been highlighted across localities throughout the engagement phase of the programme’s development.","answerHtml":"The Reading with AI Research Project is one of a number of Cross-Cutting Initiatives progressing as part of the RAISE Programme.
Cross Cutting Initiatives span across RAISE and other areas to address common issues and supplement locality led projects by -
responding in a strategic way to cross-cutting priorities;
bringing additional opportunities to communities around key themes e.g. literacy /numeracy support, improving school attendance and so on; and
providing opportunities to test the effectiveness of a range of initiatives in tackling educational disadvantage across all types of education setting both within RAISE localities and beyond.
To that end officials provided a series of options for my consideration, which included the Reading with AI Research Study. The project provides an opportunity to test how AI tools can support literacy, aligned with research-informed approaches to reading it can help to inform future evidence based policy.
The Reading with AI Research Study aligns with one of RAISE intermediary benefits - Raising standards with a focus on increasing literacy, numeracy and digital skill outcomes for all pupils. Furthermore, the need to improve literacy levels has also been highlighted across localities throughout the engagement phase of the programme’s development.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035370%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458761","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458761"}},{"id":"458608","reference":"AQW 35256/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-14","answered":"2025-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 34284/22-27, for a further breakdown of the table, outlining the reasons for leaving, by grade.","answerText":"The Department of Education staff who have moved from their position broken down by grade and reason for leaving in each of the last three years is presented in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.\n\nTable 1. Reason for Leaving by Grade, 2022/23\n\nMoved to another Department\tResignation\tAge Retirement\tEarly Retirement\tOther\tTotal\nG5+\t0\t0\t0\t1\t0\t1\nG6\t0\t0\t1\t2\t1\t4\nG7\t2\t0\t0\t0\t0\t2\nDP\t2\t1\t2\t4\t0\t9\nSO\t0\t1\t1\t1\t0\t3\nEOI\t3\t0\t0\t1\t0\t4\nEOII\t2\t0\t0\t2\t0\t4\nAO\t2\t2\t1\t0\t0\t5\nAA\t0\t0\t0\t0\t6\t6\nTotal\t11\t4\t5\t11\t7\t38\n\nTable 2. Reason for Leaving by Grade, 2023/24\n\nMoved to another Department\tResignation\tAge Retirement\tEarly Retirement\tOther\tTotal\nG5+\t4\t1\t1\t0\t0\t6\nG6\t0\t2\t3\t1\t0\t6\nG7\t1\t0\t1\t0\t0\t2\nDP\t1\t1\t1\t1\t0\t4\nSO\t7\t0\t0\t2\t0\t9\nEOI\t1\t0\t1\t0\t0\t2\nEOII\t2\t0\t2\t0\t1\t5\nAO\t1\t5\t0\t0\t0\t6\nAA\t0\t1\t1\t0\t2\t4\nTotal\t17\t10\t10\t4\t3\t44\n\nTable 3. Reason for Leaving by Grade, 2024/25\n\nMoved to another Department\tResignation\tAge Retirement\tEarly Retirement\tOther\tTotal\nG5+\t1\t0\t0\t0\t0\t1\nG6\t0\t0\t1\t0\t0\t1\nG7\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\nDP\t1\t0\t3\t1\t1\t6\nSO\t5\t1\t1\t1\t1\t9\nEOI\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\nEOII\t2\t0\t3\t1\t2\t8\nAO\t0\t1\t1\t0\t0\t2\nAA\t0\t0\t0\t0\t3\t3\nTotal\t9\t2\t9\t3\t7\t30","answerHtml":"The Department of Education staff who have moved from their position broken down by grade and reason for leaving in each of the last three years is presented in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.
Table 1. Reason for Leaving by Grade, 2022/23
| Moved to another Department | Resignation | Age Retirement | Early Retirement | Other | Total | |
| G5+ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| G6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| G7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DP | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 9 |
| SO | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| EOI | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| EOII | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| AO | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| AA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Total | 11 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 7 | 38 |
Table 2. Reason for Leaving by Grade, 2023/24
| Moved to another Department | Resignation | Age Retirement | Early Retirement | Other | Total | |
| G5+ | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| G6 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| G7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DP | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| SO | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9 |
| EOI | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| EOII | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| AO | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| AA | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 17 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 44 |
Table 3. Reason for Leaving by Grade, 2024/25
| Moved to another Department | Resignation | Age Retirement | Early Retirement | Other | Total | |
| G5+ | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| G6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| G7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DP | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| SO | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| EOI | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EOII | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| AO | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| AA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 9 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 30 |
The Education Authority (EA) has engaged with Community Transport Hubs and other voluntary transport providers such as Disability Action, to assess their capacity to support home to school transport for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). These groups provide a vital service in local communities; however, the transport they provide is different in nature to that of the school transport service and it hasn’t been feasible for community transport operators to provide the regular and consistent home to school transport services required. The EA informs me that this is due to a range of challenges, such as licensing requirements, funding structures, staffing limitations and the difficulty in allocating limited resources to daily scheduled services.
The EA has advised me that it is continuing to liaise with community transport operators and will explore any opportunities to develop solutions to support school transport for pupils with SEN that align with its statutory obligations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035255%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458607","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458607"}},{"id":"458606","reference":"AQW 35254/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-12-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the costs associated with the TransformED agenda, including a breakdown of (i) budget spent on actions and projects within the agenda; and (ii) costs associated with (a) events; (b) travel; and (c) other project expenses.","answerText":"The TransformED Agenda represents much needed investment in core education delivery across curriculum, assessment and the education workforce.\n\nOverall, there are 30 separate actions within the TransformED Delivery Plan. The investment to date, across these 30 actions, is estimated at £5,422,503. The vast majority of this investment relates to Teacher Professional Learning (£5,027,000) and has been allocated directly to school budgets.\n\nThe remaining expenditure to date relates to a variety of actions including Independent Review of Assessment (£27k), Qualifications Reform (£180k), Curriculum Reform (£12k) and Events, such as the TransformED school leaders conference, two-day curriculum conference for teachers and nine regional TransformED engagement events for school teachers and leaders (£108k).","answerHtml":"The TransformED Agenda represents much needed investment in core education delivery across curriculum, assessment and the education workforce.
Overall, there are 30 separate actions within the TransformED Delivery Plan. The investment to date, across these 30 actions, is estimated at £5,422,503. The vast majority of this investment relates to Teacher Professional Learning (£5,027,000) and has been allocated directly to school budgets.
The remaining expenditure to date relates to a variety of actions including Independent Review of Assessment (£27k), Qualifications Reform (£180k), Curriculum Reform (£12k) and Events, such as the TransformED school leaders conference, two-day curriculum conference for teachers and nine regional TransformED engagement events for school teachers and leaders (£108k).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035254%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458606","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458606"}},{"id":"458605","reference":"AQW 35253/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools that currently have pupil numbers under the sustainable enrolment thresholds for established schools.","answerText":"The Sustainable Schools Policy adopts the enrolment thresholds as recommended in the Bain Report. The report recommends that, as a minimum, an urban primary school should have 140 pupils, and rural primary schools should have 105 pupils (excluding supernumerary) in recognition of population levels in rural areas.\n\nIn relation to post-primary schools a minimum enrolment of 500 pupils for Years 8-12 recommended, and 6th Forms should have a minimum of 100 pupils (excluding supernumerary). There are 245 primary schools below their respective recommended enrolment (202 are rural primary schools and 43 are urban primary schools).\n\nIn relation to post-primary schools there are 58 schools below the recommended minimum of 500 pupils for Years 8-12, and there are 35 schools below the recommended minimum of 100 pupils for post-16. This does not include those schools which do not provide post-16 provision (32).","answerHtml":"The Sustainable Schools Policy adopts the enrolment thresholds as recommended in the Bain Report. The report recommends that, as a minimum, an urban primary school should have 140 pupils, and rural primary schools should have 105 pupils (excluding supernumerary) in recognition of population levels in rural areas.
In relation to post-primary schools a minimum enrolment of 500 pupils for Years 8-12 recommended, and 6th Forms should have a minimum of 100 pupils (excluding supernumerary). There are 245 primary schools below their respective recommended enrolment (202 are rural primary schools and 43 are urban primary schools).
In relation to post-primary schools there are 58 schools below the recommended minimum of 500 pupils for Years 8-12, and there are 35 schools below the recommended minimum of 100 pupils for post-16. This does not include those schools which do not provide post-16 provision (32).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035253%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458605","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458605"}},{"id":"458604","reference":"AQW 35252/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any actions her Department is taking to address the road condition on Main Street, Moira, specifically the increasingly uneven section close to the entrance to St John's Park.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government.\n\nWhile there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention. I have asked my officials to assess Main Street, Moira in the vicinity of the St John’s Park junction for possible inclusion in a future resurfacing programme.\n\nDetails of the resurfacing schemes planned for the 2025/26 financial year are included in my Department’s Annual Report to Council.\n\nOfficials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with my Department’s Limited Service policy.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government.
While there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention. I have asked my officials to assess Main Street, Moira in the vicinity of the St John’s Park junction for possible inclusion in a future resurfacing programme.
Details of the resurfacing schemes planned for the 2025/26 financial year are included in my Department’s Annual Report to Council.
Officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with my Department’s Limited Service policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035252%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458604","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458604"}},{"id":"458286","reference":"AQW 35130/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-14","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 34658/22-27, to detail whether all of the children listed on tracer letters were accounted for following this measure.","answerText":"Not all children have been located.\n\nIt is important to note that the total number of cases includes children from other jurisdictions (i.e. remainder of UK and/or RoI) and in some cases it may simply be that the family has moved to the Republic of Ireland. In such cases EA undertake routine checks to confirm this.\n\nThe EA has established a Children Missing in Education post within the Education Welfare Service, funded by the Department of Education, as part of the EWS Transformation Programme (October 2025).","answerHtml":"Not all children have been located.
It is important to note that the total number of cases includes children from other jurisdictions (i.e. remainder of UK and/or RoI) and in some cases it may simply be that the family has moved to the Republic of Ireland. In such cases EA undertake routine checks to confirm this.
The EA has established a Children Missing in Education post within the Education Welfare Service, funded by the Department of Education, as part of the EWS Transformation Programme (October 2025).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035130%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458286","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458286"}},{"id":"458285","reference":"AQW 35129/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of any impact that price increases to school meals will have on children who are just outside the threshold for free school meals.","answerText":"In taking its decision to raise the price of a school meal for those not entitled to free school meals, the Education Authority (EA) recognised that children and young people having access to a nutritious lunch positively impacted both their educational and health outcomes.\n\nThe EA acknowledged that if a child is no longer able to access a healthy lunch, it could result in a negative impact on these outcomes for any such children. However, a family not entitled to free school meals retains the choice of whether to purchase a school meal or to make their own arrangements, such as providing a packed lunch. To support parents in this, the Public Health Agency (PHA) publication “Are you packing a healthy lunch?” provides advice and guidance to parents to ensure their child is able to access an affordable, healthy and nutritionally balanced packed lunch.\n\nConsequently, if a family decides not to pay for a school meal, the availability of this guidance on preparing a healthy packed lunch means that all parents should be able to ensure that children are able to access an affordable, healthy lunch, either through the canteen or a packed lunch, without it having an adverse impact on their educational and health outcomes.\n\nThe PHA publication is available at: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/are-you-packing-healthy-lunch-english-and-irish-translation.","answerHtml":"In taking its decision to raise the price of a school meal for those not entitled to free school meals, the Education Authority (EA) recognised that children and young people having access to a nutritious lunch positively impacted both their educational and health outcomes.
The EA acknowledged that if a child is no longer able to access a healthy lunch, it could result in a negative impact on these outcomes for any such children. However, a family not entitled to free school meals retains the choice of whether to purchase a school meal or to make their own arrangements, such as providing a packed lunch. To support parents in this, the Public Health Agency (PHA) publication “Are you packing a healthy lunch?” provides advice and guidance to parents to ensure their child is able to access an affordable, healthy and nutritionally balanced packed lunch.
Consequently, if a family decides not to pay for a school meal, the availability of this guidance on preparing a healthy packed lunch means that all parents should be able to ensure that children are able to access an affordable, healthy lunch, either through the canteen or a packed lunch, without it having an adverse impact on their educational and health outcomes.
The PHA publication is available at: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/are-you-packing-healthy-lunch-english-and-irish-translation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035129%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458285","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458285"}},{"id":"458284","reference":"AQW 35128/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any departmental resources that have been put towards the work on children missing in education, in each of the last 3 years.","answerText":"In addition to the resources addressing policy development provided by members of my Department’s Tackling Educational Disadvantage Team, funding has been provided to allow the Education Authority’s Education Welfare Service to create a range of specialist posts as part of a five year programme which commenced in the 2024/25 financial year.\n\nOne of those posts will specifically seek to address the issue of Children Missing Education.\n\nA successful candidate has been appointed and is now in post.","answerHtml":"In addition to the resources addressing policy development provided by members of my Department’s Tackling Educational Disadvantage Team, funding has been provided to allow the Education Authority’s Education Welfare Service to create a range of specialist posts as part of a five year programme which commenced in the 2024/25 financial year.
One of those posts will specifically seek to address the issue of Children Missing Education.
A successful candidate has been appointed and is now in post.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035128%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458284","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458284"}},{"id":"458055","reference":"AQW 35024/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-07","answerBy":"2025-11-24","answered":"2025-11-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has carried out (i) an equality impact assessment to determine any negative impact on children with special educational needs or disabilities; and (ii) a rural impact assessment to determine any impact on children and young people in rural areas, on the cuts to services announced by the Education Authority.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that as a public authority, under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the mainstreaming of their Section 75 equality and good relations duties, as well as duties under the Rural Needs (Northern Ireland) Act 2016, has been embedded into their policy/decision-making processes.\n\nThis includes consideration of any negative impact on children with special educational needs or disabilities and children and young people in rural areas for proposed Savings Measures 2025-26.\n\nThe planned savings measures are being taken forward individually for implementation and those that have been finalised have had equality and rural needs screening/impact assessment completed.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that as a public authority, under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the mainstreaming of their Section 75 equality and good relations duties, as well as duties under the Rural Needs (Northern Ireland) Act 2016, has been embedded into their policy/decision-making processes.
This includes consideration of any negative impact on children with special educational needs or disabilities and children and young people in rural areas for proposed Savings Measures 2025-26.
The planned savings measures are being taken forward individually for implementation and those that have been finalised have had equality and rural needs screening/impact assessment completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035024%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458055","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458055"}},{"id":"458054","reference":"AQW 35023/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-07","answerBy":"2025-11-24","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any engagement he has had with the Finance Minister, to secure additional funding for the Education Authority.","answerText":"I have consistently placed on record with the Finance Minister and the Department of Finance (DoF) that Education requires substantially more funding.\n\nFrom the outset of the 2025-26 budget process, even before the final budget allocation was known, my Department had engaged with DoF as part of an information gathering exercise to identify the funding requirement for 2025-26. At that time, using the initial planning budget provided by DoF, my Department advised DoF of a funding shortfall for Education of c£700m for all resource pressures and submitted resource bids of c£660m for additional funding for 2025-26, in respect of inescapable pressures only.\n\nUpon publication of the draft budget in December, in which my Department was allocated additional funding, my Department was still forecasting a significant budget shortfall for Resource DEL. This budget shortfall, and the implications for the Education sector, were clearly communicated directly to the Finance Minister in my response to his Draft Budget 2025-26 Paper.\n\nUpon finalisation of the Opening 2025-26 Budget my Department was forecasting a Resource DEL shortfall, after taking account of indicative June monitoring allocations of £32.9m, of c£310m. Again, the implications of this shortfall for Education were communicated to the Finance Minister in my response to his Draft Final Budget Paper.\n\nSubsequent to this I, along with my officials, have continuously stressed the quantum and inescapable nature of the financial pressures facing Education in all budget correspondence, monitoring rounds and monthly forecast outturn returns to DoF.\n\nTo date the only opportunity for my Department to bid for and receive additional funding was the June monitoring round. As part of June Monitoring, my Department re-assessed previously identified pressures and submitted Resource bids totalling £347m and Capital bids totalling £91.6m. Additional Resource funding of £53.3m (which included the previously indicated allocation of £32.9m) and £12.3m Capital was secured at this time, together with £55m of Executive funding in respect of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.\n\nThe Finance Minister has provided a commitment to my Department for first call on additional funding available in December monitoring, up to £37m in respect of Teachers’ Pay. However, whilst this commitment is welcome, we have also been advised by DoF that it is unlikely that any further funding will be available at December monitoring.\n\nWhilst I welcome the additional funding that has been allocated to my Department to date, I remain committed to advocating for the required level of investment in Education. Latest forecasts indicate my Department will overspend by c£288m for 2025-26.\n\nHowever, given the scale of pressures faced by the Northern Ireland Block Grant, the Executive also needs to continue to make the case to HM Treasury for additional funding for Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"I have consistently placed on record with the Finance Minister and the Department of Finance (DoF) that Education requires substantially more funding.
From the outset of the 2025-26 budget process, even before the final budget allocation was known, my Department had engaged with DoF as part of an information gathering exercise to identify the funding requirement for 2025-26. At that time, using the initial planning budget provided by DoF, my Department advised DoF of a funding shortfall for Education of c£700m for all resource pressures and submitted resource bids of c£660m for additional funding for 2025-26, in respect of inescapable pressures only.
Upon publication of the draft budget in December, in which my Department was allocated additional funding, my Department was still forecasting a significant budget shortfall for Resource DEL. This budget shortfall, and the implications for the Education sector, were clearly communicated directly to the Finance Minister in my response to his Draft Budget 2025-26 Paper.
Upon finalisation of the Opening 2025-26 Budget my Department was forecasting a Resource DEL shortfall, after taking account of indicative June monitoring allocations of £32.9m, of c£310m. Again, the implications of this shortfall for Education were communicated to the Finance Minister in my response to his Draft Final Budget Paper.
Subsequent to this I, along with my officials, have continuously stressed the quantum and inescapable nature of the financial pressures facing Education in all budget correspondence, monitoring rounds and monthly forecast outturn returns to DoF.
To date the only opportunity for my Department to bid for and receive additional funding was the June monitoring round. As part of June Monitoring, my Department re-assessed previously identified pressures and submitted Resource bids totalling £347m and Capital bids totalling £91.6m. Additional Resource funding of £53.3m (which included the previously indicated allocation of £32.9m) and £12.3m Capital was secured at this time, together with £55m of Executive funding in respect of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.
The Finance Minister has provided a commitment to my Department for first call on additional funding available in December monitoring, up to £37m in respect of Teachers’ Pay. However, whilst this commitment is welcome, we have also been advised by DoF that it is unlikely that any further funding will be available at December monitoring.
Whilst I welcome the additional funding that has been allocated to my Department to date, I remain committed to advocating for the required level of investment in Education. Latest forecasts indicate my Department will overspend by c£288m for 2025-26.
However, given the scale of pressures faced by the Northern Ireland Block Grant, the Executive also needs to continue to make the case to HM Treasury for additional funding for Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035023%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458054","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458054"}},{"id":"458052","reference":"AQW 35021/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-07","answerBy":"2025-11-24","answered":"2025-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of meetings officials from his Department have had regarding children missing in education.","answerText":"From the start of my tenure in February 2024 and in the month previous my officials in Tackling Educational Disadvantage Team hold a record of 9 meetings having taken place at which Children Missing Education was a topic for discussion. These are listed below.\n\n06 October 2025 – DE/EA/NICCY Strategic Meeting - CME was an agenda item\n\n26 August 2025 – Working Group Meeting to discuss Children Missing Education, DE / EA officials\n\n04 March 2025 – Meeting between Minister & NICCY – briefing provided on CME.\n\n19 February 2025 – Joint Health and Education Committee – briefing provided on CME.\n\n17 February – Meeting between DE officials from TED Team and NISRA Team re CME\n\n14 November 2024 – Meeting between TED Team and NISRA Team\n\n06 November 2024 – Meeting between NISRA officials regarding data collection for CME\n\n24 October 2024 – Working Group Meeting to discuss Children Missing Education, DE / EA officials.\n\nJanuary 2024 – DE Top Management Group – CME on the agenda for discussion\n\nIn addition, a further ten meetings have taken place involving officials responsible for Elective Home Education.\n\nThese meetings have involved external stakeholders, DE officials and in certain cases, colleagues in DfE England to hear about progress of the Children’s Wellbeing Act.","answerHtml":"From the start of my tenure in February 2024 and in the month previous my officials in Tackling Educational Disadvantage Team hold a record of 9 meetings having taken place at which Children Missing Education was a topic for discussion. These are listed below.
06 October 2025 – DE/EA/NICCY Strategic Meeting - CME was an agenda item
26 August 2025 – Working Group Meeting to discuss Children Missing Education, DE / EA officials
04 March 2025 – Meeting between Minister & NICCY – briefing provided on CME.
19 February 2025 – Joint Health and Education Committee – briefing provided on CME.
17 February – Meeting between DE officials from TED Team and NISRA Team re CME
14 November 2024 – Meeting between TED Team and NISRA Team
06 November 2024 – Meeting between NISRA officials regarding data collection for CME
24 October 2024 – Working Group Meeting to discuss Children Missing Education, DE / EA officials.
January 2024 – DE Top Management Group – CME on the agenda for discussion
In addition, a further ten meetings have taken place involving officials responsible for Elective Home Education.
These meetings have involved external stakeholders, DE officials and in certain cases, colleagues in DfE England to hear about progress of the Children’s Wellbeing Act.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035021%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458052","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458052"}},{"id":"458051","reference":"AQW 35020/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-07","answerBy":"2025-11-24","answered":"2025-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any measures he plans to introduce to ensure children facing educational disadvantage will not be excluded from music lessons, following cuts to the Education Authority Music Service.","answerText":"My Department recognises the vital role of music education in supporting children’s development and engagement in learning. Music remains a compulsory element of the Northern Ireland Curriculum in both primary and post-primary levels.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) has advised my Department that it does not plan to make cuts to its Music Service. However, due to significant financial pressures and direction from the EA Board, the Music Service is reviewing its charging policy to increase income from its activities.\n\nA remissions policy is already in place to significantly reduce the charges for pupils entitled to Free School Meals who participate in Music Service activities, and it is expected that this support will continue. As part of its ongoing service transformation process, EA Music is exploring options to remove barriers to participation, including targeted support and partnership approaches, to ensure that music remains accessible to as many pupils as possible.\n\nMy Department also provides Targeting Social Need funding and the Extended Schools Programme which can provide schools with flexibility to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programmes can be used to deliver enrichment activities, including music-based programmes, tailored to local needs.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises the vital role of music education in supporting children’s development and engagement in learning. Music remains a compulsory element of the Northern Ireland Curriculum in both primary and post-primary levels.
The Education Authority (EA) has advised my Department that it does not plan to make cuts to its Music Service. However, due to significant financial pressures and direction from the EA Board, the Music Service is reviewing its charging policy to increase income from its activities.
A remissions policy is already in place to significantly reduce the charges for pupils entitled to Free School Meals who participate in Music Service activities, and it is expected that this support will continue. As part of its ongoing service transformation process, EA Music is exploring options to remove barriers to participation, including targeted support and partnership approaches, to ensure that music remains accessible to as many pupils as possible.
My Department also provides Targeting Social Need funding and the Extended Schools Programme which can provide schools with flexibility to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programmes can be used to deliver enrichment activities, including music-based programmes, tailored to local needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035020%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458051","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458051"}},{"id":"457722","reference":"AQW 34787/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-05","answerBy":"2025-11-20","answered":"2025-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail a breakdown of Specialist Provision classes, by the number of pupils in each classroom.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nSpecialist Provision classes are needs based and capacity measurements will be more complex than in a mainstream setting. EA works closely with schools to ensure that children with special educational needs (SEN) are placed in the most appropriate provision to meet their individual needs.\n\nThere are currently 273 schools with operational specialist provisions across the education estate.\n\n140 schools have specialist provision types where pupil numbers are aligned with or exceed the typical capacity range — reflecting a high level of demand and appropriate placement decisions. Of these, 75 schools have provision types that are currently operating at or above their usual capacity range.\n\n163 schools have provision types where pupil numbers are currently below the typical capacity range, which may reflect a change in pupil profile or a strategic decision to maintain smaller class sizes to support wellbeing and effective learning.\n\nThe October 2024 census is the most recently published dataset. This data provides enrolment figures for Specialist Provision at school level but does not include a breakdown by individual classroom capacity or pupil distribution across classrooms within each Specialist Provision unit, as this is not routinely collected or published in the standard census returns.\n\nThe school enrolment data at school level for 2024/25 can be accessed at: School enrolment - school level data 2024/25 | Department of Education\n\nOne of the core design elements of Specialist Provisions is to allow pupils to integrate with Mainstream Classes and reverse integrate into specialist provisions in line with their identified and changing needs.\n\nThis means that schools can decide how best to utilise their specialist provision to meet the needs of their school community. As such, if more detailed information about classroom organisation within specific Specialist Provision units is required, this would need to be requested directly from individual schools, as this operational detail sits outside the scope of the EA's centrally held data.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
Specialist Provision classes are needs based and capacity measurements will be more complex than in a mainstream setting. EA works closely with schools to ensure that children with special educational needs (SEN) are placed in the most appropriate provision to meet their individual needs.
There are currently 273 schools with operational specialist provisions across the education estate.
140 schools have specialist provision types where pupil numbers are aligned with or exceed the typical capacity range — reflecting a high level of demand and appropriate placement decisions. Of these, 75 schools have provision types that are currently operating at or above their usual capacity range.
163 schools have provision types where pupil numbers are currently below the typical capacity range, which may reflect a change in pupil profile or a strategic decision to maintain smaller class sizes to support wellbeing and effective learning.
The October 2024 census is the most recently published dataset. This data provides enrolment figures for Specialist Provision at school level but does not include a breakdown by individual classroom capacity or pupil distribution across classrooms within each Specialist Provision unit, as this is not routinely collected or published in the standard census returns.
The school enrolment data at school level for 2024/25 can be accessed at: School enrolment - school level data 2024/25 | Department of Education
One of the core design elements of Specialist Provisions is to allow pupils to integrate with Mainstream Classes and reverse integrate into specialist provisions in line with their identified and changing needs.
This means that schools can decide how best to utilise their specialist provision to meet the needs of their school community. As such, if more detailed information about classroom organisation within specific Specialist Provision units is required, this would need to be requested directly from individual schools, as this operational detail sits outside the scope of the EA's centrally held data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034787%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457722","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457722"}},{"id":"457721","reference":"AQW 34786/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-05","answerBy":"2025-11-20","answered":"2025-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) all paid external advisor roles in his Department; and (ii) the amount spent on each, in each of the last 3 years.","answerText":"The details on i) all paid external advisor roles in the Department and the (ii) amount spent in each of the last three years is set out in the table below.\n\nType of Advice\t2024-25\t2023-24\t2022-23\n£000\t£000\t£000\nLegal Advice in respect of the Covid enquiry\t57\t47\t-\nAdvice in relation to contract tendering, business cases, due diligence works on the contract tenderer, consultancy services and tax advice\t639\t222\t185\nEducation Infrastructure Advice and Site evaluations\t652\t585\t1,909\nLegal Advice on capital schemes, leases and site purchases and disposals\t443\t358\t304\nRecruitment Competitions for Departmental Board members\t27\t1\t-\nProfessional support provided in relation to the RAISE Programme\t70\t-\t-\nNumerous independent reviews of DE programmes and costs in relation to Independent Assessors and Ministerial Advisory Panel*\t715\t297\t385\nTotal\t2,603\t1,510\t2,783\n\n*The costs of reviews of DE programmes, independent assessors and the International Ministerial Advisory Panel have been consolidated, as providing this information for these individually could lead to the release of personal and commercially sensitive information.","answerHtml":"The details on i) all paid external advisor roles in the Department and the (ii) amount spent in each of the last three years is set out in the table below.
| Type of Advice | 2024-25 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 |
| £000 | £000 | £000 | |
| Legal Advice in respect of the Covid enquiry | 57 | 47 | - |
| Advice in relation to contract tendering, business cases, due diligence works on the contract tenderer, consultancy services and tax advice | 639 | 222 | 185 |
| Education Infrastructure Advice and Site evaluations | 652 | 585 | 1,909 |
| Legal Advice on capital schemes, leases and site purchases and disposals | 443 | 358 | 304 |
| Recruitment Competitions for Departmental Board members | 27 | 1 | - |
| Professional support provided in relation to the RAISE Programme | 70 | - | - |
| Numerous independent reviews of DE programmes and costs in relation to Independent Assessors and Ministerial Advisory Panel* | 715 | 297 | 385 |
| Total | 2,603 | 1,510 | 2,783 |
*The costs of reviews of DE programmes, independent assessors and the International Ministerial Advisory Panel have been consolidated, as providing this information for these individually could lead to the release of personal and commercially sensitive information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034786%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457721","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457721"}},{"id":"457720","reference":"AQW 34785/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-05","answerBy":"2025-11-20","answered":"2025-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any initiatives and decisions funded by his Department's discretionary budget, including a breakdown of costs, in each of the last 3 years.","answerText":"In response to the Department’s request for clarification, the member has clarified that the question relates specifically to the Department’s budget that it spends and excludes the funding allocated to the Education Authority, schools, or any of the Department’s other Non-Departmental Public Bodies.\n\nA detailed breakdown of my Department’s budgets over the last three years is as per the table below. Please note that my Department does not operate a discretionary budget. While these costs are not statutory, they are considered either contractual, necessary to support statutory educational duties or deliver Ministerial or Executive priorities.\n\nArea\t£000\n2024-25\t2023-24\t2022-23\nDepartmental salaries and overheads\t36,542\t35,767\t35,102\nEarly Years Programs (with the exception of Early Learning and Childcare strategy)\t32,194\t34,743\t34,216\nFair Start\t901\t924\t466\nTransfer Procedure\t-\t3\t3\nBoard Member Appointments\t15\t10\t-\nBritish Council\t90\t120\t180\nSectoral Support Bodies\t1,282\t1,282\t1,271\nNorthern Ireland Contribution to EU Erasmus + Programme\t25\t35\t35\nSchool Governor Services\t12\t12\t7\nExceptional Circumstances Body\t200\t245\t245\nSharing the Learning Programme\t180\t180\t200\nAccess NI Vetting Checks\t23\t23\t23\nDoctorate Course in Educational Child and Adolescent Psychology\t1,787\t1,675\t1,440\nContractual costs in respect of Teachers' Pension\t245\t495\t245\nChildline - Helpline Expansion (TPO)\t159\t159\t266\nChildren's Law Centre\t50\t51\t50\nWomen's Aid Helping Hands Project (TPO)\t45\t50\t60\nInvestment & Infrastructure Directorate - Contractual Fees\t157\t369\t833\nResearch (Schools) (including PISA, PIRLs and TIMSS )\t499\t532\t684\nGaeltacht Experience within ITE (PGCE – St. Mary’s UC)\t16\t16\t16\nStrule Legal and Associated Costs\t35\t26\t44\nTransformation Ballots for Schools\t35\t41\t-\nWrap Around Education Support Pilot Programme\t501\t486\t463\nStanding Conference on Teacher Education, North and South (SCoTENS)\t22\t22\t25\nPlayBoard NI Play Policy\t131\t131\t164\nSafer Schools App\t149\t149\t90\nPolicy and Programme Reviews\t114\t73\t435\nSpecial Schools Strategic Leadership Support\t1\t5\t2\nMental Capacity Act Implementation Work\t5\t20\t-\nAltram - Irish Medium Pre-school Support Service\t158\t100\t-\nIntegrated Education Support\t6\t6\t-\nEuropean Agency for the Development of SEN\t15\t15\t15\nNurture External Research\t118\t-\t-\nThird-party organisations no longer funded due to budget constraints\t-\t352\t2,436\nTowards Inclusion Policy Development\t-\t65\t-\nValuing Education (Education Works) Advertising Campaign\t-\t-\t100\nEmotional Health and Wellbeing Framework\t-\t-\t72\nTeachers’ Pay Agreement 2017-19 – Workforce Project\t-\t-\t67\nHappy Healthy Minds – Miscellaneous\t-\t-\t50\nAttendance Strategy\t-\t-\t10\nCCEA Assessors\t-\t-\t10\nQueens Jubilee Big Message Media Presentation\t-\t-\t8\nMiddletown Holdings Company\t-\t-\t7\nPoem Writing Competition\t-\t-\t2\nTotal Budgets\t75,712\t78,182\t79,342\nTotal Resource Budget\t3,149,354\t2,878,786\t2,647,854\nTotal as a percentage of overall Resource Budget\t2.40%\t2.72%\t3.00%","answerHtml":"In response to the Department’s request for clarification, the member has clarified that the question relates specifically to the Department’s budget that it spends and excludes the funding allocated to the Education Authority, schools, or any of the Department’s other Non-Departmental Public Bodies.
A detailed breakdown of my Department’s budgets over the last three years is as per the table below. Please note that my Department does not operate a discretionary budget. While these costs are not statutory, they are considered either contractual, necessary to support statutory educational duties or deliver Ministerial or Executive priorities.
| Area | £000 | ||
| 2024-25 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |
| Departmental salaries and overheads | 36,542 | 35,767 | 35,102 |
| Early Years Programs (with the exception of Early Learning and Childcare strategy) | 32,194 | 34,743 | 34,216 |
| Fair Start | 901 | 924 | 466 |
| Transfer Procedure | - | 3 | 3 |
| Board Member Appointments | 15 | 10 | - |
| British Council | 90 | 120 | 180 |
| Sectoral Support Bodies | 1,282 | 1,282 | 1,271 |
| Northern Ireland Contribution to EU Erasmus + Programme | 25 | 35 | 35 |
| School Governor Services | 12 | 12 | 7 |
| Exceptional Circumstances Body | 200 | 245 | 245 |
| Sharing the Learning Programme | 180 | 180 | 200 |
| Access NI Vetting Checks | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Doctorate Course in Educational Child and Adolescent Psychology | 1,787 | 1,675 | 1,440 |
| Contractual costs in respect of Teachers' Pension | 245 | 495 | 245 |
| Childline - Helpline Expansion (TPO) | 159 | 159 | 266 |
| Children's Law Centre | 50 | 51 | 50 |
| Women's Aid Helping Hands Project (TPO) | 45 | 50 | 60 |
| Investment & Infrastructure Directorate - Contractual Fees | 157 | 369 | 833 |
| Research (Schools) (including PISA, PIRLs and TIMSS ) | 499 | 532 | 684 |
| Gaeltacht Experience within ITE (PGCE – St. Mary’s UC) | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Strule Legal and Associated Costs | 35 | 26 | 44 |
| Transformation Ballots for Schools | 35 | 41 | - |
| Wrap Around Education Support Pilot Programme | 501 | 486 | 463 |
| Standing Conference on Teacher Education, North and South (SCoTENS) | 22 | 22 | 25 |
| PlayBoard NI Play Policy | 131 | 131 | 164 |
| Safer Schools App | 149 | 149 | 90 |
| Policy and Programme Reviews | 114 | 73 | 435 |
| Special Schools Strategic Leadership Support | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Mental Capacity Act Implementation Work | 5 | 20 | - |
| Altram - Irish Medium Pre-school Support Service | 158 | 100 | - |
| Integrated Education Support | 6 | 6 | - |
| European Agency for the Development of SEN | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Nurture External Research | 118 | - | - |
| Third-party organisations no longer funded due to budget constraints | - | 352 | 2,436 |
| Towards Inclusion Policy Development | - | 65 | - |
| Valuing Education (Education Works) Advertising Campaign | - | - | 100 |
| Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework | - | - | 72 |
| Teachers’ Pay Agreement 2017-19 – Workforce Project | - | - | 67 |
| Happy Healthy Minds – Miscellaneous | - | - | 50 |
| Attendance Strategy | - | - | 10 |
| CCEA Assessors | - | - | 10 |
| Queens Jubilee Big Message Media Presentation | - | - | 8 |
| Middletown Holdings Company | - | - | 7 |
| Poem Writing Competition | - | - | 2 |
| Total Budgets | 75,712 | 78,182 | 79,342 |
| Total Resource Budget | 3,149,354 | 2,878,786 | 2,647,854 |
| Total as a percentage of overall Resource Budget | 2.40% | 2.72% | 3.00% |
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is a matter that has been raised across the Executive on a number of occasions. I am fully committed to working with Minister Givan and welcome the ongoing engagement via the Executive and the priority in the Programme for Government in relation to SEN.
My Department is fully committed to the SEN Reform Agenda and accompanying Delivery Plan, which were published earlier this year, and considerable engagement continues between Health and Education with senior Health Officials represented on a number of structures within the Governance Framework as well as the Joint Health/Education Oversight Group.
Most recently the DE Permanent Secretary has written to my Department seeking Allied Health Profession and nursing input, a meeting has been scheduled to take place to consider the workforce implications between DE, PHA and DoH.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034784%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457719","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457719"}},{"id":"457718","reference":"AQW 34783/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-05","answerBy":"2025-11-20","answered":"2025-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether Health and Social Care Trusts are engaging with the Education Authority's Local IMPACT Teams to consider merging services.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) and Department of Education (DE) are represented on the Children’s Disability Work Stream 5, which sits under the Reform of Children’s Social Care Programme Board. Both EA and DE have been actively engaged in the Early Help / Family Support Task & Finish group. The initial phase of this work has been completed and a draft paper has been compiled to include a scoping of existing peer supports and training across the region.\n\nA number of recommendations have been made to enhance service provision and address unmet need, and the next stage of this work will be the development of a regional implementation plan. This will involve Education Authority colleagues and will take forward agreed actions relating to more joined up and collaborative working. A presentation on the SEN Reform was delivered to the Workstream on 23rd Sept, and areas for collaboration and working together were identified.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) and Department of Education (DE) are represented on the Children’s Disability Work Stream 5, which sits under the Reform of Children’s Social Care Programme Board. Both EA and DE have been actively engaged in the Early Help / Family Support Task & Finish group. The initial phase of this work has been completed and a draft paper has been compiled to include a scoping of existing peer supports and training across the region.
A number of recommendations have been made to enhance service provision and address unmet need, and the next stage of this work will be the development of a regional implementation plan. This will involve Education Authority colleagues and will take forward agreed actions relating to more joined up and collaborative working. A presentation on the SEN Reform was delivered to the Workstream on 23rd Sept, and areas for collaboration and working together were identified.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034783%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457718","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457718"}},{"id":"457516","reference":"AQW 34662/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the recommendation within A Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum that his Department and the Department of Education jointly release guidance for parents on the amount of screentime that is healthy for children and to support parents with alternative ideas for supporting children’s play through Sure Start and Health Visits.","answerText":"I am advised by the Department of Education that while the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum notes the issue of screen time, no recommendations were contained within the report on this issue.\n\nThe Department of Education’s Sure Start programme is delivered in collaboration with the Department of Health. Sure Start engages parents in enhancing the education, health and social development of their children and the promotion and provision of stimulating play is an important aspect of the programme. Sure Start Screen Time guidance already presents key messages for digital usage by both parents and young children, which are reinforced by regular engagement with parents.\n\nThe UK CMOs published 2019 guidance on 'Screen-based activities and children and young people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing'. There are no plans to update this guidance and this Department is not currently considering producing specific guidance on screen time.","answerHtml":"I am advised by the Department of Education that while the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum notes the issue of screen time, no recommendations were contained within the report on this issue.
The Department of Education’s Sure Start programme is delivered in collaboration with the Department of Health. Sure Start engages parents in enhancing the education, health and social development of their children and the promotion and provision of stimulating play is an important aspect of the programme. Sure Start Screen Time guidance already presents key messages for digital usage by both parents and young children, which are reinforced by regular engagement with parents.
The UK CMOs published 2019 guidance on 'Screen-based activities and children and young people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing'. There are no plans to update this guidance and this Department is not currently considering producing specific guidance on screen time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034662%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457516","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457516"}},{"id":"457515","reference":"AQW 34661/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any provisions being made within Local IMPACT Teams to ensure support can be provided to Irish-medium schools.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that:\n\nThe SEND Local IMPACT Team (LIT) model was based on the total staffing resource which spanned the pre-existing services. The existing contractual terms and conditions for all pre-existing roles also had to be respected during the reconfiguration. As a result, the arrangements for supporting Irish medium schools remains the same in terms of staff with Irish language proficiency being deployed to support Irish medium schools to the greatest extent possible.\n\nIrish language proficiency can and will be considered in terms of the profile of any staffing expansion which is ultimately approved across the LIT network.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that:
The SEND Local IMPACT Team (LIT) model was based on the total staffing resource which spanned the pre-existing services. The existing contractual terms and conditions for all pre-existing roles also had to be respected during the reconfiguration. As a result, the arrangements for supporting Irish medium schools remains the same in terms of staff with Irish language proficiency being deployed to support Irish medium schools to the greatest extent possible.
Irish language proficiency can and will be considered in terms of the profile of any staffing expansion which is ultimately approved across the LIT network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034661%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457515","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457515"}},{"id":"457514","reference":"AQW 34660/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions his Department is taking to ensure there are appropriate screening tools, and diagnostic assessments, in Irish to ensure early identification and timely intervention for Irish-medium pupils with special educational needs.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that Educational Psychology Service (EPS) support, including planning, consultation, assessment, intervention and training, to the Irish Medium sector is calculated based on the needs across Northern Ireland schools, via an equitable allocation formula. Each school has a named Educational Psychologist who offers a range of services, from which a school can choose according to their needs. Efforts are made during school allocation to match Educational Psychologists interested in Irish/bilingualism with Irish Medium settings.\n\nAn internal EA EPS Working Group continues to meet regularly and is focused on identifying ways of supporting Irish Medium schools.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that Educational Psychology Service (EPS) support, including planning, consultation, assessment, intervention and training, to the Irish Medium sector is calculated based on the needs across Northern Ireland schools, via an equitable allocation formula. Each school has a named Educational Psychologist who offers a range of services, from which a school can choose according to their needs. Efforts are made during school allocation to match Educational Psychologists interested in Irish/bilingualism with Irish Medium settings.
An internal EA EPS Working Group continues to meet regularly and is focused on identifying ways of supporting Irish Medium schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034660%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457514","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457514"}},{"id":"457513","reference":"AQW 34659/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her consideration in relation to the installation of a right-handed arrow, painted on the road to provide a right turn lane, from the A26 Glenavy Road onto Station Road, Moira.","answerText":"I can advise that my Department has considered a range of options to provide a right turn lane on the A26 Glenavy Road into Station Road. These include the realignment of Magheramesk Lane and alteration to the Station Road junction to provide right turning pockets into Station Road or to both Magheramesk Lane and Station Road. These different layouts require the purchase of agricultural land and the realignment of public utility equipment. There are also a number of substandard design features, which include a substandard alternative route using the Maghaberry Road.\n\nDue to concerns regarding road safety the scheme has not been progressed, and costs to complete such a scheme would be significant compared with the benefits that would be realised.\n\nMy officials will continue to keep this junction layout under review.","answerHtml":"I can advise that my Department has considered a range of options to provide a right turn lane on the A26 Glenavy Road into Station Road. These include the realignment of Magheramesk Lane and alteration to the Station Road junction to provide right turning pockets into Station Road or to both Magheramesk Lane and Station Road. These different layouts require the purchase of agricultural land and the realignment of public utility equipment. There are also a number of substandard design features, which include a substandard alternative route using the Maghaberry Road.
Due to concerns regarding road safety the scheme has not been progressed, and costs to complete such a scheme would be significant compared with the benefits that would be realised.
My officials will continue to keep this junction layout under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034659%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457513","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457513"}},{"id":"457512","reference":"AQW 34658/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 34400/22-27, to detail the number of children on each of the tracer letters.","answerText":"Academic Year\tNumber of tracer letters sent to Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one\tNumber of tracer letters sent to Post Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one\n2024/25\t4 (27, 15, 31 & 6)\t4 (16, 12, 25 & 2)\n2023/24\t5 (13, 7, 23, 16 & 4)\t5 (11, 3, 16, 21 & 10)\n2022/23\t4 (13, 16, 10 & 13)\t4 (2, 12, 8 & 4)\n2021/22\t5 (9, 4, 7, 26 & 18)\t5 (9, 16, 3, 13 & 2)","answerHtml":"| Academic Year | Number of tracer letters sent to Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one | Number of tracer letters sent to Post Primary & Special Schools and the number of children on each one |
| 2024/25 | 4 (27, 15, 31 & 6) | 4 (16, 12, 25 & 2) |
| 2023/24 | 5 (13, 7, 23, 16 & 4) | 5 (11, 3, 16, 21 & 10) |
| 2022/23 | 4 (13, 16, 10 & 13) | 4 (2, 12, 8 & 4) |
| 2021/22 | 5 (9, 4, 7, 26 & 18) | 5 (9, 16, 3, 13 & 2) |
The Education Authority’s Education Welfare Service will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child. If there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.
A total of 36 Tracer Letters have been sent to schools by the Education Authority over the last five years. See Table below:
| Academic Year | Number of tracers sent to Primary & Special Schools | Number of tracers sent to Post Primary & Special Schools | Total |
| 2024/25 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 2023/24 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 2022/23 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 2021/22 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 18 | 18 | 36 |
The Community Children’s Nursing (CCN) service supports children and young people in special schools whose care cannot be delegated to Classroom Assistants. The hours are determined by the individual needs of each child. The recently published PHA Review has identified that the delivery model for the provision of this support varies from school to school across the entire region.
A change in the delivery model in the Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick has reduced the on-site presence of a Community Children’s Nurse to two half days per week; however, the service remains available to the School should there be any queries or concerns, outside of these hours.
All Special Education Needs (SEN) schools across Northern Ireland continue to have provision available to manage the identified healthcare needs of the pupils attending them.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034399%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456687","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456687"}},{"id":"456686","reference":"AQW 34398/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-24","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how the time that special schools have Community Children's Nursing provision available to them determined.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034398%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456686","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456686"}},{"id":"456685","reference":"AQW 34397/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-24","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether school governors have to undergo Access NI checks.","answerText":"The Department's circular 2025/06 issued in March 2025 sets out arrangements for Pre-Employment / AccessNI check requirements and safer recruitment practices for staff and volunteers working in or providing a service for schools/education settings.\n\nIn the event a governor performs activities or functions that may fall within the definition of ‘regulated activity,’ it is expected that schools and BoGs, in their safeguarding and child-protection role, make a local assessment on whether an AccessNI Enhanced Disclosure Certificate is required.\n\nThe option to request an AccessNI check, without a check of the barred list, is\n\npermissible under the legislation and schools/employing authorities may complete such checks if they have cause to use them as an additional safeguarding\n\nmeasure.","answerHtml":"The Department's circular 2025/06 issued in March 2025 sets out arrangements for Pre-Employment / AccessNI check requirements and safer recruitment practices for staff and volunteers working in or providing a service for schools/education settings.
In the event a governor performs activities or functions that may fall within the definition of ‘regulated activity,’ it is expected that schools and BoGs, in their safeguarding and child-protection role, make a local assessment on whether an AccessNI Enhanced Disclosure Certificate is required.
The option to request an AccessNI check, without a check of the barred list, is
permissible under the legislation and schools/employing authorities may complete such checks if they have cause to use them as an additional safeguarding
measure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034397%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456685","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456685"}},{"id":"456684","reference":"AQW 34396/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-24","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 33447/22-27, to detail (i) the number of hours per week the Community Children's Nurse spent at Knockevin school, prior to removal; and (ii) the number of children in the school the nurse was responsible for.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034396%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456684","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456684"}},{"id":"456465","reference":"AQW 34285/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-11-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether a stop in Glenavy or Crumlin will form part of the late-night public transport pilot.","answerText":"In addition to existing late-night services to Derry, Newry and the Airport, Translink plan to run late night bus services on key Metro routes as well as on 4 key Ulsterbus corridors that have no rail alternative. These are Belfast to Dungannon, Newcastle, Downpatrick and Crumlin.","answerHtml":"In addition to existing late-night services to Derry, Newry and the Airport, Translink plan to run late night bus services on key Metro routes as well as on 4 key Ulsterbus corridors that have no rail alternative. These are Belfast to Dungannon, Newcastle, Downpatrick and Crumlin.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034285%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456465","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456465"}},{"id":"456464","reference":"AQW 34284/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of Department of Education staff who have moved on from their position, broken down by (i) grade; and (ii) reason for leaving post, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"The number of Department of Education staff who have moved from their position broken down by grade in each of the last three years is presented in Table 1 below:\n\nGrade\t2022/2023\t2023/2024\t2024/2025\nG5+\t1\t6\t1\nG6\t4\t6\t1\nG7\t2\t2\t0\nDP\t9\t4\t6\nSO\t3\t9\t9\nEOI\t4\t2\t0\nEOII\t4\t5\t8\nAO\t5\t6\t2\nAA\t6\t4\t3\nTotal\t38\t44\t30\n\nThe number of Department of Education staff who have moved from their position broken down by reason for leaving in each of the last three years is presented in Table 2 below:\n\nReason for leaving\t2022/2023\t2023/2024\t2024/2025\nMoved to another Department\t11\t17\t9\nResignation\t4\t10\t2\nAge Retirement\t5\t10\t9\nEarly Retirement\t11\t4\t3\nOther\t7\t3\t7\nTotal\t38\t44\t30","answerHtml":"The number of Department of Education staff who have moved from their position broken down by grade in each of the last three years is presented in Table 1 below:
| Grade | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 | 2024/2025 |
| G5+ | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| G6 | 4 | 6 | 1 |
| G7 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| DP | 9 | 4 | 6 |
| SO | 3 | 9 | 9 |
| EOI | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| EOII | 4 | 5 | 8 |
| AO | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| AA | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Total | 38 | 44 | 30 |
The number of Department of Education staff who have moved from their position broken down by reason for leaving in each of the last three years is presented in Table 2 below:
| Reason for leaving | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 | 2024/2025 |
| Moved to another Department | 11 | 17 | 9 |
| Resignation | 4 | 10 | 2 |
| Age Retirement | 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Early Retirement | 11 | 4 | 3 |
| Other | 7 | 3 | 7 |
| Total | 38 | 44 | 30 |
My Department carries out regular inspections of all public roads and footways to ensure that essential responsive maintenance is identified and completed as necessary. During these inspections all actionable defects are noted and programmed for repair.
An inspection of the footways along Main Street, Moira took place on 4 November 2025. A number of defects were identified and these have been issued for repair.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034283%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456463","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456463"}},{"id":"456462","reference":"AQW 34282/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 33446/22-27, to detail any support in place to increase the number of active companies led by women.","answerText":"A range of initiatives is currently in place to support female entrepreneurship in the North. Invest NI leads with programmes such as Ambition to Grow Supporting Women, which has provided £1.2 million in grants to 39 women-led businesses, creating 78 jobs and generating £2.3 million in salaries, with further calls planned. It also funds Techstart’s female-focused Proof of Concept grants, awarding £595,000 to 17 entrepreneurs and facilitating £1.6 million in follow-on investment, alongside annual calls through 2029. Additionally, Invest NI supports innovation-driven enterprises through its Founder Labs Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator programmes, which have engaged 38 startups since mid-2024, 14 of which were female-led.\n\nInterTradeIreland delivers the €30 million Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, allocating €8 million to female entrepreneurship through thematic programmes such as W.I.R.ED, Shared Growth, Scale Together, and Future Focused Tech. These aim to support up to 642 women directly, with at least 30% participation from the North.\n\nAt Council level Go Succeed is exceeding its 50% female participation target, offering female-only masterclasses, peer networks, and outreach, with plans to introduce tailored support for high-growth female-led startups in Autumn 2025.\n\nOther measures include engagement with the Invest in Women Taskforce, Enterprise Funding for Growth programme.","answerHtml":"A range of initiatives is currently in place to support female entrepreneurship in the North. Invest NI leads with programmes such as Ambition to Grow Supporting Women, which has provided £1.2 million in grants to 39 women-led businesses, creating 78 jobs and generating £2.3 million in salaries, with further calls planned. It also funds Techstart’s female-focused Proof of Concept grants, awarding £595,000 to 17 entrepreneurs and facilitating £1.6 million in follow-on investment, alongside annual calls through 2029. Additionally, Invest NI supports innovation-driven enterprises through its Founder Labs Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator programmes, which have engaged 38 startups since mid-2024, 14 of which were female-led.
InterTradeIreland delivers the €30 million Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, allocating €8 million to female entrepreneurship through thematic programmes such as W.I.R.ED, Shared Growth, Scale Together, and Future Focused Tech. These aim to support up to 642 women directly, with at least 30% participation from the North.
At Council level Go Succeed is exceeding its 50% female participation target, offering female-only masterclasses, peer networks, and outreach, with plans to introduce tailored support for high-growth female-led startups in Autumn 2025.
Other measures include engagement with the Invest in Women Taskforce, Enterprise Funding for Growth programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034282%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456462","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456462"}},{"id":"456524","reference":"AQO 2680/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-11","answered":"2025-11-11","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the implementation of the Wildfires in Northern Ireland Strategic Framework 2025-2030.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The Northern Ireland wildfires strategic framework was agreed by the Executive on 4 September and published on 8 October. Publication of the strategic framework will enable the development of an associated wildfire action plan by March 2026. Since publication, my officials have sought feedback from members of the strategic wildfire group and the wildfire stakeholder forum regarding actions that they are currently undertaking or planning that would assist with the implementation of the strategic framework. That will enable collation of actions already being undertaken and the development of new actions where gaps are identified. A series of strategic and stakeholder group meetings will take place over the coming months to help draft the wildfire action plan, which will form the basis for the implementation of the framework. I thank all the stakeholders who are working with us on that. The only way to deal with it is by working together."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you for that answer, Minister. What role will communications and education play?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Communications and education are key elements of the wildfire strategic framework. Communications and education will make the public and landowners more aware of the conditions that cause wildfires and the adverse impacts that they can have on human health, the environment, society and the economy. Education and awareness will help to ensure that those engaging with the countryside are better informed and will promote responsible use. A better informed public are more likely to be vigilant of wildfire risks and to assist in the prevention and reporting of fires. They will be more informed about the unacceptability of lighting such fires and may be more willing to provide information to the authorities about who is starting the fires. That will be highly beneficial to ensuring successful prosecution of rural arsonists. A series of communications will be issued to alert the public to the risk of wildfires prior to the next wildfire season."},{"speaker":"Mr McAleer","text":"With their huge amount of local knowledge, community groups, farmers and landowners are able to assist the emergency services in dealing with wildfires. Will the Minister give an assurance that such groups will be involved in the new framework?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Yes. The wildfire stakeholder forum forms one part of the strategic framework. The forum includes representation from the farming sector, other key land managers, environmental NGOs, government and council agencies and the Met Office. An official from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine sits on the forum as an observer in order to ensure cross-border knowledge exchange and awareness. It is important that we bring people together to work collectively on the matter, as that is the way forward."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We now move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202680%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456524","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-11-11&docID=457576#AQO%202680/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456524"}},{"id":"456238","reference":"AQW 34171/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-22","answerBy":"2025-10-28","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she is considering the introduction of a default part-time 20mph speed limit zone outside every school, with the option for schools to opt out.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads.\n\nAt present, my Department is prioritising the introduction of part-time 20mph zones at those schools where such measures are most appropriate, effective, and beneficial. This approach takes into account factors such as the location of some schools on roads where a part-time 20mph zone would not be suitable, as well as the limited resources and funding available. Therefore, we are focusing our efforts on delivering priority tranches, with a significant number of schools already benefitting from these interventions.\n\nMy Department is actively progressing a third tranche of part-time 20mph zones at 40 schools, bringing the total to 273 schools since 2020/21. This initiative is a significant intervention that will help to ensure that children, parents and staff feel safer as they travel to and from school on a daily basis. The three tranches equate to an investment of £5m by my Department.\n\nWhile the Tranche 3 programme focuses on schools on rural roads where the national speed limit applies, I am aware that there are schools in urban and residential areas which would also benefit from a reduction in speed limits. I have therefore asked my officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20mph speed limits particularly near schools, in predominately residential areas and places such as town centres where there is a higher number of those walking and cycling.\n\nMy Department is also carrying out a review on a number of speed related matters including 20mph speed limits in general and I plan to undertake a public consultation exercise as part of this review. Further consideration on the use of part time speed limits at schools will be taken on completion of the consultation.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads.
At present, my Department is prioritising the introduction of part-time 20mph zones at those schools where such measures are most appropriate, effective, and beneficial. This approach takes into account factors such as the location of some schools on roads where a part-time 20mph zone would not be suitable, as well as the limited resources and funding available. Therefore, we are focusing our efforts on delivering priority tranches, with a significant number of schools already benefitting from these interventions.
My Department is actively progressing a third tranche of part-time 20mph zones at 40 schools, bringing the total to 273 schools since 2020/21. This initiative is a significant intervention that will help to ensure that children, parents and staff feel safer as they travel to and from school on a daily basis. The three tranches equate to an investment of £5m by my Department.
While the Tranche 3 programme focuses on schools on rural roads where the national speed limit applies, I am aware that there are schools in urban and residential areas which would also benefit from a reduction in speed limits. I have therefore asked my officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20mph speed limits particularly near schools, in predominately residential areas and places such as town centres where there is a higher number of those walking and cycling.
My Department is also carrying out a review on a number of speed related matters including 20mph speed limits in general and I plan to undertake a public consultation exercise as part of this review. Further consideration on the use of part time speed limits at schools will be taken on completion of the consultation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034171%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456238","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456238"}},{"id":"456237","reference":"AQW 34170/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-22","answerBy":"2025-11-06","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33227/22-27, to detail (i) whether his Department holds information on what is required to be reported as an assault; and (ii) any actions his Department is taking to support staff, and students, given the increase in reported assaults.","answerText":"In relation to what is required to be reported as an assault my department is aware of what is required to be reported as an assault. My department adheres to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland’s (HSENI’s) definition of work related violence is “Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work”.\n\nThrough the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) a Policy Statement on Tackling Violence and Abuse Behaviour Against Teachers, TNC 2011/2 has been agreed and this policy explains the responsibilities of Employing Authorities, Boards of Governors, Principals and Teachers regarding assaults and reporting requirements.\n\nWe work closely with all the education employers to ensure that all incidents of physical assaults are recorded and managed effectively.\n\nThere is an obligation on all schools, to report incidents where either a staff member or pupil is physically assaulted resulting in injury.\n\nIncidents where there is no injury are recorded and managed within each school.\n\nIn relation to supporting staff and students, my department has already responded to a previous question from the member (AQW 32023/22-27 refers) detailing a Violence at Work Policy that the Education Authority has developed, along with associated guidance documents, designed to minimise risk from aggressive or violent behaviour and to ensure the prevention, reduction and management of violence and aggression towards staff in the workplace. They also provide a framework for good practice including the steps to take and the support available to victims in an educational setting that have been subjected to an assault. This Policy has been finalised, and discussions are currently underway with all education sectors and trade unions regarding its rollout and implementation.\n\nBoards of Governors of grant-aided schools have statutory duties under Articles 17 and 18 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 to promote and safeguard the welfare of all their pupils, including keeping them safe from harm when required.\n\nWhile the department is not involved in individual school arrangements, we work with the Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) who engage with schools where a concern has been raised in order to ensure guidance is being followed and to seek wider assurance. Any form of assault may constitute a criminal matter and need to be referred to the PSNI.\n\nAll educational settings should put in place a Safety and Support Plan which considers the physical and emotional safety of any child who has allegedly been harmed. The child, parents/carers, school staff, Social Services, the PSNI and external support agencies should be included in the development of the Safety and Support Plan.","answerHtml":"In relation to what is required to be reported as an assault my department is aware of what is required to be reported as an assault. My department adheres to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland’s (HSENI’s) definition of work related violence is “Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work”.
Through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) a Policy Statement on Tackling Violence and Abuse Behaviour Against Teachers, TNC 2011/2 has been agreed and this policy explains the responsibilities of Employing Authorities, Boards of Governors, Principals and Teachers regarding assaults and reporting requirements.
We work closely with all the education employers to ensure that all incidents of physical assaults are recorded and managed effectively.
There is an obligation on all schools, to report incidents where either a staff member or pupil is physically assaulted resulting in injury.
Incidents where there is no injury are recorded and managed within each school.
In relation to supporting staff and students, my department has already responded to a previous question from the member (AQW 32023/22-27 refers) detailing a Violence at Work Policy that the Education Authority has developed, along with associated guidance documents, designed to minimise risk from aggressive or violent behaviour and to ensure the prevention, reduction and management of violence and aggression towards staff in the workplace. They also provide a framework for good practice including the steps to take and the support available to victims in an educational setting that have been subjected to an assault. This Policy has been finalised, and discussions are currently underway with all education sectors and trade unions regarding its rollout and implementation.
Boards of Governors of grant-aided schools have statutory duties under Articles 17 and 18 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 to promote and safeguard the welfare of all their pupils, including keeping them safe from harm when required.
While the department is not involved in individual school arrangements, we work with the Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) who engage with schools where a concern has been raised in order to ensure guidance is being followed and to seek wider assurance. Any form of assault may constitute a criminal matter and need to be referred to the PSNI.
All educational settings should put in place a Safety and Support Plan which considers the physical and emotional safety of any child who has allegedly been harmed. The child, parents/carers, school staff, Social Services, the PSNI and external support agencies should be included in the development of the Safety and Support Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034170%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456237","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456237"}},{"id":"456236","reference":"AQW 34169/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-22","answerBy":"2025-11-06","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils leaving special schools each year, broken down by (i) year group; (ii) age at leaving; and (iii) post-school destination category, including (a) further education; (b) training; (c) adult services; (d) employment; and (e) not in education or training, in each of the last five academic years.","answerText":"Information gathered from the annual school census has been used to track pupils from one academic year to the next. The table below shows the number of pupils who were enrolled in special schools in October 2021 and were not enrolled in any primary, post primary or special school in the October of 2022. This is the most recent information available due to the impact of action short of strike that affected the collection of pupil level information during the October 2023 school census.\n\nThe number of pupils who were enrolled in a special school in 2021/22 that were not enrolled in any school in 2022/23 by age\n\nAge at 30 June 2022\tNumber of pupils\n4\t*\n5\t*\n6\t6\n7\t*\n8\t5\n9\t*\n10\t*\n11\t5\n12\t*\n13\t5\n14\t*\n15\t*\n16\t67\n17\t37\n18\t61\n19\t219\nTotal\t426\n\nSource: Annual School census\n\n* denotes figure fewer than 5 pupils suppressed due to sensitive nature and potential identification of individual pupils\n\nAlthough basic data about leavers from special schools is collected as part of the school leavers survey, information is currently not validated and therefore not included in Official Statistics publications relating to school leavers. With the objective of having schools on the new Bromcom information management system for the 2026/27 academic year, the expectation is that additional data, in relation to destinations, will be collected.","answerHtml":"Information gathered from the annual school census has been used to track pupils from one academic year to the next. The table below shows the number of pupils who were enrolled in special schools in October 2021 and were not enrolled in any primary, post primary or special school in the October of 2022. This is the most recent information available due to the impact of action short of strike that affected the collection of pupil level information during the October 2023 school census.
The number of pupils who were enrolled in a special school in 2021/22 that were not enrolled in any school in 2022/23 by age
| Age at 30 June 2022 | Number of pupils |
| 4 | * |
| 5 | * |
| 6 | 6 |
| 7 | * |
| 8 | 5 |
| 9 | * |
| 10 | * |
| 11 | 5 |
| 12 | * |
| 13 | 5 |
| 14 | * |
| 15 | * |
| 16 | 67 |
| 17 | 37 |
| 18 | 61 |
| 19 | 219 |
| Total | 426 |
Source: Annual School census
* denotes figure fewer than 5 pupils suppressed due to sensitive nature and potential identification of individual pupils
Although basic data about leavers from special schools is collected as part of the school leavers survey, information is currently not validated and therefore not included in Official Statistics publications relating to school leavers. With the objective of having schools on the new Bromcom information management system for the 2026/27 academic year, the expectation is that additional data, in relation to destinations, will be collected.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034169%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456236","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456236"}},{"id":"456235","reference":"AQW 34168/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-22","answerBy":"2025-11-06","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils remaining in special schools beyond year 12, in each of the last five academic years.","answerText":"In special schools, due to their diverse nature, age of pupil is commonly used as a proxy for year group. The number of pupils enrolled in special schools aged 16 and over on 1st July of each academic year can be found in the table below.\n\n2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\n814\t891\t920\t981\t1046\n\nSource: Annual School Census","answerHtml":"In special schools, due to their diverse nature, age of pupil is commonly used as a proxy for year group. The number of pupils enrolled in special schools aged 16 and over on 1st July of each academic year can be found in the table below.
| 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| 814 | 891 | 920 | 981 | 1046 |
Source: Annual School Census
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034168%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456235","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456235"}},{"id":"456234","reference":"AQW 34167/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-22","answerBy":"2025-11-06","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils enrolled in each special school, in each of the last five academic years.","answerText":"The answer is contained in the table below.\n\nNumber of pupils enrolled in each special school 2020/21 to 2024/25\n\nSchool name\t2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\nCedar Lodge School\t247\t229\t250\t258\t251\nFleming Fulton School\t141\t136\t155\t155\t142\nHarberton School\t299\t312\t306\t340\t377\nMitchell House School\t95\t101\t107\t111\t109\nGreenwood Assessment Centre\t67\t64\t63\t59\t53\nPark Education Resource Centre\t125\t161\t176\t187\t183\nGlenveagh School\t183\t181\t179\t181\t185\nOakwood School and Assessment Centre\t112\t111\t112\t112\t138\nClarawood School\t24\t29\t36\t37\t42\nDeanby Centre School\t-\t-\t-\t-\t69\nSt Gerard's Resource Centre\t333\t352\t379\t387\t415\nKnockavoe School\t140\t146\t161\t172\t171\nArvalee School and Resource Centre\t156\t162\t181\t186\t196\nRossmar School\t144\t155\t159\t185\t191\nWillowbridge School\t156\t158\t167\t182\t189\nArdnashee School and College\t342\t349\t399\t427\t462\nRosstulla School\t173\t171\t166\t156\t143\nHillcroft School\t210\t233\t247\t250\t245\nSandelford School\t229\t230\t238\t250\t262\nRoddensvale School\t161\t179\t206\t228\t253\nThornfield House School\t91\t88\t87\t102\t124\nKilronan School\t162\t172\t174\t176\t174\nRiverside School\t99\t107\t117\t127\t138\nCastle Tower School\t330\t351\t364\t380\t379\nJordanstown School\t76\t84\t88\t89\t90\nBeechlawn School\t254\t256\t252\t254\t246\nKillard HouseSchool\t219\t223\t227\t218\t209\nArdmore House School\t19\t22\t30\t33\t48\nBrookfield School\t152\t152\t156\t159\t158\nLongstone School\t214\t208\t211\t223\t233\nParkview School\t199\t205\t219\t219\t223\nKnockevin School\t140\t146\t146\t143\t136\nTor Bank School\t193\t193\t189\t187\t193\nClifton School\t176\t197\t183\t185\t186\nLakewood School\t8\t4\t5\t4\t4\nRathore School\t200\t220\t208\t209\t213\nDonard School\t124\t119\t126\t127\t144\nCeara School\t173\t178\t176\t181\t177\nSperrinview School\t130\t142\t132\t144\t146\nLisanally School\t107\t127\t153\t169\t165\n\nSource: Annual School Census","answerHtml":"The answer is contained in the table below.
Number of pupils enrolled in each special school 2020/21 to 2024/25
| School name | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Cedar Lodge School | 247 | 229 | 250 | 258 | 251 |
| Fleming Fulton School | 141 | 136 | 155 | 155 | 142 |
| Harberton School | 299 | 312 | 306 | 340 | 377 |
| Mitchell House School | 95 | 101 | 107 | 111 | 109 |
| Greenwood Assessment Centre | 67 | 64 | 63 | 59 | 53 |
| Park Education Resource Centre | 125 | 161 | 176 | 187 | 183 |
| Glenveagh School | 183 | 181 | 179 | 181 | 185 |
| Oakwood School and Assessment Centre | 112 | 111 | 112 | 112 | 138 |
| Clarawood School | 24 | 29 | 36 | 37 | 42 |
| Deanby Centre School | - | - | - | - | 69 |
| St Gerard's Resource Centre | 333 | 352 | 379 | 387 | 415 |
| Knockavoe School | 140 | 146 | 161 | 172 | 171 |
| Arvalee School and Resource Centre | 156 | 162 | 181 | 186 | 196 |
| Rossmar School | 144 | 155 | 159 | 185 | 191 |
| Willowbridge School | 156 | 158 | 167 | 182 | 189 |
| Ardnashee School and College | 342 | 349 | 399 | 427 | 462 |
| Rosstulla School | 173 | 171 | 166 | 156 | 143 |
| Hillcroft School | 210 | 233 | 247 | 250 | 245 |
| Sandelford School | 229 | 230 | 238 | 250 | 262 |
| Roddensvale School | 161 | 179 | 206 | 228 | 253 |
| Thornfield House School | 91 | 88 | 87 | 102 | 124 |
| Kilronan School | 162 | 172 | 174 | 176 | 174 |
| Riverside School | 99 | 107 | 117 | 127 | 138 |
| Castle Tower School | 330 | 351 | 364 | 380 | 379 |
| Jordanstown School | 76 | 84 | 88 | 89 | 90 |
| Beechlawn School | 254 | 256 | 252 | 254 | 246 |
| Killard HouseSchool | 219 | 223 | 227 | 218 | 209 |
| Ardmore House School | 19 | 22 | 30 | 33 | 48 |
| Brookfield School | 152 | 152 | 156 | 159 | 158 |
| Longstone School | 214 | 208 | 211 | 223 | 233 |
| Parkview School | 199 | 205 | 219 | 219 | 223 |
| Knockevin School | 140 | 146 | 146 | 143 | 136 |
| Tor Bank School | 193 | 193 | 189 | 187 | 193 |
| Clifton School | 176 | 197 | 183 | 185 | 186 |
| Lakewood School | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Rathore School | 200 | 220 | 208 | 209 | 213 |
| Donard School | 124 | 119 | 126 | 127 | 144 |
| Ceara School | 173 | 178 | 176 | 181 | 177 |
| Sperrinview School | 130 | 142 | 132 | 144 | 146 |
| Lisanally School | 107 | 127 | 153 | 169 | 165 |
Source: Annual School Census
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034167%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456234","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456234"}},{"id":"456012","reference":"AQW 34076/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-10-27","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) anyone consulted as part of the 2024 review of the GCSE equivalency of Level 2 Essential Skills qualifications; and (ii) the rational why Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy, Numeracy and ICT qualifications have been changed to carry a value equivalent to 0.25 of a GCSE.","answerText":"In relation to part (i) of your question, last year, my officials consulted with schools on proposed changes to how qualifications with different guided learning hours, levels and grading scales are counted to produce school system level performance measures such as the proportion of learners achieving 5 GCSEs (including equivalents) at A* - C. The consultation was not specifically about Essential Skills.\n\nAs the changes were about school performance measures, engagement was targeted towards school leaders and their TUS representatives. We also advised the Education Committee of the content and scope of the consultation.\n\nIn relation to part (ii) of your question, it is important to note that performance points are solely intended to support the measurement of school system performance. They do not reflect how qualifications should be viewed by employers, further education institutions, or universities. This distinction was clearly outlined in both the consultation document and in DE Circular Number 2025/01 – Approval of Qualifications for Delivery by Post-Primary Schools in Northern Ireland.\n\nWithin the school performance framework, Essential Skills qualifications accrue performance points which reflect the number of guided learning hours (GLH) associated with these qualifications. GCSEs have 120 GLH, whereas Essential Skills have between 40 to 45 guided learning hours. Previously Essential Skills qualifications with 45 GLH were allocated 0.5 points, and those with 40 GLH received 0.25. Following the consultation all Essential Skills qualifications are allocated performance points of 0.25 as they fall into the bracket of requiring between 30 and 59 GLH to deliver the course.\n\nIt is also important to note that my department expects that almost all young people in schools will be given the opportunity to follow GCSE courses in English and mathematics, as these qualifications provide the most comprehensive and widely recognised foundation in literacy and numeracy. GCSEs are designed with a high level of rigour and depth, and they are aligned with progression routes into further education, training, and employment. For the vast majority of learners GCSEs offer the best preparation for future success.\n\nHowever, the Department recognises that some learners may not be able to access GCSE courses due to specific educational needs or circumstances. In such cases, Essential Skills in Communication and Application of Number provide a valuable and credible alternative.\n\nData shows that this is reflected in practice with the vast majority of learners in schools following GCSE courses in English and mathematics. In 2023/24, before the consultation on performance points, 23,874 took GCSE English and 385 were recorded as taking level 2 Essential skills Communication. The figures for GCSE mathematics and Essential Skills level 2 Application of number were 26,507 and 180 respectively.","answerHtml":"In relation to part (i) of your question, last year, my officials consulted with schools on proposed changes to how qualifications with different guided learning hours, levels and grading scales are counted to produce school system level performance measures such as the proportion of learners achieving 5 GCSEs (including equivalents) at A* - C. The consultation was not specifically about Essential Skills.
As the changes were about school performance measures, engagement was targeted towards school leaders and their TUS representatives. We also advised the Education Committee of the content and scope of the consultation.
In relation to part (ii) of your question, it is important to note that performance points are solely intended to support the measurement of school system performance. They do not reflect how qualifications should be viewed by employers, further education institutions, or universities. This distinction was clearly outlined in both the consultation document and in DE Circular Number 2025/01 – Approval of Qualifications for Delivery by Post-Primary Schools in Northern Ireland.
Within the school performance framework, Essential Skills qualifications accrue performance points which reflect the number of guided learning hours (GLH) associated with these qualifications. GCSEs have 120 GLH, whereas Essential Skills have between 40 to 45 guided learning hours. Previously Essential Skills qualifications with 45 GLH were allocated 0.5 points, and those with 40 GLH received 0.25. Following the consultation all Essential Skills qualifications are allocated performance points of 0.25 as they fall into the bracket of requiring between 30 and 59 GLH to deliver the course.
It is also important to note that my department expects that almost all young people in schools will be given the opportunity to follow GCSE courses in English and mathematics, as these qualifications provide the most comprehensive and widely recognised foundation in literacy and numeracy. GCSEs are designed with a high level of rigour and depth, and they are aligned with progression routes into further education, training, and employment. For the vast majority of learners GCSEs offer the best preparation for future success.
However, the Department recognises that some learners may not be able to access GCSE courses due to specific educational needs or circumstances. In such cases, Essential Skills in Communication and Application of Number provide a valuable and credible alternative.
Data shows that this is reflected in practice with the vast majority of learners in schools following GCSE courses in English and mathematics. In 2023/24, before the consultation on performance points, 23,874 took GCSE English and 385 were recorded as taking level 2 Essential skills Communication. The figures for GCSE mathematics and Essential Skills level 2 Application of number were 26,507 and 180 respectively.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034076%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456012","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456012"}},{"id":"456011","reference":"AQW 34075/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the (i) number of fines issued by the Education Authority to parents and carers for school non-attendance issues; and (ii) total of those fines, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The number of parents or guardians fined by the Magistrates Court for school non-attendance over the past five years is as follows:\n\n2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\nNumber of parents / guardians of children who have been fined by the Magistrates Court\t21\t27\t17\t21\t15\nTotal Value of fines issued to parents by the Magistrates Court\t£5197\t£7655\t£3880\t£5270\t£4600\n\nPlease note that the Education Authority does not issue fines directly; these are determined and imposed by the Magistrates Court.","answerHtml":"The number of parents or guardians fined by the Magistrates Court for school non-attendance over the past five years is as follows:
| 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
| Number of parents / guardians of children who have been fined by the Magistrates Court | 21 | 27 | 17 | 21 | 15 |
| Total Value of fines issued to parents by the Magistrates Court | £5197 | £7655 | £3880 | £5270 | £4600 |
Please note that the Education Authority does not issue fines directly; these are determined and imposed by the Magistrates Court.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034075%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456011","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456011"}},{"id":"456010","reference":"AQW 34074/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the evidential threshold needed for a death to be recorded as caused by an eating disorder; and (ii) what dedicated eating disorder services are focused on prevention.","answerText":"The Deaths and Births Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 states that a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death must be completed by a registered medical practitioner who must state ‘to the best of his knowledge and belief the cause of death’.\n\nThis is also reflected in Departmental guidance related to Death Certification.The clinical judgement and experience of the doctor who treated a deceased person is relied upon to give the most accurate and complete record of the cause of death and any contributory factors.\n\nEating Disorder Specialist Teams across the five HSC Trusts have developed community based psychological therapy services using evidence-based treatments in line with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance. Teams also work to the Regional Care Pathway for the Treatment of Eating Disorders (2016). Individuals are referred to these services for treatment when an eating disorder is evident. As such, these services focus on treatment rather than prevention.","answerHtml":"The Deaths and Births Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 states that a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death must be completed by a registered medical practitioner who must state ‘to the best of his knowledge and belief the cause of death’.
This is also reflected in Departmental guidance related to Death Certification.The clinical judgement and experience of the doctor who treated a deceased person is relied upon to give the most accurate and complete record of the cause of death and any contributory factors.
Eating Disorder Specialist Teams across the five HSC Trusts have developed community based psychological therapy services using evidence-based treatments in line with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance. Teams also work to the Regional Care Pathway for the Treatment of Eating Disorders (2016). Individuals are referred to these services for treatment when an eating disorder is evident. As such, these services focus on treatment rather than prevention.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034074%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456010","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456010"}},{"id":"456009","reference":"AQW 34073/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33227/22-27, whether there is an issue of underreporting in secondary schools.","answerText":"As reported in earlier correspondence with the member, my Department does not hold information on assaults on staff or pupils in its schools.\n\nReporting information is maintained by the Education Authority (EA), and my officials have asked them to provide a response for this AQW.\n\nThe EA utilises an On-line Accident Reporting System for schools to digitally report accidents. While the EA does not hold any data on levels of under-reporting at post primary school level, it is aware that 89% of controlled and maintained post primary schools currently have active accounts on the on-line accident reporting system.\n\nThere is an active work stream within EA Health and Safety Service to address the remaining 11% of post primary schools to create accounts and report accidents via the on-line accident reporting system.","answerHtml":"As reported in earlier correspondence with the member, my Department does not hold information on assaults on staff or pupils in its schools.
Reporting information is maintained by the Education Authority (EA), and my officials have asked them to provide a response for this AQW.
The EA utilises an On-line Accident Reporting System for schools to digitally report accidents. While the EA does not hold any data on levels of under-reporting at post primary school level, it is aware that 89% of controlled and maintained post primary schools currently have active accounts on the on-line accident reporting system.
There is an active work stream within EA Health and Safety Service to address the remaining 11% of post primary schools to create accounts and report accidents via the on-line accident reporting system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034073%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456009","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456009"}},{"id":"456008","reference":"AQW 34072/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the amount her Department spent on the Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research report.","answerText":"My Department spent £153,288 on the Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research. The cost was met by the Department for Education from the £25m allocated by the Executive for early learning and childcare in 2024/25.","answerHtml":"My Department spent £153,288 on the Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research. The cost was met by the Department for Education from the £25m allocated by the Executive for early learning and childcare in 2024/25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034072%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456008","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456008"}},{"id":"455723","reference":"AQW 33942/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33229/22-27, to outline, when a decision has been made to prosecute, whether the Education Authority takes into account any changes in circumstances that occur as the case proceeds.","answerText":"All cases are reviewed in accordance with court sittings in both Magistrates and Family Proceedings Courts. Education Welfare (EA) work on the premise of protection, paramountcy and partnership and all matters impacting young persons are assessed and reviewed to assist with interventions in all settings.","answerHtml":"All cases are reviewed in accordance with court sittings in both Magistrates and Family Proceedings Courts. Education Welfare (EA) work on the premise of protection, paramountcy and partnership and all matters impacting young persons are assessed and reviewed to assist with interventions in all settings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033942%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455723","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455723"}},{"id":"455722","reference":"AQW 33941/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33229/22-27, in cases where the Evidential Test is satisfied, whether the Education Authority robustly and consistently considers and applies the Public Interest Test.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) including its in house legal function, EA Solicitors, is not covered by the Code for Prosecutors issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 37 of the Justice Act (Norther Ireland) 2002 and which details the Evidential Test and the Public Interest Test.\n\nEA will only consider prosecuting a parent under Article 45 and Schedule 13 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (for failing to ensure their child receives efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs either by regular attendance at school or otherwise) after thoroughly reviewing all relevant circumstances. Prosecution is normally pursued only as a last resort once all other strategies and interventions have been exhausted including consideration of whether it would be more appropriate, either instead of or in addition to prosecution, to apply for an Education Supervision Order.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) including its in house legal function, EA Solicitors, is not covered by the Code for Prosecutors issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 37 of the Justice Act (Norther Ireland) 2002 and which details the Evidential Test and the Public Interest Test.
EA will only consider prosecuting a parent under Article 45 and Schedule 13 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (for failing to ensure their child receives efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs either by regular attendance at school or otherwise) after thoroughly reviewing all relevant circumstances. Prosecution is normally pursued only as a last resort once all other strategies and interventions have been exhausted including consideration of whether it would be more appropriate, either instead of or in addition to prosecution, to apply for an Education Supervision Order.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033941%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455722","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455722"}},{"id":"455721","reference":"AQW 33940/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) the amount of the £55 million early learning and childcare funding being allocated to her Department; and (ii) the amount her Department has budgeted on spending by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.","answerText":"My Department secured £415,000 for childcare skills pathways and is on target to spend the full amount by the end of the financial year.\n\nSeparately, the Education Minister has allocated £2 million for Childcare Sector Business Support actions arising from the Targeted Business Support Market Research. DfE is leading on recommendation 1 of that Research: \"the creation of a specialised ongoing childcare business advisor role or service”.\n\nMy officials are working closely with Invest NI to develop a costed delivery plan, with a view to launching a pilot service in this financial year.\n\nThe funding required from the Department of Education for this financial year to deliver the childcare business advisory service will be informed by the costed plan.","answerHtml":"My Department secured £415,000 for childcare skills pathways and is on target to spend the full amount by the end of the financial year.
Separately, the Education Minister has allocated £2 million for Childcare Sector Business Support actions arising from the Targeted Business Support Market Research. DfE is leading on recommendation 1 of that Research: "the creation of a specialised ongoing childcare business advisor role or service”.
My officials are working closely with Invest NI to develop a costed delivery plan, with a view to launching a pilot service in this financial year.
The funding required from the Department of Education for this financial year to deliver the childcare business advisory service will be informed by the costed plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033940%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455721","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455721"}},{"id":"455720","reference":"AQW 33939/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail when changes will be finalised following the consultation on proposals to amend the Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12.","answerText":"My officials have been analysing all 495 responses to the consultation exercise, and I will be taking decisions on proposed next steps in the coming weeks.\n\nIf it is considered that any urgent changes should be made to the Minimum Standards in advance of the completion of the wider review, these changes will be communicated through a Departmental Press Release, a Circular to HSC Trusts and a letter to all childcare providers.\n\nThe full consultation response document will also be published on the Departmental website.","answerHtml":"My officials have been analysing all 495 responses to the consultation exercise, and I will be taking decisions on proposed next steps in the coming weeks.
If it is considered that any urgent changes should be made to the Minimum Standards in advance of the completion of the wider review, these changes will be communicated through a Departmental Press Release, a Circular to HSC Trusts and a letter to all childcare providers.
The full consultation response document will also be published on the Departmental website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033939%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455720","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455720"}},{"id":"455286","reference":"AQW 33747/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps his Department is taking to prepare schools on preventing and responding to Artificial Intelligence-Generated image exploitation.","answerText":"My department is currently working with education partners to develop guidance for schools on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Alongside this, officials are liaising closely with the Education Authority to ensure that the guidance is published in tandem with the release of AI resources to schools through the Education Information Systems (EdIS) Programme.\n\nGuidance and support on the use of AI and some of the emergent challenges is available to children, young people, their families and schools via the Safer Schools Northern Ireland app and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland online resource hub.","answerHtml":"My department is currently working with education partners to develop guidance for schools on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Alongside this, officials are liaising closely with the Education Authority to ensure that the guidance is published in tandem with the release of AI resources to schools through the Education Information Systems (EdIS) Programme.
Guidance and support on the use of AI and some of the emergent challenges is available to children, young people, their families and schools via the Safer Schools Northern Ireland app and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland online resource hub.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033747%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455286","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455286"}},{"id":"455285","reference":"AQW 33746/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department is creating guidance for schools, regarding the sharing of images of children and young people.","answerText":"I do not intend to issue separate guidance to schools on this matter as the existing statutory guidance ‘Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools’ already outlines the responsibilities of Boards of Governors and schools in safeguarding the welfare of their pupils.\n\nSchools should ensure that any sharing or publication of images of children and young people – including on school websites or social media – is carried out responsibly, with the appropriate permissions in place and in full compliance with their internal e-safety and data protection arrangements.","answerHtml":"I do not intend to issue separate guidance to schools on this matter as the existing statutory guidance ‘Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools’ already outlines the responsibilities of Boards of Governors and schools in safeguarding the welfare of their pupils.
Schools should ensure that any sharing or publication of images of children and young people – including on school websites or social media – is carried out responsibly, with the appropriate permissions in place and in full compliance with their internal e-safety and data protection arrangements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033746%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455285","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455285"}},{"id":"455329","reference":"AQO 2625/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on any engagement he has had with the UK Treasury ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget on 26 November 2025.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202625%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455329","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-11-04&docID=456025#AQO%202625/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455329"}},{"id":"455112","reference":"AQW 33647/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-15","answerBy":"2025-10-30","answered":"2025-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients removed from waiting lists due to criteria changes, in the last two years.","answerText":"Thank you for your previous correspondence and follow up question. There has been no change to the position previously set out in my recent response. The updated Effective Use of Resources (EUR) policy was published in 2023 alongside the rollout of the Encompass Programme, which is digitising patient records across all HSC Trusts.\n\nThis has temporarily limited reporting on restricted procedures, including data on patients removed from waiting lists because they no longer meet EUR criteria. The most current data relates to 2023/24 and is referenced in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report Performance of Restricted Procedures by Health Trusts (8 October 2025).\n\nThe Department and HSC Trusts are working to embed future monitoring within the new digital infrastructure and strengthen governance of the EUR policy. Once this work is complete, the requested information will be more accessible.","answerHtml":"Thank you for your previous correspondence and follow up question. There has been no change to the position previously set out in my recent response. The updated Effective Use of Resources (EUR) policy was published in 2023 alongside the rollout of the Encompass Programme, which is digitising patient records across all HSC Trusts.
This has temporarily limited reporting on restricted procedures, including data on patients removed from waiting lists because they no longer meet EUR criteria. The most current data relates to 2023/24 and is referenced in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report Performance of Restricted Procedures by Health Trusts (8 October 2025).
The Department and HSC Trusts are working to embed future monitoring within the new digital infrastructure and strengthen governance of the EUR policy. Once this work is complete, the requested information will be more accessible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033647%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455112","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455112"}},{"id":"455111","reference":"AQW 33646/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-15","answerBy":"2025-10-30","answered":"2025-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 31763/22-27, to detail the rationale as to why this research, relevant to bullying, was removed and other reports into bullying, which predate it, have remained on his Department's website, including research from 2007 and 2011.","answerText":"A review of the department’s website was launched on 10th July 2025. As part of this review over 300 publications have been archived to date. This work is currently ongoing and Research Reports from 2007 and 2011 into the nature and extent of bullying in schools in Northern Ireland have been identified as part of this process.","answerHtml":"A review of the department’s website was launched on 10th July 2025. As part of this review over 300 publications have been archived to date. This work is currently ongoing and Research Reports from 2007 and 2011 into the nature and extent of bullying in schools in Northern Ireland have been identified as part of this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033646%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455111","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455111"}},{"id":"454874","reference":"AQW 33548/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-29","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any action he is taking as a result of the final analysis of the School Uniform Consultation, which noted concerns around growing levels of misogyny in schools, and instances of upskirting, and sexual harassment towards schoolgirls.","answerText":"The consultation response you refer to also notes that school uniform policies will not address the root causes of the behaviours cited. Bullying, misogyny and sexual harassment in our schools, for whatever reason and in whatever form, is always unacceptable. I am - and my Department is - committed to tackling such issues in schools and supporting all our pupils. This can only be progressed through a consistent approach across a range of education policy areas. Should schools need to adjust their uniform policy to support pupils in feeling comfortable, there is no barrier in the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill to this.\n\nThe curriculum places a strong emphasis on healthy relationships and schools can play a key role in addressing emerging issues such as violence against women and girls, misogyny, coercive control, and sexual harassment, including behaviours like upskirting.\n\nThe systems and protocols in place for educational settings impacted by reported instances involving sexual harassment or upskirting - which are forms of problematic sexual behaviour - are outlined in DE Circular 2022/02 – Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour. Recording requirements under the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 reflect relevant Section 75 groups as well as additional common motivating factors, such as misogyny.\n\nMy Department issued circular 2024/14 due to the growing concerns about the impact of mobile phones on children and young people’s development and their unauthorised use in class or during the school day. Implementing a robust and effective mobile phone policy in schools can significantly reduce the opportunities for inappropriate behaviour linked to personal mobile phones, including the misuse of smartphone apps and functions such as its camera during the school day. More than 8,000 young people across Northern Ireland will be involved in the Department’s phone-free pilot scheme.\n\nMy Department takes a range of actions and provides a range of guidance and advice to support Boards of Governors to discharge their statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of their pupils.","answerHtml":"The consultation response you refer to also notes that school uniform policies will not address the root causes of the behaviours cited. Bullying, misogyny and sexual harassment in our schools, for whatever reason and in whatever form, is always unacceptable. I am - and my Department is - committed to tackling such issues in schools and supporting all our pupils. This can only be progressed through a consistent approach across a range of education policy areas. Should schools need to adjust their uniform policy to support pupils in feeling comfortable, there is no barrier in the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill to this.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on healthy relationships and schools can play a key role in addressing emerging issues such as violence against women and girls, misogyny, coercive control, and sexual harassment, including behaviours like upskirting.
The systems and protocols in place for educational settings impacted by reported instances involving sexual harassment or upskirting - which are forms of problematic sexual behaviour - are outlined in DE Circular 2022/02 – Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour. Recording requirements under the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 reflect relevant Section 75 groups as well as additional common motivating factors, such as misogyny.
My Department issued circular 2024/14 due to the growing concerns about the impact of mobile phones on children and young people’s development and their unauthorised use in class or during the school day. Implementing a robust and effective mobile phone policy in schools can significantly reduce the opportunities for inappropriate behaviour linked to personal mobile phones, including the misuse of smartphone apps and functions such as its camera during the school day. More than 8,000 young people across Northern Ireland will be involved in the Department’s phone-free pilot scheme.
My Department takes a range of actions and provides a range of guidance and advice to support Boards of Governors to discharge their statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of their pupils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033548%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454874","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454874"}},{"id":"454873","reference":"AQW 33547/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-29","answered":"2025-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the reason why the fully functional street lights on the Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road, Dromara, were removed.","answerText":"When a street lighting system in an area reaches the end of its serviceable life, a survey is carried out at the location and replacement lighting is installed only in those areas which meet my Department’s policy for the provision of road lighting, as outlined in Street lighting RSPPG E072\n\nFollowing an assessment, the existing street lighting in Dromara Village, including Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road, was identified as requiring replacement. A new lighting installation was subsequently provided, with the extent of coverage reviewed in line with my Department’s policy.\n\nLighting was provided to the boundaries of the 30mph speed limits on Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road. The areas beyond this do not meet my Department’s policy and the existing lights were therefore removed.\n\nThis policy, which has been in place since 1993, helps to ensure that lighting is provided where it is most needed, while also balancing considerations such as maintenance costs, energy reduction and environmental impact.","answerHtml":"When a street lighting system in an area reaches the end of its serviceable life, a survey is carried out at the location and replacement lighting is installed only in those areas which meet my Department’s policy for the provision of road lighting, as outlined in Street lighting RSPPG E072
Following an assessment, the existing street lighting in Dromara Village, including Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road, was identified as requiring replacement. A new lighting installation was subsequently provided, with the extent of coverage reviewed in line with my Department’s policy.
Lighting was provided to the boundaries of the 30mph speed limits on Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road. The areas beyond this do not meet my Department’s policy and the existing lights were therefore removed.
This policy, which has been in place since 1993, helps to ensure that lighting is provided where it is most needed, while also balancing considerations such as maintenance costs, energy reduction and environmental impact.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033547%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454873","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454873"}},{"id":"454872","reference":"AQW 33546/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-29","answered":"2025-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the works undertaken in Dromara in relation to street lighting, since 2020; and (ii) the costs incurred by her Department for these works.","answerText":"My Department is responsible for the provision and maintenance of lighting on adopted public roads and footways.\n\nSince 2020, all the streetlights in Dromara have been upgraded to LED lanterns under my Department’s LED transformation policy. In addition, the columns and associated cable network have been upgraded in Moybrick Road, Moybrick Grove, Hillsborough Road, Dromore Street, Rathfriland Road and Barclay Manor, Dromara.\n\nThe estimated cost of these works is in the region of £200k-£250k.","answerHtml":"My Department is responsible for the provision and maintenance of lighting on adopted public roads and footways.
Since 2020, all the streetlights in Dromara have been upgraded to LED lanterns under my Department’s LED transformation policy. In addition, the columns and associated cable network have been upgraded in Moybrick Road, Moybrick Grove, Hillsborough Road, Dromore Street, Rathfriland Road and Barclay Manor, Dromara.
The estimated cost of these works is in the region of £200k-£250k.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033546%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454872","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454872"}},{"id":"454625","reference":"AQW 33447/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-13","answerBy":"2025-10-17","answered":"2025-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of special schools that have had nursing provision withdrawn, in the last two years.","answerText":"All Special Education Needs (SEN) schools across Northern Ireland have had nursing provision available to manage the identified healthcare needs of the pupils attending them throughout the last two years.\n\nIn 2023/24 the delivery model in Knockevin school changed to an in-reach model with Community Children’s Nurses (CCNs) providing assessment and care planning for those children with complex health care needs. The nurses provided knowledge and skills-based training to key staff within the school and were available for queries and guidance as necessary.\n\nAfter discussions with the South Eastern Trust, the presence of an onsite nurse in Knockevin was stepped up again in 2025 and currently a CCN is on site 2 mornings per week in addition to the presence of Allied Health Professional colleagues.\n\nFollowing the recent publication of the PHA review of the healthcare needs of children attending SEN schools, my Department is set to commence work alongside colleagues from Education and other key stakeholders, to ensure that all children in SEN schools have access to necessary healthcare. This will seek to ensure the best outcomes for all these children, to enable them to access the curriculum in a school setting while receiving the right care at the right time by the right person and in the right place.","answerHtml":"All Special Education Needs (SEN) schools across Northern Ireland have had nursing provision available to manage the identified healthcare needs of the pupils attending them throughout the last two years.
In 2023/24 the delivery model in Knockevin school changed to an in-reach model with Community Children’s Nurses (CCNs) providing assessment and care planning for those children with complex health care needs. The nurses provided knowledge and skills-based training to key staff within the school and were available for queries and guidance as necessary.
After discussions with the South Eastern Trust, the presence of an onsite nurse in Knockevin was stepped up again in 2025 and currently a CCN is on site 2 mornings per week in addition to the presence of Allied Health Professional colleagues.
Following the recent publication of the PHA review of the healthcare needs of children attending SEN schools, my Department is set to commence work alongside colleagues from Education and other key stakeholders, to ensure that all children in SEN schools have access to necessary healthcare. This will seek to ensure the best outcomes for all these children, to enable them to access the curriculum in a school setting while receiving the right care at the right time by the right person and in the right place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033447%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454625","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454625"}},{"id":"454624","reference":"AQW 33446/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-13","answerBy":"2025-10-28","answered":"2025-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the data her Department captured, regarding the number of women starting businesses in Northern Ireland, over the last five years.","answerText":"My Department does not hold official statistics on the number of women starting businesses in the North. However, we do monitor external research sources that provide valuable insights into female entrepreneurship.\n\nThe Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for example, tracks total early-stage entrepreneurial activity, the percentage of the working-age population starting or running a new business.\n\nIn 2023, the rate of female total early-stage entrepreneurial activity was 8.2% in the North; this was an increase from the 7.3% recorded in 2022, and continued the upward trend seen in recent years.\n\nThe Gender Index 2025 indicates that the North was the best performing region for new female led incorporations in 2024, with 21.8% of newly registered companies being female-led – this was higher than Britain’s average of 20.5%.\n\nThe Gender Index also shows however, that we continue to have the lowest proportion of active companies led by women – this was 17.5% in 2024, compared to Britain’s average of 19.1%.\n\nWhile I am encouraged by the progress being made, I recognise that there is still more to do to support women in business. To that end, my Department, and its partner organisations, will continue to support female entrepreneurship through a range of initiatives.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold official statistics on the number of women starting businesses in the North. However, we do monitor external research sources that provide valuable insights into female entrepreneurship.
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for example, tracks total early-stage entrepreneurial activity, the percentage of the working-age population starting or running a new business.
In 2023, the rate of female total early-stage entrepreneurial activity was 8.2% in the North; this was an increase from the 7.3% recorded in 2022, and continued the upward trend seen in recent years.
The Gender Index 2025 indicates that the North was the best performing region for new female led incorporations in 2024, with 21.8% of newly registered companies being female-led – this was higher than Britain’s average of 20.5%.
The Gender Index also shows however, that we continue to have the lowest proportion of active companies led by women – this was 17.5% in 2024, compared to Britain’s average of 19.1%.
While I am encouraged by the progress being made, I recognise that there is still more to do to support women in business. To that end, my Department, and its partner organisations, will continue to support female entrepreneurship through a range of initiatives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033446%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454624","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454624"}},{"id":"454623","reference":"AQW 33445/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-13","answerBy":"2025-10-28","answered":"2025-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any businesses, skills groups, and stakeholders who have been consulted as part of the Consultation on the future of (i) CCEA (ii) GCSEs, (iii) AS levels; and (iiii) A levels.","answerText":"The consultation on the future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels is an opportunity for stakeholders from all sectors to participate via the questionnaire, available online, until 13 November. I welcome the views of businesses, skills groups and any other stakeholder.","answerHtml":"The consultation on the future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels is an opportunity for stakeholders from all sectors to participate via the questionnaire, available online, until 13 November. I welcome the views of businesses, skills groups and any other stakeholder.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033445%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454623","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454623"}},{"id":"454622","reference":"AQW 33444/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-13","answerBy":"2025-10-28","answered":"2025-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the urgent actions her Department will take to improve road safety in the vicinity of Downshire Primary School, Hillsborough.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads.\n\nI was sorry to hear of the recent collision involving a pupil from the school and wish them a speedy recovery. I have asked my officials to arrange a meeting with local elected representatives and Downshire Primary School to discuss their concerns regarding road safety. This meeting is scheduled for 4th November 2025.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads.
I was sorry to hear of the recent collision involving a pupil from the school and wish them a speedy recovery. I have asked my officials to arrange a meeting with local elected representatives and Downshire Primary School to discuss their concerns regarding road safety. This meeting is scheduled for 4th November 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033444%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454622","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454622"}},{"id":"454621","reference":"AQW 33443/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-13","answerBy":"2025-10-28","answered":"2025-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail when he will restore nursing provision to all special schools.","answerText":"All special schools across Northern Ireland can access appropriate nursing provision in line with the identified needs of the pupils attending them.\n\nAny decisions regarding future levels of nursing provision in special educational schools, and the approach to its delivery, will be guided by the recommendations set out in the recently published Public Health Agency report on the healthcare needs of children attending SEN schools.\n\nMy Department is now initiating engagement with key stakeholders to progress this important work.","answerHtml":"All special schools across Northern Ireland can access appropriate nursing provision in line with the identified needs of the pupils attending them.
Any decisions regarding future levels of nursing provision in special educational schools, and the approach to its delivery, will be guided by the recommendations set out in the recently published Public Health Agency report on the healthcare needs of children attending SEN schools.
My Department is now initiating engagement with key stakeholders to progress this important work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033443%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454621","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454621"}},{"id":"454122","reference":"AQW 33230/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-24","answered":"2025-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding needed to ensure special educational needs and disabilities Local IMPACT Teams can support all statutory and non-statutory early years providers.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nEA analysis suggests that an additional recurrent cost of approximately £6 million per annum is required.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
EA analysis suggests that an additional recurrent cost of approximately £6 million per annum is required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033230%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454122","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454122"}},{"id":"454121","reference":"AQW 33229/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-24","answered":"2025-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for a breakdown of how many times (i) the Education Authority has initiated legal action against parents, or carers, due to a child's school attendance; and (ii) these cases have related to children with special educational needs and disabilities, in each of the last 5 years.","answerText":"The number of parents/guardians of children who have had court action initiated (Magistrates Court) as follows:\n\nOffice\t2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\nBallymena\t4\t7\t14\t10\t29\nBelfast\t5\t3\t1\t2\t1\nDundonald\t8\t2\t1\t0\t0\nOmagh\t10\t45\t25\t37\t23\nArmagh\t25\t30\t6\t11\t17\nTOTAL\t52\t87\t47\t60\t70\n\n(ii) The Education Authority’s Education Welfare Service does not hold this data or breakdown cases based on SEN. The case is taken against the Parent/Carer based on the level of co-operation. Under Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, it is the duty of parents who have a child of compulsory school age to ensure their child receives efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude, ability and to any special educational needs they may have.\n\nParagraph 3 (1) of Schedule 13 to the 1986 Order states that it is the duty of a parent of a registered pupil of a school to secure their regular attendance at school. This applies to all children of compulsory school age who are on the roll of a school. Parents are legally responsible for making this happen.","answerHtml":"The number of parents/guardians of children who have had court action initiated (Magistrates Court) as follows:
| Office | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Ballymena | 4 | 7 | 14 | 10 | 29 |
| Belfast | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Dundonald | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Omagh | 10 | 45 | 25 | 37 | 23 |
| Armagh | 25 | 30 | 6 | 11 | 17 |
| TOTAL | 52 | 87 | 47 | 60 | 70 |
(ii) The Education Authority’s Education Welfare Service does not hold this data or breakdown cases based on SEN. The case is taken against the Parent/Carer based on the level of co-operation. Under Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, it is the duty of parents who have a child of compulsory school age to ensure their child receives efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude, ability and to any special educational needs they may have.
Paragraph 3 (1) of Schedule 13 to the 1986 Order states that it is the duty of a parent of a registered pupil of a school to secure their regular attendance at school. This applies to all children of compulsory school age who are on the roll of a school. Parents are legally responsible for making this happen.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033229%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454121","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454121"}},{"id":"454120","reference":"AQW 33228/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-24","answered":"2025-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 31072/22-27, to detail whether the Department of Education have policy responsibility for (i) the Employment of Children Regulations (Northern Ireland)1996 and the Employment of Children (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006; and (ii) the Children (Public Performances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996.","answerText":"The Department of Health holds legislative responsibility for these Regulations. While the Education Authority administers the process for issuing the permits and licenses, the Regulations are primarily concerned with the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people in employment and performance contexts rather than in educational settings.\n\nAs previously indicated my officials will engage with both the Department of Health and Economy in respect of this matter.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health holds legislative responsibility for these Regulations. While the Education Authority administers the process for issuing the permits and licenses, the Regulations are primarily concerned with the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people in employment and performance contexts rather than in educational settings.
As previously indicated my officials will engage with both the Department of Health and Economy in respect of this matter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033228%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454120","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454120"}},{"id":"454119","reference":"AQW 33227/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-24","answered":"2025-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 32023/22-27, to detail a breakdown of the data by (i) primary; (ii) post-primary; and (iii) special, schools.","answerText":"The data provided in AQW 32023/22-27 to the member has been broken down into school type by the Education Authority below and details assaults on staff and pupils within both Controlled and Catholic Maintained Schools.\n\nAssaults on Staff by School Type\n\nSchool Type\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\tGrand Total\nNursery\t0\t2\t0\t13\t8\t23\nOther\t2\t8\t14\t44\t21\t89\nPost Primary\t8\t5\t7\t9\t6\t35\nPrimary\t39\t35\t113\t119\t288\t594\nSpecial\t741\t1223\t1444\t1895\t3256\t8559\nGrand Total\t790\t1273\t1578\t2080\t3579\t9300\n\nAssaults on Pupils by School Type\n\nSchool Type\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\tGrand Total\nNursery\t1\t3\t8\t15\t6\t33\nOther\t0\t7\t7\t21\t14\t49\nPost Primary\t92\t85\t133\t158\t230\t698\nPrimary\t37\t50\t103\t178\t181\t549\nSpecial\t256\t421\t514\t758\t920\t2869\nGrand Total\t386\t566\t765\t1130\t1351\t4198","answerHtml":"The data provided in AQW 32023/22-27 to the member has been broken down into school type by the Education Authority below and details assaults on staff and pupils within both Controlled and Catholic Maintained Schools.
Assaults on Staff by School Type
| School Type | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Grand Total |
| Nursery | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 8 | 23 |
| Other | 2 | 8 | 14 | 44 | 21 | 89 |
| Post Primary | 8 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 35 |
| Primary | 39 | 35 | 113 | 119 | 288 | 594 |
| Special | 741 | 1223 | 1444 | 1895 | 3256 | 8559 |
| Grand Total | 790 | 1273 | 1578 | 2080 | 3579 | 9300 |
Assaults on Pupils by School Type
| School Type | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Grand Total |
| Nursery | 1 | 3 | 8 | 15 | 6 | 33 |
| Other | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 14 | 49 |
| Post Primary | 92 | 85 | 133 | 158 | 230 | 698 |
| Primary | 37 | 50 | 103 | 178 | 181 | 549 |
| Special | 256 | 421 | 514 | 758 | 920 | 2869 |
| Grand Total | 386 | 566 | 765 | 1130 | 1351 | 4198 |
The Executive Office (TEO) remains committed to the effective implementation of equality and good relations duties as set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
Each department is individually responsible for meeting these duties, with oversight provided by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).
TEO integrates equality considerations into decision making and policy development through screening exercises and, where necessary, Equality Impact Assessments. This work helps with identifying potential impacts and ensuring that opportunities to promote equality and good relations are actively pursued.
TEO continues to work with other government departments and the Equality Commission to strengthen this work and help to deliver positive outcomes for people and communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202562%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458495","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458495"}},{"id":"453904","reference":"AQW 33128/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-08","answerBy":"2025-10-14","answered":"2025-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy will be published.","answerText":"I will bring forward a draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy for Executive consideration and public consultation in the coming weeks.","answerHtml":"I will bring forward a draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy for Executive consideration and public consultation in the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033128%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453904","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453904"}},{"id":"453903","reference":"AQW 33127/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-08","answerBy":"2025-10-23","answered":"2025-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (I) whether a workforce strategy for the early years sector is forming part of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy; and (ii) how he will ensure that the workforce strategy won't simply become an action to be completed in the future.","answerText":"I will bring forward a draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy for Executive consideration and public consultation in the coming weeks. This includes proposals to support the childcare workforce, training needs, recruitment and retention challenges. However, implementation of the Strategy will be subject to Executive approval and agreement to release the additional funding required.\n\nThe following actions to support the early learning and childcare workforce have already been implemented from Executive funding provided in 2024-25 and 2025-26, including funding:-\n\nthe Department of Communities to provide childminding academies through Labour Market Partnerships, resulting in over 150 newly trained childminders to date;\n\nthe Department of Health for a pilot scheme to recruit Approved Home Childcare providers; and\n\nboth the Department for the Economy and the Department of Health to enhance training opportunities across the early learning and childcare sector.","answerHtml":"I will bring forward a draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy for Executive consideration and public consultation in the coming weeks. This includes proposals to support the childcare workforce, training needs, recruitment and retention challenges. However, implementation of the Strategy will be subject to Executive approval and agreement to release the additional funding required.
The following actions to support the early learning and childcare workforce have already been implemented from Executive funding provided in 2024-25 and 2025-26, including funding:-
the Department of Communities to provide childminding academies through Labour Market Partnerships, resulting in over 150 newly trained childminders to date;
the Department of Health for a pilot scheme to recruit Approved Home Childcare providers; and
both the Department for the Economy and the Department of Health to enhance training opportunities across the early learning and childcare sector.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033127%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453903","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453903"}},{"id":"453901","reference":"AQW 33125/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-08","answerBy":"2025-10-23","answered":"2025-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail a timeline for the development of a proposal for a targeted business support service for childcare providers.","answerText":"The Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Research Report was published on 24 September 2025 and can be accessed at Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research.The Education Minister has agreed that my Department will take the operational lead on the design and delivery of Recommendation 1; namely, the creation of an on-going childcare business advisor role or service. Its longer-term strategic ambitions will be overseen by the Early Learning & Childcare Strategy Task and Finish Group on which my Department is represented. My officials are now working closely with Invest NI to develop a costed plan for the delivery of this service. I recognise the importance of ensuring that the service will be available to voluntary and community providers; childminders; and childcare businesses alike. It is equally important that the service operates on a continuous basis so that we can gain a better understanding of the financial needs of the sector and equip us to adapt our support to meet the evolving needs of childcare providers over time.","answerHtml":"The Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Research Report was published on 24 September 2025 and can be accessed at Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research.The Education Minister has agreed that my Department will take the operational lead on the design and delivery of Recommendation 1; namely, the creation of an on-going childcare business advisor role or service. Its longer-term strategic ambitions will be overseen by the Early Learning & Childcare Strategy Task and Finish Group on which my Department is represented. My officials are now working closely with Invest NI to develop a costed plan for the delivery of this service. I recognise the importance of ensuring that the service will be available to voluntary and community providers; childminders; and childcare businesses alike. It is equally important that the service operates on a continuous basis so that we can gain a better understanding of the financial needs of the sector and equip us to adapt our support to meet the evolving needs of childcare providers over time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033125%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453901","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453901"}},{"id":"453900","reference":"AQW 33124/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-08","answerBy":"2025-10-23","answered":"2025-10-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether any additional funding will go to the Education Authority to ensure Local Impact Teams are properly staffed.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 31022/22-27, published in the weekly answer booklet for week ending 26 September 2025.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 31022/22-27, published in the weekly answer booklet for week ending 26 September 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033124%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453900","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453900"}},{"id":"453175","reference":"AQW 32877/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-10","answered":"2025-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans in place to prevent flooding on A26 underneath the railway bridge, near the Moira roundabout.","answerText":"Inspection and maintenance of gullies and drains are critical components of rural infrastructure management.\n\nI am advised that the road gullies at this location drain into open channels situated on adjacent land. My officials have made arrangements for both the gullies and open drains in the vicinity to be cleaned, and it is anticipated that this work will be completed by the end of October 2025.","answerHtml":"Inspection and maintenance of gullies and drains are critical components of rural infrastructure management.
I am advised that the road gullies at this location drain into open channels situated on adjacent land. My officials have made arrangements for both the gullies and open drains in the vicinity to be cleaned, and it is anticipated that this work will be completed by the end of October 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032877%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453175","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453175"}},{"id":"453174","reference":"AQW 32876/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-21","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 26332/22-27; and (ii) AQW 26329/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032876%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453174","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453174"}},{"id":"452847","reference":"AQW 32771/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any contingency plans in place for schools and pre-schools in response to weather warnings issued by the Met Office; and (ii) whether the Education Authority will complete a review of their communication policy following Storm Amy.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) have a range of materials to support contingency planning within schools and pre-schools. These include contingency arrangements for schools to access Emergency Maintenance Support, Guidance on Managing a Critical Incident and a Critical Incident Helpline, Severe Weather guidance, and Emergency Planning guidance. This is further supported by adverse weather risk assessments. In addition to these resources the EA has a Severe Weather Protocol to support schools in periods of severe weather.\n\nThe EA, as standard practice, will complete a full debrief and review following any emergency incidents responded to, and communications will be a part of this process. I have also commissioned an internal review following Storm Amy to consider the communication methods used by the EA and to assess the decision-making processes that were utilised.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) have a range of materials to support contingency planning within schools and pre-schools. These include contingency arrangements for schools to access Emergency Maintenance Support, Guidance on Managing a Critical Incident and a Critical Incident Helpline, Severe Weather guidance, and Emergency Planning guidance. This is further supported by adverse weather risk assessments. In addition to these resources the EA has a Severe Weather Protocol to support schools in periods of severe weather.
The EA, as standard practice, will complete a full debrief and review following any emergency incidents responded to, and communications will be a part of this process. I have also commissioned an internal review following Storm Amy to consider the communication methods used by the EA and to assess the decision-making processes that were utilised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032771%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452847","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452847"}},{"id":"452846","reference":"AQW 32770/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he plans to introduce a transitional bursary, or financial support package, for current PGCE students who are excluded from the 2026 Initial Teacher Education bursary scheme.","answerText":"The purpose of the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) bursary scheme, and the basis of both business case approval and the proposed evaluation of the pilot, is to increase the number of both applications and enrolments in ITE in subjects which are experiencing teacher shortages.\n\nExtending the scheme to include current students would not increase either applications or enrolments and would not, therefore, be deemed a Value for Money option that would fulfil the objectives of the scheme. It would also incur significant additional costs, which cannot be met from within the Department’s existing 2025/26 budget. The Education Sector is already facing an overcommitment of c£279m in 2025/26 for inescapable pressures only.\n\nI understand this is disappointing for those already enrolled.","answerHtml":"The purpose of the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) bursary scheme, and the basis of both business case approval and the proposed evaluation of the pilot, is to increase the number of both applications and enrolments in ITE in subjects which are experiencing teacher shortages.
Extending the scheme to include current students would not increase either applications or enrolments and would not, therefore, be deemed a Value for Money option that would fulfil the objectives of the scheme. It would also incur significant additional costs, which cannot be met from within the Department’s existing 2025/26 budget. The Education Sector is already facing an overcommitment of c£279m in 2025/26 for inescapable pressures only.
I understand this is disappointing for those already enrolled.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032770%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452846","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452846"}},{"id":"452845","reference":"AQW 32769/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide a breakdown of requests received from schools for support for (i) cognition and learning; (ii) social, behavioural, emotional and well-being; (iii) speech, language and communication needs; (iv) sensory; and (v) physical needs, in the last twelve months.","answerText":"The Education Authority has provided the following breakdown of requests received from schools:\n\nEducational Psychology Service\n(1 September 2024 - 31 August 2025)\tLocal Impact Teams*\n(30 January 2025 - 6 October 2025)\nCognition and Learning\t1243\t1759\nSocial, Behavioural, Emotional and Well-being\t2099\t1142\nSpeech, Language and Communication Needs\t1130\t428\nSensory\t88\t10\nPhysical Needs\t174\t21\n\n*All other data is held in Legacy areas and held by each individual service.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has provided the following breakdown of requests received from schools:
| Educational Psychology Service (1 September 2024 - 31 August 2025) | Local Impact Teams* (30 January 2025 - 6 October 2025) | |
| Cognition and Learning | 1243 | 1759 |
| Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Well-being | 2099 | 1142 |
| Speech, Language and Communication Needs | 1130 | 428 |
| Sensory | 88 | 10 |
| Physical Needs | 174 | 21 |
*All other data is held in Legacy areas and held by each individual service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032769%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452845","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452845"}},{"id":"452844","reference":"AQW 32768/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any cost analysis carried out on moving the role of special educational needs coordinator to a dedicated non-teaching position in all schools.","answerText":"To date there has been no cost analysis completed on moving the role of special educational needs coordinator to a dedicated non-teaching position in all schools.","answerHtml":"To date there has been no cost analysis completed on moving the role of special educational needs coordinator to a dedicated non-teaching position in all schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032768%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452844","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452844"}},{"id":"452667","reference":"AQW 32663/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-02","answerBy":"2025-10-17","answered":"2025-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail when he plans to publish consultations relating to (i) Small Business Rate Relief; and (ii) Non-Domestic Vacant Rating.","answerText":"The Strategic Review of Rates for Small Business Rate Relief and Non-domestic Vacant Rating have now been completed. During the Review my officials carried out research, taxbase analysis, extensive engagement with key stakeholders and councils, along with a related business survey.\n\nI am currently reviewing the results of both Reviews after which I will provide an update to the Assembly, including on the timing of any consultation work.","answerHtml":"The Strategic Review of Rates for Small Business Rate Relief and Non-domestic Vacant Rating have now been completed. During the Review my officials carried out research, taxbase analysis, extensive engagement with key stakeholders and councils, along with a related business survey.
I am currently reviewing the results of both Reviews after which I will provide an update to the Assembly, including on the timing of any consultation work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032663%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452667","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452667"}},{"id":"451893","reference":"AQW 32299/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-29","answerBy":"2025-10-14","answered":"2025-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether the Department consulted with the Education Authority on what special educational needs and disabilities projects were included in the Public Sector Transformation bid.","answerText":"The projects within my department’s Public Sector Transformation bid were informed by the department and the Education Authority (EA) jointly led End to End (E2E) Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and drawn directly from the resulting SEN Reform Delivery Plan. A wide range of stakeholders and delivery partners, including the EA, were involved in this process.\n\nMy department and the EA are working in partnership to implement the projects funded by the Public Sector Transformation Board (PSTB) and are fully committed to delivering on my wider SEN Reform agenda.","answerHtml":"The projects within my department’s Public Sector Transformation bid were informed by the department and the Education Authority (EA) jointly led End to End (E2E) Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and drawn directly from the resulting SEN Reform Delivery Plan. A wide range of stakeholders and delivery partners, including the EA, were involved in this process.
My department and the EA are working in partnership to implement the projects funded by the Public Sector Transformation Board (PSTB) and are fully committed to delivering on my wider SEN Reform agenda.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451893","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451893"}},{"id":"451892","reference":"AQW 32298/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-29","answerBy":"2025-10-14","answered":"2025-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how he will ensure that future Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration pay recommendations are implemented in a timely way to ensure they do not face inflated tax liabilities in relation to pension contributions.","answerText":"I am committed towards implementing the pay awards in a timely manner. My aim has been, and will be in the years to come, to have the pay award in Northern Ireland paid to a similar timescale as in England.\n\nMy officials are working with the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration to ensure recommendations are received as early as possible to allow maximum time to secure and implement the pay award. However, there is a need to recognise the challenge my Department faces in relation to our budget and the challenging financial position my Department finds itself in.\n\nAdditionally, as with any pay award, there is a process that must be followed before it is paid to staff. My Department require approval from the Department of Finance prior to issuing a revised pay circular. From the date of issue of the circular, BSO require a period of 12 weeks to request, test and implement the required IT changes.\n\nI recognise the importance of avoiding delays in implementing pay awards and I remain committed to ensuring that, for now and in the future, our HSC workforce is fairly rewarded for their vital contributions.","answerHtml":"I am committed towards implementing the pay awards in a timely manner. My aim has been, and will be in the years to come, to have the pay award in Northern Ireland paid to a similar timescale as in England.
My officials are working with the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration to ensure recommendations are received as early as possible to allow maximum time to secure and implement the pay award. However, there is a need to recognise the challenge my Department faces in relation to our budget and the challenging financial position my Department finds itself in.
Additionally, as with any pay award, there is a process that must be followed before it is paid to staff. My Department require approval from the Department of Finance prior to issuing a revised pay circular. From the date of issue of the circular, BSO require a period of 12 weeks to request, test and implement the required IT changes.
I recognise the importance of avoiding delays in implementing pay awards and I remain committed to ensuring that, for now and in the future, our HSC workforce is fairly rewarded for their vital contributions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032298%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451892","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451892"}},{"id":"453515","reference":"AQO 2501/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-25","answerBy":"2025-10-07","answered":"2025-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any action her Department is taking to improve transport links to the Maze Long Kesh site, including the Eikon Exhibition Centre.","answerText":"My Department currently has no plans to improve transport linkage to the Maze Long Kesh Site. Should future development of the site be proposed, consideration will be given to any requirement for upgrading of the transport infrastructure.\n\nWhilst I acknowledge that the Balmoral Show, which attracts over 120,000 visitors per annum, creates significant traffic congestion in the local area over a 4 day period in May, other events during the year occur on a monthly basis with relatively low attendance. To date my officials have not been made aware of any particular traffic management issues during these lesser events.\n\nPlanning permission has been granted to a developer for the Knockmore Link Road and, if built, this developer led and privately funded project would provide links from the local road network to the Motorway at Sprucefield.\n\nA planning application has recently been lodged for a significant mixed-use development on the lands between the existing M1 Junction 8 / A101 roundabout and Moira Road / Knockmore Road junction. The approved Knockmore Link Road is to be provided in support of this large-scale development.","answerHtml":"My Department currently has no plans to improve transport linkage to the Maze Long Kesh Site. Should future development of the site be proposed, consideration will be given to any requirement for upgrading of the transport infrastructure.
Whilst I acknowledge that the Balmoral Show, which attracts over 120,000 visitors per annum, creates significant traffic congestion in the local area over a 4 day period in May, other events during the year occur on a monthly basis with relatively low attendance. To date my officials have not been made aware of any particular traffic management issues during these lesser events.
Planning permission has been granted to a developer for the Knockmore Link Road and, if built, this developer led and privately funded project would provide links from the local road network to the Motorway at Sprucefield.
A planning application has recently been lodged for a significant mixed-use development on the lands between the existing M1 Junction 8 / A101 roundabout and Moira Road / Knockmore Road junction. The approved Knockmore Link Road is to be provided in support of this large-scale development.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202501%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453515","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453515"}},{"id":"451306","reference":"AQO 2484/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-25","answerBy":"2025-10-06","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline the number of patients that have been removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria in the last 12 months.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"In the past 12 months, 2,142 patients have been removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list owing to a change of criteria, with 976 patients remaining on it. I recognise the disappointment of the patients who were removed from the waiting list. The fact that many patients had been on it for a number of years, however, is evidence in itself of the pressures and demands on the service. Similar to other services, waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy and, sadly, growing. In 2022, the Department of Health updated the effective use of resources policy, following a review of the evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. Subsequently, certain procedures are commissioned in Northern Ireland only for patients who meet the criteria."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Minister, it is very concerning that some 2,000 patients have been removed from the waiting list owing to a change of criteria. I can evidence that using the experience of one of my constituents, who has painful varicose veins. She was on a waiting list for four years and was removed owing to the criteria change. She was then re-referred by her GP but was again declined for a place on the waiting list. Can the Minister give an assurance that changing the criteria is not a tactic to reduce waiting lists while not treating patients?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I can assure the Member that the clinical guidance — CG168 — from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, as well as the views of a range of stakeholders, clinical and non-clinical, informed the effective use of resources policy for the treatment of varicose veins. NICE interventional procedures guidance was also considered. Further to the direction outlined in 2022, owing to pressures, a decision was taken in 2023 that assessment and treatment could be provided only to patients with severe varicose veins."},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Linda Dillon is not in her place."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202484%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451306","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-10-06&docID=452297#AQO%202484/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451306"}},{"id":"451162","reference":"AQW 32027/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-24","answerBy":"2025-10-09","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail what active travel improvements will be introduced between Maghaberry and Moira Train Station, to improve foot and bicycle safety along the route.","answerText":"In relation to the planned active travel improvements between Moira and Moira train station, design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed. A typical scheme of this nature can take a number of years to design, and meaningful engagement with the public throughout the design process is crucial if we want to deliver high quality infrastructure that will be welcomed by users and the community. At this stage it is too early to provide an accurate timeline as to when public engagement will take place.\n\nFuture investment in significant active travel infrastructure improvements will be prioritised primarily in line with the emerging Active Travel Delivery Plan. There are currently no plans to improve active travel infrastructure between Maghaberry and Moira Train Station.","answerHtml":"In relation to the planned active travel improvements between Moira and Moira train station, design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed. A typical scheme of this nature can take a number of years to design, and meaningful engagement with the public throughout the design process is crucial if we want to deliver high quality infrastructure that will be welcomed by users and the community. At this stage it is too early to provide an accurate timeline as to when public engagement will take place.
Future investment in significant active travel infrastructure improvements will be prioritised primarily in line with the emerging Active Travel Delivery Plan. There are currently no plans to improve active travel infrastructure between Maghaberry and Moira Train Station.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032027%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451162","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451162"}},{"id":"451161","reference":"AQW 32026/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-24","answerBy":"2025-10-09","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 30619/22-27 ,to detail (i) a timeline for the design stage; and (ii) when the public consultation is likely to take place.","answerText":"In relation to the planned active travel improvements between Moira and Moira train station, design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed. A typical scheme of this nature can take a number of years to design, and meaningful engagement with the public throughout the design process is crucial if we want to deliver high quality infrastructure that will be welcomed by users and the community. At this stage it is too early to provide an accurate timeline as to when public engagement will take place.\n\nFuture investment in significant active travel infrastructure improvements will be prioritised primarily in line with the emerging Active Travel Delivery Plan. There are currently no plans to improve active travel infrastructure between Maghaberry and Moira Train Station.","answerHtml":"In relation to the planned active travel improvements between Moira and Moira train station, design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed. A typical scheme of this nature can take a number of years to design, and meaningful engagement with the public throughout the design process is crucial if we want to deliver high quality infrastructure that will be welcomed by users and the community. At this stage it is too early to provide an accurate timeline as to when public engagement will take place.
Future investment in significant active travel infrastructure improvements will be prioritised primarily in line with the emerging Active Travel Delivery Plan. There are currently no plans to improve active travel infrastructure between Maghaberry and Moira Train Station.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032026%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451161","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451161"}},{"id":"451160","reference":"AQW 32025/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-24","answerBy":"2025-10-09","answered":"2025-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 30621/22-27, for a breakdown of additional funding provided to the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, outside of salaries.","answerText":"Pursuant to AQW 30621/22-27, the funding provided by my Department to the SBNI to support implementation of the Online Safety Strategy outside of salaries is as follows:\n\n2022/23: £78,208\n\n2023/24: £18,610\n\n2024/25: £27,597\n\n2025/26: £23,935\n\n2026/27 (forecast): £20,829","answerHtml":"Pursuant to AQW 30621/22-27, the funding provided by my Department to the SBNI to support implementation of the Online Safety Strategy outside of salaries is as follows:
2022/23: £78,208
2023/24: £18,610
2024/25: £27,597
2025/26: £23,935
2026/27 (forecast): £20,829
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032025%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451160","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451160"}},{"id":"451159","reference":"AQW 32024/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-24","answerBy":"2025-10-09","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when the Eastern Transport Plan 2035 will be published for public consultation.","answerText":"The Eastern Transport Plan is the largest of the local transport plans and will integrate with the Local Development Plans of the Antrim and Newtownabbey; Ards and North Down; Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; and Mid and East Antrim councils.\n\nDue to the five local council areas being at different stages in their Local Development Plans, the Eastern Transport Plan will therefore be published in iterations. As Belfast City Council is most advanced, the first iteration will cover the Belfast City Centre Transport Plan and Metropolitan Area Transport Plan.\n\nA draft of these elements of the ETP is being prepared with the intention that the draft will be ready for public consultation early in the New Year.","answerHtml":"The Eastern Transport Plan is the largest of the local transport plans and will integrate with the Local Development Plans of the Antrim and Newtownabbey; Ards and North Down; Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; and Mid and East Antrim councils.
Due to the five local council areas being at different stages in their Local Development Plans, the Eastern Transport Plan will therefore be published in iterations. As Belfast City Council is most advanced, the first iteration will cover the Belfast City Centre Transport Plan and Metropolitan Area Transport Plan.
A draft of these elements of the ETP is being prepared with the intention that the draft will be ready for public consultation early in the New Year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032024%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451159"}},{"id":"451158","reference":"AQW 32023/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-24","answerBy":"2025-10-09","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of reported assaults against a) staff; and b) students, in schools in each of the last five years; and (ii) what specific measures his Department is taking to support victims within an education setting.","answerText":"Assaults on school staff and pupils are not reported to my Department but instead are reported to the Education Authority (EA).\n\nThe EA has provided the following data, which details reported assaults against staff and students within both Controlled Schools and Catholic Maintained Schools in each of the past 5 years:\n\nYear\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\tTOTAL\nNumber of reported assaults against staff\t790\t1273\t1578\t2080\t3579\t9300\n\nYear\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\tTOTAL\nNumber of reported assaults against students\t386\t566\t765\t1130\t1351\t4198\n\nThe EA has developed a Violence at Work Policy along with associated guidance documents, designed to minimise risk from aggressive or violent behaviour and to ensure the prevention, reduction and management of violence and aggression towards staff in the workplace. They also provide a framework for good practice including the steps to take and the support available to victims in an educational setting that have been subjected to an assault. This Policy has been finalised, and discussions are currently underway with all education sectors and trade unions regarding its rollout and implementation.\n\nBoards of Governors of grant-aided schools have statutory duties under Articles 17 and 18 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 to promote and safeguard the welfare of all their pupils, including keeping them safe from harm when required.\n\nWhile the Department is not involved in individual school arrangements, we work with the Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) who engage with schools where a concern has been raised in order to ensure guidance is being followed and to seek wider assurance. Any form of assault may constitute a criminal matter and need to be referred to the PSNI.\n\nAll educational settings should put in place a Safety and Support Plan which considers the physical and emotional safety of any child who has allegedly been harmed. The child, parents/carers, school staff, Social Services, the PSNI and external support agencies should be included in the development of the Safety and Support Plan.","answerHtml":"Assaults on school staff and pupils are not reported to my Department but instead are reported to the Education Authority (EA).
The EA has provided the following data, which details reported assaults against staff and students within both Controlled Schools and Catholic Maintained Schools in each of the past 5 years:
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | TOTAL | |
| Number of reported assaults against staff | 790 | 1273 | 1578 | 2080 | 3579 | 9300 | |
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | TOTAL |
| Number of reported assaults against students | 386 | 566 | 765 | 1130 | 1351 | 4198 |
The EA has developed a Violence at Work Policy along with associated guidance documents, designed to minimise risk from aggressive or violent behaviour and to ensure the prevention, reduction and management of violence and aggression towards staff in the workplace. They also provide a framework for good practice including the steps to take and the support available to victims in an educational setting that have been subjected to an assault. This Policy has been finalised, and discussions are currently underway with all education sectors and trade unions regarding its rollout and implementation.
Boards of Governors of grant-aided schools have statutory duties under Articles 17 and 18 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 to promote and safeguard the welfare of all their pupils, including keeping them safe from harm when required.
While the Department is not involved in individual school arrangements, we work with the Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) who engage with schools where a concern has been raised in order to ensure guidance is being followed and to seek wider assurance. Any form of assault may constitute a criminal matter and need to be referred to the PSNI.
All educational settings should put in place a Safety and Support Plan which considers the physical and emotional safety of any child who has allegedly been harmed. The child, parents/carers, school staff, Social Services, the PSNI and external support agencies should be included in the development of the Safety and Support Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032023%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451158"}},{"id":"450879","reference":"AQW 31896/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-23","answerBy":"2025-10-08","answered":"2025-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail a breakdown of the job roles within each of the Education Authority's local IMPACT teams.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 30988/22-27, published in the weekly answer booklet for week ending 26th September 2025.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 30988/22-27, published in the weekly answer booklet for week ending 26th September 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031896%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450879","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450879"}},{"id":"450878","reference":"AQW 31895/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-23","answerBy":"2025-10-08","answered":"2025-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline what actions within the Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda - Delivery Plan 2025-2030, will be completed this year.","answerText":"The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and its associated five-year Delivery Plan contain over 100 actions. As outlined in the Delivery Plan, transformation will take time and full implementation will require significant investment.\n\nSince publication of the SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan, substantial progress has been made on delivering the ‘enabling’ conditions to support reform, including the publication of an Outcomes Framework in June 2025 and the SEN Policy Statement in August 2025. Governance structures and a delivery unit within the department have also been established this year.\n\nIn addition and since publication in February 2025, there has been significant progress on completing and commencing a number of year one actions including:\n\nPublication of the Education Authority’s (EA) Operational Plan 2: 2024-26 (OP2) in January 2025;\n\nPublication of the EA’s Graduated Response Framework (GRF) in March 2025;\n\nPhased implementation of the EA’s Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) from September 2025;\n\nCompletion in June 2025 of a public consultation on changing the ‘supernumerary’ status for children with a statement of SEN;\n\nEA’s Special Schools Plans of Action published September 2025;\n\nPre-School Education Inclusion Fund (PSEIF) continued into 2025/26;\n\nPhase Two of the Education & Training Inspectorate’s (ETI) review of specialist provisions in mainstream schools is ongoing and expected to report by December 2025;\n\nProgression on the digitisation of the statutory assessment and review process; and\n\nDesign and development work on the 13 actions funded under the Public Sector Transformation Programme, the majority of which will commence during the 2025/26 academic year.","answerHtml":"The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and its associated five-year Delivery Plan contain over 100 actions. As outlined in the Delivery Plan, transformation will take time and full implementation will require significant investment.
Since publication of the SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan, substantial progress has been made on delivering the ‘enabling’ conditions to support reform, including the publication of an Outcomes Framework in June 2025 and the SEN Policy Statement in August 2025. Governance structures and a delivery unit within the department have also been established this year.
In addition and since publication in February 2025, there has been significant progress on completing and commencing a number of year one actions including:
Publication of the Education Authority’s (EA) Operational Plan 2: 2024-26 (OP2) in January 2025;
Publication of the EA’s Graduated Response Framework (GRF) in March 2025;
Phased implementation of the EA’s Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) from September 2025;
Completion in June 2025 of a public consultation on changing the ‘supernumerary’ status for children with a statement of SEN;
EA’s Special Schools Plans of Action published September 2025;
Pre-School Education Inclusion Fund (PSEIF) continued into 2025/26;
Phase Two of the Education & Training Inspectorate’s (ETI) review of specialist provisions in mainstream schools is ongoing and expected to report by December 2025;
Progression on the digitisation of the statutory assessment and review process; and
Design and development work on the 13 actions funded under the Public Sector Transformation Programme, the majority of which will commence during the 2025/26 academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031895%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450878","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450878"}},{"id":"450877","reference":"AQW 31894/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-23","answerBy":"2025-10-08","answered":"2025-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) what surveys are being distributed to capture data for the Special Educational Needs Disability Reform Agenda Outcomes Framework 2025-2030; and (ii) when are they due to be sent out.","answerText":"My department is currently developing a range of surveys, supported by a NISRA statistician, to capture baseline data for the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda Outcomes Framework. These surveys will gather a range of data which is not currently captured elsewhere from parents, schools, services and children and young people.\n\nFieldwork is expected to begin during Autumn 2025.","answerHtml":"My department is currently developing a range of surveys, supported by a NISRA statistician, to capture baseline data for the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda Outcomes Framework. These surveys will gather a range of data which is not currently captured elsewhere from parents, schools, services and children and young people.
Fieldwork is expected to begin during Autumn 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031894%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450877","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450877"}},{"id":"450876","reference":"AQW 31893/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-23","answerBy":"2025-10-08","answered":"2025-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the annual cost of reintroducing the Happy Healthy Minds programme or a similar initiative enabling primary schools to have access to counselling services.","answerText":"It is important that any future provision is considered in conjunction with health colleagues and wider health services, as primary providers of mental health services and therapies.","answerHtml":"It is important that any future provision is considered in conjunction with health colleagues and wider health services, as primary providers of mental health services and therapies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031893%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450876","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450876"}},{"id":"450875","reference":"AQW 31892/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-23","answerBy":"2025-10-08","answered":"2025-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail what training is received by those employed by the Education Authority as escorts travelling with children with special educational needs and disabilities.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised me that escorts travelling with pupils on home to school transport complete a staff induction, mandatory EA staff training and they receive regular training related to their role.\n\nThe training provided includes child protection and safeguarding, autism awareness and managing challenging behaviour. Any training specific to the individual Special Educational Needs (SEN) or medical needs of pupils is arranged as required. Additionally, escorts take part in the Passenger Assistant Training Scheme, which the EA informs me is currently being reviewed and further tailored to create a bespoke package specific to a SEN transport role. Manuals outlining the key procedures related to the EA transport escort role are also in place.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised me that escorts travelling with pupils on home to school transport complete a staff induction, mandatory EA staff training and they receive regular training related to their role.
The training provided includes child protection and safeguarding, autism awareness and managing challenging behaviour. Any training specific to the individual Special Educational Needs (SEN) or medical needs of pupils is arranged as required. Additionally, escorts take part in the Passenger Assistant Training Scheme, which the EA informs me is currently being reviewed and further tailored to create a bespoke package specific to a SEN transport role. Manuals outlining the key procedures related to the EA transport escort role are also in place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031892%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450875","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450875"}},{"id":"450498","reference":"AQW 31763/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-22","answerBy":"2025-10-07","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) why research entitled Post-Primary School Experiences of 16-21 year old people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and or Transgender, was removed from the his Department's website; and (ii) who made the request for it to be removed.","answerText":"To ensure information published on the DE website remains clear, accurate and relevant, pages may be reviewed and updated or removed at any time.","answerHtml":"To ensure information published on the DE website remains clear, accurate and relevant, pages may be reviewed and updated or removed at any time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031763%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450498","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450498"}},{"id":"450497","reference":"AQW 31762/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-22","answerBy":"2025-10-07","answered":"2025-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail research funded by his Department which has been removed from the Department's website, in the last six months.","answerText":"231 publications have been archived from the Department’s website in the past six months. This included one piece of research, ‘Post-primary school experiences of 16-21 year old people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender’.","answerHtml":"231 publications have been archived from the Department’s website in the past six months. This included one piece of research, ‘Post-primary school experiences of 16-21 year old people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender’.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031762%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450497","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450497"}},{"id":"450496","reference":"AQW 31761/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-22","answerBy":"2025-10-07","answered":"2025-09-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when RAISE projects can expect to receive relevant funding.","answerText":"The first call for Locality Led Projects launched on 5 September and will close on 30 September 2025.\n\nEach project proposal will be assessed, using the scoring guidance published on my department’s website, by a panel which will include officials from the Department of Education and at least one external member with experience of education or locality-based programmes.\n\nSuccessful organisations will be notified after the assessment process has completed, with Letters of Offer issuing thereafter.","answerHtml":"The first call for Locality Led Projects launched on 5 September and will close on 30 September 2025.
Each project proposal will be assessed, using the scoring guidance published on my department’s website, by a panel which will include officials from the Department of Education and at least one external member with experience of education or locality-based programmes.
Successful organisations will be notified after the assessment process has completed, with Letters of Offer issuing thereafter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031761%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450496","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450496"}},{"id":"450110","reference":"AQW 31568/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-09-24","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether there are taxi drivers who are currently delivering home to school transport services on behalf of the Education Authority, while still awaiting an enhanced Access NI certificate.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that all taxi drivers who deliver home to school transport must have Enhanced Access NI clearance in place prior to being deployed on a service and the EA will not award a contract to a private operator if this is not in place.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that all taxi drivers who deliver home to school transport must have Enhanced Access NI clearance in place prior to being deployed on a service and the EA will not award a contract to a private operator if this is not in place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031568%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450110"}},{"id":"450109","reference":"AQW 31567/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-10-03","answered":"2025-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients removed from waiting lists in the last 12 months due to changes in treatment criteria of his Department or the Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"The criteria for restricted procedures are monitored via the implementation of the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) policy. Publication of the updated EUR policy in 2023 coincided with a major programme of digitisation of patient records across all HSC Trusts namely, the Encompass Programme. As a result, the rollout of Encompass has temporarily limited the development of detailed reporting capabilities for restricted procedures, including data on patients removed from waiting lists because they no longer meet the criteria set out in the EUR policy.\n\nMy officials have confirmed that the most current data available relates to the 2023/24 period. This information has been noted in the recent report Performance of Restricted Procedures by Health Trusts published by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) on 8 October 2025.\n\nThe Department of Health and five Health and Social Care Trusts acknowledge the recent NIAO report’s findings regarding gaps in monitoring, both within Trusts and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG). Efforts are currently focused on identifying effective ways to incorporate future monitoring into the new digital infrastructure.\n\nOver the next 12 months, the Department of Health and the five Health and Social Care Trusts are committed to strengthening the performance, governance, and oversight of the EUR policy and will take forward the necessary actions to support this.\n\nIt is anticipated that, upon completion of this work, the information requested will be more readily accessible. In the meantime, the 2023/24 data remains the most up-to-date, as outlined in the NIAO report referenced above.","answerHtml":"The criteria for restricted procedures are monitored via the implementation of the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) policy. Publication of the updated EUR policy in 2023 coincided with a major programme of digitisation of patient records across all HSC Trusts namely, the Encompass Programme. As a result, the rollout of Encompass has temporarily limited the development of detailed reporting capabilities for restricted procedures, including data on patients removed from waiting lists because they no longer meet the criteria set out in the EUR policy.
My officials have confirmed that the most current data available relates to the 2023/24 period. This information has been noted in the recent report Performance of Restricted Procedures by Health Trusts published by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) on 8 October 2025.
The Department of Health and five Health and Social Care Trusts acknowledge the recent NIAO report’s findings regarding gaps in monitoring, both within Trusts and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG). Efforts are currently focused on identifying effective ways to incorporate future monitoring into the new digital infrastructure.
Over the next 12 months, the Department of Health and the five Health and Social Care Trusts are committed to strengthening the performance, governance, and oversight of the EUR policy and will take forward the necessary actions to support this.
It is anticipated that, upon completion of this work, the information requested will be more readily accessible. In the meantime, the 2023/24 data remains the most up-to-date, as outlined in the NIAO report referenced above.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031567%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450109","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450109"}},{"id":"450108","reference":"AQW 31566/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-10-03","answered":"2025-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how often the enhanced Access NI certificates for taxi drivers who deliver home to school transport services on behalf of the Education Authority are revalidated.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised me that Enhanced Access NI clearance is currently renewed every 14 months for taxi drivers who deliver home to school transport services on behalf of the Education Authority","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised me that Enhanced Access NI clearance is currently renewed every 14 months for taxi drivers who deliver home to school transport services on behalf of the Education Authority
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031566%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450108","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450108"}},{"id":"449996","reference":"AQO 2434/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-09-29","answered":"2025-09-29","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when statutory guidance will be introduced on children missing in education.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"My officials are reviewing potential legislative gaps and are working to develop departmental guidance on the issue of children missing in education. Addressing that issue effectively requires a coordinated multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in that policy area. Work is under way to examine the processes and policies that are in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to children missing in education."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you, Minister, for that answer. The issue of children missing in education is a serious one and a genuine safeguarding concern, so thank you for the work that you are taking forward in the Department. I first asked the question in relation to the tragedy of Kyran Durnin in the South, and I was so concerned about the answer that I got that I had to do everything that I could as a private Member to try to address the issue. As the Minister with the power to act, can you give assurances that, in this mandate, there will be movement and progress on legislation on guidance and data sharing?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I thank the Member for her question. Her concern is one that I share. When it comes to attendance levels, for children who are enrolled in a school but do not attend, there is a process involving education welfare officers (EWO). We know that, after the first four weeks of the academic year, there are children who have still not gone to school. They are actively being pursued by the EWOs in the Education Authority and by the schools. What we do not know is this: parents have a responsibility to pursue a place in education for the children in their family, but there is no legislative requirement on the parent to inform the Department of Education or the EA if they decide not to register or enrol their child in a school, because they are going to be homeschooled, for example. If a child has been registered and deregistered, we know that they have been deregistered. However, there is a challenge in sharing information. We know how many people are born in Northern Ireland — we have a record of that — but, if a child subsequently leaves the jurisdiction with their family, we do not know that. There is, therefore, a lack of information, which, as I referenced in my response to the original question, requires collaboration between Health and the EA. We need to be able to determine, with clear and factual information, how many children are missing in education. I have outlined where I believe there are gaps in the information and that that has an impact on how effective we are in addressing those concerns. It is something that the Department is actively working on. Whether I can give the Member a guarantee that that will lead to legislation in this mandate remains to be seen. However, I assure the Member that there is an urgency to making sure that we have as much information as possible to help us."},{"speaker":"Mrs Mason","text":"I will ask about another group of children who are not able to access education: those who experience emotion-based school non-attendance. Recently, I met parents who are experiencing that with their children — they told me heartbreaking stories. What steps is the Minister taking to make sure that those children receive the right support and that schools receive the right resources to respond?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The range of reasons why people do not attend school can be multifaceted. The Member has outlined one reason why a child may not be in attendance at school, and there are many others. If they are registered but not attending, we know that. There is support. Yes, the question, \"How effective is it?\" could be asked, but education welfare officers can proactively engage with the families. I am happy to look in more detail into that particular issue, but I assure Members that we want our children to be in school. It is where they are safest, and it is where they are best placed to gain an education. It is in nobody's interests for them not to attend school."},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"In a previous mandate, I raised serious concerns about children missing from care and the lack of data on that in the Department of Health. The lack of accurate data relating to this issue is, as another example, also very alarming. Who has responsibility for monitoring protocols for children missing in education?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The education welfare service within the EA has operational responsibility for children missing in education. A number of procedures and protocols are in place for such children, including protocols involving colleagues in other jurisdictions that relate to children missing in education, because that is also an issue for us. The education welfare service has operational responsibility in that area. Members have highlighted particular examples, and the information that was published in a media article is a result of the Department's work to understand what data is held by GPs and the health service and what information we lack as we try to move forward on this. That has generated a fair degree of interest, which is welcome, but we need to move beyond that kind of scoping work to real, meaningful processes to help identify children who are missing and to do what we can to make sure that they are engaged in education."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202434%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449996","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-29&docID=450895#AQO%202434/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449996"}},{"id":"452031","reference":"AQO 2427/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-09-29","answered":"2025-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline any engagement he has had with producers on the development of a Deposit Return Scheme.","answerText":"There has been extensive engagement with stakeholders throughout the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme for Northern Ireland. This engagement has included key producers, retailers, wholesalers, hospitality and material manufacturers.\n\nFollowing the appointment of the UKDMO in May 2025 to deliver the DRS scheme, my officials, alongside Defra and the Scottish Government, have continued engaging with representative bodies with further stakeholder events planned to take place in the coming weeks.\n\nUK DMO have also established both an Industry Advisory Group and Consumer Engagement Forum to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders providing an opportunity to discuss proposals and inform decision making on the implementation of DRS. Northern Ireland views are represented on both of these groups.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage purposefully and collaboratively with stakeholders, colleagues across the three nations and UK DMO to meet our collective and individual ambitions in progressing the implementation of DRS ahead of launching the scheme in October 2027.","answerHtml":"There has been extensive engagement with stakeholders throughout the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme for Northern Ireland. This engagement has included key producers, retailers, wholesalers, hospitality and material manufacturers.
Following the appointment of the UKDMO in May 2025 to deliver the DRS scheme, my officials, alongside Defra and the Scottish Government, have continued engaging with representative bodies with further stakeholder events planned to take place in the coming weeks.
UK DMO have also established both an Industry Advisory Group and Consumer Engagement Forum to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders providing an opportunity to discuss proposals and inform decision making on the implementation of DRS. Northern Ireland views are represented on both of these groups.
My officials will continue to engage purposefully and collaboratively with stakeholders, colleagues across the three nations and UK DMO to meet our collective and individual ambitions in progressing the implementation of DRS ahead of launching the scheme in October 2027.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202427%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452031","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452031"}},{"id":"449930","reference":"AQW 31465/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-17","answerBy":"2025-10-02","answered":"2025-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any plans he has to update legislation requiring all children that are home educated to be registered with (i) the Education Authority; and (ii) his Department.","answerText":"The legislative position in Northern Ireland is that parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an education, at school or otherwise. Parents may therefore choose to educate their children at home rather than register them at a school and they may choose to deregister their child from school with the intention of educating them at home.\n\nWhilst the Education Authority (EA) is aware of children who have attended and subsequently been deregistered from a school, there is no duty on parents who have never registered their child at a school to inform the Department of Education (DE) or the EA if they have chosen to educate their children at home. Thus, there is no complete record of children being electively home educated in Northern Ireland; this is also the case in other jurisdictions.\n\nWork is underway to examine processes and policies in other jurisdictions and to monitor any changes to legislation regarding the registration of home-educated children.","answerHtml":"The legislative position in Northern Ireland is that parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an education, at school or otherwise. Parents may therefore choose to educate their children at home rather than register them at a school and they may choose to deregister their child from school with the intention of educating them at home.
Whilst the Education Authority (EA) is aware of children who have attended and subsequently been deregistered from a school, there is no duty on parents who have never registered their child at a school to inform the Department of Education (DE) or the EA if they have chosen to educate their children at home. Thus, there is no complete record of children being electively home educated in Northern Ireland; this is also the case in other jurisdictions.
Work is underway to examine processes and policies in other jurisdictions and to monitor any changes to legislation regarding the registration of home-educated children.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031465%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449930","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449930"}},{"id":"449929","reference":"AQW 31464/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-17","answerBy":"2025-10-02","answered":"2025-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any work ongoing to understand what costs families are being asked to pay by schools for laptops, tablets and other technology.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA), through C2K and the Education Information Solutions Programme (i.e. EdIS), provides and manages the critical technology infrastructure and core provision of IT equipment, including digital devices, across the school’s estate. The EA does not ask parents for any financial contribution for laptops, tablets or any other technology used in schools.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA), through C2K and the Education Information Solutions Programme (i.e. EdIS), provides and manages the critical technology infrastructure and core provision of IT equipment, including digital devices, across the school’s estate. The EA does not ask parents for any financial contribution for laptops, tablets or any other technology used in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031464%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449929","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449929"}},{"id":"449928","reference":"AQW 31463/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-17","answerBy":"2025-10-02","answered":"2025-09-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any work they are doing to progress post-19 special educational needs provision.","answerText":"In June 2025, I outlined the findings of my Department’s review and set out my proposed programme of reform, subject to the necessary investment, to improve and expand the Department for the Economy funded pathways and support for learners with special educational needs. It is a significant programme, involving many aspects of our provision and supports. Officials are currently scoping the timeline and resources required to bring forward our proposed reforms. Investment will be crucial to enable us to develop and deliver our reform programme. We have submitted a collaborative bid to the Transformation Fund, as well as preparing Departmental bids for the multi-year Spending Review. In June, I also stated my intention to write to Executive colleagues on a range of wider issues which the Economy review reported on, to ensure a cross government collective and coordinated approach to those issues. I have now progressed this, with an Executive paper discussed and my recommendations endorsed at an Executive meeting on Thursday 18th September. This collective approach is required across the Executive if we are to deliver on our shared commitment to ensure better support for young people with Special Educational Needs.","answerHtml":"In June 2025, I outlined the findings of my Department’s review and set out my proposed programme of reform, subject to the necessary investment, to improve and expand the Department for the Economy funded pathways and support for learners with special educational needs. It is a significant programme, involving many aspects of our provision and supports. Officials are currently scoping the timeline and resources required to bring forward our proposed reforms. Investment will be crucial to enable us to develop and deliver our reform programme. We have submitted a collaborative bid to the Transformation Fund, as well as preparing Departmental bids for the multi-year Spending Review. In June, I also stated my intention to write to Executive colleagues on a range of wider issues which the Economy review reported on, to ensure a cross government collective and coordinated approach to those issues. I have now progressed this, with an Executive paper discussed and my recommendations endorsed at an Executive meeting on Thursday 18th September. This collective approach is required across the Executive if we are to deliver on our shared commitment to ensure better support for young people with Special Educational Needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031463%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449928","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449928"}},{"id":"449927","reference":"AQW 31462/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-17","answerBy":"2025-10-02","answered":"2025-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when the review of delegated nursing tasks in relation to direct payment carers will be published.","answerText":"My Department has engaged with stakeholders and families through the establishment of working groups and workshops, seeking to understand current practices and identify viable pathways to enable the safe and effective delegation of healthcare. This approach seeks to ensure the provision of the right care, in the right place, at the right time, by the right person, enabling people to live as independently as possible, in line with governing guidelines and legislation.\n\nIt is anticipated that the review and recommendations on the way forward will be presented to me by Autumn 2025.","answerHtml":"My Department has engaged with stakeholders and families through the establishment of working groups and workshops, seeking to understand current practices and identify viable pathways to enable the safe and effective delegation of healthcare. This approach seeks to ensure the provision of the right care, in the right place, at the right time, by the right person, enabling people to live as independently as possible, in line with governing guidelines and legislation.
It is anticipated that the review and recommendations on the way forward will be presented to me by Autumn 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031462%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449927","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449927"}},{"id":"449926","reference":"AQW 31461/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-17","answerBy":"2025-10-02","answered":"2025-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how actions within the Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland are being tracked and reported on.","answerText":"Delivery of the actions within the Online Safety Strategy are monitored through a Cross-Departmental Implementation Group (CDIG). Each Department is responsible for reporting progress on their assigned actions to the CDIG. These updates are compiled into a comprehensive report, which is submitted to the Children and Young People’s Strategy Child Protection Group. This group is responsible for monitoring the overall progress and effectiveness of the Strategy.","answerHtml":"Delivery of the actions within the Online Safety Strategy are monitored through a Cross-Departmental Implementation Group (CDIG). Each Department is responsible for reporting progress on their assigned actions to the CDIG. These updates are compiled into a comprehensive report, which is submitted to the Children and Young People’s Strategy Child Protection Group. This group is responsible for monitoring the overall progress and effectiveness of the Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031461%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449926","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449926"}},{"id":"449758","reference":"AQW 31335/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-16","answerBy":"2025-09-22","answered":"2025-09-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking to ensure that no pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are travelling in Education Authority provided transport with an escort whose Access NI clearance is (i) pending, (ii) incomplete, or (iii) rejected.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised me that all drivers and escorts who work on EA bus transport must have Enhanced Access NI clearance in place prior to taking up the role and this forms part of the pre-employment checks carried out during the recruitment of staff.\n\nThis is also the case for drivers and escorts working on private hire taxi and bus services delivering school transport and the EA will not award a contract to a private operator if Enhanced Access NI clearance is not in place.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised me that all drivers and escorts who work on EA bus transport must have Enhanced Access NI clearance in place prior to taking up the role and this forms part of the pre-employment checks carried out during the recruitment of staff.
This is also the case for drivers and escorts working on private hire taxi and bus services delivering school transport and the EA will not award a contract to a private operator if Enhanced Access NI clearance is not in place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031335%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449758","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449758"}},{"id":"449757","reference":"AQW 31334/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-16","answerBy":"2025-10-01","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.","answerText":"I am currently unable to provide the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023. This information is held at Trust level and has been requested from the services.\n\nIn 2022, the Department of Health updated the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy, following the review of the current evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. The updated policy also takes account of emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and similar organisations.\n\nSubsequently, certain procedures, such as some vascular surgery, are only commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the criteria set out in the Effective Use of Resources Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that services provide the greatest clinical benefit and health gain for patients, while also maximising the effectiveness of public resources, including clinical staff and health service infrastructure.\n\nFurther to the direction outlined in 2022, due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins. Patients would now be assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals, which do not meet these criteria, will not be offered an outpatient appointment.\n\nPatients already on the waiting list for a new outpatient appointment were revalidated, and if they did not meet the criteria were removed from the outpatient waiting list. The patient was subsequently informed, with guidance on best medical management provided to all patients with varicose veins. Patients can be re-referred to the service if the clinical condition has changed.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Audit Office are currently undertaking a review of Performance of Restricted Procedures by Trusts, which my officials are engaged with.\n\nI recognise the disappointment for those patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.\n\nI acknowledge that the current waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy, and growing, for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need, and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.","answerHtml":"I am currently unable to provide the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023. This information is held at Trust level and has been requested from the services.
In 2022, the Department of Health updated the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy, following the review of the current evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. The updated policy also takes account of emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and similar organisations.
Subsequently, certain procedures, such as some vascular surgery, are only commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the criteria set out in the Effective Use of Resources Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that services provide the greatest clinical benefit and health gain for patients, while also maximising the effectiveness of public resources, including clinical staff and health service infrastructure.
Further to the direction outlined in 2022, due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins. Patients would now be assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals, which do not meet these criteria, will not be offered an outpatient appointment.
Patients already on the waiting list for a new outpatient appointment were revalidated, and if they did not meet the criteria were removed from the outpatient waiting list. The patient was subsequently informed, with guidance on best medical management provided to all patients with varicose veins. Patients can be re-referred to the service if the clinical condition has changed.
The Northern Ireland Audit Office are currently undertaking a review of Performance of Restricted Procedures by Trusts, which my officials are engaged with.
I recognise the disappointment for those patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.
I acknowledge that the current waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy, and growing, for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need, and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031334%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449757","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449757"}},{"id":"449756","reference":"AQW 31333/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-16","answerBy":"2025-10-01","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail why criteria for the assessment and treatment for vascular varicose veins does not include chronic pain.","answerText":"I am currently unable to provide the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023. This information is held at Trust level and has been requested from the services.\n\nIn 2022, the Department of Health updated the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy, following the review of the current evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. The updated policy also takes account of emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and similar organisations.\n\nSubsequently, certain procedures, such as some vascular surgery, are only commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the criteria set out in the Effective Use of Resources Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that services provide the greatest clinical benefit and health gain for patients, while also maximising the effectiveness of public resources, including clinical staff and health service infrastructure.\n\nFurther to the direction outlined in 2022, due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins. Patients would now be assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals, which do not meet these criteria, will not be offered an outpatient appointment.\n\nPatients already on the waiting list for a new outpatient appointment were revalidated, and if they did not meet the criteria were removed from the outpatient waiting list. The patient was subsequently informed, with guidance on best medical management provided to all patients with varicose veins. Patients can be re-referred to the service if the clinical condition has changed.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Audit Office are currently undertaking a review of Performance of Restricted Procedures by Trusts, which my officials are engaged with.\n\nI recognise the disappointment for those patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.\n\nI acknowledge that the current waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy, and growing, for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need, and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.","answerHtml":"I am currently unable to provide the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023. This information is held at Trust level and has been requested from the services.
In 2022, the Department of Health updated the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy, following the review of the current evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. The updated policy also takes account of emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and similar organisations.
Subsequently, certain procedures, such as some vascular surgery, are only commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the criteria set out in the Effective Use of Resources Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that services provide the greatest clinical benefit and health gain for patients, while also maximising the effectiveness of public resources, including clinical staff and health service infrastructure.
Further to the direction outlined in 2022, due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins. Patients would now be assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals, which do not meet these criteria, will not be offered an outpatient appointment.
Patients already on the waiting list for a new outpatient appointment were revalidated, and if they did not meet the criteria were removed from the outpatient waiting list. The patient was subsequently informed, with guidance on best medical management provided to all patients with varicose veins. Patients can be re-referred to the service if the clinical condition has changed.
The Northern Ireland Audit Office are currently undertaking a review of Performance of Restricted Procedures by Trusts, which my officials are engaged with.
I recognise the disappointment for those patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.
I acknowledge that the current waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy, and growing, for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need, and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031333%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449756","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449756"}},{"id":"449755","reference":"AQW 31332/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-16","answerBy":"2025-10-01","answered":"2025-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of a reasonable length of time for a bus journey time for home to school transport.","answerText":"The Department of Education’s Home to School Transport Policy does not set out a maximum journey time, rather it outlines factors the EA should take into account when determining if a transport service is suitable. These include duration of the journey, age of the pupil, early start or late drop off, distance from pupils’ home and legal vehicle capacity. The policy also states that in determining the most suitable methods of assisting pupils, the EA should have regard to the interests of efficiency and economy as set out in Article 44 of The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.\n\nThe EA is responsible for the delivery of school transport and it informs me that it plans routes and services to minimise journey times as much as possible. Some journeys can take longer than may be expected for reasons such as distance from school, the need for door-to-door assistance for some pupils who require additional support and the time required for pupils to board and disembark the vehicle safely.\n\nTransport assistance is provided for over 90k pupils each day and the EA must balance journey times for individual pupils with making best use of the available capacity on school transport services to ensure that those pupils who need transport to school are able to avail of it. Where it is unable to provide suitable transport which meets these aims, the EA may offer parents an allowance in lieu of transport.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education’s Home to School Transport Policy does not set out a maximum journey time, rather it outlines factors the EA should take into account when determining if a transport service is suitable. These include duration of the journey, age of the pupil, early start or late drop off, distance from pupils’ home and legal vehicle capacity. The policy also states that in determining the most suitable methods of assisting pupils, the EA should have regard to the interests of efficiency and economy as set out in Article 44 of The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.
The EA is responsible for the delivery of school transport and it informs me that it plans routes and services to minimise journey times as much as possible. Some journeys can take longer than may be expected for reasons such as distance from school, the need for door-to-door assistance for some pupils who require additional support and the time required for pupils to board and disembark the vehicle safely.
Transport assistance is provided for over 90k pupils each day and the EA must balance journey times for individual pupils with making best use of the available capacity on school transport services to ensure that those pupils who need transport to school are able to avail of it. Where it is unable to provide suitable transport which meets these aims, the EA may offer parents an allowance in lieu of transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031332%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449755","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449755"}},{"id":"449754","reference":"AQW 31331/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-16","answerBy":"2025-10-01","answered":"2025-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023.","answerText":"I am currently unable to provide the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023. This information is held at Trust level and has been requested from the services.\n\nIn 2022, the Department of Health updated the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy, following the review of the current evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. The updated policy also takes account of emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and similar organisations.\n\nSubsequently, certain procedures, such as some vascular surgery, are only commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the criteria set out in the Effective Use of Resources Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that services provide the greatest clinical benefit and health gain for patients, while also maximising the effectiveness of public resources, including clinical staff and health service infrastructure.\n\nFurther to the direction outlined in 2022, due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins. Patients would now be assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals, which do not meet these criteria, will not be offered an outpatient appointment.\n\nPatients already on the waiting list for a new outpatient appointment were revalidated, and if they did not meet the criteria were removed from the outpatient waiting list. The patient was subsequently informed, with guidance on best medical management provided to all patients with varicose veins. Patients can be re-referred to the service if the clinical condition has changed.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Audit Office are currently undertaking a review of Performance of Restricted Procedures by Trusts, which my officials are engaged with.\n\nI recognise the disappointment for those patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.\n\nI acknowledge that the current waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy, and growing, for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need, and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.","answerHtml":"I am currently unable to provide the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023. This information is held at Trust level and has been requested from the services.
In 2022, the Department of Health updated the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy, following the review of the current evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. The updated policy also takes account of emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and similar organisations.
Subsequently, certain procedures, such as some vascular surgery, are only commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the criteria set out in the Effective Use of Resources Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that services provide the greatest clinical benefit and health gain for patients, while also maximising the effectiveness of public resources, including clinical staff and health service infrastructure.
Further to the direction outlined in 2022, due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins. Patients would now be assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals, which do not meet these criteria, will not be offered an outpatient appointment.
Patients already on the waiting list for a new outpatient appointment were revalidated, and if they did not meet the criteria were removed from the outpatient waiting list. The patient was subsequently informed, with guidance on best medical management provided to all patients with varicose veins. Patients can be re-referred to the service if the clinical condition has changed.
The Northern Ireland Audit Office are currently undertaking a review of Performance of Restricted Procedures by Trusts, which my officials are engaged with.
I recognise the disappointment for those patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.
I acknowledge that the current waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy, and growing, for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need, and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031331%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449754","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449754"}},{"id":"449182","reference":"AQW 31072/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-12","answerBy":"2025-09-29","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to modernise and update the Employment of Children Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996.","answerText":"The Department of Health has not brought any proposed amendments of the Employment of Children Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996, to my attention for consideration.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health has not brought any proposed amendments of the Employment of Children Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996, to my attention for consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031072%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449182","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449182"}},{"id":"449181","reference":"AQW 31071/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-12","answerBy":"2025-09-29","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has discussed data sharing agreements for safeguarding with the Minister of Health, including access to the child health system to have an accurate number of children.","answerText":"While I have not had discussions with the Minister of Health directly about this, my officials have been engaging with colleagues within the Department of Health in respect of the ability to track across various data sets from the child health system to inform early planning in education.","answerHtml":"While I have not had discussions with the Minister of Health directly about this, my officials have been engaging with colleagues within the Department of Health in respect of the ability to track across various data sets from the child health system to inform early planning in education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031071%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449181","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449181"}},{"id":"448897","reference":"AQW 30880/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-10","answerBy":"2025-09-25","answered":"2025-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether the Department of Education’s Parental School Admission Survey 2025 on attitudes to Integrated Education was sent to (i) the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education; or (ii) any other sector body representing integrated education.","answerText":"No.","answerHtml":"No.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030880%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448897","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448897"}},{"id":"448896","reference":"AQW 30879/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-10","answerBy":"2025-09-25","answered":"2025-09-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 30279/22-27, to outline the reasons why no actions have been taken, given the acknowledgment within the Attendance Guidance & Absence Recording By Schools – Circular 2024-13 that The Department of Education and the Education Authority are aware that schools may not always be completing these forms, despite it being a legal requirement to do so.","answerText":"It is the role of the Board of Governors is to ensure that the Principal keeps a General Register of the pupils at the school. Part of this role will be the completion and submission of completed SA1 forms when it is appropriate to remove a pupil from the school register.\n\nCurrent guidance for Boards of Governors in respect of the maintenance of a school register is available at the link below:\n\nGuidance on pupil registration and attendance\n\nA pupil’s name may be removed from a school’s register only in the following circumstances:\n\nReason for Removal\tDate of Removal\nConfirmation that pupil is registered at another school in Northern Ireland\tDay of last attendance\nDeparture from Northern Ireland\tDay of last attendance\nExpulsion\tDay of expulsion\nDeath\tDay of death\nLeaves school after having completed his/her compulsory education\tDay of last attendance\nParent/carer advises that child is being removed under Regulation 6(2) of The Registration and Attendance of Pupils Regulations (NI) 1974 [No. 78], for example elective home education.\tDay of last attendance","answerHtml":"It is the role of the Board of Governors is to ensure that the Principal keeps a General Register of the pupils at the school. Part of this role will be the completion and submission of completed SA1 forms when it is appropriate to remove a pupil from the school register.
Current guidance for Boards of Governors in respect of the maintenance of a school register is available at the link below:
Guidance on pupil registration and attendance
A pupil’s name may be removed from a school’s register only in the following circumstances:
| Reason for Removal | Date of Removal |
| Confirmation that pupil is registered at another school in Northern Ireland | Day of last attendance |
| Departure from Northern Ireland | Day of last attendance |
| Expulsion | Day of expulsion |
| Death | Day of death |
| Leaves school after having completed his/her compulsory education | Day of last attendance |
| Parent/carer advises that child is being removed under Regulation 6(2) of The Registration and Attendance of Pupils Regulations (NI) 1974 [No. 78], for example elective home education. | Day of last attendance |
There was a delay in the recruitment process due to the limited availability of suitable interview panel members; however, all interviews have now been completed, and I expect to be in a position to announce appointments in the next few weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030878%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448895","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448895"}},{"id":"448894","reference":"AQW 30877/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-10","answerBy":"2025-09-25","answered":"2025-09-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail when she will announce the appointment of independent members to the Industrial Tribunals Panel.","answerText":"I expect to be in a position to announce the appointment of new non-legal panel members to the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal in the next few weeks.","answerHtml":"I expect to be in a position to announce the appointment of new non-legal panel members to the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal in the next few weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030877%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448894","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448894"}},{"id":"448893","reference":"AQW 30876/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-10","answerBy":"2025-09-25","answered":"2025-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail what his Department is doing to address the impacts of the price increases of GLP-1 medication.","answerText":"Following a request from Eli Lilly reflecting changes in the commercial environment and to ensure continuity of supply for a product that has been subject to systemic long term supply constraints, a UK list price increase for tirzepatide (also known as Mounjaro®) has recently been approved by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). DHSC has discretion to approve increased UK list prices where there is otherwise a risk of discontinuation, withdrawal or non-supply with negative patient impact and in response to global supply constraints.\n\nWhile pricing for patients accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) privately is a matter for Eli Lilly and for private providers of weight loss services, I do acknowledge that the recent increase in the UK list price will be of concern to individuals in Northern Ireland currently accessing weight management services from private healthcare providers. Anyone receiving tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) privately should seek advice about their current treatment, and available options, from their private provider.\n\nI do recognise that innovative medicines for weight loss can be an important tool to help people with obesity to lose weight and reduce their risk of severe health complications, when used alongside support for changes to diet and physical activity, and the phased introduction of the Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS) from 2026 onwards will begin to provide for eligible HSC patients to access lifestyle support and obesity medication, if clinically appropriate.","answerHtml":"Following a request from Eli Lilly reflecting changes in the commercial environment and to ensure continuity of supply for a product that has been subject to systemic long term supply constraints, a UK list price increase for tirzepatide (also known as Mounjaro®) has recently been approved by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). DHSC has discretion to approve increased UK list prices where there is otherwise a risk of discontinuation, withdrawal or non-supply with negative patient impact and in response to global supply constraints.
While pricing for patients accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) privately is a matter for Eli Lilly and for private providers of weight loss services, I do acknowledge that the recent increase in the UK list price will be of concern to individuals in Northern Ireland currently accessing weight management services from private healthcare providers. Anyone receiving tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) privately should seek advice about their current treatment, and available options, from their private provider.
I do recognise that innovative medicines for weight loss can be an important tool to help people with obesity to lose weight and reduce their risk of severe health complications, when used alongside support for changes to diet and physical activity, and the phased introduction of the Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS) from 2026 onwards will begin to provide for eligible HSC patients to access lifestyle support and obesity medication, if clinically appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030876%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448893","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448893"}},{"id":"448729","reference":"AQW 30747/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-09","answerBy":"2025-09-24","answered":"2025-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities who are currently experiencing contingency arrangements due to not having a full-time school place; (ii) a list of what those contingency arrangements are; and (iii) a breakdown of the number of pupils experiencing each contingency arrangement.","answerText":"As unavoidable construction works continue, 80 children across 17 schools require interim arrangements, with 62 children across 14 mainstream schools and 18 children across three special schools supported through bespoke contingency arrangements including alternative classroom provision, structured home visits, and dual day classes to minimise disruption to learning whilst vital accommodation enhancements are completed.\n\nWhilst the Education Authority (EA) support schools in the identification of contingency based on their individual circumstances, school leaders are responsible for the delivery of each contingency in line with the annual phased induction and school calendar within their school communities. Therefore, EA would not retain a breakdown of the number of pupils experiencing each contingency arrangement.","answerHtml":"As unavoidable construction works continue, 80 children across 17 schools require interim arrangements, with 62 children across 14 mainstream schools and 18 children across three special schools supported through bespoke contingency arrangements including alternative classroom provision, structured home visits, and dual day classes to minimise disruption to learning whilst vital accommodation enhancements are completed.
Whilst the Education Authority (EA) support schools in the identification of contingency based on their individual circumstances, school leaders are responsible for the delivery of each contingency in line with the annual phased induction and school calendar within their school communities. Therefore, EA would not retain a breakdown of the number of pupils experiencing each contingency arrangement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030747%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448729","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448729"}},{"id":"448728","reference":"AQW 30746/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-09","answerBy":"2025-09-24","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans her Department has to improve (i) cycle routes; (ii) greenways; and (ii) the active travel infrastructure in Lagan Valley.","answerText":"Future active travel routes within our towns and cities will be prioritised primarily in line with the emerging Active Travel Delivery Plan. Officials are currently reviewing responses to the public consultation, which closed in February 2025, and I hope to publish the final plan later this year. When complete, the Active Travel Delivery Plan will complement the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan and the Strategic Plan for Greenways to provide a firm basis for prioritising delivery of improved active travel infrastructure for the next ten years and beyond.\n\nDelivery of greenways is generally council led with my Department funding up to 50% of the capital cost of delivering approved projects. My officials engage regularly with councils on their greenway priorities and any other active travel related initiatives.\n\nMy Department is also considering potential future improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station. Design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.","answerHtml":"Future active travel routes within our towns and cities will be prioritised primarily in line with the emerging Active Travel Delivery Plan. Officials are currently reviewing responses to the public consultation, which closed in February 2025, and I hope to publish the final plan later this year. When complete, the Active Travel Delivery Plan will complement the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan and the Strategic Plan for Greenways to provide a firm basis for prioritising delivery of improved active travel infrastructure for the next ten years and beyond.
Delivery of greenways is generally council led with my Department funding up to 50% of the capital cost of delivering approved projects. My officials engage regularly with councils on their greenway priorities and any other active travel related initiatives.
My Department is also considering potential future improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station. Design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030746%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448728","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448728"}},{"id":"448727","reference":"AQW 30745/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-09","answerBy":"2025-09-24","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether street lighting can be installed on Station Road, between Moira and Moira Train Station, to improve safety for those choosing to use the train and active travel.","answerText":"My department is considering potential future improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station.\n\nWhile there are no plans to change the rural street lighting policy at this time, I am conscious that street lighting can contribute significantly to feelings of personal security and safety, particularly for women travelling at night. This is an important consideration when officials are developing proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities to key destinations with the aim of encouraging modal shift. However, the desire for lighting must be balanced against environmental considerations, our desire to reduce the carbon footprint and electricity costs associated with our infrastructure, and limited budgets.\n\nDesign development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.","answerHtml":"My department is considering potential future improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station.
While there are no plans to change the rural street lighting policy at this time, I am conscious that street lighting can contribute significantly to feelings of personal security and safety, particularly for women travelling at night. This is an important consideration when officials are developing proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities to key destinations with the aim of encouraging modal shift. However, the desire for lighting must be balanced against environmental considerations, our desire to reduce the carbon footprint and electricity costs associated with our infrastructure, and limited budgets.
Design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030745%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448727","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448727"}},{"id":"448726","reference":"AQW 30744/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-09","answerBy":"2025-09-24","answered":"2025-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any provision being made within the cervical screening programme for women who are unable to avail of regular screening.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency has advised where an individual has particular needs relating to cervical screening that cannot be met within the GP practice, the GP has the ability to refer that patient to a Trust gynaecology service where additional support and alternative options may be considered. This is managed at an individual patient level, by the practice nurse or GP, and would apply to all intimate examinations, not just screening.\n\nAll women are offered cervical screening and colposcopy only after full informed consent has been obtained, and these women are treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity.\n\nI would encourage all eligible women to accept the invitation to screening, when invited and for women who require extra support, to contact their GP practice or clinic before making an appointment to discuss their needs.","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency has advised where an individual has particular needs relating to cervical screening that cannot be met within the GP practice, the GP has the ability to refer that patient to a Trust gynaecology service where additional support and alternative options may be considered. This is managed at an individual patient level, by the practice nurse or GP, and would apply to all intimate examinations, not just screening.
All women are offered cervical screening and colposcopy only after full informed consent has been obtained, and these women are treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity.
I would encourage all eligible women to accept the invitation to screening, when invited and for women who require extra support, to contact their GP practice or clinic before making an appointment to discuss their needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030744%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448726","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448726"}},{"id":"448725","reference":"AQW 30743/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-09","answerBy":"2025-09-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQO 2179/22-27; and (ii) AQW 26113/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030743%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448725","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448725"}},{"id":"448509","reference":"AQW 30621/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-08","answerBy":"2025-09-12","answered":"2025-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the amount (i) spent on actions within the Online Safety Strategy in each year since it commenced; and (ii) budgeted for the Strategy and Action Plan in the next two years.","answerText":"The Department of Health has sponsorship of the Executive’s ‘Keeping children and young people safe: an Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland.’ Although this is an Executive Strategy, no funding from the Executive Office was ever secured. My department has provided direct funding to the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) to support implementation of the Strategy. The funding breakdown is as follows:\n\n2022/23: £130,187\n\n2023/24: £83,494 (plus £16,680 additional spend by SBNI)\n\n2024/25: £101,200 (plus £21,000 additional spend by SBNI)\n\n2025/26: £101,200 (plus £20,304 additional spend by SBNI)\n\n2026/27 (forecast): £101,200\n\nThe additional spend by SBNI is covered from within its existing budget allocation. Other government departments are responsible for funding their own actions under the Strategy.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health has sponsorship of the Executive’s ‘Keeping children and young people safe: an Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland.’ Although this is an Executive Strategy, no funding from the Executive Office was ever secured. My department has provided direct funding to the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) to support implementation of the Strategy. The funding breakdown is as follows:
2022/23: £130,187
2023/24: £83,494 (plus £16,680 additional spend by SBNI)
2024/25: £101,200 (plus £21,000 additional spend by SBNI)
2025/26: £101,200 (plus £20,304 additional spend by SBNI)
2026/27 (forecast): £101,200
The additional spend by SBNI is covered from within its existing budget allocation. Other government departments are responsible for funding their own actions under the Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030621%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448509","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448509"}},{"id":"448508","reference":"AQW 30620/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-08","answerBy":"2025-09-23","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the Health and Social Care Trusts which offer psychological support pathways for bereaved parents following (a) miscarriage; (b) stillbirth; and (c) neonatal death, as part of perinatal community mental health services; and (ii) whether he will commit to introducing specialist care pathways for bereaved parents in every Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The Department of Health recognises the profound emotional impact that pregnancy loss can have on individuals and families.\n\n(i) Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts provides a range of support services, which may include:\n\nBereavement Midwives: Specially trained midwives are available in many Trusts to provide compassionate, one-to-one support following miscarriage or baby loss.\n\nCounselling Services: Trusts offer access to psychological therapies, either directly or through referral, to support individuals experiencing grief, trauma, or mental health challenges following pregnancy loss.\n\nReferral Pathways: Health professionals can refer patients to external organisations such as the Miscarriage Association, SANDS UK, and Cruse Bereavement Support, which offer specialised resources and peer support.\n\nEarly Pregnancy Units (EPUs): These units often serve as the first point of contact for women experiencing miscarriage and can provide immediate emotional support and follow-up care.\n\nInformation and Signposting: Trusts provide written and digital resources to help individuals understand their options and access further support.\n\nIn addition, a regional Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service has been established in each Trust to provide assessment, care planning, and treatment for women experiencing severe perinatal mental illness, including postpartum psychosis. Where appropriate, care is coordinated with maternity units and health visitors to ensure continuity and holistic support.\n\nYou may also be aware that the Department of Finance is introducing ‘The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill’ in the Assembly which includes provision for the introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for Northern Ireland. This initiative, currently under public consultation, would enable a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks’ gestation, to be recognised. Departmental officials will continue to work closely with the Department of Finance, around the consultation process and development of the scheme.\n\nThe Department of Health Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have actively engaged with bereavement charities, particularly SANDS UK, to enhance support services for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.\n\n(ii) SANDS UK, with funding from the PHA, are currently developing the National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) in Northern Ireland. This initiative aims to improve the quality and consistency of bereavement care for parents and families. The NBCP includes nine standards designed to ensure sensitive communication, opportunities for memory-making, and dignified support for grieving families.\n\nAs part of the project healthcare professionals will be equipped with training, resources, and materials to deliver compassionate and informed care. Engagement with families who have a lived experience will be integral to the development of the pathways for NI, ensuring that bereavement support services are both clinically sound and emotionally responsive.\n\nMy Department do however acknowledge the gaps that exist for Specialist Psychological support for Bereaved Parents and remain committed to improving services. As you are aware, my Department is faced with a very challenging financial position at this time, but where possible I will prioritise the development of this service to ensure the appropriate advice and support is available to individuals and their families.\n\nPlease also be assured that I remain committed to listening to those with lived experience and to ensuring that support services are accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all who experience pregnancy loss.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health recognises the profound emotional impact that pregnancy loss can have on individuals and families.
(i) Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts provides a range of support services, which may include:
Bereavement Midwives: Specially trained midwives are available in many Trusts to provide compassionate, one-to-one support following miscarriage or baby loss.
Counselling Services: Trusts offer access to psychological therapies, either directly or through referral, to support individuals experiencing grief, trauma, or mental health challenges following pregnancy loss.
Referral Pathways: Health professionals can refer patients to external organisations such as the Miscarriage Association, SANDS UK, and Cruse Bereavement Support, which offer specialised resources and peer support.
Early Pregnancy Units (EPUs): These units often serve as the first point of contact for women experiencing miscarriage and can provide immediate emotional support and follow-up care.
Information and Signposting: Trusts provide written and digital resources to help individuals understand their options and access further support.
In addition, a regional Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service has been established in each Trust to provide assessment, care planning, and treatment for women experiencing severe perinatal mental illness, including postpartum psychosis. Where appropriate, care is coordinated with maternity units and health visitors to ensure continuity and holistic support.
You may also be aware that the Department of Finance is introducing ‘The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill’ in the Assembly which includes provision for the introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for Northern Ireland. This initiative, currently under public consultation, would enable a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks’ gestation, to be recognised. Departmental officials will continue to work closely with the Department of Finance, around the consultation process and development of the scheme.
The Department of Health Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have actively engaged with bereavement charities, particularly SANDS UK, to enhance support services for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
(ii) SANDS UK, with funding from the PHA, are currently developing the National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) in Northern Ireland. This initiative aims to improve the quality and consistency of bereavement care for parents and families. The NBCP includes nine standards designed to ensure sensitive communication, opportunities for memory-making, and dignified support for grieving families.
As part of the project healthcare professionals will be equipped with training, resources, and materials to deliver compassionate and informed care. Engagement with families who have a lived experience will be integral to the development of the pathways for NI, ensuring that bereavement support services are both clinically sound and emotionally responsive.
My Department do however acknowledge the gaps that exist for Specialist Psychological support for Bereaved Parents and remain committed to improving services. As you are aware, my Department is faced with a very challenging financial position at this time, but where possible I will prioritise the development of this service to ensure the appropriate advice and support is available to individuals and their families.
Please also be assured that I remain committed to listening to those with lived experience and to ensuring that support services are accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all who experience pregnancy loss.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030620%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448508","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448508"}},{"id":"448507","reference":"AQW 30619/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-08","answerBy":"2025-09-23","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail what active travel improvements will be introduced between Moira and Moira Train Station, to improve foot and bicycle safety along the route.","answerText":"My department is currently considering potential improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station. Design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.","answerHtml":"My department is currently considering potential improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Moira and the train station. Design development is at an early stage and engagement with stakeholders and the public will commence once plans are suitably developed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030619%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448507","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448507"}},{"id":"448506","reference":"AQW 30618/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-08","answerBy":"2025-09-23","answered":"2025-09-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of incidents of schools not providing a correct code on attendance records, over the last five years.","answerText":"Neither the Department of Education, or the Education Authority holds a record of the number of incidents where a school is incorrectly utilising attendance or absence codes incorrectly.\n\nIt is the requirement of each school to accurately code attendance in line with the current guidance, issued at the start of each academic year.","answerHtml":"Neither the Department of Education, or the Education Authority holds a record of the number of incidents where a school is incorrectly utilising attendance or absence codes incorrectly.
It is the requirement of each school to accurately code attendance in line with the current guidance, issued at the start of each academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030618%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448506","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448506"}},{"id":"448505","reference":"AQW 30617/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-08","answerBy":"2025-09-23","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 29570/22-27, (i) for a further annual breakdown of the number of children reported missing in excess of 24 hours; and (ii) the longest period a child was missing.","answerText":"Missing > 24 hours\n20/21\tMissing > 24 hours\n21/22\tMissing > 24 hours\n22/23\tMissing > 24 hours\n23/24\tMissing > 24 hours\n24/25\n28\t32\t32\t37\t25\n\nPursuant to AQW 29570/22-27, the further annual breakdown of the total number of looked after children who have been reported missing in excess of 24 hours is detailed above.\n\nThe table shows the total number of Looked After Children across the 5 HSCT’s who have been notified as being absent or missing from care settings in excess of 24 hours broken down over each of the last five years as requested in the previous AQW 29570/22-27.\n\nMy Department receive untoward events notifications from the individual HSCT’s when a child goes missing from care in excess of 24 hours. The Trusts have an obligation to report these young people missing given their vulnerability and assessed risk.\n\nThe data collated in respect of missing children displays a degree of regional variation across the HSC Trusts. However due to small numbers of individual children who have been reported missing in excess of 24 hours in some HSC Trust areas and taking into consideration that the release of these individual HSC Trust figures could potentially identify one or more children within this vulnerable group, my Department have provided an overall total of individual missing children for the five HSC Trusts.\n\nMy Department in collaboration with the PSNI and HSCTs have developed new Regional Guidance ‘The Interface Protocol between HSC Trusts and PSNI’ (October 2023). This Guidance sets out a broad operational overview of interface arrangements between PSNI and the Residential Children’s Home sector including arrangements for reporting when a child or young person goes missing. The aim of this guidance is to promote an effective joint agency response to missing children.\n\nMy Department do not hold data on how long a child is missing. This data would be held by the respective HSC Trust as the HSC Trust’s would hold statutory responsibility for each looked- after child who is reported missing.","answerHtml":"| Missing > 24 hours 20/21 | Missing > 24 hours 21/22 | Missing > 24 hours 22/23 | Missing > 24 hours 23/24 | Missing > 24 hours 24/25 |
| 28 | 32 | 32 | 37 | 25 |
Pursuant to AQW 29570/22-27, the further annual breakdown of the total number of looked after children who have been reported missing in excess of 24 hours is detailed above.
The table shows the total number of Looked After Children across the 5 HSCT’s who have been notified as being absent or missing from care settings in excess of 24 hours broken down over each of the last five years as requested in the previous AQW 29570/22-27.
My Department receive untoward events notifications from the individual HSCT’s when a child goes missing from care in excess of 24 hours. The Trusts have an obligation to report these young people missing given their vulnerability and assessed risk.
The data collated in respect of missing children displays a degree of regional variation across the HSC Trusts. However due to small numbers of individual children who have been reported missing in excess of 24 hours in some HSC Trust areas and taking into consideration that the release of these individual HSC Trust figures could potentially identify one or more children within this vulnerable group, my Department have provided an overall total of individual missing children for the five HSC Trusts.
My Department in collaboration with the PSNI and HSCTs have developed new Regional Guidance ‘The Interface Protocol between HSC Trusts and PSNI’ (October 2023). This Guidance sets out a broad operational overview of interface arrangements between PSNI and the Residential Children’s Home sector including arrangements for reporting when a child or young person goes missing. The aim of this guidance is to promote an effective joint agency response to missing children.
My Department do not hold data on how long a child is missing. This data would be held by the respective HSC Trust as the HSC Trust’s would hold statutory responsibility for each looked- after child who is reported missing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030617%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448505","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448505"}},{"id":"448026","reference":"AQW 30282/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-03","answerBy":"2025-09-18","answered":"2025-09-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of providers registered under the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, broken down by provider type, including the number of (i) primary schools; (ii) nursery school; and (iii) other childcare providers, as of 1 September 2025.","answerText":"As of 4 September 2024, 1,924 providers had registered for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme. The table below provides a breakdown by provider type, including (i) 18 primary schools; (ii) 0 nursery schools; and (iii) 1,906 other childcare providers.\n\nProvider Type\tNumber of providers registered for the NICSS\nDaycare\t312\nChildminder\t1,320\nOut of School\t109\nPlaygroup\t141\nApproved Home Childcare\t24\nPrimary schools\t18\nNursery schools\t0\nTotal\t1,924","answerHtml":"As of 4 September 2024, 1,924 providers had registered for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme. The table below provides a breakdown by provider type, including (i) 18 primary schools; (ii) 0 nursery schools; and (iii) 1,906 other childcare providers.
| Provider Type | Number of providers registered for the NICSS |
| Daycare | 312 |
| Childminder | 1,320 |
| Out of School | 109 |
| Playgroup | 141 |
| Approved Home Childcare | 24 |
| Primary schools | 18 |
| Nursery schools | 0 |
| Total | 1,924 |
The Protocol is set out in two main sections and is not inclusive of Children Missing in Education. The protocol focuses on Missing Children; and General Policing Response to Incidents involving Children in Residential Children’s Homes. The Protocol also complements existing guidance in relation to child protection, Protocol for Joint Investigation (2014), Planning for Looked After Children and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People.
This protocol covers all children who go missing, and who give rise for concern to the PSNI and / or to Health & Social Care Trusts. This includes children in the community with family, children in need known to Trusts, and children in care.
The Education Authority was consulted on the document as a member of the Safeguarding Board NI (SBNI)
The ‘protocol’ makes a valuable contribution to Education based ‘Children Missing in Education’ policy development which will focus on early identification of children missing or educated in other provisions in advance of Trust or PSNI involvement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030281%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448025","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448025"}},{"id":"448024","reference":"AQW 30280/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-03","answerBy":"2025-09-18","answered":"2025-09-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the current number of referral cases on the Education Welfare Service waiting list; and (ii) the longest waiting time on the list.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that as of 04 September 2025 there are 355 unallocated cases.\n\nThese are broken down as follows:\n\nTime on waiting list\tNumber of cases\nBand A 0-2 weeks\t275\nBand B 3-12 weeks\t53\nBand C 13-36 weeks\t11\nBand D 37-60 weeks\t7\nBand E 60+ weeks\t9","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that as of 04 September 2025 there are 355 unallocated cases.
These are broken down as follows:
| Time on waiting list | Number of cases |
| Band A 0-2 weeks | 275 |
| Band B 3-12 weeks | 53 |
| Band C 13-36 weeks | 11 |
| Band D 37-60 weeks | 7 |
| Band E 60+ weeks | 9 |
Neither the Department for Education (DE) nor the Education Authority (EA) have records of schools failing to complete SA1 notifications. All schools receive notification from the Department on an annual basis of the requirement to complete SA1 forms when removing a pupil from the school register.
The most recent guidance issued in August 2025 is available from the DE website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030279%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448023","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448023"}},{"id":"448022","reference":"AQW 30278/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-03","answerBy":"2025-09-18","answered":"2025-09-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions that he is taking in line with the recommendation within the Independent Review of Education to 'right size' the network of schools.","answerText":"There are several references in the Independent Review of Education (IRE) report to ‘right-sizing’ that are linked to the Panel’s recommendation to reconfigure the network of schools (recommendation 20).\n\nA network of viable and sustainable schools, of the right type, the right size, located in the right place, at the right time and with a focus on raising standards is critical for the future of our education system.\n\nThe Independent Panel determined that Northern Ireland currently has too many non-viable small schools and too many small sixth forms. To tackle this problem – which has both educational and financial dimensions – the Panel stated that we need a new approach to Area Planning.\n\nThis will require managing authorities and sectoral bodies to work together to create thriving, sustainable schools that support higher standards of education and promote inclusion for all children and young people.\n\nChange of the scale proposed by the Independent Panel will take time and require significant financial investment. The Panel estimated capital costs at £1bn over a 10-year period. That level of funding is not available at present, but I will continue to make the case to the Executive for additional funding to deliver on my priorities for Education.\n\nHowever, actions are and will continue to be taken to reconfigure the network of schools, in line with my Department’s priorities, through the Area Planning process. These changes are detailed in the Strategic Area Plan (2022-27: Planning for Sustainable Provision) and the Education Authority’s published Operational Plans and are brought forward through the statutory Development Proposal process.","answerHtml":"There are several references in the Independent Review of Education (IRE) report to ‘right-sizing’ that are linked to the Panel’s recommendation to reconfigure the network of schools (recommendation 20).
A network of viable and sustainable schools, of the right type, the right size, located in the right place, at the right time and with a focus on raising standards is critical for the future of our education system.
The Independent Panel determined that Northern Ireland currently has too many non-viable small schools and too many small sixth forms. To tackle this problem – which has both educational and financial dimensions – the Panel stated that we need a new approach to Area Planning.
This will require managing authorities and sectoral bodies to work together to create thriving, sustainable schools that support higher standards of education and promote inclusion for all children and young people.
Change of the scale proposed by the Independent Panel will take time and require significant financial investment. The Panel estimated capital costs at £1bn over a 10-year period. That level of funding is not available at present, but I will continue to make the case to the Executive for additional funding to deliver on my priorities for Education.
However, actions are and will continue to be taken to reconfigure the network of schools, in line with my Department’s priorities, through the Area Planning process. These changes are detailed in the Strategic Area Plan (2022-27: Planning for Sustainable Provision) and the Education Authority’s published Operational Plans and are brought forward through the statutory Development Proposal process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030278%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448022","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448022"}},{"id":"447682","reference":"AQO 2325/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-01","answerBy":"2025-09-09","answered":"2025-09-09","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on his recent meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd (The Minister of Finance)","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I intend to answer questions 1, 8 and 13 together. The meeting with the Chancellor was useful and allowed me to update her directly on the issues facing the people whom we all represent. I emphasised the need for the upcoming Budget to support growth and continued investment in and transformation of our public services. I also stressed that any tax and spend decisions taken in the autumn Budget must fully consider the impact that they have on our people and local businesses. I raised the need for a full fiscal framework, including the need for additional fiscal devolution and borrowing powers. The Chancellor outlined the broader fiscal context ahead of the autumn Budget and highlighted the need for investment, growth and a review of the tax system. The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the Executive’s achievements to date. Those include the agreement of three Budgets; exceeding the £113 million income generation target set out in the restoration package; the establishment of a transformation fund and the allocation of £129 million to six innovative projects; and the publication of our Programme for Government. Having visited Studio Ulster, the Chancellor acknowledged the strength of our creative sector, which is supported through city and growth deals. She highlighted the potential of digital technology and AI, the need to invest in skills, particularly through our universities, to attract future investment and the importance of leveraging trade opportunities and how the upcoming regional trade summit in October will provide an opportunity to showcase the North's businesses and inward investment opportunities to an international audience."},{"speaker":"Dr Aiken","text":"I thank the Minister for his reply. One of the issues that we are having to deal with is that the Budget has been put back to the end of November. We have already seen the problems that our friends in Scotland and Wales have had in putting forward a three-year Budget. What contingencies have we put in place to look at that, particularly given that our pot will be squeezed and that Health and other areas will be under considerable pressure?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I recently had the opportunity to meet the Welsh and Scottish Finance Ministers. At that stage, I believe that we were not aware of the date of the Budget, although we knew that it would be delayed. They have slightly different legal processes to go through. The situation is not ideal for our budgetary processes, but it is best to wait for the Chancellor's statement on 26 November before we table our final Budget to the Executive. Hopefully, we will get agreement so that it can go out for public consultation. My main concern is that we want to ensure that we have maximum time for public consultation. Ideally, I want to see a 12-week consultation, and I think that that is still possible."},{"speaker":"Mr Buckley","text":"As a north Armagh politician, I know that the Minister will be acutely aware of the huge contribution that farmers make to the Northern Ireland economy. He will also be aware of the unprecedented attacks that farming has faced both from some in this Chamber and from the Chancellor in her announcements on the family farm tax, which will disproportionately cripple Northern Ireland farmers. Did the Minister raise that issue of concern with the Chancellor? Is he confident that she at least alluded to some mitigating factors that will help farmers to deal with that substantial threat?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"The Member will be aware that the deputy First Minister and I met the Chancellor on the date in question. The issue of farm inheritance tax was raised with the Chancellor. I was not encouraged by the Chancellor's response, and I made it clear to her on a number of occasions throughout the meeting that decisions made in London that may have beneficial impacts, in their minds, on various areas in England or Wales have significantly different impacts on this place. Farm inheritance tax is definitely one of them. The impact that it has had here can and will be significantly detrimental to our farming community. However, the Chancellor, in my view, is not minded for turning on the issue. We have seen a number of U-turns from the Government, and I hope that this will be the next one or is certainly on the list, but, after listening to the Chancellor's response, I am not encouraged in any way to suggest that she will move from her current position."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"There is a significant event being hosted here on Wednesday by the Women's Policy Group and Melted Parents in relation to childcare. During his meeting, did the Minister raise the issue of expanding tax-free childcare with the Chancellor again?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Not directly with the Chancellor on that occasion. However, the Member will be aware that, as part of the 2025-26 Budget, the Executive allocated £50 million towards early years and childcare strategy that supports hard-working families by delivering more affordable childcare. The number of children eligible for support has increased by 60% compared with last year, providing that much-needed subsidy, so the Executive have made significant strides in that regard. There was an additional £5 million awarded to childcare as part of one of the monitoring rounds as well. I know the importance of the issue, and I have no doubt that the Executive will continue to focus on it."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, you and I agree that we have a fundamentally broken fiscal and, indeed, constitutional model and that we need to take more power back here and on to this island more generally. Given that we know that the Budget, when it finally comes, will reflect an even greater fiscal squeeze in the UK because of its underperforming economy and a range of other decisions that we do not agree with, is not now the time to take powers and initiative into our own hands and for you to publish your proposals for greater fiscal devolution on a journey to much greater independence for us here and, indeed, change in this island?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Engagement with the Treasury is already under way in relation to greater fiscal powers for this place. Obviously, it will have to be a final decision for the Executive on which, if any, of those powers are transferred. However, those discussions are already in train. They started and continued from our discussions with the Treasury in relation to the comprehensive spending review and the Holtham report. We then immediately entered discussions around how we finalise the full fiscal framework for this place, including the devolution of tax-varying powers."},{"speaker":"Miss Dolan","text":"Minister, what will be in a full fiscal framework?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"It will cover a number of areas including further consideration of Professor Holtham's review of our level of need, Housing Executive borrowing powers and additional fiscal devolution. In my opinion, it is vital that it provides the Executive with the financial tools that we need to deliver more sustainable public finances and public services. Taxation is obviously a serious and important matter. It will focus the minds of this place and the Executive in relation to our responsibilities and roles here. Taxation is not simply about how you raise more taxes. You can change the level of tax that you raise in certain areas — you might want to increase it — but also in terms of public attitudes and approaches to various health matters, for instance. It is an important lever that we require, and I look forward to continuing the discussions with the Treasury."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202325%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447682","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-09&docID=447887#AQO%202325/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447682"}},{"id":"447641","reference":"AQO 2284/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-01","answerBy":"2025-09-08","answered":"2025-09-08","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on their input in delivering the Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland 2020-25, given the Strategy’s cross-cutting nature and their Department's role in ending violence against women and girls.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister)","text":"Before I begin, with your indulgence, Mr Speaker, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the tragic deaths of Vanessa Whyte and her two children, James and Sara Rutledge. Those were absolutely horrific murders, and I have no doubt that everyone across the House shares in the horror of what happened. It emphasises, once again, the absolute need for us all to work together to end violence against women and girls. I pay tribute to the dignity and courage of their friends and family, and I think, in particular, of the school friends and other schoolmates of both of those children as they start back to school this week, with the grief that, undoubtedly, they will feel. We want to ensure that all women are safe and feel safe everywhere. That is why the strategic framework to end violence against women and girls addresses the whole range of gender-based violence, abuse and harm, including online. The framework is intended not to displace existing policy remits but to strengthen and coordinate the Executive response to challenging violence against women and girls. The ending violence against women and girls change fund is a fundamental part of delivering the strategic framework, and it focuses on prevention. There are many excellent projects, including in our constituency of Lagan Valley, which work with expert organisations and the PSNI to educate on safety in online spaces. The Department of Health has sponsorship of the Executive's online safety strategy and accompanying three-year action plan, which was published in February 2021. Our officials are members of the online safety strategy cross-departmental implementation group and work closely with colleagues to ensure that we use every opportunity to protect women and girls and to ensure their safety. The UK Online Safety Act is also an important tool in combating online abuse and harms, and we remain committed to engaging with Ofcom on its implementation."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the deputy First Minister for her response, and I echo her comments about those awful tragedies. Does the deputy First Minister regard online safety for our children and young people as a priority? If so, is the online safety strategy and action plan that we have at the moment good enough?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. It is incredibly important that all the actions arising from that are fit for purpose. I have said to the House previously that I have had somebody charged and convicted under the online safety legislation. He pleaded guilty and is currently in custody. That is a demonstration, unfortunately, not only of the Act in action but of the need for the Act. I would like to get into a position where we do not need to use that piece of legislation, and that applies right throughout. I take the opportunity to extend support to Simon Harris, who has been subjected to a number of threats over the summer, including another one in the past number of days. It is absolutely appalling, and it demonstrates that abuse targets not just women and girls — the focus of this particular piece of work — but, very often, those in public life across all political parties. Of course, in this work, it is critical that we genuinely get the right actions to tackle that, should it be towards those in public life, women and girls — no matter where they are — or, in particular, children."},{"speaker":"Ms Finnegan","text":"I acknowledge the leadership that the First Minister and deputy First Minister have shown in highlighting ending the scourge of violence against women and girls. Making progress will require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Can the deputy First Minister provide an update on how TEO is working collaboratively with Departments to tackle sexual violence against women and girls?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. It is one of the six key outcomes: working better together. That means all parts of our system working together to try to tackle it. Just last week, we had the privilege and honour of attending an ending violence against women and girls conference at Craigavon Integrated College. There, we joined over 100 pupils from a number of schools and, in particular, the McNally family, who have done such incredibly brave work in the area. It must be so hard for them to talk about Natalie, describe who she was and step up time and time again, but they do that because they genuinely do not want the violence that happened to their Natalie to happen to another woman. I pay tribute to them. It was an absolute honour to be at that event with them. The event also demonstrated that it is not just about working across government and with local government but about working with young people and all parts of our society at the earliest possible opportunity to tackle misogynistic attitudes and the issues that, in turn, give rise to violence against women and girls."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"I thank the deputy First Minister for her reference to the conference that we attended on Friday. One of the issues that is really important to families who have experienced that type of terrible violence is the justice system and, in particular, the length of time that it takes for cases to come before the courts. That causes those families such anxiety. Will the Minister work in the Executive to ensure a much swifter response for those families?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her important question. She is absolutely right: justice in Northern Ireland is much too slow. It really affects people, not just those who are waiting to appear before the courts but the victims' families, who have to suffer for many months if not years while they wait for their cases to come up in court. That is an unbearable anxiety for those families. Families need to see justice being done and they need to see it being done much more swiftly. I had the opportunity to return to the Bar a number of years ago, and I was genuinely shocked by the length of time that criminal cases were taking. I was involved in a number of cases, none of which got to trial over the couple of years that I was at the Bar. It is an urgent issue, and we need to tackle it. Justice must be swifter. I believe that we are the slowest across these isles. That is not acceptable. It is not acceptable for victims or their families, and we need to get on and tackle the issue and produce swift justice now."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202284%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447641","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-08&docID=447886#AQO%202284/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447641"}},{"id":"445828","reference":"AQW 29891/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-03","answerBy":"2025-07-22","answered":"2025-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQO 1636/22-27, whether they can now confirm that the development of a link road between the M1 and the Maze Long Kesh site will be included in the final Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"We are currently considering a final draft of the Investment Strategy, and we hope to be able to bring it to the Executive for approval in due course.","answerHtml":"We are currently considering a final draft of the Investment Strategy, and we hope to be able to bring it to the Executive for approval in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029891%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445828","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445828"}},{"id":"445827","reference":"AQW 29890/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-03","answerBy":"2025-07-22","answered":"2025-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the minor capital works to take place in Lagan Valley, during the 2025-2026 financial year.","answerText":"The table below shows the minor works projects which are currently being progressed for schools in Lagan Valley. The projects are at various stages and progression of these projects to construction will be subject to detailed design, statutory approvals, available capital budget and competing priorities. While these projects will be developed during the 2025-26 financial year, delivery of many of them are likely to span future financial years.\n\nSchool Name\tScheme Detail\tCurrent status\nBrookfield School\tAdditional accommodation, nursery unit\tTo complete March 2026\nBrookfield School\tSept 26 accommodation\tTo complete August 2026\nCarr Primary School, Lisburn\tReplacement wastewater treatment plant\tTender returned 30/05/2025\nCarr Primary School, Lisburn\tSpecialist Provision Accommodation\tAwaiting direction from Children Young People Services (CYPS)\nDownshire Primary School, Hillsborough\tBoundary Anomaly between School and Housing Development\tFeasibility and Business Case (BC) assessment ongoing\nDromore Central Primary School\tTraffic Management Scheme /Carparking\tTo complete 25 August 2025\nDromore High School\tPupil toilets\tTo complete October 2025\nFair Hill Primary School, Dromara\tSpecialist Provision Accommodation Phase 1\tStart on site 16 June 2025\nFair Hill Primary School, Dromara\tSpecialist Provision Accommodation Phase 2\tExtent of works to be confirmed\nKnockmore Primary School, Lisburn\tTraffic Management Scheme /Carparking\tFeasibility and Business Case assessment ongoing\nLaurelhill Community College, Lisburn\tLobby security\tTo complete Feb 2026\nLaurelhill Community College, Lisburn\tTwo additional modular classrooms\tBusiness Case approved June 2025\nLisburn Central Primary School\tBoundary & Fencing issue\tFeasibility and business case assessment ongoing\nLisburn Central Primary School\tSecurity/Safeguarding works\tBusiness case approved 27 June 2025\nLisburn Central Primary School\tSpecialist Provision Accommodation\tAwaiting direction for 2026 provision\nLisnagarvey High School, Lisburn\tThree classroom modular accommodation\tCompleted 27/05/2025\nLisnagarvey High School, Lisburn\tAdditional changing facilities\tCompleted 02/04/2025\nLisnagarvey High School, Lisburn\tAccessibility amendments - pupil specific\tSite visit held end of May. Feasibility ongoing.\nParkview School\tUrgent additional accommodation\tAwaiting Business Case approval\nParkview School\tMapping exercise\tFeasibility and business case assessment ongoing\nParkview School\tRefurb of hydrotherapy pool\tFeasibility underway\nParkview School\tSpecialist Accommodation\tFeasibility to be completed\nRiverdale Primary School\tSpecialist Provision Accommodation\tAwaiting direction for an estimated 2026 delivery\nSt Aloysius’ Primary School, Lisburn\tStandalone nursery unit\tBusiness case approved. Design Team has been appointed\nSt Mary's Primary School, Derrymore\tUrgent health and safety fencing\tScheme completed 20/05/2025\nSt Michael’s Primary School, Finnis\tPupil Specific DDA Scheme - Visual Impairment\tWorks programmed to be completed by September 2025.\nSt Patrick's Academy, Lisburn\tFoyer Security\tBusiness Case approved however discussions ongoing in relation to scheme design\nTonagh Primary School, Lisburn\tSpecialist Provision Accommodation\tAwaiting direction for an estimated 2026 delivery","answerHtml":"The table below shows the minor works projects which are currently being progressed for schools in Lagan Valley. The projects are at various stages and progression of these projects to construction will be subject to detailed design, statutory approvals, available capital budget and competing priorities. While these projects will be developed during the 2025-26 financial year, delivery of many of them are likely to span future financial years.
| School Name | Scheme Detail | Current status |
| Brookfield School | Additional accommodation, nursery unit | To complete March 2026 |
| Brookfield School | Sept 26 accommodation | To complete August 2026 |
| Carr Primary School, Lisburn | Replacement wastewater treatment plant | Tender returned 30/05/2025 |
| Carr Primary School, Lisburn | Specialist Provision Accommodation | Awaiting direction from Children Young People Services (CYPS) |
| Downshire Primary School, Hillsborough | Boundary Anomaly between School and Housing Development | Feasibility and Business Case (BC) assessment ongoing |
| Dromore Central Primary School | Traffic Management Scheme /Carparking | To complete 25 August 2025 |
| Dromore High School | Pupil toilets | To complete October 2025 |
| Fair Hill Primary School, Dromara | Specialist Provision Accommodation Phase 1 | Start on site 16 June 2025 |
| Fair Hill Primary School, Dromara | Specialist Provision Accommodation Phase 2 | Extent of works to be confirmed |
| Knockmore Primary School, Lisburn | Traffic Management Scheme /Carparking | Feasibility and Business Case assessment ongoing |
| Laurelhill Community College, Lisburn | Lobby security | To complete Feb 2026 |
| Laurelhill Community College, Lisburn | Two additional modular classrooms | Business Case approved June 2025 |
| Lisburn Central Primary School | Boundary & Fencing issue | Feasibility and business case assessment ongoing |
| Lisburn Central Primary School | Security/Safeguarding works | Business case approved 27 June 2025 |
| Lisburn Central Primary School | Specialist Provision Accommodation | Awaiting direction for 2026 provision |
| Lisnagarvey High School, Lisburn | Three classroom modular accommodation | Completed 27/05/2025 |
| Lisnagarvey High School, Lisburn | Additional changing facilities | Completed 02/04/2025 |
| Lisnagarvey High School, Lisburn | Accessibility amendments - pupil specific | Site visit held end of May. Feasibility ongoing. |
| Parkview School | Urgent additional accommodation | Awaiting Business Case approval |
| Parkview School | Mapping exercise | Feasibility and business case assessment ongoing |
| Parkview School | Refurb of hydrotherapy pool | Feasibility underway |
| Parkview School | Specialist Accommodation | Feasibility to be completed |
| Riverdale Primary School | Specialist Provision Accommodation | Awaiting direction for an estimated 2026 delivery |
| St Aloysius’ Primary School, Lisburn | Standalone nursery unit | Business case approved. Design Team has been appointed |
| St Mary's Primary School, Derrymore | Urgent health and safety fencing | Scheme completed 20/05/2025 |
| St Michael’s Primary School, Finnis | Pupil Specific DDA Scheme - Visual Impairment | Works programmed to be completed by September 2025. |
| St Patrick's Academy, Lisburn | Foyer Security | Business Case approved however discussions ongoing in relation to scheme design |
| Tonagh Primary School, Lisburn | Specialist Provision Accommodation | Awaiting direction for an estimated 2026 delivery |
The table below sets out the number of penultimate age children that have been placed in funded statutory pre-school places over the last five academic years and now includes provisional data provided by the Education Authority in respect of the number of penultimate age children that have received an offer of a funded pre-school place for the 2025/26 academic year:
| School type | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24* | 2024/25 | 2025/26^ |
| Nursery Unit in Primary Schools | 577 | 726 | 772 | N/A | 808 | 879 |
| Nursery Schools | 390 | 533 | 570 | N/A | 588 | 436 |
| Total | 967 | 1,259 | 1,342 | N/A | 1,396 | 1,315 |
*Data relating to 2023/24 was impacted by industrial action, due to Action Short of Strike (ASOS). Although data was received from all schools, for 25% of schools (primary, post primary and special schools) pupil level information was not received in electronic format. It also meant it was not possible to fully undertake normal validation processes.
^Data relating to 2025/26 is provisional as at close of stage two of the admissions process (June 2025).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029798%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445684","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445684"}},{"id":"445683","reference":"AQW 29797/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-02","answerBy":"2025-07-21","answered":"2025-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the Education Authority's review of the Pupil Allocation Number process.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has completed the review for the allocation of Pupil Admission Numbers (PAN) for non-statutory pre-school settings.\n\nThe EA report contains a number of recommended short-term; medium-term; and long-term actions to bring about improvement. The report is available here. My officials will continue to monitor the EA’s implementation of the actions set out in the report.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has completed the review for the allocation of Pupil Admission Numbers (PAN) for non-statutory pre-school settings.
The EA report contains a number of recommended short-term; medium-term; and long-term actions to bring about improvement. The report is available here. My officials will continue to monitor the EA’s implementation of the actions set out in the report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029797%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445683","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445683"}},{"id":"445682","reference":"AQW 29796/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-02","answerBy":"2025-07-21","answered":"2025-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when he intends to make a policy decision following consultation on the Review of Free School Meals and Uniform Grant Eligibility Criteria.","answerText":"My policy decision resulting from the Department’s review on the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grant was announced on 8 July. Details can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/education-minister-supports-households-raising-free-school-meals-and-uniform-grant-threshold.","answerHtml":"My policy decision resulting from the Department’s review on the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grant was announced on 8 July. Details can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/education-minister-supports-households-raising-free-school-meals-and-uniform-grant-threshold.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029796%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445682","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445682"}},{"id":"445681","reference":"AQW 29795/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-02","answerBy":"2025-07-21","answered":"2025-07-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any action he is taking to rebuild relationships with the schools that do not believe they will receive the required special educational needs support from the Education Authority.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nSEN Capacity\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) recognises the concerns raised by some schools regarding the adequacy and consistency of special educational needs (SEN) support provided by the EA. In seeking to rebuild trust and strengthen collaborative relationships with schools across Northern Ireland the EA will continue to liaise directly with school Principals both individually and through established forums.\n\nA key focus is on improving transparency, communication, and partnership working between the EA and schools specifically with the aim of establishing Specialist provision classes. The EA has developed clear guidance and support mechanisms to help schools understand the process for establishing specialist provisions within mainstream settings. This includes detailed information on funding, accommodation and the types of professional support available, as outlined on the SEND Plan website Establishing Specialist Provisions in Mainstream Schools | SEND Plan.\n\nAll schools establishing Specialist Provision classes have access to a wide ranging package of support including;\n\nFinancial support whereby, in addition to the ongoing additional funding schools receive through the Common Funding Formula, the Education Authority funds all costs associated with staff working in the Specialist Provision classes and provides other financial benefits to schools including, initial furniture and equipment funding and initial resourcing funding.\n\nAccommodation improvements whereby the Education Authority develops a capital project to ensure the classrooms used for hosting Specialist Provision class are refurbished and enhanced to appropriate levels to allow the school to meet the needs of pupils placed in the Specialist Provision classes.\n\nEnhanced training and development programmes whereby the Education Authority provide integrated support for schools with Specialist provision classes to ensure that staff working in the classes are effectively supported in meeting the challenge of delivering high quality provision and educational experiences for our children and young people.\n\nSEND Statutory Services:\n\nEvery school will have both a named Education Psychologist (EP) and SEN Link Officer. The EP will meet with the SENCo alongside the Local IMPACT team link in the first term to ensure collaborative working and that the school is best supported to meet children’s needs.\n\nIn addition, the EA will continue in the next school year, to deliver training to all schools on the Graduated Response Framework for SEN. As part of the EDiS programme, SEN Statutory Services are developing a digital case management system to ensure there is better communication with parents and with schools, and this is scheduled to be live from January 2026.\n\nSEND Transformation\n\nIn relation to children and young people who are at Stages 1 and 2 of the SEND Code of Practice, the EA is also in the process of reforming its relevant support services and how they can be accessed by schools and preschools. Eight separate services are currently being re-configured into a network of local multi-specialism teams which will be able to wrap their support more effectively around each pupil and their setting. This will include each setting having a known contact within the relevant EA team who will meet with them and their named Educational Psychologist regularly throughout the academic year to plan out and monitor the support to be provided. Settings will also be able to access enhanced support without the need for a formal request for involvement, including specialist advice and guidance helplines and access to solution focused hubs. The new network of Local IMPACT Teams will become operational in September 2025 and their operating model will be covered in the course of wider Graduated Response Framework training for SENCos across Term 1.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
SEN Capacity
The Education Authority (EA) recognises the concerns raised by some schools regarding the adequacy and consistency of special educational needs (SEN) support provided by the EA. In seeking to rebuild trust and strengthen collaborative relationships with schools across Northern Ireland the EA will continue to liaise directly with school Principals both individually and through established forums.
A key focus is on improving transparency, communication, and partnership working between the EA and schools specifically with the aim of establishing Specialist provision classes. The EA has developed clear guidance and support mechanisms to help schools understand the process for establishing specialist provisions within mainstream settings. This includes detailed information on funding, accommodation and the types of professional support available, as outlined on the SEND Plan website Establishing Specialist Provisions in Mainstream Schools | SEND Plan.
All schools establishing Specialist Provision classes have access to a wide ranging package of support including;
Financial support whereby, in addition to the ongoing additional funding schools receive through the Common Funding Formula, the Education Authority funds all costs associated with staff working in the Specialist Provision classes and provides other financial benefits to schools including, initial furniture and equipment funding and initial resourcing funding.
Accommodation improvements whereby the Education Authority develops a capital project to ensure the classrooms used for hosting Specialist Provision class are refurbished and enhanced to appropriate levels to allow the school to meet the needs of pupils placed in the Specialist Provision classes.
Enhanced training and development programmes whereby the Education Authority provide integrated support for schools with Specialist provision classes to ensure that staff working in the classes are effectively supported in meeting the challenge of delivering high quality provision and educational experiences for our children and young people.
SEND Statutory Services:
Every school will have both a named Education Psychologist (EP) and SEN Link Officer. The EP will meet with the SENCo alongside the Local IMPACT team link in the first term to ensure collaborative working and that the school is best supported to meet children’s needs.
In addition, the EA will continue in the next school year, to deliver training to all schools on the Graduated Response Framework for SEN. As part of the EDiS programme, SEN Statutory Services are developing a digital case management system to ensure there is better communication with parents and with schools, and this is scheduled to be live from January 2026.
SEND Transformation
In relation to children and young people who are at Stages 1 and 2 of the SEND Code of Practice, the EA is also in the process of reforming its relevant support services and how they can be accessed by schools and preschools. Eight separate services are currently being re-configured into a network of local multi-specialism teams which will be able to wrap their support more effectively around each pupil and their setting. This will include each setting having a known contact within the relevant EA team who will meet with them and their named Educational Psychologist regularly throughout the academic year to plan out and monitor the support to be provided. Settings will also be able to access enhanced support without the need for a formal request for involvement, including specialist advice and guidance helplines and access to solution focused hubs. The new network of Local IMPACT Teams will become operational in September 2025 and their operating model will be covered in the course of wider Graduated Response Framework training for SENCos across Term 1.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029795%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445681","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445681"}},{"id":"445680","reference":"AQW 29794/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-02","answerBy":"2025-07-21","answered":"2025-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there is a regional policy and procedure for the repatriation of patients to another Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The HSC Protocol for the repatriation of patients between Trusts was updated in August 2024 to support the safe and timely repatriation of patients to their Trust of Residence following an inpatient episode of care in another Trust. This includes hospital to hospital repatriations and hospital to community repatriations following emergency or elective care admissions. It does not replace existing repatriation arrangements for pathways for patients receiving treatment in critical care, children’s services or mental health settings, or for patients requiring repatriation from outside of Northern Ireland.\n\nThe protocol provides a clear standardised process that enables the coordination of patient flow between Trusts, with the aim for repatriation to be completed within 12 hours of medical acceptance of the receiving hospital. This target is for conditions where there is no recognised standard for specialist repatriation.","answerHtml":"The HSC Protocol for the repatriation of patients between Trusts was updated in August 2024 to support the safe and timely repatriation of patients to their Trust of Residence following an inpatient episode of care in another Trust. This includes hospital to hospital repatriations and hospital to community repatriations following emergency or elective care admissions. It does not replace existing repatriation arrangements for pathways for patients receiving treatment in critical care, children’s services or mental health settings, or for patients requiring repatriation from outside of Northern Ireland.
The protocol provides a clear standardised process that enables the coordination of patient flow between Trusts, with the aim for repatriation to be completed within 12 hours of medical acceptance of the receiving hospital. This target is for conditions where there is no recognised standard for specialist repatriation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029794%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445680","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445680"}},{"id":"445568","reference":"AQW 29687/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has a repatriation policy for the proposed move of patients to other Health and Social Care Trusts; and (ii) whether the policy includes a clear process for the proposed move of sick babies and children.","answerText":"(i) While the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust does not explicitly have a publicly available \"repatriation policy\" document, a HSC wide protocol for the movement of patients to other Health and Social Care Trusts is in place. Transfers are typically handled based on the individual needs of the patient and the capacity and services available in the receiving trust.\n\n(ii) There is a distinct section within the protocol for the repatriation of paediatric transfers. This includes hospital to hospital repatriation as well as hospital to community repatriation. Clinicians and service managers in the various Trusts work closely together to ensure that children and babies get the right care in the right place in a timely manner.","answerHtml":"(i) While the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust does not explicitly have a publicly available "repatriation policy" document, a HSC wide protocol for the movement of patients to other Health and Social Care Trusts is in place. Transfers are typically handled based on the individual needs of the patient and the capacity and services available in the receiving trust.
(ii) There is a distinct section within the protocol for the repatriation of paediatric transfers. This includes hospital to hospital repatriation as well as hospital to community repatriation. Clinicians and service managers in the various Trusts work closely together to ensure that children and babies get the right care in the right place in a timely manner.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029687%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445568","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445568"}},{"id":"445567","reference":"AQW 29686/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-18","answered":"2025-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any contingency plans which are in place to ensure that children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs will still receive the education they have a right to, if they do not have a school place by September 2025.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nIt is the EA aim to have all children who have a statement of SEN allocated a placement for September 2025. Over the last five to ten working days the residual pressure for placements has reduced to around 50 children, and with continued work over the summer, it may be possible to reduce this to zero by the start of the next school year. Finding the final places will be particularly challenging.\n\nContingency arrangements are based on the needs of the pupils and EA will work closely with the impacted schools and families to implement contingencies to make sure there is no or minimal impact for our children and young people.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
It is the EA aim to have all children who have a statement of SEN allocated a placement for September 2025. Over the last five to ten working days the residual pressure for placements has reduced to around 50 children, and with continued work over the summer, it may be possible to reduce this to zero by the start of the next school year. Finding the final places will be particularly challenging.
Contingency arrangements are based on the needs of the pupils and EA will work closely with the impacted schools and families to implement contingencies to make sure there is no or minimal impact for our children and young people.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029686%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445567","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445567"}},{"id":"445566","reference":"AQW 29685/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-18","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail what involvement parents or carers have within proposed repatriation of sick babies and children.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029685%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445566","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445566"}},{"id":"445565","reference":"AQW 29684/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-18","answered":"2025-07-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether his Department regularly engages with colleagues in other jurisdictions in respect of missing children; and (ii) what official arrangements are in place for this engagement to take place.","answerText":"(i) The Department of Health recognises the importance of effective cooperation and information sharing in cases involving missing children, particularly where there are concerns relating to safeguarding, health or cross-jurisdictional movement.\n\nMy Department regularly engages with relevant counterparts in other jurisdictions, including other UK nations and the Republic of Ireland, through established safeguarding and child protection frameworks. These arrangements are guided by both statutory responsibilities and inter-agency protocols to ensure that the welfare and safety of children remains paramount.\n\nIn situations where a child goes missing and there are implications for Health or Social Care, the Department works closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Health and Social Care Trusts, and, when appropriate, international and national agencies such as Interpol, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and Tusla – the Child and Family Agency in the Republic of Ireland.\n\nAdditionally, Northern Ireland is an active participant in cross-border and UK wide forums focused on child protection and safeguarding, which facilitate the sharing of best practices and the development of coordinated responses in complex cases.\n\nMy Department remains committed to working collaboratively with all relevant agencies to protect children and ensure robust systems are in place for timely and effective responses when a child goes missing.\n\n(ii) A number of formal and operational arrangements are in place to facilitate engagement between the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and colleagues in other jurisdictions in respect of missing children. These include;\n\nProtocols and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs):\n\nHealth and Social Care (HSC) Trusts operate under joint agency agreements with statutory partners including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and have established relationships with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland through cross-border safeguarding protocols.\n\n2.North-South Child Protection Work:\n\nThere is regular liaison with the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) in the Republic of Ireland, particularly in cases with cross-border elements. This includes cooperation through the North-South Child Protection Sub-Group, which supports joint working arrangements between both jurisdictions.\n\n3.National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and UK-Wide Safeguarding Frameworks:\n\nEngagement occurs through participation in UK-wide safeguarding and child protection structures, such as the UK National Safeguarding Steering Group. These forums ensure consistent approaches to managing high-risk cases, including those involving missing or trafficked children.\n\n4.All-Island Child Protection Initiatives:\n\nNorthern Ireland is part of All-Island initiatives supported by bodies such as SPPG and the NSPCC, which promote shared learning and aligned protocols for dealing with vulnerable children, especially in the context of cross-border mobility.\n\n5.Information Sharing Protocols:\n\nHealth and Social Care professionals in Northern Ireland follow strict information sharing protocols to ensure that relevant data about missing children is exchanged securely and lawfully with counterparts in other jurisdictions, in line with GDPR and safeguarding legislation.\n\n6.Joint Training and Professional Networks:\n\nCross-border and inter-jurisdictional training programmes, workshops, and professional forums also contribute to the sharing of best practice and operational coordination on cases involving missing children.\n\nThese arrangements are under regular review to ensure they remain effective in supporting child protection efforts, particularly in complex and cross-border situations. The Department of Health remains committed to strengthening these collaborative mechanisms where needed.","answerHtml":"(i) The Department of Health recognises the importance of effective cooperation and information sharing in cases involving missing children, particularly where there are concerns relating to safeguarding, health or cross-jurisdictional movement.
My Department regularly engages with relevant counterparts in other jurisdictions, including other UK nations and the Republic of Ireland, through established safeguarding and child protection frameworks. These arrangements are guided by both statutory responsibilities and inter-agency protocols to ensure that the welfare and safety of children remains paramount.
In situations where a child goes missing and there are implications for Health or Social Care, the Department works closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Health and Social Care Trusts, and, when appropriate, international and national agencies such as Interpol, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and Tusla – the Child and Family Agency in the Republic of Ireland.
Additionally, Northern Ireland is an active participant in cross-border and UK wide forums focused on child protection and safeguarding, which facilitate the sharing of best practices and the development of coordinated responses in complex cases.
My Department remains committed to working collaboratively with all relevant agencies to protect children and ensure robust systems are in place for timely and effective responses when a child goes missing.
(ii) A number of formal and operational arrangements are in place to facilitate engagement between the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and colleagues in other jurisdictions in respect of missing children. These include;
Protocols and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs):
Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts operate under joint agency agreements with statutory partners including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and have established relationships with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland through cross-border safeguarding protocols.
2.North-South Child Protection Work:
There is regular liaison with the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) in the Republic of Ireland, particularly in cases with cross-border elements. This includes cooperation through the North-South Child Protection Sub-Group, which supports joint working arrangements between both jurisdictions.
3.National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and UK-Wide Safeguarding Frameworks:
Engagement occurs through participation in UK-wide safeguarding and child protection structures, such as the UK National Safeguarding Steering Group. These forums ensure consistent approaches to managing high-risk cases, including those involving missing or trafficked children.
4.All-Island Child Protection Initiatives:
Northern Ireland is part of All-Island initiatives supported by bodies such as SPPG and the NSPCC, which promote shared learning and aligned protocols for dealing with vulnerable children, especially in the context of cross-border mobility.
5.Information Sharing Protocols:
Health and Social Care professionals in Northern Ireland follow strict information sharing protocols to ensure that relevant data about missing children is exchanged securely and lawfully with counterparts in other jurisdictions, in line with GDPR and safeguarding legislation.
6.Joint Training and Professional Networks:
Cross-border and inter-jurisdictional training programmes, workshops, and professional forums also contribute to the sharing of best practice and operational coordination on cases involving missing children.
These arrangements are under regular review to ensure they remain effective in supporting child protection efforts, particularly in complex and cross-border situations. The Department of Health remains committed to strengthening these collaborative mechanisms where needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029684%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445565","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445565"}},{"id":"445564","reference":"AQW 29683/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-18","answered":"2025-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the equality of provision of speech and language therapy input for children with special educational needs in (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary, broken down by (a) mainstream schools; (b) specialist provision in mainstream schools; and (c) special schools.","answerText":"Children with SEN at primary and post-primary level can access Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) support across the education sectors as follows;\n\nPrimary\n\nMainstream – RISE NI Children in mainstream primary schools across Northern Ireland (NI) can access SLT support as part of the Regional Integrated Support for Education (RISE) teams. These teams deliver a trans-disciplinary, early intervention service that works directly within the school environment for children from preschool to the end of Key Stage 1 where there are two or more areas of need. The service delivers input at a Universal, Targeted and Specialist level and is provided by a range of health professionals that includes Speech and Language Therapists (SLT/s), Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Behaviour Therapists, Clinical Psychologists and Therapy Assistants. The RISE teams were established in 2007 as part of the Children and Young People’s Package to address barriers to learning.\n\nMainstream - Core SLT Services – Children in mainstream primary schools who have one area of need or are in Key stage 2 (i.e. Primary 5-7) who cannot access the trans-disciplinary model of support offered by RISE NI can access input as deemed appropriate from Trust SLT services. The input provided and model of support is dependent on the CYP’s needs and how such needs impact on their speech, language and communication development including how the SLT needs affect their learning. These services tend to be provided in community clinics, the child’s home and/or other suitable community environment dependent on Trust’s arrangements. CYP with fluency difficulties who attend mainstream primary schools also access core Trust SLT services due to the research evidence that indicates the need to work closely with parents/main carers.\n\nSpecialist Provisions in Mainstream - The SLT provision for CYP availing of Specialist Provision in Mainstream tends to be delivered by Trust core SLT services similar to the model offered for CYP with one area of need and CYP enrolled in Key Stage 2. Children referred to core SLT Services are triaged and may require a detailed assessment of their communication skills followed by appropriate intervention, if required dependent on their need. Intervention may take the form of blocks of individual or group therapy, treatment updates, home and school programmes and advice, support and training for those involved in the child’s care. Onward referral, liaison with other professionals and report writing may also be required.\n\nSpecial Schools – SLT services for CYP in Special schools may be delivered within the school environment, the CYP’s home and/or the clinic setting, depending on assessed needs, service models and demands on SLT services. The historic model of specific therapists being aligned to and embedded within specific special school has had to change due to the increasing numbers of CYP with Special Education Needs and the geographical spread of their educational placements. CYP within a Special School setting continue to receive SLT support within that school.\n\nPost-Primary\n\nMainstream &\n\nSpecialist Provisions in Mainstream – CYP requiring SLT support who are enrolled in these school sectors at a post-primary level are predominantly catered for by Trust core SLT services. The type, model and the environment this is provided in alongside the availability of accommodation and services demands will inform the approach taken.\n\nSpecial Schools – CYP enrolled in Special schools in the post-primary sectors tend to access SLT services in a range of settings including the CYP’s home, the school environment and/or a clinical environment similar to the model operating in the primary special school sector. The model and support will be dependent on the CYP and parent/carer needs.\n\nWhilst work is ongoing to develop a model of service provision that supports all CYP with SEN in as timely a manner as possible, the increasing number of children in this cohort has resulted in the Education Authority rapidly developing satellite/dual site campuses and specialist provision classes within a variety of existing mainstream schools, greatly widening the geographical spread of an already stretched therapeutic workforce. This has resulted in CYP having to wait longer than experienced in the past or having to travel to a community clinic to receive their therapy support. communication skills followed by appropriate intervention, if required.\n\nIt is important to note that SLT services for CYP regardless of the school environment they are enrolled in, work in close collaboration with other children’s services and agencies including other Allied Health Professionals, Community Paediatricians and Education staff. The SLT Services also operate alongside other regional pathways including those for Hearing Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Disabilities.","answerHtml":"Children with SEN at primary and post-primary level can access Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) support across the education sectors as follows;
Primary
Mainstream – RISE NI Children in mainstream primary schools across Northern Ireland (NI) can access SLT support as part of the Regional Integrated Support for Education (RISE) teams. These teams deliver a trans-disciplinary, early intervention service that works directly within the school environment for children from preschool to the end of Key Stage 1 where there are two or more areas of need. The service delivers input at a Universal, Targeted and Specialist level and is provided by a range of health professionals that includes Speech and Language Therapists (SLT/s), Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Behaviour Therapists, Clinical Psychologists and Therapy Assistants. The RISE teams were established in 2007 as part of the Children and Young People’s Package to address barriers to learning.
Mainstream - Core SLT Services – Children in mainstream primary schools who have one area of need or are in Key stage 2 (i.e. Primary 5-7) who cannot access the trans-disciplinary model of support offered by RISE NI can access input as deemed appropriate from Trust SLT services. The input provided and model of support is dependent on the CYP’s needs and how such needs impact on their speech, language and communication development including how the SLT needs affect their learning. These services tend to be provided in community clinics, the child’s home and/or other suitable community environment dependent on Trust’s arrangements. CYP with fluency difficulties who attend mainstream primary schools also access core Trust SLT services due to the research evidence that indicates the need to work closely with parents/main carers.
Specialist Provisions in Mainstream - The SLT provision for CYP availing of Specialist Provision in Mainstream tends to be delivered by Trust core SLT services similar to the model offered for CYP with one area of need and CYP enrolled in Key Stage 2. Children referred to core SLT Services are triaged and may require a detailed assessment of their communication skills followed by appropriate intervention, if required dependent on their need. Intervention may take the form of blocks of individual or group therapy, treatment updates, home and school programmes and advice, support and training for those involved in the child’s care. Onward referral, liaison with other professionals and report writing may also be required.
Special Schools – SLT services for CYP in Special schools may be delivered within the school environment, the CYP’s home and/or the clinic setting, depending on assessed needs, service models and demands on SLT services. The historic model of specific therapists being aligned to and embedded within specific special school has had to change due to the increasing numbers of CYP with Special Education Needs and the geographical spread of their educational placements. CYP within a Special School setting continue to receive SLT support within that school.
Post-Primary
Mainstream &
Specialist Provisions in Mainstream – CYP requiring SLT support who are enrolled in these school sectors at a post-primary level are predominantly catered for by Trust core SLT services. The type, model and the environment this is provided in alongside the availability of accommodation and services demands will inform the approach taken.
Special Schools – CYP enrolled in Special schools in the post-primary sectors tend to access SLT services in a range of settings including the CYP’s home, the school environment and/or a clinical environment similar to the model operating in the primary special school sector. The model and support will be dependent on the CYP and parent/carer needs.
Whilst work is ongoing to develop a model of service provision that supports all CYP with SEN in as timely a manner as possible, the increasing number of children in this cohort has resulted in the Education Authority rapidly developing satellite/dual site campuses and specialist provision classes within a variety of existing mainstream schools, greatly widening the geographical spread of an already stretched therapeutic workforce. This has resulted in CYP having to wait longer than experienced in the past or having to travel to a community clinic to receive their therapy support. communication skills followed by appropriate intervention, if required.
It is important to note that SLT services for CYP regardless of the school environment they are enrolled in, work in close collaboration with other children’s services and agencies including other Allied Health Professionals, Community Paediatricians and Education staff. The SLT Services also operate alongside other regional pathways including those for Hearing Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Disabilities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029683%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445564","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445564"}},{"id":"445316","reference":"AQW 29574/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-30","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how many children are currently missing in education.","answerText":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.\n\nWork is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.\n\nActions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.\n\nCME Protocols\n\nThe EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.\n\nIf there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.\n\nIf there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.\n\nIf only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.\n\nIf there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.\n\nThe EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.\n\nIf there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.\n\nIf the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.\n\nFollowing completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.\n\nThe Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.\n\nThe below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.\n\nSchool Year\tNumber of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated\n2020-2021\t710\n2021-2022\t808\n2022-2023\t907\n2023-2024\t945\n2024-2025 (to 15/4/25)\t1099\n\nThese figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.
Work is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Actions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.
CME Protocols
The EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.
If there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.
If there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.
If only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.
If there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.
The EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.
If there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.
If the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.
Following completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.
The Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.
The below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.
| School Year | Number of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated |
| 2020-2021 | 710 |
| 2021-2022 | 808 |
| 2022-2023 | 907 |
| 2023-2024 | 945 |
| 2024-2025 (to 15/4/25) | 1099 |
These figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029574%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445316","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445316"}},{"id":"445315","reference":"AQW 29573/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-30","answerBy":"2025-07-17","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any regular engagement the Department has with colleagues in other jurisdictions in respect of children missing in education; and (ii) what official arrangements are in place for this engagement to take place.","answerText":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.\n\nWork is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.\n\nActions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.\n\nCME Protocols\n\nThe EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.\n\nIf there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.\n\nIf there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.\n\nIf only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.\n\nIf there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.\n\nThe EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.\n\nIf there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.\n\nIf the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.\n\nFollowing completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.\n\nThe Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.\n\nThe below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.\n\nSchool Year\tNumber of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated\n2020-2021\t710\n2021-2022\t808\n2022-2023\t907\n2023-2024\t945\n2024-2025 (to 15/4/25)\t1099\n\nThese figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.
Work is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Actions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.
CME Protocols
The EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.
If there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.
If there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.
If only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.
If there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.
The EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.
If there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.
If the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.
Following completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.
The Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.
The below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.
| School Year | Number of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated |
| 2020-2021 | 710 |
| 2021-2022 | 808 |
| 2022-2023 | 907 |
| 2023-2024 | 945 |
| 2024-2025 (to 15/4/25) | 1099 |
These figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029573%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445315","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445315"}},{"id":"445314","reference":"AQW 29572/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-30","answerBy":"2025-07-17","answered":"2025-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail an update on the working group which was set up in November 2024 to scope out the requirements needed to address children missing in education.","answerText":"Work has commenced on looking at the processes and policies in place in other jurisdictions as well as considering the range of data sources that may be required. The working group is scheduled to have its next meeting in advance of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.","answerHtml":"Work has commenced on looking at the processes and policies in place in other jurisdictions as well as considering the range of data sources that may be required. The working group is scheduled to have its next meeting in advance of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029572%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445314","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445314"}},{"id":"445313","reference":"AQW 29571/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-30","answerBy":"2025-07-17","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail his assessment of whether there are any legislative gaps with regards to children missing in education.","answerText":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.\n\nWork is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.\n\nActions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.\n\nCME Protocols\n\nThe EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.\n\nIf there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.\n\nIf there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.\n\nIf only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.\n\nIf there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.\n\nThe EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.\n\nIf there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.\n\nIf the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.\n\nFollowing completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.\n\nThe Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.\n\nThe below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.\n\nSchool Year\tNumber of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated\n2020-2021\t710\n2021-2022\t808\n2022-2023\t907\n2023-2024\t945\n2024-2025 (to 15/4/25)\t1099\n\nThese figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.
Work is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Actions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.
CME Protocols
The EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.
If there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.
If there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.
If only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.
If there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.
The EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.
If there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.
If the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.
Following completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.
The Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.
The below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.
| School Year | Number of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated |
| 2020-2021 | 710 |
| 2021-2022 | 808 |
| 2022-2023 | 907 |
| 2023-2024 | 945 |
| 2024-2025 (to 15/4/25) | 1099 |
These figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029571%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445313","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445313"}},{"id":"445312","reference":"AQW 29570/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-30","answerBy":"2025-07-17","answered":"2025-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many looked-after children have been reported missing in the last five years.","answerText":"The number of children who have been reported missing from Care 1st April 2020 - March 31st 2025.\n\nTrust\tMissing\n20/21\tMissing\n21/22\tMissing\n22/23\tMissing\n23/24\tMissing\n24/25\nBHSCT\t164\t143\t215\t128\t198\nNHSCT\t7\t25\t24\t30\t12\nSEHSCT\t19\t13\t25\t22\t10\nSHSCT\t11\t17\t21\t18\t5\nWHSCT\t58\t152\t57\t13\t40\nTotal\t259\t350\t342\t211\t265\n\nThe above table shows the total number Looked After Children who have been notified as being absent or missing from care settings broken down, by Trust over each of the years specified in the.\n\nMy Department receives untoward events notifications from the individual HSCTs when a child goes missing from care. The particular vulnerabilities of children who are reported as missing to potential Child Sexual Exploitation have been successively identified in the Marshall Inquiry 2014 followed by the Pinkerton Review 2015 and the Leonard Consultancy Audit 2020.\n\nThe above table can be further broken down by the number of children reported missing in excess of 24 hours and the number of Looked After Children who have been notified as being absent or missing from care settings who were identified as being at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation. The Trusts have an obligation to report these young people missing given their vulnerability and assessed risk.\n\nIn collaboration with the PSNI and Trusts, my Department has developed new Regional Guidance ‘The Interface Protocol between HSC Trusts and PSNI’ (October 2023). This Guidance sets out a broad operational overview of interface arrangements between PSNI and the Residential Children’s Home sector including arrangements for reporting when a child or young person goes missing. The aim of this guidance is to promote an effective joint agency response to missing children.\n\nThe data collated in respect of missing young people displays a degree of Regional variation with BHSCT reporting significantly higher numbers of children missing including children at risk of CSE on a consistent basis over time when compared with other Trusts. My Department is working in collaboration with the Trusts to further interrogate this pattern and to promote greater consistency across the Region. This variation may in part be associated with operational cultures within the HSCTs, however distinctions between urban and rural contexts may be influencing this metric. These patterns may also be impacted by annual trends associated with significant public holidays such as 12th July and with periods of civil unrest.","answerHtml":"The number of children who have been reported missing from Care 1st April 2020 - March 31st 2025.
| Trust | Missing 20/21 | Missing 21/22 | Missing 22/23 | Missing 23/24 | Missing 24/25 |
| BHSCT | 164 | 143 | 215 | 128 | 198 |
| NHSCT | 7 | 25 | 24 | 30 | 12 |
| SEHSCT | 19 | 13 | 25 | 22 | 10 |
| SHSCT | 11 | 17 | 21 | 18 | 5 |
| WHSCT | 58 | 152 | 57 | 13 | 40 |
| Total | 259 | 350 | 342 | 211 | 265 |
The above table shows the total number Looked After Children who have been notified as being absent or missing from care settings broken down, by Trust over each of the years specified in the.
My Department receives untoward events notifications from the individual HSCTs when a child goes missing from care. The particular vulnerabilities of children who are reported as missing to potential Child Sexual Exploitation have been successively identified in the Marshall Inquiry 2014 followed by the Pinkerton Review 2015 and the Leonard Consultancy Audit 2020.
The above table can be further broken down by the number of children reported missing in excess of 24 hours and the number of Looked After Children who have been notified as being absent or missing from care settings who were identified as being at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation. The Trusts have an obligation to report these young people missing given their vulnerability and assessed risk.
In collaboration with the PSNI and Trusts, my Department has developed new Regional Guidance ‘The Interface Protocol between HSC Trusts and PSNI’ (October 2023). This Guidance sets out a broad operational overview of interface arrangements between PSNI and the Residential Children’s Home sector including arrangements for reporting when a child or young person goes missing. The aim of this guidance is to promote an effective joint agency response to missing children.
The data collated in respect of missing young people displays a degree of Regional variation with BHSCT reporting significantly higher numbers of children missing including children at risk of CSE on a consistent basis over time when compared with other Trusts. My Department is working in collaboration with the Trusts to further interrogate this pattern and to promote greater consistency across the Region. This variation may in part be associated with operational cultures within the HSCTs, however distinctions between urban and rural contexts may be influencing this metric. These patterns may also be impacted by annual trends associated with significant public holidays such as 12th July and with periods of civil unrest.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029570%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445312","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445312"}},{"id":"445000","reference":"AQW 29410/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-26","answerBy":"2025-07-11","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any data sharing arrangements in place to track children missing in education; and (ii) any changes that have been made to data sharing arrangements, in the last three years.","answerText":"The responsibility to track children missing from education sits with the Department of Education who have stated there are currently no data sharing arrangements in place to do this.","answerHtml":"The responsibility to track children missing from education sits with the Department of Education who have stated there are currently no data sharing arrangements in place to do this.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029410%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445000","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445000"}},{"id":"444784","reference":"AQW 29304/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-01","answered":"2025-06-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how many children are currently not attending school and have not been de-registered from education, therefore are children missing in education.","answerText":"The department receives monthly management information from the Education Authority on attendance. This information is cumulative, it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. In addition, there are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence, only counts of present and absence half day sessions for each pupil.","answerHtml":"The department receives monthly management information from the Education Authority on attendance. This information is cumulative, it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. In addition, there are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence, only counts of present and absence half day sessions for each pupil.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029304%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444784","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444784"}},{"id":"444783","reference":"AQW 29303/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide a breakdown the number of children that have been de-registered from education for the purposes of (i) Elective Home Education; and (ii) other reasons, over the last five years.","answerText":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.\n\nWork is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.\n\nActions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.\n\nCME Protocols\n\nThe EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.\n\nIf there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.\n\nIf there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.\n\nIf only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.\n\nIf there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.\n\nThe EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.\n\nIf there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.\n\nIf the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.\n\nFollowing completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.\n\nThe Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.\n\nThe below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.\n\nSchool Year\tNumber of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated\n2020-2021\t710\n2021-2022\t808\n2022-2023\t907\n2023-2024\t945\n2024-2025 (to 15/4/25)\t1099\n\nThese figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.
Work is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Actions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.
CME Protocols
The EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.
If there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.
If there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.
If only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.
If there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.
The EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.
If there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.
If the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.
Following completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.
The Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.
The below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.
| School Year | Number of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated |
| 2020-2021 | 710 |
| 2021-2022 | 808 |
| 2022-2023 | 907 |
| 2023-2024 | 945 |
| 2024-2025 (to 15/4/25) | 1099 |
These figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029303%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444783","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444783"}},{"id":"444782","reference":"AQW 29302/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions that have been taken in order to track children missing in education, in the last three years.","answerText":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.\n\nWork is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.\n\nActions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.\n\nCME Protocols\n\nThe EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.\n\nIf there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.\n\nIf there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.\n\nIf only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.\n\nIf there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.\n\nThe EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.\n\nIf there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.\n\nIf the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.\n\nFollowing completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.\n\nThe Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.\n\nThe below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.\n\nSchool Year\tNumber of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated\n2020-2021\t710\n2021-2022\t808\n2022-2023\t907\n2023-2024\t945\n2024-2025 (to 15/4/25)\t1099\n\nThese figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently reviewing potential legislative gaps and working to develop comprehensive departmental guidance on the issue of Children Missing in Education (CME). Addressing CME effectively requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. To that end, my officials continue to engage closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Education Authority (EA) to explore opportunities for improved information sharing and collaborative action in this policy area.
Work is underway to examine the processes and policies in place across other jurisdictions, with a view to identifying best practice and informing local approaches. In parallel, consideration is being given to the range of data sources that may be required to support a more effective response to CME. The cross-departmental working group leading this work is scheduled to meet again ahead of the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Actions taken by the Education Welfare Service (EWS), which has operational responsibility for CME in Northern Ireland, are outlined below. This includes protocols where a case involving a child missing in education requires engagement with colleagues in other jurisdictions.
CME Protocols
The EA’s EWS will conduct an internal check of the CAPITA database, which hosts the School Information Management System, to see if there any records of the child.
If there is a recent school record, the school will be contacted via telephone to confirm that the child is attending the educational setting and their start date.
If there is no current record and if contact numbers or email addresses have been given for the parents, contact will be made to find out the current situation regarding a school placement.
If only an address has been given, local schools will be contacted to see if an application has been made to send the child there.
If there is no record, a tracer will be sent out to all Northern Ireland schools to ascertain school registration.
The EWS also maintains a working relationship with C2k, which has access to attendance data across all schools. Through this system, C2k can verify whether a child is registered and attending any school. This functionality is particularly valuable during the summer holiday period, when direct school contact may not be possible.
If there is no positive response but an address has been given, this will be passed onto EWS Management, and a local officer will conduct a home visit.
If the EWS has been informed that a child is in a particular area of Northern Ireland and they cannot be located, the EWS will contact the local Gateway Team in that area to confirm if the child is registered with a local doctor’s surgery.
Following completion of these steps, the EA will notify the ‘referrer’ of the outcome. The EA maintains an internal database of all CME requests.
The Department of Education does not hold information in relation to the number of children currently missing in education in Northern Ireland. However, my Department does receive monthly management information from the EA on school attendance. This information is cumulative; it counts information throughout the year and therefore cannot identify pupils who are currently absent from school. There are many reasons for a pupil to be absent from school and the pupil level information received does not provide the reasons for absence.
The below table provides an overview of the number of children known to have been de-registered for the purposes of Elective Home Education (EHE). Other reasons why a child may be de-registered from a school include having permanently left the country and the death of a child.
| School Year | Number of Pupils known to the EA as electively home educated |
| 2020-2021 | 710 |
| 2021-2022 | 808 |
| 2022-2023 | 907 |
| 2023-2024 | 945 |
| 2024-2025 (to 15/4/25) | 1099 |
These figures may not include all children currently in receipt of EHE, as some children may never have been enrolled in a school or other formal educational setting. Additionally, the EA is dependent on schools completing an SA1 form to confirm a child’s de-registration. Where an SA1 form has not been completed, the EA cannot record a child as being de-registered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029302%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444782","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444782"}},{"id":"444781","reference":"AQW 29301/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail his assessment of the current situation for school places for children with special educational needs ahead of the next academic year, given that over 160 children are currently without a place.","answerText":"The current situation for school places for children with special educational needs remains a top priority for my department and the EA and we will continue to work collaboratively over the summer to ensure that every child has a school place for September. It is critical that the annual cycle of emergency planning comes to an end and that a more sustainable approach is taken forward over future years.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nSince September 2024, EA has engaged extensively with schools not yet offering Specialist Provision and remain committed to working in partnership with all schools to find sustainable solutions. To address the pressures, and working collaboratively with a number of schools, in preparation for September 2025, EA has already created more than 150 additional classes, for approximately 1,350 pupils, across 123 schools.\n\nIn early June the Minister wrote directly to 59 schools, encouraging them to engage with EA on this matter. EA followed this up throughout June and recently wrote to a number of schools in particular areas of pressure. Unfortunately, many of these schools have still not engaged with EA in the way that we would want. Despite that, upon hearing of the difficulty of the position, a number of those schools that have previously worked with us to create Specialist Provision have, again, stepped forward to help.\n\nThe consequence of this is that the residual pressure for placements has reduced to around 50 children, and we feel that with continued work over the summer, it may be possible to reduce this to zero by the start of the next school year. However, finding the final places will be particularly challenging, and consequently some parents may not receive notification of their child's school placement until late August. We recognise that this delay may lead to understandable concern. Furthermore, accommodating the remaining pupils could require some children to travel greater distances than would be the case if a local solution was available. EA remains committed to minimising these impacts wherever possible.\n\nDespite this reduction in the number of children remaining unplaced, we recognise that, for those children still without a place, it remains a frustrating and worrying time.\n\nEnsuring every child has appropriate educational support remains EA’s highest priority.","answerHtml":"The current situation for school places for children with special educational needs remains a top priority for my department and the EA and we will continue to work collaboratively over the summer to ensure that every child has a school place for September. It is critical that the annual cycle of emergency planning comes to an end and that a more sustainable approach is taken forward over future years.
The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
Since September 2024, EA has engaged extensively with schools not yet offering Specialist Provision and remain committed to working in partnership with all schools to find sustainable solutions. To address the pressures, and working collaboratively with a number of schools, in preparation for September 2025, EA has already created more than 150 additional classes, for approximately 1,350 pupils, across 123 schools.
In early June the Minister wrote directly to 59 schools, encouraging them to engage with EA on this matter. EA followed this up throughout June and recently wrote to a number of schools in particular areas of pressure. Unfortunately, many of these schools have still not engaged with EA in the way that we would want. Despite that, upon hearing of the difficulty of the position, a number of those schools that have previously worked with us to create Specialist Provision have, again, stepped forward to help.
The consequence of this is that the residual pressure for placements has reduced to around 50 children, and we feel that with continued work over the summer, it may be possible to reduce this to zero by the start of the next school year. However, finding the final places will be particularly challenging, and consequently some parents may not receive notification of their child's school placement until late August. We recognise that this delay may lead to understandable concern. Furthermore, accommodating the remaining pupils could require some children to travel greater distances than would be the case if a local solution was available. EA remains committed to minimising these impacts wherever possible.
Despite this reduction in the number of children remaining unplaced, we recognise that, for those children still without a place, it remains a frustrating and worrying time.
Ensuring every child has appropriate educational support remains EA’s highest priority.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029301%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444781","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444781"}},{"id":"444780","reference":"AQW 29300/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to confirm that if a child has never attended school, there is no legal requirement on parents to make any contact with the (i) Education Authority, or (ii) Department of Education.","answerText":"There is no duty on parents to register a child educated outside of the formal school system with the Education Authority or my Department.","answerHtml":"There is no duty on parents to register a child educated outside of the formal school system with the Education Authority or my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029300%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444780","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444780"}},{"id":"443999","reference":"AQO 2250/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-19","answerBy":"2025-06-30","answered":"2025-06-30","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of whether proposals for the draft Climate Action Plan 2023-2027 are sufficient for reducing emissions in line with the first carbon budget.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Mr Speaker, I intended, with your permission, to group questions 2 and 8, but the Member was not here to ask question 2. I met the former Minister for the Economy, Minister Murphy, in June of last year. I met him again in January of this year, and I met the current Minister for the Economy, Minister Archibald, in March, when the climate action plans and opportunities for green growth were discussed. I can confirm that the policies and proposals in the draft climate action plan are sufficient for meeting the emissions reductions required by Northern Ireland's first carbon budget. The projected emissions are expected to meet the first carbon budget by achieving a 33·1% average annual reduction from the 1990 baseline, compared with Northern Ireland's legislated carbon budget of a 33% average annual reduction."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Minister, what are the reasons for the delay in delivering the requirements of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"We sit here in June 2025. The Climate Change Act was passed in March 2022. Shortly after that, the institutions did not sit for two years. Those were two years in which the opportunity to implement the legislation was missed as a result of the collapse of the institutions by the DUP. When I brought to the Executive proposals to set the carbon budget and consult on the climate action plan, there was yet more delay. Climate action requires a whole-of-government commitment to decarbonisation. If the institutions had not been collapsed and everyone had put their shoulders to the wheel, we would have had the carbon budget set years ago; the climate action plan would not just have been not just consulted on but agreed and delivered; a Climate Commissioner would have been in place; and a just transition commission would have been up and running. We cannot change the past, but we can change the future. Together, we must grasp the opportunities of decarbonisation. As Minister, I am determined to drive green growth. A draft green growth strategy was compiled by my predecessor, and I am determined to get it agreed. I sent it to the Executive in December of last year, and I will continue to look for its approval because there are opportunities from decarbonisation in Northern Ireland, primarily in reducing people's energy bills and giving them more security on these issues. Northern Ireland cannot afford to be a laggard on these issues."},{"speaker":"Mr Frew","text":"The Minister has raised many times in the Chamber today the issue of climate change targets and his legal obligations under them. Will he urge his party and the Assembly to row back on unachievable climate change targets that are highly damaging to the people of Northern Ireland, as seen in the A5 project?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The targets set out in the climate change legislation were agreed unanimously as part of the overall package of legislation at the Bill's Final Stage. Northern Ireland is not an outlier in its decarbonisation goals. A high percentage of countries are aiming for decarbonisation. It is false and wrong to make out that taking climate action is impossible: it is already happening. Businesses are doing it. The success of the UK economy has been down to growth alongside a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. That is something that we are determined to do. I am focused on delivery, not on turning my back on climate action in Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"Mr McCrossan","text":"Minister, at any time, did you meet the former Minister for Infrastructure, John O'Dowd, prior to his approval of the A5 in October 2024 to discuss how the A5 project might meet its Climate Change Act obligations? If so, when did you meet?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"First, when it comes to the A5, I want to say one thing: my thoughts are with the families and friends who have been bereaved as a result of accidents on that road. I have met a number of them, and they had heartbreaking stories. The delivery of the A5 is an Executive commitment. I back it, not just as an MLA but as the Minister responsible for rural affairs, and I am determined to have regional balance. It is important that I say that. The delivery of major infrastructure projects and climate legislation are not incompatible, but a whole-of-Executive approach to decarbonisation is needed. Everyone needs to play their part. I engaged with the former Infrastructure Minister on the project, but it was an Executive decision. I do not want to give you exact dates until I have checked those with my diary secretary. I will write back to you on that. There was engagement, and there is engagement now, because there is a cross-Executive commitment to deliver this. It is important that we work through the findings of the judge's judgement from last week. It is 100 pages long. From some people's commentary, it is clear that they have not read it. At the very end, it states:"},{"speaker":"","text":"— climate action plan —"},{"speaker":"","text":"Not taking action is not the solution; taking action is. We could have had a climate action plan in place a long time ago, but we do not have one, because one party decided that it did not want to go to work."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"Minister, the agricultural targets contained in the draft climate action plan will destroy our agri-industry, with its reduction targets for livestock of 22% in dairy cattle, 17% in beef cattle and 18% in sheep, pigs and poultry. Minister, what steps are you taking to protect the industry that you are meant to champion and to protect food security, or are you happy to stick the boot into the industry, along with the other mad environmentalists?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The climate action plan is out for consultation. If people want to read it, it is on the DAERA website. It is very clear that the climate action plan for 2023-27 is not about herd reduction. It is about productivity, and the plan sets that out. The actions that I am taking are that I have managed to secure funding of over £12 million for a just transition fund for agriculture. It is very clear that we need to support our farmers on the road ahead, and I am determined to do that, not just in word but in deed, through that financial support. Climate change is the biggest risk to farming in Northern Ireland, and I am determined to support agriculture and farming on the road ahead, because we owe it to them to do that. The climate action plan is out for consultation. It is a good news story about what we can do collectively to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from decarbonisation. I am very proud of so many farmers across Northern Ireland whom I have met and who do good work in that regard. They are shining lights and exemplars of delivery on the ground. It is important that I put that on the record."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202250%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443999","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-06-30&docID=444644#AQO%202250/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443999"}},{"id":"443682","reference":"AQW 28867/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-17","answerBy":"2025-06-23","answered":"2025-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any plans he has to increase the funding available to (i) the Intercultural Education Service; and (ii) the Addressing Bullying In Schools team. following the recent racially-motivated disorder.","answerText":"The Intercultural Education Service (IES) is a mainstreamed service, the cost of which is met from the Education Authority’s (EA) annual block grant. The allocation and management of the funding from the annual block allocation made available for the operation of IES is therefore a matter for the EA.\n\nAs the Department is facing a significant budgetary overcommitment in the current financial year, there is no scope for increasing the earmarked budget for ABSIT at this time. The level of Departmental funding for ABSIT in future financial years will be considered within the context of the Department’s overall budgetary settlement.","answerHtml":"The Intercultural Education Service (IES) is a mainstreamed service, the cost of which is met from the Education Authority’s (EA) annual block grant. The allocation and management of the funding from the annual block allocation made available for the operation of IES is therefore a matter for the EA.
As the Department is facing a significant budgetary overcommitment in the current financial year, there is no scope for increasing the earmarked budget for ABSIT at this time. The level of Departmental funding for ABSIT in future financial years will be considered within the context of the Department’s overall budgetary settlement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028867%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443682","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443682"}},{"id":"443681","reference":"AQW 28866/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-17","answerBy":"2025-07-02","answered":"2025-06-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is considering to (i) understand the prevalence of bullying in our schools; and (ii) reduce the number and impact of bullying incidents.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act), requires schools to record incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation, methods used and their outcome.\n\nOfficials are progressing work on a number of fronts with a view to ensuring the Department has access to comprehensive data to better understand the frequency, motivations and methods of bullying type behaviour.\n\nThe Department has included a range of questions in relation to bullying type behaviour for the first time in the 2024 School Omnibus Survey by including questions in relation to bullying type behaviour motivations. The results provide some insight into the prevalence, motivations and methods of bullying type behaviour in our schools.\n\nOfficials have also engaged with the ETI to ensure the inclusion of questions as part of a wider ETI pilot to help determine how schools are fulfilling their statutory obligations in relation to implementing the Act.\n\nSchools are presently required to complete a Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) for each incident of bullying type behaviour. The BCAF records statutorily required data, however presently this data cannot be collated or anonymised. The BCAF is being digitised as part of the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) digital change programme. The Department is exploring with the EA the potential for accessing anonymised regional data resulting from the digitisation of the BCAF.\n\nThe Department has worked closely with the EA’s Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) who provides the Department with termly reports in relation to the referrals they deal with, the training they undertake and the associated outcomes for both.\n\nABSIT provides advice and support to schools on concerns of bullying type behaviour and, following a schools collaboration programme, has co-developed three tiers of updated training and resources aimed at effectively preventing and responding to reported concerns in line with legislation and guidance.\n\nTier 1 Training: Online session for all staff working in schools.\n\nTier 2: Leadership training and support for school-identified staff.\n\nTier 3: School based training-Targeted advice for key staff working with complex cases.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act), requires schools to record incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation, methods used and their outcome.
Officials are progressing work on a number of fronts with a view to ensuring the Department has access to comprehensive data to better understand the frequency, motivations and methods of bullying type behaviour.
The Department has included a range of questions in relation to bullying type behaviour for the first time in the 2024 School Omnibus Survey by including questions in relation to bullying type behaviour motivations. The results provide some insight into the prevalence, motivations and methods of bullying type behaviour in our schools.
Officials have also engaged with the ETI to ensure the inclusion of questions as part of a wider ETI pilot to help determine how schools are fulfilling their statutory obligations in relation to implementing the Act.
Schools are presently required to complete a Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) for each incident of bullying type behaviour. The BCAF records statutorily required data, however presently this data cannot be collated or anonymised. The BCAF is being digitised as part of the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) digital change programme. The Department is exploring with the EA the potential for accessing anonymised regional data resulting from the digitisation of the BCAF.
The Department has worked closely with the EA’s Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) who provides the Department with termly reports in relation to the referrals they deal with, the training they undertake and the associated outcomes for both.
ABSIT provides advice and support to schools on concerns of bullying type behaviour and, following a schools collaboration programme, has co-developed three tiers of updated training and resources aimed at effectively preventing and responding to reported concerns in line with legislation and guidance.
Tier 1 Training: Online session for all staff working in schools.
Tier 2: Leadership training and support for school-identified staff.
Tier 3: School based training-Targeted advice for key staff working with complex cases.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028866%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443681","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443681"}},{"id":"443680","reference":"AQW 28865/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-17","answerBy":"2025-07-02","answered":"2025-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline whether his Department holds any data on the number of (i) sectarian; and (ii) racially motivated, bullying incidents in schools.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act) requires schools to record incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation and their outcome, however schools are not required to share this information with the Department. The Act assists schools in identifying the motivations for bullying type behaviour and putting in place suitable interventions to address this behaviour. Capturing the motivation for bullying type behaviour will help a school identify any specific areas of concern, such as sectarian or racially motived bullying type behaviour. This will enable the school to identify when they may benefit from specialist expertise and advice.\n\nWhile the Department does not hold this level of information, the Education Authority’s (EA) Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) holds records of the cases referred to them.\n\nIn 2024/25, ABSIT dealt with 327 cases of bullying type behaviour. In 41% of cases, the referrer identified that they did not know the motivation. When the referral was able to identify a specific potential motivation, 2 cases (0.6%) were identified as being motivated by religion/sectarianism, and 23 (7%) were identified as being motivated by race.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act) requires schools to record incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation and their outcome, however schools are not required to share this information with the Department. The Act assists schools in identifying the motivations for bullying type behaviour and putting in place suitable interventions to address this behaviour. Capturing the motivation for bullying type behaviour will help a school identify any specific areas of concern, such as sectarian or racially motived bullying type behaviour. This will enable the school to identify when they may benefit from specialist expertise and advice.
While the Department does not hold this level of information, the Education Authority’s (EA) Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) holds records of the cases referred to them.
In 2024/25, ABSIT dealt with 327 cases of bullying type behaviour. In 41% of cases, the referrer identified that they did not know the motivation. When the referral was able to identify a specific potential motivation, 2 cases (0.6%) were identified as being motivated by religion/sectarianism, and 23 (7%) were identified as being motivated by race.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028865%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443680","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443680"}},{"id":"443679","reference":"AQW 28864/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-17","answerBy":"2025-07-02","answered":"2025-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions (i) the Education Authority; and (ii) his Department are taking following the recent racially-motivated violent disorder.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements in response to the impact of Civil Disorder on education settings and youth provision. This has provided a coordinated response across all required directorates.\n\nThroughout this period of unrest, the EA has engaged with the schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community. The EA has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.\n\nThe EA has supported schools through direct engagement, holding joint Principal engagement meetings and the ongoing provision of information and guidance. This process has been led through the Intercultural Education Service (IES) and Education Welfare Service providing support for Newcomer families to access support and supporting schools with safeguarding and welfare concerns.\n\nThe EA Youth Services have been embedded within local communities to provide a place of shelter and youth diversionary activities.\n\nThe EA Pupil Emotional Health and Wellbeing Services provided schools with wellbeing resources and information to support children and young people impacted by these events. They also contacted school directly as required to provide advice and support.\n\nThe IES is providing advice, guidance and support to families and schools around effective responses to disorder and disruption including assisting families with referrals to family support, free interpreting and relocation to other schools, if requested.\n\nIn conjunction with the IES, my officials continue to liaise with schools in the local area to offer support to those impacted by the unrest due to Roma children and other Newcomer children being either absent from school or worried about their safety in attending school.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements in response to the impact of Civil Disorder on education settings and youth provision. This has provided a coordinated response across all required directorates.
Throughout this period of unrest, the EA has engaged with the schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community. The EA has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.
The EA has supported schools through direct engagement, holding joint Principal engagement meetings and the ongoing provision of information and guidance. This process has been led through the Intercultural Education Service (IES) and Education Welfare Service providing support for Newcomer families to access support and supporting schools with safeguarding and welfare concerns.
The EA Youth Services have been embedded within local communities to provide a place of shelter and youth diversionary activities.
The EA Pupil Emotional Health and Wellbeing Services provided schools with wellbeing resources and information to support children and young people impacted by these events. They also contacted school directly as required to provide advice and support.
The IES is providing advice, guidance and support to families and schools around effective responses to disorder and disruption including assisting families with referrals to family support, free interpreting and relocation to other schools, if requested.
In conjunction with the IES, my officials continue to liaise with schools in the local area to offer support to those impacted by the unrest due to Roma children and other Newcomer children being either absent from school or worried about their safety in attending school.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028864%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443679","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443679"}},{"id":"443496","reference":"AQW 28792/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-16","answerBy":"2025-07-01","answered":"2025-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail a list of the (i) buildings; and (ii) land owned, by the Education Authority which have been deemed as surplus, for this year and next year.","answerText":"The buildings deemed surplus and for disposal by the Education Authority (EA) are:\n\nFormer Drumsallen PS – For disposal 25/26\n\nFormer Dunmullen PS – Planning to revert 25/26\n\nFormer Lisfearty PS – For disposal 25/26\n\nFormer Strabane GS – For disposal 25/26\n\nFormer Glencairn YC site – For disposal 26/27\n\nFormer Ravarnet PS – For disposal 26/27\n\nThe Lands deemed surplus and for disposal by the EA are:\n\nFormer Ballykeel Playing Fields – For disposal 25/26\n\nFormer Castle Gardens PS – For disposal 25/26\n\nFormer Parkhall Integrated College site – Disposal paused to consider SEN provision\n\nFormer Forthriver PS – For disposal 26/27","answerHtml":"The buildings deemed surplus and for disposal by the Education Authority (EA) are:
Former Drumsallen PS – For disposal 25/26
Former Dunmullen PS – Planning to revert 25/26
Former Lisfearty PS – For disposal 25/26
Former Strabane GS – For disposal 25/26
Former Glencairn YC site – For disposal 26/27
Former Ravarnet PS – For disposal 26/27
The Lands deemed surplus and for disposal by the EA are:
Former Ballykeel Playing Fields – For disposal 25/26
Former Castle Gardens PS – For disposal 25/26
Former Parkhall Integrated College site – Disposal paused to consider SEN provision
Former Forthriver PS – For disposal 26/27
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028792%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443496","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443496"}},{"id":"443495","reference":"AQW 28791/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-16","answerBy":"2025-07-01","answered":"2025-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will consider making chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy available through the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme.","answerText":"The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme is based on the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive which allowed patients to get reimbursed for healthcare treatment outside Northern Ireland and GB. The Scheme, launched 2 June 2025, applies the following strict eligibility criteria:\n\n•Patients who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland; And\n\n•Patients who are on a treatment or surgical waiting list within HSC services in Northern Ireland for 2 years or more.\n\nUnfortunately, Car-T is a very specialist service not available in NI currently and therefore unavailable through the waiting list scheme. That said, NI patients do have access to CAR-T treatment, on an equitable basis to patients in GB, through extra contractual referral arrangements with NHS providers. This is managed through SPPG Hospital Care Directorate.","answerHtml":"The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme is based on the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive which allowed patients to get reimbursed for healthcare treatment outside Northern Ireland and GB. The Scheme, launched 2 June 2025, applies the following strict eligibility criteria:
•Patients who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland; And
•Patients who are on a treatment or surgical waiting list within HSC services in Northern Ireland for 2 years or more.
Unfortunately, Car-T is a very specialist service not available in NI currently and therefore unavailable through the waiting list scheme. That said, NI patients do have access to CAR-T treatment, on an equitable basis to patients in GB, through extra contractual referral arrangements with NHS providers. This is managed through SPPG Hospital Care Directorate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028791%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443495","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443495"}},{"id":"443494","reference":"AQW 28790/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-16","answerBy":"2025-07-01","answered":"2025-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline when she will present her paper on a legal right for young people with special educational needs to an appropriate pathway, to the Executive.","answerText":"I recently wrote to my Executive Colleagues on a range of issues which were raised during our review of post-school education, skills and training provision, and legislative protections, for young people with special educational needs but are beyond my Departmental remit.","answerHtml":"I recently wrote to my Executive Colleagues on a range of issues which were raised during our review of post-school education, skills and training provision, and legislative protections, for young people with special educational needs but are beyond my Departmental remit.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028790%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443494","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443494"}},{"id":"443135","reference":"AQW 28659/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-12","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when the research into the business support needs of the early years and childcare sector will be published.","answerText":"The cross-departmental Steering Group for the research project met on 10th June to discuss the draft final report. Departmental officials are in the process of briefing me on the outcome of that meeting. I will shortly be writing to the Minister of Education to apprise him of the research findings and to provide advice regarding implementation of the recommendations. The report will be published on the departmental website once these steps have been completed.","answerHtml":"The cross-departmental Steering Group for the research project met on 10th June to discuss the draft final report. Departmental officials are in the process of briefing me on the outcome of that meeting. I will shortly be writing to the Minister of Education to apprise him of the research findings and to provide advice regarding implementation of the recommendations. The report will be published on the departmental website once these steps have been completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028659%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443135","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443135"}},{"id":"443134","reference":"AQW 28658/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-12","answerBy":"2025-06-27","answered":"2025-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what she is doing to ensure students at higher and further education colleges have access to affordable childcare.","answerText":"I recognise the rising cost of childcare and the impact this has on parents and families who are already struggling with the cost of living. My Department provides a means-tested childcare grant to help towards the costs of childcare for eligible full-time undergraduate students. My Department is also committed to supporting Further Education (FE) students access affordable childcare by providing a range of student support packages which assist FE students with the cost of childcare. FE students can claim for assistance with childcare costs through the FE Grant, Hardship Fund and Care to Learn Scheme.","answerHtml":"I recognise the rising cost of childcare and the impact this has on parents and families who are already struggling with the cost of living. My Department provides a means-tested childcare grant to help towards the costs of childcare for eligible full-time undergraduate students. My Department is also committed to supporting Further Education (FE) students access affordable childcare by providing a range of student support packages which assist FE students with the cost of childcare. FE students can claim for assistance with childcare costs through the FE Grant, Hardship Fund and Care to Learn Scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028658%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443134","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443134"}},{"id":"443133","reference":"AQW 28657/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-12","answerBy":"2025-06-27","answered":"2025-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail his assessment of the recent research paper by Stranmillis University College and Anti-Bullying Alliance 'All Together? The Nature and Extent of Sectarian Bullying in Northern Ireland'.","answerText":"Bullying type behaviour in our schools, for whatever reason and in whatever form, is unacceptable. My Department is committed to tackling bullying in schools and supporting all of our pupils.\n\nCapturing the potential motivation for reported bullying type behaviour is important to enable identification of school specific issues, patterns and trends, such as sectarian bullying type behaviour. In this data informed context, members of staff are better placed to address need appropriately with tailored pastoral, safeguarding and curricular interventions.\n\nWith that in mind, I welcome the 'All Together? The Nature and Extent of Sectarian Bullying in Northern Ireland' research paper. My Department will consider fully the findings and recommendations of the paper, however, it should be noted that a number of measures are already in place to address some of the recommendations.\n\nThe Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act), requires schools to record incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation, methods used and their outcome. The legislation provides guidance on exemplar motivations to inform the school assessment and recording process. This list reflects Section 75 groups including those who may be targeted due to their religious belief and political opinion.\n\nThe Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority was established in September 2022 and provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act. ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying. Furthermore, ABSIT has delivered professional learning to student teachers in Stranmillis University College.\n\nEstablished procedures are currently in place within schools to address incidents of bullying. Although there is no dedicated process specifically for managing instances of sectarian bullying type behaviour, such incidents are encompassed within the scope of the existing procedures and would be addressed accordingly.","answerHtml":"Bullying type behaviour in our schools, for whatever reason and in whatever form, is unacceptable. My Department is committed to tackling bullying in schools and supporting all of our pupils.
Capturing the potential motivation for reported bullying type behaviour is important to enable identification of school specific issues, patterns and trends, such as sectarian bullying type behaviour. In this data informed context, members of staff are better placed to address need appropriately with tailored pastoral, safeguarding and curricular interventions.
With that in mind, I welcome the 'All Together? The Nature and Extent of Sectarian Bullying in Northern Ireland' research paper. My Department will consider fully the findings and recommendations of the paper, however, it should be noted that a number of measures are already in place to address some of the recommendations.
The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act), requires schools to record incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation, methods used and their outcome. The legislation provides guidance on exemplar motivations to inform the school assessment and recording process. This list reflects Section 75 groups including those who may be targeted due to their religious belief and political opinion.
The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority was established in September 2022 and provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act. ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying. Furthermore, ABSIT has delivered professional learning to student teachers in Stranmillis University College.
Established procedures are currently in place within schools to address incidents of bullying. Although there is no dedicated process specifically for managing instances of sectarian bullying type behaviour, such incidents are encompassed within the scope of the existing procedures and would be addressed accordingly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028657%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443133","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443133"}},{"id":"442599","reference":"AQW 28464/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-09","answerBy":"2025-06-24","answered":"2025-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how his Department determines the number of places allocated to Initial Teacher Education providers each year.","answerText":"The Department of Education determines the number of places allocated to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) annually through a process that combines statistical modelling with strategic workforce planning.\n\nCentral to this is the Teacher Demand Model (TDM) which projects future teacher vacancies in grant-aided primary and post-primary schools and estimates the required ITE intake to meet this projected demand.\n\nWhile the TDM provides a key evidence base, the final intake figures approved by the Department reflect a range of considerations, including school recruitment challenges, the Department’s statutory duty to support Irish-medium Education, migration trends (both inward and outward), the need to maintain the viability of ITE courses and the proportion of ITE graduates who do not enter the teaching profession.\n\nThis approach ensures that the system remains responsive and adaptable to both current and anticipated needs.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education determines the number of places allocated to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) annually through a process that combines statistical modelling with strategic workforce planning.
Central to this is the Teacher Demand Model (TDM) which projects future teacher vacancies in grant-aided primary and post-primary schools and estimates the required ITE intake to meet this projected demand.
While the TDM provides a key evidence base, the final intake figures approved by the Department reflect a range of considerations, including school recruitment challenges, the Department’s statutory duty to support Irish-medium Education, migration trends (both inward and outward), the need to maintain the viability of ITE courses and the proportion of ITE graduates who do not enter the teaching profession.
This approach ensures that the system remains responsive and adaptable to both current and anticipated needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028464%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442599","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442599"}},{"id":"442598","reference":"AQW 28463/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-09","answerBy":"2025-06-24","answered":"2025-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for a breakdown of initial teacher training places for secondary education, over the last three years, broken down by subject.","answerText":"A detailed breakdown of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) places allocated to Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes for post-primary subjects, by ITE provider, over the past three academic years (2022/23 to 2024/25), is provided below.\n\nProvider\tSubject\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\nStranmillis University College\tBusiness and Enterprise (BEd)\t16\t21\t17\nMathematics (BEd)\t9\t7\t8\nReligious Studies (BEd)\t14\t14\t19\nTechnology & Design (BEd)\t9\t10\t7\nSt Mary's University College, Belfast\tBusiness Studies (BEd)\t12\t14\t12\nMathematics (BEd)\t10\t12\t10\nReligious Studies (BEd)\t18\t19\t20\nTechnology & Design (BEd)\t9\t6\t8\nQueen’s University Belfast (QUB) *\tEnglish (PGCE)\t28\t29\t28\nIT/Computing (PGCE)\t7\t7\t2\nMathematics (PGCE)\t16\t14\t9\nModern Languages (PGCE)\t18\t16\t26\nReligious Education (PGCE)\t12\t10\t9\nScience - Physics (PGCE)\t4\t4\t4\nScience - Chemistry (PGCE)\t5\t5\t9\nScience - Biology (PGCE)\t10\t20\t17\nSocial Science (PGCE)\t18\t16\t22\nUlster University (UU) *\tMusic (PGCE)\t10\t9\t10\nHome Economics (PGCE)\t15\t13\t14\nPhysical Education (PGCE)\t12\t11\t14\nTechnology & Design (PGCE)\t6\t5\t0\nEnglish Drama/Media (PGCE)\t9\t12\t12\nGeography (PGCE)\t11\t11\t10\nHistory (PGCE)\t10\t10\t12\nArt & Design (PGCE)\t11\t8\t11\n\n* QUB / UU are each allocated four Post-Primary PGCE Irish-Medium Education (IME) places across the subject offerings.\n\nThe data presented reflects the number of students enrolled in ITE programmes and may differ from the number of places originally allocated due to factors such as applicant demand, institutional capacity and recruitment outcomes.","answerHtml":"A detailed breakdown of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) places allocated to Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes for post-primary subjects, by ITE provider, over the past three academic years (2022/23 to 2024/25), is provided below.
| Provider | Subject | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Stranmillis University College | Business and Enterprise (BEd) | 16 | 21 | 17 |
| Mathematics (BEd) | 9 | 7 | 8 | |
| Religious Studies (BEd) | 14 | 14 | 19 | |
| Technology & Design (BEd) | 9 | 10 | 7 | |
| St Mary's University College, Belfast | Business Studies (BEd) | 12 | 14 | 12 |
| Mathematics (BEd) | 10 | 12 | 10 | |
| Religious Studies (BEd) | 18 | 19 | 20 | |
| Technology & Design (BEd) | 9 | 6 | 8 | |
| Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) * | English (PGCE) | 28 | 29 | 28 |
| IT/Computing (PGCE) | 7 | 7 | 2 | |
| Mathematics (PGCE) | 16 | 14 | 9 | |
| Modern Languages (PGCE) | 18 | 16 | 26 | |
| Religious Education (PGCE) | 12 | 10 | 9 | |
| Science - Physics (PGCE) | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| Science - Chemistry (PGCE) | 5 | 5 | 9 | |
| Science - Biology (PGCE) | 10 | 20 | 17 | |
| Social Science (PGCE) | 18 | 16 | 22 | |
| Ulster University (UU) * | Music (PGCE) | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Home Economics (PGCE) | 15 | 13 | 14 | |
| Physical Education (PGCE) | 12 | 11 | 14 | |
| Technology & Design (PGCE) | 6 | 5 | 0 | |
| English Drama/Media (PGCE) | 9 | 12 | 12 | |
| Geography (PGCE) | 11 | 11 | 10 | |
| History (PGCE) | 10 | 10 | 12 | |
| Art & Design (PGCE) | 11 | 8 | 11 |
* QUB / UU are each allocated four Post-Primary PGCE Irish-Medium Education (IME) places across the subject offerings.
The data presented reflects the number of students enrolled in ITE programmes and may differ from the number of places originally allocated due to factors such as applicant demand, institutional capacity and recruitment outcomes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028463%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442598","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442598"}},{"id":"442166","reference":"AQO 2179/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-05","answerBy":"2025-06-17","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to provide an update on the work to increase the provision of children's residential respite care.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202179%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442166","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442166"}},{"id":"442057","reference":"AQW 28194/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-04","answerBy":"2025-06-19","answered":"2025-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) what information is sought from; and (ii) what questions are asked of, medical practitioners by the Education Authority in order to determine the transport needs for children with a statement of special educational needs.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that when carrying out a statutory assessment of educational needs, under The Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (regulations 6 and 8), the EA seeks advice from the health and social services authority. This advice contains educational, medical, psychological or other features of the nature of the child or young person’s needs (in relation to the advice sought) which appear relevant to their educational needs.\n\nIn providing medical advice, recommendations about transport are included only where this is evident that transport will be required i.e. that there is a clear medical need that the child will require assistance with transport.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that when carrying out a statutory assessment of educational needs, under The Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (regulations 6 and 8), the EA seeks advice from the health and social services authority. This advice contains educational, medical, psychological or other features of the nature of the child or young person’s needs (in relation to the advice sought) which appear relevant to their educational needs.
In providing medical advice, recommendations about transport are included only where this is evident that transport will be required i.e. that there is a clear medical need that the child will require assistance with transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028194%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442057","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442057"}},{"id":"442056","reference":"AQW 28193/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-04","answerBy":"2025-06-19","answered":"2025-06-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to confirm if the Education Authority are responsible for transporting meals to pre-schools that do not have the facilities to supply meals on-site, or if external contractors are used.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that it is unable to provide a breakdown of transport costs for school meals to pre-schools as it is unable to disaggregate costs for pre-schools when vehicles are transporting meals to other school settings as well as to pre-schools.\n\nThe EA is responsible for the provision of school meals for pupils in funded pre-school education provision. Where meals are not produced on-site, local arrangements will be implemented based on the circumstances of each individual setting. This may involve transportation of meals by the EA or an external provider.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that it is unable to provide a breakdown of transport costs for school meals to pre-schools as it is unable to disaggregate costs for pre-schools when vehicles are transporting meals to other school settings as well as to pre-schools.
The EA is responsible for the provision of school meals for pupils in funded pre-school education provision. Where meals are not produced on-site, local arrangements will be implemented based on the circumstances of each individual setting. This may involve transportation of meals by the EA or an external provider.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028193%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442056","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442056"}},{"id":"442055","reference":"AQW 28192/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-04","answerBy":"2025-06-19","answered":"2025-06-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent on transporting school meals to pre-schools that do not have the facilities to supply meals on-site, over the last 3 years.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that it is unable to provide a breakdown of transport costs for school meals to pre-schools as it is unable to disaggregate costs for pre-schools when vehicles are transporting meals to other school settings as well as to pre-schools.\n\nThe EA is responsible for the provision of school meals for pupils in funded pre-school education provision. Where meals are not produced on-site, local arrangements will be implemented based on the circumstances of each individual setting. This may involve transportation of meals by the EA or an external provider.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that it is unable to provide a breakdown of transport costs for school meals to pre-schools as it is unable to disaggregate costs for pre-schools when vehicles are transporting meals to other school settings as well as to pre-schools.
The EA is responsible for the provision of school meals for pupils in funded pre-school education provision. Where meals are not produced on-site, local arrangements will be implemented based on the circumstances of each individual setting. This may involve transportation of meals by the EA or an external provider.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028192%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442055","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442055"}},{"id":"442054","reference":"AQW 28191/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-04","answerBy":"2025-06-19","answered":"2025-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, further to the comment he made on BBC Radio Ulster on May 27th in the context of upskirting, to detail: (i) when the smartphone ban in schools will come into place; and (ii) if there will be consultation with schools on how it will be implemented.","answerText":"Current guidance for schools on the use of personal mobile phones is contained in Circular 2024/14.\n\nMany primary schools have taken steps to ban the use of mobile phones in schools and a significant number of post-primary schools have also significantly restricted their use during the school day. Circular 2024/14 endorses this approach.","answerHtml":"Current guidance for schools on the use of personal mobile phones is contained in Circular 2024/14.
Many primary schools have taken steps to ban the use of mobile phones in schools and a significant number of post-primary schools have also significantly restricted their use during the school day. Circular 2024/14 endorses this approach.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028191%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442054","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442054"}},{"id":"442053","reference":"AQW 28190/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-04","answerBy":"2025-06-19","answered":"2025-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the sites identified for a potential park and ride facility in Dromore.","answerText":"The Department considered a number of sites around Dromore, and in conjunction with Translink we have identified a preferred Park and Ride site off the Banbridge Road at Quillyburn Businss Park. This would subject to land being made available by the Education Authority as part of their plans for a proposed new school.","answerHtml":"The Department considered a number of sites around Dromore, and in conjunction with Translink we have identified a preferred Park and Ride site off the Banbridge Road at Quillyburn Businss Park. This would subject to land being made available by the Education Authority as part of their plans for a proposed new school.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028190%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442053","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442053"}},{"id":"441861","reference":"AQW 28115/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail an update on the building of new special schools.","answerText":"Departmental officials have been working alongside Education Authority Area Planning, Children and Young People's Services and Capital colleagues on the plans for new build special schools.\n\nI hope to be in a position to make an announcement early in the 2025/26 academic year on progress, to coincide with the publication of the Plans of Action for all special schools.","answerHtml":"Departmental officials have been working alongside Education Authority Area Planning, Children and Young People's Services and Capital colleagues on the plans for new build special schools.
I hope to be in a position to make an announcement early in the 2025/26 academic year on progress, to coincide with the publication of the Plans of Action for all special schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028115%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441861","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441861"}},{"id":"441860","reference":"AQW 28114/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the Special Educational Needs Capital Investment Programme.","answerText":"Almost £49m was invested in my SEN capital programme in 2024/25 and I have allocated a further £70m in 2025/26.\n\nAnnual Maintenance & Equipment Programme\n\nCirca £3m in furniture and equipment grants was provided to special schools and mainstream schools with new specialist provision classes. A programme of planned and continuous maintenance was also delivered across the special school estate, including an ambitious £2m programme of works to facilitate and improve access to the outdoors including landscaping and new pathways, play and sensory areas.\n\nSpecialist Provision\n\nOver 1,450 new places in both special and mainstream schools were created by the Education Authority for September 2024, with building works delivered to establish 114 new specialist provision in mainstream classes in 110 primary and post-primary schools and an additional 67 classrooms created in special schools across Northern Ireland.\n\nMy officials continue to work at pace with Education Authority colleagues on delivering capital solutions to enable more new specialist provisions to open in September 2025.\n\nSchool Enhancement Programme\n\nThe business cases were approved for the school enhancement projects (SEPs) at Thornfield House, Clifton School, Hill Croft School and Riverside School and in May 2025 construction commenced on the extension to Kilronan School.\n\nI set aside the funding thresholds for SEPs in special schools and as a result, seven of the projects have now been expanded in scope.\n\nNew Special School Provision\n\nThe business case for the first of potentially four new special schools in Belfast is well advanced and it is currently anticipated that it will be submitted to my Department for approval in July 2025.\n\nThe long-term capital strategy for the special school estate is also well advanced, this includes individual Plans of Action for each special school and proposals for large scale extensions, refurbishments and new school builds. I hope to be in a position to provide a more full update on this in September 2025.","answerHtml":"Almost £49m was invested in my SEN capital programme in 2024/25 and I have allocated a further £70m in 2025/26.
Annual Maintenance & Equipment Programme
Circa £3m in furniture and equipment grants was provided to special schools and mainstream schools with new specialist provision classes. A programme of planned and continuous maintenance was also delivered across the special school estate, including an ambitious £2m programme of works to facilitate and improve access to the outdoors including landscaping and new pathways, play and sensory areas.
Specialist Provision
Over 1,450 new places in both special and mainstream schools were created by the Education Authority for September 2024, with building works delivered to establish 114 new specialist provision in mainstream classes in 110 primary and post-primary schools and an additional 67 classrooms created in special schools across Northern Ireland.
My officials continue to work at pace with Education Authority colleagues on delivering capital solutions to enable more new specialist provisions to open in September 2025.
School Enhancement Programme
The business cases were approved for the school enhancement projects (SEPs) at Thornfield House, Clifton School, Hill Croft School and Riverside School and in May 2025 construction commenced on the extension to Kilronan School.
I set aside the funding thresholds for SEPs in special schools and as a result, seven of the projects have now been expanded in scope.
New Special School Provision
The business case for the first of potentially four new special schools in Belfast is well advanced and it is currently anticipated that it will be submitted to my Department for approval in July 2025.
The long-term capital strategy for the special school estate is also well advanced, this includes individual Plans of Action for each special school and proposals for large scale extensions, refurbishments and new school builds. I hope to be in a position to provide a more full update on this in September 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028114%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441860","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441860"}},{"id":"441859","reference":"AQW 28113/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail an update on the development of the Dromore Central Primary School site.","answerText":"The former site of Dromore Central Primary School continues to be under consideration for special educational need (SEN) provision.\n\nAs detailed in my response to AQW 21600/22-27, initial technical assessments have been carried out and draft plans developed for extensive refurbishment works to the building. The former Dromore Central Primary School site is one of a number of options being explored as locations for a potential new school.","answerHtml":"The former site of Dromore Central Primary School continues to be under consideration for special educational need (SEN) provision.
As detailed in my response to AQW 21600/22-27, initial technical assessments have been carried out and draft plans developed for extensive refurbishment works to the building. The former Dromore Central Primary School site is one of a number of options being explored as locations for a potential new school.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028113%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441859","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441859"}},{"id":"441858","reference":"AQW 28112/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline the number of requests which have come through the Education Authority's Special Educational Needs Digital Request for Involvement Portal, since it opened.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nOver 3,100 requests for EA involvement have been received through the digital Request for Involvement (RfI) form since the portal opened on 30 January 2025.\n\nThis includes requests for involvement from existing Special Educational Needs and Disability Pupil Support Services and the Educational Psychology Service. It should be noted that previous referral routes remained open in parallel to the digital RfI form across February, March and April 2025 and these constitute additional referrals on top of the 3,100.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
Over 3,100 requests for EA involvement have been received through the digital Request for Involvement (RfI) form since the portal opened on 30 January 2025.
This includes requests for involvement from existing Special Educational Needs and Disability Pupil Support Services and the Educational Psychology Service. It should be noted that previous referral routes remained open in parallel to the digital RfI form across February, March and April 2025 and these constitute additional referrals on top of the 3,100.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028112%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441858","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441858"}},{"id":"441857","reference":"AQW 28111/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail why the Education Authority's Special Educational Needs Digital Request for Involvement Portal is currently closed to new referrals.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nThe Request for Involvement Portal closed for new requests at 4pm on 16 May 2025 and will re-open in Term 1/September 2025. The portal was closed to allow support packages for referred children and young people to be completed by the end of June 2025. This will also facilitate transitioning the system architecture from the current Special Educational Needs and Disability service destinations to the 28 new Local IMPACT Team destinations for September 2025.\n\nThose requests where support has been recommended but could not commence before the end of June will be supported in the next academic year.\n\nIn the case of critical situations, Special Educational Needs Coordinators and schools have been provided with an alternative contact method to access support.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
The Request for Involvement Portal closed for new requests at 4pm on 16 May 2025 and will re-open in Term 1/September 2025. The portal was closed to allow support packages for referred children and young people to be completed by the end of June 2025. This will also facilitate transitioning the system architecture from the current Special Educational Needs and Disability service destinations to the 28 new Local IMPACT Team destinations for September 2025.
Those requests where support has been recommended but could not commence before the end of June will be supported in the next academic year.
In the case of critical situations, Special Educational Needs Coordinators and schools have been provided with an alternative contact method to access support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028111%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441857","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441857"}},{"id":"441634","reference":"AQW 28032/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-02","answerBy":"2025-06-17","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 26329/22-27; and (ii) AQW 26332/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028032%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441634","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441634"}},{"id":"441283","reference":"AQO 2122/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-29","answerBy":"2025-06-09","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of the BMC Public Health research report entitled, Sport is not a luxury: the perceived impact of the cost-of-living crisis on sport and physical activity opportunities for children and adolescents in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202122%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441283","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441283"}},{"id":"441161","reference":"AQW 27840/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-28","answerBy":"2025-06-12","answered":"2025-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to list the actions which have been taken by the task and finish group set up to address the recommendations from the Education and Training Inspectorate's thematic evaluation of physical education provision in primary schools.","answerText":"The Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum is nearing completion, with the report expected to be published in the coming days. The Review’s report will set out the core principles for curriculum re-design as well as detail any subject or phase specific issues that need to be addressed. I have already signalled my intention to establish a Curriculum Taskforce to lead on this work. Further detail on the Taskforce and programme of reform will be provided following consideration of the Review’s report. The Education and Training Inspectorate's (ETI) thematic evaluation will inform this work.\n\nIn the meantime, as a result of a Task and Finish Group, three primary schools have been identified as examples of effective Physical Education (PE) practice: St John the Baptist, Pond Park and Fourtowns. My Department, in collaboration with the Education Authority (EA), has produced video interview clips of the PE co-ordinators from these schools that will soon be published on the EA’s Supporting Learning website. These interviews provide guidance and examples of effective practice for schools and teachers seeking to enhance their delivery of PE, covering a number of the areas of development highlighted in the ETI report.","answerHtml":"The Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum is nearing completion, with the report expected to be published in the coming days. The Review’s report will set out the core principles for curriculum re-design as well as detail any subject or phase specific issues that need to be addressed. I have already signalled my intention to establish a Curriculum Taskforce to lead on this work. Further detail on the Taskforce and programme of reform will be provided following consideration of the Review’s report. The Education and Training Inspectorate's (ETI) thematic evaluation will inform this work.
In the meantime, as a result of a Task and Finish Group, three primary schools have been identified as examples of effective Physical Education (PE) practice: St John the Baptist, Pond Park and Fourtowns. My Department, in collaboration with the Education Authority (EA), has produced video interview clips of the PE co-ordinators from these schools that will soon be published on the EA’s Supporting Learning website. These interviews provide guidance and examples of effective practice for schools and teachers seeking to enhance their delivery of PE, covering a number of the areas of development highlighted in the ETI report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027840%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441161","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441161"}},{"id":"441160","reference":"AQW 27839/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-28","answerBy":"2025-06-12","answered":"2025-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education pursuant to AQW 25380/22-27, for an update on the number of appropriate school places that need to be found for children with a statement of Special Educational Needs for September 2025.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nThe pressure to secure placements for children and young people with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) remains challenging. Despite significant efforts to increase capacity across the school estate in advance of the new academic year, it is currently estimated that there is a critical capacity requirement for circa 330 children with SEN across all transition years.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
The pressure to secure placements for children and young people with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) remains challenging. Despite significant efforts to increase capacity across the school estate in advance of the new academic year, it is currently estimated that there is a critical capacity requirement for circa 330 children with SEN across all transition years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027839%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441160","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441160"}},{"id":"441159","reference":"AQW 27838/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-28","answerBy":"2025-06-12","answered":"2025-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail his assessment of the equality of provision of speech and language therapy input for children with special educational needs in (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary, in (a) Mainstream Schools; (b) Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools; and (c) Special Schools.","answerText":"The provision of speech and language therapy is a matter for the Minister of Health.","answerHtml":"The provision of speech and language therapy is a matter for the Minister of Health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027838%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441159"}},{"id":"441158","reference":"AQW 27837/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-28","answerBy":"2025-06-12","answered":"2025-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline: (i) the details of the nine projects within the Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda being funded from the Public Service Transformation Fund; and (ii) the progress of each.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 24357/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for the week ending 21 March 2025.\n\nAll nine projects are at design stage, working in collaboration with delivery partners. Projects will commence in 2025/26 in line with the bid made to the Public Sector Transformation Fund.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 24357/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for the week ending 21 March 2025.
All nine projects are at design stage, working in collaboration with delivery partners. Projects will commence in 2025/26 in line with the bid made to the Public Sector Transformation Fund.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027837%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441158"}},{"id":"441157","reference":"AQW 27836/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-28","answerBy":"2025-06-12","answered":"2025-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 24057/22-27, when the needs assessment to scope the healthcare needs of children attending mainstream and special education schools will be (i) completed; and (ii) published.","answerText":"I anticipate that the Public Health Agency will complete and submit its comprehensive needs assessment to scope the healthcare needs of children attending special education schools to me by the end of June 2025. The need to collate and analyse significant additional data informing this work has led to a short delay to the planned completion of this report.\n\nOn receipt of the completed report, my officials will work to identify solutions to address the identified specific health challenges faced by this population, evaluate the complexity of their needs, and determine the support systems necessary to ensure timely, child-specific care within the school environment.\n\nThe report is expected to be largely of a clinical nature for consideration and analysis by health and education. It may also contain sensitive information. Given this, once I receive the report I will consider what would be appropriate to publish in terms of the report or associated recommendations as to the way forward.","answerHtml":"I anticipate that the Public Health Agency will complete and submit its comprehensive needs assessment to scope the healthcare needs of children attending special education schools to me by the end of June 2025. The need to collate and analyse significant additional data informing this work has led to a short delay to the planned completion of this report.
On receipt of the completed report, my officials will work to identify solutions to address the identified specific health challenges faced by this population, evaluate the complexity of their needs, and determine the support systems necessary to ensure timely, child-specific care within the school environment.
The report is expected to be largely of a clinical nature for consideration and analysis by health and education. It may also contain sensitive information. Given this, once I receive the report I will consider what would be appropriate to publish in terms of the report or associated recommendations as to the way forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027836%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441157","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441157"}},{"id":"440731","reference":"AQW 27692/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-23","answerBy":"2025-06-10","answered":"2025-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has formally proposed actions to be included in the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, to support those in training or further or higher education, with childcare costs.","answerText":"I am fully committed to working with the Minister for Education and his officials as they progress the development of an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, including representation on a range of cross-departmental groups.\n\nMy officials are currently working with the Department for Education to develop and agree options for inclusion in the Strategy, with a focus on skills and qualifications for the workforce, as well as the need for support for the sector.\n\nRegarding support for those in training or further or higher education. My department already provides; the FE Childcare Grant for FE students aged 20 and over who are in receipt of an FE grant; the Hardship Childcare Grant for eligible FE students aged 18 and over; the Care to Learn Scheme for eligible FE students aged 16-19; and the Childcare Grant for eligible full-time undergraduate higher education students. Support is provided towards the costs of registered or approved childcare.","answerHtml":"I am fully committed to working with the Minister for Education and his officials as they progress the development of an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, including representation on a range of cross-departmental groups.
My officials are currently working with the Department for Education to develop and agree options for inclusion in the Strategy, with a focus on skills and qualifications for the workforce, as well as the need for support for the sector.
Regarding support for those in training or further or higher education. My department already provides; the FE Childcare Grant for FE students aged 20 and over who are in receipt of an FE grant; the Hardship Childcare Grant for eligible FE students aged 18 and over; the Care to Learn Scheme for eligible FE students aged 16-19; and the Childcare Grant for eligible full-time undergraduate higher education students. Support is provided towards the costs of registered or approved childcare.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027692%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440731","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440731"}},{"id":"440730","reference":"AQW 27691/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-23","answerBy":"2025-06-10","answered":"2025-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail: (i) when he last raised the need to increase tax-free childcare support with the UK Government; and (ii) the response received.","answerText":"I raised the need for increased support through the Tax-free Childcare Scheme with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (CST) most recently in April along with other Executive specific issues to be considered as part of the second phase of the Spending Review.\n\nI am meeting the CST on 26 June 2025 at the next Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee which will provide an opportunity to raise this matter again if not addressed within the Spending Review announcement.","answerHtml":"I raised the need for increased support through the Tax-free Childcare Scheme with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (CST) most recently in April along with other Executive specific issues to be considered as part of the second phase of the Spending Review.
I am meeting the CST on 26 June 2025 at the next Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee which will provide an opportunity to raise this matter again if not addressed within the Spending Review announcement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027691%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440730","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440730"}},{"id":"440729","reference":"AQW 27690/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-23","answerBy":"2025-06-10","answered":"2025-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has put forward formal proposals for what should be included in the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.","answerText":"I am fully committed to working with the Minister for Education and his officials as they progress the development of an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, including representation on a range of cross-departmental groups.\n\nMy officials are currently working with the Department for Education to develop and agree options for inclusion in the Strategy, with a focus on skills and qualifications for the workforce, as well as the need for support for the sector.\n\nRegarding support for those in training or further or higher education. My department already provides; the FE Childcare Grant for FE students aged 20 and over who are in receipt of an FE grant; the Hardship Childcare Grant for eligible FE students aged 18 and over; the Care to Learn Scheme for eligible FE students aged 16-19; and the Childcare Grant for eligible full-time undergraduate higher education students. Support is provided towards the costs of registered or approved childcare.","answerHtml":"I am fully committed to working with the Minister for Education and his officials as they progress the development of an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, including representation on a range of cross-departmental groups.
My officials are currently working with the Department for Education to develop and agree options for inclusion in the Strategy, with a focus on skills and qualifications for the workforce, as well as the need for support for the sector.
Regarding support for those in training or further or higher education. My department already provides; the FE Childcare Grant for FE students aged 20 and over who are in receipt of an FE grant; the Hardship Childcare Grant for eligible FE students aged 18 and over; the Care to Learn Scheme for eligible FE students aged 16-19; and the Childcare Grant for eligible full-time undergraduate higher education students. Support is provided towards the costs of registered or approved childcare.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027690%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440729","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440729"}},{"id":"440728","reference":"AQW 27689/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-23","answerBy":"2025-06-10","answered":"2025-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when he will publish data on the costs of formal childcare gathered through the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.","answerText":"The administrative data for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme was published on 28 May 2025. This data covers the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025.","answerHtml":"The administrative data for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme was published on 28 May 2025. This data covers the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027689%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440728","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440728"}},{"id":"440652","reference":"AQO 2081/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-22","answerBy":"2025-06-03","answered":"2025-06-03","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the work being undertaken to improve water quality in the Lough Neagh catchment area.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I am delighted that protecting Lough Neagh is a key priority in the Programme for Government 2024-27. It reinforces the need for the implementation of the science-led actions in the Lough Neagh action plan. We need collective action and support to continue on that journey. I am pleased to report that, of the 37 actions contained in the Lough Neagh action plan, 10 have been delivered, 23 are progressing, and I am committed to driving forward the implementation of the remaining actions. Actions delivered include progress on the Lough Neagh small business research initiatives, enhanced responses to reports of water pollution through an increase in water quality inspectors and an increased focus on areas of highest risk, with DAERA officials undertaking increased waterway inspections in several Lough Neagh catchments of concern. I stress that there are no quick fixes to the issues in Lough Neagh, but the longer that we leave it before we take action, the more costly it will be and the longer it will take to fix."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the Minister for that response. Will the Minister provide an update on the nutrients action programme consultation?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Michelle. There is a requirement arising from the Lough Neagh action plan and the environmental improvement plan. There is also a requirement in law to review the nutrients action programme. We are undertaking a consultation on draft proposals. No final decisions have been taken. As I have always stated, it will require Executive referral and decision. I am engaging and listening, and I am prepared to take on board feedback, as always. I really welcomed the opportunity this morning to have what was a challenging but constructive engagement with the Ulster Farmers' Union and Northern Ireland Environment Link. All in the room acknowledged the problem with water quality, and the agreement was that it needs to be resolved. I welcome the work that has been undertaken to date, and we all acknowledge that more needs to be done. I welcome the outcome from the meeting this morning with the Ulster Farmers' Union and Northern Ireland Environment Link on the importance of everyone complying with existing regulations. People need to play by the rules, and the vast majority of farmers play by the rules. Let us put that on record. The focus must always be on the people who do not. I reassured everyone in the room that these are draft proposals. I heard their concerns and reiterated that no final decisions have been taken. I found it very heartening to have constructive discussions about the potential of setting up a stakeholder group consisting of agri-food and environmental stakeholders to consider the nutrients action programme proposals and the responses from the consultation to inform decisions on what will be implemented and the time frames for that. It is clear that time frames for implementation are very important to all concerned, and we need to find a way through that together. In respect of science and evidence, I provided reassurance about the processes in place."},{"speaker":"Ms Finnegan","text":"I express my heartfelt disappointment in hearing about the social media comments that the Minister has endured. It is absolutely disgraceful and should never be the case. With regard to the recently released NAP consultation introduced to protect our waterways, there is obviously huge concern from farmers. In the context of that, has the Department undertaken any modelling of how the proposed changes to the nutrients action programme could affect livestock stocking rates or the economic viability of the different farming systems?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you for your kind comments. They are appreciated. A regulatory impact assessment has already been undertaken, and we will undertake an economic impact assessment. Let us be very clear: my agenda is not about herd reduction; it is about financial and environmental sustainability. The outcome from the meeting this morning was really positive. The immediate focus has to be on ensuring that people are playing by the current rules around the nutrients action programme. That is what we are going to focus on, and I am confident that we will find a way forward in relation to that."},{"speaker":"Mr Clarke","text":"I join the previous Member in saying that no one should personalise those things against anyone. I am sorry to hear your comments around that, Minister. That should not be the case for anyone. I do not support that commentary. In your response today, you referred to water quality and to your scientists. What do you say about your former Chief Scientific Adviser, Dr Sinclair Mayne, who was appointed in 2016, being there last week among the other 900,000-odd people who were arguing against the science? He is an esteemed character who is renowned in his field. Do you have confidence when a former colleague of your scientists was on a platform last week disagreeing with the science that is being used for the proposals?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Trevor, for your kind remarks. In the discourse around this and many other issues, it is much better to play the ball and not the player. There is a consultation on the issue. There are many good people across the Chamber for whom I have a lot of respect, and we can debate these things. Let us find a way forward. My Chief Scientific Adviser is Alistair Carson. I was with him this morning. I have respect for the different opinions on the issue. I am conscious that there is discourse on the science and the evidence. Processes are in place in the Department to seek independent expert scientific advice and to commission external peer reviews of any issues that may need to be considered transparently and robustly off the back of the consultation. I want to ensure that we get external independent assessment of some of the stuff that has been raised with me. I need to satisfy myself before I bring forward any final proposals. I also need to satisfy people who respond to the consultation that their concerns have been addressed. We will do that."},{"speaker":"Mr Butler","text":"I associate myself with the comments that have been made across the House. Holding any Minister's feet to the fire should never descend into personal attack, particularly around sexual orientation, so the Minister has my full solidarity on that matter. Minister, I will hold your feet to the fire, however. There is a disconnect between the Department, you and the farming community. I have heard the statement \"Nothing about us without us\": what will you do to restore confidence among the farming community that any future development of the NAP will have that community's voice at the centre of it? The farming community will be key to delivering clear and clean water and will be our environmental champions."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you very much, Robbie. It was really good to meet you and the Deputy Chair beforehand, and I thank you for your ongoing productive relationship with me and the Department. We have a challenge here. We have a crisis in water quality. It is not just Lough Neagh: Lough Erne and many other waterbodies across Northern Ireland are in a critical state. Forty per cent of our drinking water comes from Lough Neagh, so we have to address the issue. We also need to ensure financial viability and sustainability in the long term for agriculture, and that is what I am commissioned to do. It is a tough ask, but I am determined to do it. This is the challenge of my life, and I will deliver on it. We have to do that, because we owe it to the people of Northern Ireland. I am very conscious of the concerns that have been expressed not just about agri-food but by environmental groups. They are coming to me with legitimate concerns, such as, \"Is this going to be the situation for ever and ever?\". Today's discussions with the Ulster Farmers' Union and Northern Ireland Environment Link are about setting up a stakeholder group that will bring together all the relevant people to consider what will be brought forward and when and how we go forward with the measures. That is really positive, and I want to take that forward."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, I add my voice to those who stand in opposition to any inappropriate, homophobic remarks. That is utterly disgusting. You have the Opposition's support in calling that out. You are doing your job as a Minister, and you can be challenged on substance but not on anything else. Minister, it is clear that Lough Neagh is an environmental crisis and will require action on nutrients overload. That is a fact; it is not subject to debate. There must also be investment in NI Water. It is a twin-track thing. Both issues need to be dealt with. On NI Water investment, are you disappointed about and have you raised with your colleagues the fact that this year's budget —"},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Mr O'Toole, could we get a question, please?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"— has a below-inflation increase for waste water?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Matthew, for your kind comments. Some of the social media commentary from well-known personalities and the comments below that commentary — they are platforming it — do not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland. The reception that I have had from all arts and parts in Northern Ireland has been extremely welcoming and extremely positive. Some of the groups that I have engaged with, such as the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster, are really positive examples of inclusivity when it comes to the future of Northern Ireland. I want to put that on the record. We are all clear that there are challenges here, but there is no need to engage in such comments. Some of the comments against officials in my Department are really despicable. You raised the important issue of sewage pollution. I met the Infrastructure Minister yesterday about that. My role is in regulation and enforcement of that sewage pollution. What is happening is not right, and I am the first Minister to grasp the issue of regulation and enforcement. The bye ball that was given to NI Water when it was established in 2007 — the permission to pollute under the statement of regulatory principles and intent (SORPI) — is wrong. I want to see an end to that: I want NI Water to be treated like all other polluters in Northern Ireland. It is wrong that NI Water is given special status in that regard. Alongside that, we need to see investment in waste water infrastructure, and it is for everyone in the Chamber to engage with the Infrastructure Minister on that. I will not be found wanting in dealing with all forms of pollution, because it is a critical issue for us all."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202081%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440652","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-06-03&docID=440990#AQO%202081/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440652"}},{"id":"440267","reference":"AQW 27467/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-20","answerBy":"2025-06-05","answered":"2025-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail why informal childcare has not been separated from paid formal childcare in NISRA childcare survey tables, for example in the 'Average monthly payment for childcare by hours used' table, which were produced in conjunction with his Department.","answerText":"The NISRA childcare survey was designed to provide a representative overview of childcare usage and costs as experienced by households in Northern Ireland. The focus was on capturing the overall financial impact on families, rather than isolating costs by provider type. For this reason, some of the survey tables produced independently by NISRA as official statistics, such as ‘Average monthly payment for childcare by hours used', combine both formal and informal childcare to reflect the full range of arrangements being used by families.\n\nIn relation to the request for a median daily rate, supplementary data has been published by NISRA on the Department of Education website: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-childcare-survey-results. This includes the median cost paid by parents for formal childcare, broken down by provider type.","answerHtml":"The NISRA childcare survey was designed to provide a representative overview of childcare usage and costs as experienced by households in Northern Ireland. The focus was on capturing the overall financial impact on families, rather than isolating costs by provider type. For this reason, some of the survey tables produced independently by NISRA as official statistics, such as ‘Average monthly payment for childcare by hours used', combine both formal and informal childcare to reflect the full range of arrangements being used by families.
In relation to the request for a median daily rate, supplementary data has been published by NISRA on the Department of Education website: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-childcare-survey-results. This includes the median cost paid by parents for formal childcare, broken down by provider type.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027467%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440267","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440267"}},{"id":"440266","reference":"AQW 27466/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-20","answerBy":"2025-06-05","answered":"2025-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education if the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency will publish the median daily rate paid to formal childcare providers before subsidies.","answerText":"The NISRA childcare survey was designed to provide a representative overview of childcare usage and costs as experienced by households in Northern Ireland. The focus was on capturing the overall financial impact on families, rather than isolating costs by provider type. For this reason, some of the survey tables produced independently by NISRA as official statistics, such as ‘Average monthly payment for childcare by hours used', combine both formal and informal childcare to reflect the full range of arrangements being used by families.\n\nIn relation to the request for a median daily rate, supplementary data has been published by NISRA on the Department of Education website: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-childcare-survey-results. This includes the median cost paid by parents for formal childcare, broken down by provider type.","answerHtml":"The NISRA childcare survey was designed to provide a representative overview of childcare usage and costs as experienced by households in Northern Ireland. The focus was on capturing the overall financial impact on families, rather than isolating costs by provider type. For this reason, some of the survey tables produced independently by NISRA as official statistics, such as ‘Average monthly payment for childcare by hours used', combine both formal and informal childcare to reflect the full range of arrangements being used by families.
In relation to the request for a median daily rate, supplementary data has been published by NISRA on the Department of Education website: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-childcare-survey-results. This includes the median cost paid by parents for formal childcare, broken down by provider type.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027466%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440266"}},{"id":"440030","reference":"AQW 27370/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-19","answerBy":"2025-06-04","answered":"2025-05-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 27069/22-27, for the data over the last five years to be broken down by constituency.","answerText":"The table below sets out the number of penultimate age children that have been placed in funded statutory pre-school places over the last five academic years, broken down by constituency:\n\nConstituency\t2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24*\t2024/25\nBelfast East\t40\t51\t46\tN/A\t88\nBelfast North\t40\t126\t72\tN/A\t130\nBelfast South\t13\t22\t15\tN/A\t30\nBelfast West\t50\t147\t149\tN/A\t184\nEast Antrim\t96\t81\t105\tN/A\t101\nEast Londonderry\t38\t53\t47\tN/A\t76\nFermanagh And South Tyrone\t47\t43\t76\tN/A\t56\nFoyle\t77\t86\t103\tN/A\t54\nLagan Valley\t37\t35\t39\tN/A\t69\nMid Ulster\t22\t59\t58\tN/A\t43\nNewry And Armagh\t58\t42\t50\tN/A\t76\nNorth Antrim\t117\t79\t133\tN/A\t69\nNorth Down\t8\t31\t46\tN/A\t65\nSouth Antrim\t84\t82\t114\tN/A\t76\nSouth Down\t31\t57\t34\tN/A\t42\nStrangford\t66\t63\t55\tN/A\t29\nUpper Bann\t63\t81\t68\tN/A\t122\nWest Tyrone\t80\t121\t132\tN/A\t86\nTotal\t967\t1,259\t1,342\tN/A\t1,396\n\n*Data relating to 2023/24 was impacted by industrial action, due to Action Short of Strike (ASOS). Although data was received from all schools, for 25% of schools (primary, post primary and special schools) pupil level information was not received in electronic format. It also meant it was not possible to fully undertake normal validation processes.\n\nAs advised in AQW 27069/22-27, the pre-school admission process is a two-stage process.\n\nApplications in respect of penultimate age pupils for the 2025/26 academic year will be considered during stage two of the process; decisions regarding stage two offers will be communicated to applicants on 10 June 2025.","answerHtml":"The table below sets out the number of penultimate age children that have been placed in funded statutory pre-school places over the last five academic years, broken down by constituency:
| Constituency | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24* | 2024/25 |
| Belfast East | 40 | 51 | 46 | N/A | 88 |
| Belfast North | 40 | 126 | 72 | N/A | 130 |
| Belfast South | 13 | 22 | 15 | N/A | 30 |
| Belfast West | 50 | 147 | 149 | N/A | 184 |
| East Antrim | 96 | 81 | 105 | N/A | 101 |
| East Londonderry | 38 | 53 | 47 | N/A | 76 |
| Fermanagh And South Tyrone | 47 | 43 | 76 | N/A | 56 |
| Foyle | 77 | 86 | 103 | N/A | 54 |
| Lagan Valley | 37 | 35 | 39 | N/A | 69 |
| Mid Ulster | 22 | 59 | 58 | N/A | 43 |
| Newry And Armagh | 58 | 42 | 50 | N/A | 76 |
| North Antrim | 117 | 79 | 133 | N/A | 69 |
| North Down | 8 | 31 | 46 | N/A | 65 |
| South Antrim | 84 | 82 | 114 | N/A | 76 |
| South Down | 31 | 57 | 34 | N/A | 42 |
| Strangford | 66 | 63 | 55 | N/A | 29 |
| Upper Bann | 63 | 81 | 68 | N/A | 122 |
| West Tyrone | 80 | 121 | 132 | N/A | 86 |
| Total | 967 | 1,259 | 1,342 | N/A | 1,396 |
*Data relating to 2023/24 was impacted by industrial action, due to Action Short of Strike (ASOS). Although data was received from all schools, for 25% of schools (primary, post primary and special schools) pupil level information was not received in electronic format. It also meant it was not possible to fully undertake normal validation processes.
As advised in AQW 27069/22-27, the pre-school admission process is a two-stage process.
Applications in respect of penultimate age pupils for the 2025/26 academic year will be considered during stage two of the process; decisions regarding stage two offers will be communicated to applicants on 10 June 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027370%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440030","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440030"}},{"id":"440029","reference":"AQW 27369/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-19","answerBy":"2025-06-04","answered":"2025-05-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 27069/22-27, to detail: (i) the total number of non-target age applications that were made through the Education Authority's portal; and (ii) how many non-target age applications were not successful, for each of the last five years.","answerText":"The table below shows the total number of non-target age applications broken down by constituency that have applied through the Education Authority’s portal:\n\nUnderage 5 Year Statistics as at the End of Stage 2\nParlimentary Constituency\t2020/2021\t2021/2022\t2022/2023\t2023/2024\t2024/2025\nApplications\tNot offered\tApplications\tNot offered\tApplications\tNot offered\tApplications\tNot offered\tApplications\tNot offered\nBelfast East\t121\t89\t118\t71\t155\t99\t134\t58\t174\t77\nBelfast North\t266\t230\t282\t160\t367\t290\t274\t197\t304\t187\nBelfast South\t149\t139\t172\t151\t173\t157\t159\t153\t166\t133\nBelfast West\t245\t206\t244\t104\t380\t235\t366\t241\t359\t197\nEast Antrim\t229\t131\t224\t142\t242\t143\t212\t135\t208\t116\nEast Londonderry\t119\t82\t100\t60\t145\t93\t111\t55\t120\t46\nFermanagh and South Tyrone\t109\t70\t109\t67\t164\t95\t133\t91\t151\t102\nFoyle\t250\t181\t247\t168\t298\t215\t241\t150\t272\t229\nLagan Valley\t137\t110\t146\t116\t198\t157\t133\t104\t164\t108\nMid Ulster\t146\t123\t129\t78\t151\t94\t135\t111\t133\t93\nNewry and Armagh\t197\t151\t180\t137\t241\t196\t216\t175\t228\t156\nNorth Antrim\t230\t123\t201\t121\t267\t141\t208\t85\t237\t165\nNorth Down\t92\t86\t134\t109\t157\t128\t111\t64\t170\t104\nSouth Antrim\t180\t102\t156\t96\t237\t137\t205\t132\t174\t103\nSouth Down\t94\t72\t129\t76\t126\t101\t112\t64\t116\t78\nStrangford\t135\t77\t140\t76\t178\t134\t158\t106\t169\t147\nUpper Bann\t245\t195\t262\t190\t319\t261\t239\t137\t326\t215\nWest Tyrone\t191\t114\t177\t73\t239\t104\t209\t104\t186\t105\nTotals\t3135\t2281\t3150\t1995\t4037\t2780\t3356\t2162\t3657\t2361\n\nThe Education Authority has advised that the pre-school admissions application procedure for 2025-2026 is currently ongoing and statistics will not be available until after the close of Stage 2.","answerHtml":"The table below shows the total number of non-target age applications broken down by constituency that have applied through the Education Authority’s portal:
| Underage 5 Year Statistics as at the End of Stage 2 | ||||||||||
| Parlimentary Constituency | 2020/2021 | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 | 2024/2025 | |||||
| Applications | Not offered | Applications | Not offered | Applications | Not offered | Applications | Not offered | Applications | Not offered | |
| Belfast East | 121 | 89 | 118 | 71 | 155 | 99 | 134 | 58 | 174 | 77 |
| Belfast North | 266 | 230 | 282 | 160 | 367 | 290 | 274 | 197 | 304 | 187 |
| Belfast South | 149 | 139 | 172 | 151 | 173 | 157 | 159 | 153 | 166 | 133 |
| Belfast West | 245 | 206 | 244 | 104 | 380 | 235 | 366 | 241 | 359 | 197 |
| East Antrim | 229 | 131 | 224 | 142 | 242 | 143 | 212 | 135 | 208 | 116 |
| East Londonderry | 119 | 82 | 100 | 60 | 145 | 93 | 111 | 55 | 120 | 46 |
| Fermanagh and South Tyrone | 109 | 70 | 109 | 67 | 164 | 95 | 133 | 91 | 151 | 102 |
| Foyle | 250 | 181 | 247 | 168 | 298 | 215 | 241 | 150 | 272 | 229 |
| Lagan Valley | 137 | 110 | 146 | 116 | 198 | 157 | 133 | 104 | 164 | 108 |
| Mid Ulster | 146 | 123 | 129 | 78 | 151 | 94 | 135 | 111 | 133 | 93 |
| Newry and Armagh | 197 | 151 | 180 | 137 | 241 | 196 | 216 | 175 | 228 | 156 |
| North Antrim | 230 | 123 | 201 | 121 | 267 | 141 | 208 | 85 | 237 | 165 |
| North Down | 92 | 86 | 134 | 109 | 157 | 128 | 111 | 64 | 170 | 104 |
| South Antrim | 180 | 102 | 156 | 96 | 237 | 137 | 205 | 132 | 174 | 103 |
| South Down | 94 | 72 | 129 | 76 | 126 | 101 | 112 | 64 | 116 | 78 |
| Strangford | 135 | 77 | 140 | 76 | 178 | 134 | 158 | 106 | 169 | 147 |
| Upper Bann | 245 | 195 | 262 | 190 | 319 | 261 | 239 | 137 | 326 | 215 |
| West Tyrone | 191 | 114 | 177 | 73 | 239 | 104 | 209 | 104 | 186 | 105 |
| Totals | 3135 | 2281 | 3150 | 1995 | 4037 | 2780 | 3356 | 2162 | 3657 | 2361 |
The Education Authority has advised that the pre-school admissions application procedure for 2025-2026 is currently ongoing and statistics will not be available until after the close of Stage 2.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027369%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440029","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440029"}},{"id":"439377","reference":"AQW 27069/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-13","answerBy":"2025-05-16","answered":"2025-05-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline the number of non-target aged children being placed in funded pre-school places, over the last five years and including allocations for 2025/2026.","answerText":"The table below sets out the number of penultimate age children that have been placed in funded statutory pre-school places over the last five academic years:\n\nSchool type\t2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24*\t2024/25\nNursery Unit in Primary Schools\t577\t726\t772\tN/A\t808\nNursery Schools\t390\t533\t570\tN/A\t588\nTotal\t967\t1,259\t1,342\tN/A\t1,396\n\n*Data relating to 2023/24 was impacted by industrial action, due to Action Short of Strike (ASOS). Although data was received from all schools, for 25% of schools (primary, post primary and special schools) pupil level information was not received in electronic format. It also meant it was not possible to fully undertake normal validation processes.\n\nThe pre-school admission process is a two-stage process.\n\nApplications in respect of penultimate age pupils for the 2025/26 academic year will be considered during stage two of the process; decisions regarding stage two offers will be communicated to applicants on 10 June 2025.","answerHtml":"The table below sets out the number of penultimate age children that have been placed in funded statutory pre-school places over the last five academic years:
| School type | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24* | 2024/25 |
| Nursery Unit in Primary Schools | 577 | 726 | 772 | N/A | 808 |
| Nursery Schools | 390 | 533 | 570 | N/A | 588 |
| Total | 967 | 1,259 | 1,342 | N/A | 1,396 |
*Data relating to 2023/24 was impacted by industrial action, due to Action Short of Strike (ASOS). Although data was received from all schools, for 25% of schools (primary, post primary and special schools) pupil level information was not received in electronic format. It also meant it was not possible to fully undertake normal validation processes.
The pre-school admission process is a two-stage process.
Applications in respect of penultimate age pupils for the 2025/26 academic year will be considered during stage two of the process; decisions regarding stage two offers will be communicated to applicants on 10 June 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027069%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=439377","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=439377"}},{"id":"439942","reference":"AQO 2013/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-08","answerBy":"2025-05-19","answered":"2025-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline the timetable for the establishment of a permanent Public Service Transformation Board.","answerText":"I expect to agree the terms of reference for the Public Sector Transformation Board with the Secretary of State in the coming weeks. I also expect that these will largely reflect those previously agreed for the interim Board.\n\nI also intend on supplementing the skills of the Public Sector Transformation Board through the inclusion of additional experts in the areas of ‘value for money’ and ‘data and science’.\n\nI will be engaging with Executive colleagues on these issues, prior to formally agreeing the terms of reference with the Secretary of State.","answerHtml":"I expect to agree the terms of reference for the Public Sector Transformation Board with the Secretary of State in the coming weeks. I also expect that these will largely reflect those previously agreed for the interim Board.
I also intend on supplementing the skills of the Public Sector Transformation Board through the inclusion of additional experts in the areas of ‘value for money’ and ‘data and science’.
I will be engaging with Executive colleagues on these issues, prior to formally agreeing the terms of reference with the Secretary of State.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202013%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=439942","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=439942"}},{"id":"438552","reference":"AQW 26724/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-07","answerBy":"2025-05-22","answered":"2025-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the phased review of the Taxis Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.","answerText":"As you are aware I have recently asked officials to undertake a phased review of taxi policy and legislation, commencing with a review of the Class C taxi licensing system.\n\nTo help understand the views of the taxi industry, in relation to the Class C taxi licensing system, I have agreed to meet with a number of key stakeholders over the coming weeks.\n\nMy Officials are also planning on gathering information from across all four taxi classes via survey sampling, to help inform policy development for this review.","answerHtml":"As you are aware I have recently asked officials to undertake a phased review of taxi policy and legislation, commencing with a review of the Class C taxi licensing system.
To help understand the views of the taxi industry, in relation to the Class C taxi licensing system, I have agreed to meet with a number of key stakeholders over the coming weeks.
My Officials are also planning on gathering information from across all four taxi classes via survey sampling, to help inform policy development for this review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026724%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438552","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438552"}},{"id":"438295","reference":"AQW 26586/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-02","answerBy":"2025-05-20","answered":"2025-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will ensure that drainage systems and road surfaces will be upgraded and improved when public realm schemes are taking place in (i) Hillsborough; and (ii) Moira.","answerText":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality public realm schemes including those in Royal Hillsborough and Moira.\n\nWhere schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.\n\nWhilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.\n\nMy Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality public realm schemes including those in Royal Hillsborough and Moira.
Where schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.
Whilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.
My Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.
My officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026586%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438295","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438295"}},{"id":"438166","reference":"AQW 26516/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-01","answerBy":"2025-05-19","answered":"2025-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any structures that will be in place to support collaboration and sharing of information between the Sensory Support Service and the new Local Impact Teams.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nThe EA’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Transformation Team are nearing finalisation of the SEND Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) operating model ahead of its roll out in September 2025.\n\nThe EA’s Sensory Service will continue to be delivered in its current form (i.e. regionally) but will sit within the Regional Management Unit which will oversee the Local IMPACT Teams. As such collaboration and sharing of information will be delivered through a single management structure for both services. This will include the Sensory Service collaborating directly with the relevant Local IMPACT Team to co-ordinate blended support for a sensory-impaired child or young person who also has wider special educational needs.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
The EA’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Transformation Team are nearing finalisation of the SEND Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) operating model ahead of its roll out in September 2025.
The EA’s Sensory Service will continue to be delivered in its current form (i.e. regionally) but will sit within the Regional Management Unit which will oversee the Local IMPACT Teams. As such collaboration and sharing of information will be delivered through a single management structure for both services. This will include the Sensory Service collaborating directly with the relevant Local IMPACT Team to co-ordinate blended support for a sensory-impaired child or young person who also has wider special educational needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026516%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438166","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438166"}},{"id":"438165","reference":"AQW 26515/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-01","answerBy":"2025-05-19","answered":"2025-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement her Department has had with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to coordinate appropriate works in relation to drainage systems and road surfaces when public realm schemes are being delivered in (i) Hillsborough; and (ii) Moira.","answerText":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality public realm schemes including those in Royal Hillsborough and Moira.\n\nWhere schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.\n\nWhilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.\n\nMy Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.\n\nMy Department is also represented at the Destination Royal Hillsborough Programme Board. The Public Realm scheme in Royal Hillsborough is one of the projects included in this programme.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality public realm schemes including those in Royal Hillsborough and Moira.
Where schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.
Whilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.
My Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.
My officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.
My Department is also represented at the Destination Royal Hillsborough Programme Board. The Public Realm scheme in Royal Hillsborough is one of the projects included in this programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026515%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438165","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438165"}},{"id":"438164","reference":"AQW 26514/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-01","answerBy":"2025-05-19","answered":"2025-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on when public realm schemes will be taken forward in (i) Hillsborough; and (ii) Moira.","answerText":"My Department works collaboratively with Councils to deliver Urban Regeneration projects, such as Public Realm schemes, in urban towns and city centres with a policy focus on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more.\n\nHillsborough and Moira, each have populations of less than 5,000 residents. Therefore, Public Realm schemes for those settlements would not fall under the remit of my Department.","answerHtml":"My Department works collaboratively with Councils to deliver Urban Regeneration projects, such as Public Realm schemes, in urban towns and city centres with a policy focus on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more.
Hillsborough and Moira, each have populations of less than 5,000 residents. Therefore, Public Realm schemes for those settlements would not fall under the remit of my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026514%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438164","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438164"}},{"id":"438163","reference":"AQW 26513/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-01","answerBy":"2025-05-19","answered":"2025-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Sensory Support Service has a published delivery and action plan.","answerText":"In accordance with Education Authority procedures, the Sensory Service maintains a Business Plan which is reviewed on a quarterly basis.","answerHtml":"In accordance with Education Authority procedures, the Sensory Service maintains a Business Plan which is reviewed on a quarterly basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026513%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438163","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438163"}},{"id":"438162","reference":"AQW 26512/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-01","answerBy":"2025-05-19","answered":"2025-05-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the current Sensory Support Service will be reviewed.","answerText":"As per the answer provided to AQW 26516 the Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nThe Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Transformation Team is nearing finalisation of the SEND Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) operating model ahead of its roll out in September 2025.\n\nThe EA’s Sensory Service will continue to be delivered in its current form (i.e. regionally) but will sit within the Regional Management Unit (RMU) which will oversee the Local IMPACT Teams. As such collaboration and sharing of information will be delivered through a single management structure for both services. This will include the Sensory Service collaborating directly with the relevant Local IMPACT Team to co-ordinate blended support for a sensory-impaired child or young person who also has wider special educational needs.\n\nThe structure and function of the Local IMPACT Team network and RMU will be under continual review across its first phase of operation and this will include the positioning of the remaining regionalised services, such as the Sensory Service.\n\nIt should also be noted that the EA’s Sensory Service underwent an internal audit in financial year 2024/2025 and the Opinion Rating was green.","answerHtml":"As per the answer provided to AQW 26516 the Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Transformation Team is nearing finalisation of the SEND Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) operating model ahead of its roll out in September 2025.
The EA’s Sensory Service will continue to be delivered in its current form (i.e. regionally) but will sit within the Regional Management Unit (RMU) which will oversee the Local IMPACT Teams. As such collaboration and sharing of information will be delivered through a single management structure for both services. This will include the Sensory Service collaborating directly with the relevant Local IMPACT Team to co-ordinate blended support for a sensory-impaired child or young person who also has wider special educational needs.
The structure and function of the Local IMPACT Team network and RMU will be under continual review across its first phase of operation and this will include the positioning of the remaining regionalised services, such as the Sensory Service.
It should also be noted that the EA’s Sensory Service underwent an internal audit in financial year 2024/2025 and the Opinion Rating was green.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026512%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438162","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438162"}},{"id":"439224","reference":"AQO 1966/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-01","answerBy":"2025-05-12","answered":"2025-05-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on progress to create statutory guidance in relation to children missing education.","answerText":"8. AQO 1966/22-27\n\nQuestion:\n\nTo ask the Minister of Education for an update on progress to create statutory guidance in relation to children missing in education.\n\n(Michelle Guy, MLA – Lagan Valley)\n\nAnswer:\n\nA DE working group was set up in November 2024 to scope out the requirements needed to address Children Missing Education in Northern Ireland. The objectives of the Working Group are:\n\nTo analyse the existing legislation, current duties, obligations, and potential gaps.\n\nTo produce a process map of the various scenarios.\n\nTo establish the current and potential future operational support available.\n\nTo outline what happens in other jurisdictions including how we link with them.\n\nTo analyse the available data. (What do we know? What is missing?).\n\nTo link with other Departments (e.g. DOH / TEO).\n\nTo produce a report that sets out the current landscape and options on next steps.\n\nThis work is progressing however, no decision has been taken to create statutory guidance in this regard.","answerHtml":"8. AQO 1966/22-27
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on progress to create statutory guidance in relation to children missing in education.
(Michelle Guy, MLA – Lagan Valley)
Answer:
A DE working group was set up in November 2024 to scope out the requirements needed to address Children Missing Education in Northern Ireland. The objectives of the Working Group are:
To analyse the existing legislation, current duties, obligations, and potential gaps.
To produce a process map of the various scenarios.
To establish the current and potential future operational support available.
To outline what happens in other jurisdictions including how we link with them.
To analyse the available data. (What do we know? What is missing?).
To link with other Departments (e.g. DOH / TEO).
To produce a report that sets out the current landscape and options on next steps.
This work is progressing however, no decision has been taken to create statutory guidance in this regard.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201966%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=439224","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=439224"}},{"id":"437874","reference":"AQW 26333/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":"2025-05-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of how appropriate the practice of seeking evidence from community paediatricians, rather than General Practitioners, in order to determine the transport needs for children with a statement of special educational need.","answerText":"The Education Authority seeks Medical Advice for the purposes of a statutory assessment of a child's special educational needs, as specified in The Education (SEN) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (regulations 6 and 8), which state that advice should include features which appear to be relevant to the child's educational needs and should be sought from the health and social services authority, who shall obtain the advice from a registered medical practitioner.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority seeks Medical Advice for the purposes of a statutory assessment of a child's special educational needs, as specified in The Education (SEN) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (regulations 6 and 8), which state that advice should include features which appear to be relevant to the child's educational needs and should be sought from the health and social services authority, who shall obtain the advice from a registered medical practitioner.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026333%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437874","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437874"}},{"id":"437873","reference":"AQW 26332/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the present waiting time for children's ADHD assessments, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026332%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437873","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437873"}},{"id":"437872","reference":"AQW 26331/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":"2025-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children on the waiting list for Education Welfare support in Lagan Valley.","answerText":"There are currently 66 pupils within Lagan Valley whose cases are as yet unallocated within the Education Welfare Service.","answerHtml":"There are currently 66 pupils within Lagan Valley whose cases are as yet unallocated within the Education Welfare Service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026331%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437872","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437872"}},{"id":"437871","reference":"AQW 26330/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":"2025-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of Education Welfare Officers currently working to support schools in Lagan Valley.","answerText":"Education Welfare support to schools within Lagan Valley is provided by:\n\nThree full time members of staff\n\nTwo part-time members of staff\n\nAdditionally, there are two further vacancies to cover periods of long term absence.","answerHtml":"Education Welfare support to schools within Lagan Valley is provided by:
Three full time members of staff
Two part-time members of staff
Additionally, there are two further vacancies to cover periods of long term absence.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026330%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437871","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437871"}},{"id":"437870","reference":"AQW 26329/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of children currently on the waiting list for an assessment for ADHD; and (ii) the current average waiting time from initial referral to assessment.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026329%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437870","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437870"}},{"id":"437681","reference":"AQW 26227/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of school transport exceptional circumstances appeals that have been successful since the establishment of the appeals process; and (ii) the number of applications in respect of pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs that were successful.","answerText":"The EA has provided the information below in relation to the number of transport appeals received on the basis of exceptional circumstances and the number which were successful. Records are only available from 2017/18 when the EA transport service was regionalised.\n\nAcademic Year\tAppeals Received\tSuccessful Appeals\n2017/18\t185\t34\n2018/19\t111\t13\n2019/20\t196\t29\n2020/21\t235\t17\n2021/22\t324\t26\n2022/23\t400\t14\n2023/24\t391\t16\n2024/25\t441\t5\n\n(ii) The EA has advised that it does not formally record whether or not a pupil has a statement of Special Educational Needs when an appeal is received.","answerHtml":"The EA has provided the information below in relation to the number of transport appeals received on the basis of exceptional circumstances and the number which were successful. Records are only available from 2017/18 when the EA transport service was regionalised.
| Academic Year | Appeals Received | Successful Appeals |
| 2017/18 | 185 | 34 |
| 2018/19 | 111 | 13 |
| 2019/20 | 196 | 29 |
| 2020/21 | 235 | 17 |
| 2021/22 | 324 | 26 |
| 2022/23 | 400 | 14 |
| 2023/24 | 391 | 16 |
| 2024/25 | 441 | 5 |
(ii) The EA has advised that it does not formally record whether or not a pupil has a statement of Special Educational Needs when an appeal is received.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026227%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437681","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437681"}},{"id":"437680","reference":"AQW 26226/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) when the school transport exceptional circumstances appeals process was first established by the Education Authority; (ii) the number of appeals received since its inception; and (iii) the number of appeals that were in respect of pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs.","answerText":"Appeals on the grounds of exceptional circumstances in respect of school transport assistance are provided for in Section 8 of the Department of Education Circular 1996/41 (updated 2009). Such appeals were administered by legacy board structures until 2017/18 when the current transport appeals process was established as a result of the Education Authority ( EA) Transport Service being regionalised.\n\nThe EA has provided the information below in relation to the number of transport appeals received on the basis of exceptional circumstances. Records are only available from 2017/18 when the EA transport service was regionalised.\n\nAcademic Year\tNumber of exceptional circumstances appeals received\n2017/18\t185\n2018/19\t111\n2019/20\t196\n2020/21\t235\n2021/22\t324\n2022/23\t400\n2023/24\t391\n2024/25\t441\n\nThe EA has advised that it does not formally record whether or not a pupil has a statement of Special Educational Needs when an appeal is received.","answerHtml":"Appeals on the grounds of exceptional circumstances in respect of school transport assistance are provided for in Section 8 of the Department of Education Circular 1996/41 (updated 2009). Such appeals were administered by legacy board structures until 2017/18 when the current transport appeals process was established as a result of the Education Authority ( EA) Transport Service being regionalised.
The EA has provided the information below in relation to the number of transport appeals received on the basis of exceptional circumstances. Records are only available from 2017/18 when the EA transport service was regionalised.
| Academic Year | Number of exceptional circumstances appeals received |
| 2017/18 | 185 |
| 2018/19 | 111 |
| 2019/20 | 196 |
| 2020/21 | 235 |
| 2021/22 | 324 |
| 2022/23 | 400 |
| 2023/24 | 391 |
| 2024/25 | 441 |
The EA has advised that it does not formally record whether or not a pupil has a statement of Special Educational Needs when an appeal is received.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026226%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437680","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437680"}},{"id":"437679","reference":"AQW 26225/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the current arrangements and criteria for home to school transport for children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs.","answerText":"Where the Education Authority (EA) maintains a statement of Special Educational Needs under Article 16 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, the decisions about that pupil's placement and their entitlement to transport assistance are made by the EA. The EA Statutory Assessment and Review Service (SARS) assesses if a pupil with a statement of SEN has additional transport requirements and, if so, a referral is made to the EA transport service who work to put those arrangements in place.\n\nWhere SARS has identified that a pupil has additional transport needs, the general criteria of the Department for Education (DE) Home to School Transport Policy may be set aside, however the EA must ensure that the placement and transport arrangements are compatible with the efficient use of resources. Transport assistance may not be available if parents choose to bypass the nearest suitable school identified by EA SARS.\n\nWhere a pupil with a statement of SEN has no additional transport needs, an application for transport assistance must be made to the EA Transport Service in the regular manner and pupils are assessed against the criteria in DE's transport policy. Pupils may be eligible for transport assistance under the DE policy where there is no suitable school within statutory walking distance of their home, which is 2 miles in the case of a primary school pupil and 3 miles for post-primary pupils. A suitable school for a pupil with a statement of SEN is determined during the statutory assessment process and if parents choose to bypass the nearest suitable school identified by EA SARS, transport assistance may not be available.","answerHtml":"Where the Education Authority (EA) maintains a statement of Special Educational Needs under Article 16 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, the decisions about that pupil's placement and their entitlement to transport assistance are made by the EA. The EA Statutory Assessment and Review Service (SARS) assesses if a pupil with a statement of SEN has additional transport requirements and, if so, a referral is made to the EA transport service who work to put those arrangements in place.
Where SARS has identified that a pupil has additional transport needs, the general criteria of the Department for Education (DE) Home to School Transport Policy may be set aside, however the EA must ensure that the placement and transport arrangements are compatible with the efficient use of resources. Transport assistance may not be available if parents choose to bypass the nearest suitable school identified by EA SARS.
Where a pupil with a statement of SEN has no additional transport needs, an application for transport assistance must be made to the EA Transport Service in the regular manner and pupils are assessed against the criteria in DE's transport policy. Pupils may be eligible for transport assistance under the DE policy where there is no suitable school within statutory walking distance of their home, which is 2 miles in the case of a primary school pupil and 3 miles for post-primary pupils. A suitable school for a pupil with a statement of SEN is determined during the statutory assessment process and if parents choose to bypass the nearest suitable school identified by EA SARS, transport assistance may not be available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026225%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437679","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437679"}},{"id":"437678","reference":"AQW 26224/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the amount spent on the maintenance of the Maze Long Kesh site in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The amount spent on maintenance of the Maze Long Kesh site in each of the last five years is set out in the table below. These figures relate to the entirety of the site, excluding the lands transferred to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.\n\nYear\tAnnual Total (£)\n2020 – 2021\t91,796\n2021 – 2022\t138,012\n2022 – 2023\t153,520\n2023 – 2024\t144,505\n2024 – 2025 *\t114,097\n\n* Provisional figure – subject to audit","answerHtml":"The amount spent on maintenance of the Maze Long Kesh site in each of the last five years is set out in the table below. These figures relate to the entirety of the site, excluding the lands transferred to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.
| Year | Annual Total (£) |
| 2020 – 2021 | 91,796 |
| 2021 – 2022 | 138,012 |
| 2022 – 2023 | 153,520 |
| 2023 – 2024 | 144,505 |
| 2024 – 2025 * | 114,097 |
* Provisional figure – subject to audit
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026224%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437678","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437678"}},{"id":"437677","reference":"AQW 26223/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what action has been taken as a result of the Review of Home to School Transport which was initiated in 2018.","answerText":"A review of the Home to School Transport Policy commenced in 2018, however it was paused by the then Minister due to the pandemic and further suspended pending the outcome of The Independent Review of Education. As the Home to School Transport Policy review was not completed, there were no policy recommendations available for my consideration or action.","answerHtml":"A review of the Home to School Transport Policy commenced in 2018, however it was paused by the then Minister due to the pandemic and further suspended pending the outcome of The Independent Review of Education. As the Home to School Transport Policy review was not completed, there were no policy recommendations available for my consideration or action.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026223%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437677","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437677"}},{"id":"436768","reference":"AQW 26116/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-17","answered":"2025-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 25486/22-27, for a breakdown of the two figures over the last five years.","answerText":"The Department’s Teachers’ Pay Team has provided the breakdown of the two figures supplied in AQW 25486/22-27 as follows;\n\nYears\tNo. of Teachers\tTotal Days\n2019-20\t837\t32,615\n2020-21\t558\t23,628\n2021-22\t607\t26,292\n2022-23\t545\t21,562\n2023-24\t504\t16,211\n3051\t120,308\n\nPlease note;\n\nFigures do not include teachers from voluntary grammar schools.\n\nFigures are taken for the previous 5 financial years.\n\nIndividual teachers may appear in more than one year.","answerHtml":"The Department’s Teachers’ Pay Team has provided the breakdown of the two figures supplied in AQW 25486/22-27 as follows;
| Years | No. of Teachers | Total Days |
| 2019-20 | 837 | 32,615 |
| 2020-21 | 558 | 23,628 |
| 2021-22 | 607 | 26,292 |
| 2022-23 | 545 | 21,562 |
| 2023-24 | 504 | 16,211 |
| 3051 | 120,308 |
Please note;
Figures do not include teachers from voluntary grammar schools.
Figures are taken for the previous 5 financial years.
Individual teachers may appear in more than one year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026116%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436768","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436768"}},{"id":"436767","reference":"AQW 26115/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current waiting time for children's autism assessments, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"As part of the Encompass roll-out, the South Eastern, Belfast and Northern Trusts have now gone live with a new electronic patient record system and their data is undergoing extensive validation. There is no validated information available from these Trusts at this time.\n\nSHSCT at 31/12/2024 there were 1,598 children awaiting an ASD assessment and\n\nWHSCT at 31/12/2024 there were 2,369 children awaiting an ASD assessment\n\nWaiting lists for autism assessment remain a challenge. The Department acknowledges that this is not acceptable and can have a profound impact on mental health.\n\nDepartment officials are working with colleagues from the Public Health Agency and Child Health to develop a regionally consistent and defined neurodevelopmental pathway for children and young people that complies with NICE guidelines.","answerHtml":"As part of the Encompass roll-out, the South Eastern, Belfast and Northern Trusts have now gone live with a new electronic patient record system and their data is undergoing extensive validation. There is no validated information available from these Trusts at this time.
SHSCT at 31/12/2024 there were 1,598 children awaiting an ASD assessment and
WHSCT at 31/12/2024 there were 2,369 children awaiting an ASD assessment
Waiting lists for autism assessment remain a challenge. The Department acknowledges that this is not acceptable and can have a profound impact on mental health.
Department officials are working with colleagues from the Public Health Agency and Child Health to develop a regionally consistent and defined neurodevelopmental pathway for children and young people that complies with NICE guidelines.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026115%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436767","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436767"}},{"id":"436766","reference":"AQW 26114/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any changes that have been made to the pre-school Published Admission Number allocation criteria and process for both statutory and non-statutory providers in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The EA has advised that no changes have been made to the criteria and processes for allocating PANs to non-statutory providers over the past 5 years.\n\nStatutory pre-school settings are not allocated a PAN, but rather they are set an admissions and enrolment number via a legislative process as set out in the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.","answerHtml":"The EA has advised that no changes have been made to the criteria and processes for allocating PANs to non-statutory providers over the past 5 years.
Statutory pre-school settings are not allocated a PAN, but rather they are set an admissions and enrolment number via a legislative process as set out in the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026114%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436766"}},{"id":"436765","reference":"AQW 26113/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail all buildings that have been fully assessed for their potential use for respite or residential care in the last year, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026113%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436765","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436765"}},{"id":"436764","reference":"AQW 26112/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will request that Health and Social Care Trusts develop a joint-regional plan for respite and residential care services.","answerText":"My Department’s strategic response to the increasing level of Children with Disability need across Northern Ireland has been set out through a regional Framework for Children with Disability. This has been partly progressed through the Regional Children’s Services Strategic Reform Programme, which my Department is leading on, and which was established in response to Professor Ray Jones’ Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services. The regional needs of Children with Disability are being considered across specific workstreams focusing on Residential Care (Workstream 3), Fostering (Workstream 4), and Children with Disability (Workstream 5).\n\nFocused Work in respect of the projected residential care need for Children with Disability across the five HSC Trusts, in addition to work regarding enhancing the Short Break provision (both residential & fostering) for Children with Disability across the five HSC Trusts is being completed through the Regional Social Care Reform Workstreams. This work remains ongoing, and it will form the basis for future commissioning of services and investment plans in the coming years.\n\nWithin the Reform Programme, we are looking carefully at the models of residential care, short breaks and fostering for children which are working well, to see how they could be replicated and expanded across Northern Ireland. The Strategic Reform Programme aims to ensure that we have the right services to meet the holistic needs of young people (including those with disability), now and in the future.","answerHtml":"My Department’s strategic response to the increasing level of Children with Disability need across Northern Ireland has been set out through a regional Framework for Children with Disability. This has been partly progressed through the Regional Children’s Services Strategic Reform Programme, which my Department is leading on, and which was established in response to Professor Ray Jones’ Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services. The regional needs of Children with Disability are being considered across specific workstreams focusing on Residential Care (Workstream 3), Fostering (Workstream 4), and Children with Disability (Workstream 5).
Focused Work in respect of the projected residential care need for Children with Disability across the five HSC Trusts, in addition to work regarding enhancing the Short Break provision (both residential & fostering) for Children with Disability across the five HSC Trusts is being completed through the Regional Social Care Reform Workstreams. This work remains ongoing, and it will form the basis for future commissioning of services and investment plans in the coming years.
Within the Reform Programme, we are looking carefully at the models of residential care, short breaks and fostering for children which are working well, to see how they could be replicated and expanded across Northern Ireland. The Strategic Reform Programme aims to ensure that we have the right services to meet the holistic needs of young people (including those with disability), now and in the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026112%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436764","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436764"}},{"id":"438574","reference":"AQO 1940/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-05-06","answered":"2025-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on actions to address blue-green algae at Lough Neagh.","answerText":"I am pleased to report that implementation of the actions in the Lough Neagh Action Plan is progressing well.\n\nOf the 37 actions contained within the Action Plan, 10 of these have been delivered and I am committed to driving forward the implementation of the remaining actions.\n\nThis work includes the progress on the Sustainable use of Livestock Slurry and Lough Neagh Blue Green Algae Small Business Research Initiatives, enhanced responses to reports of water pollution through an increase in Water Quality Inspectors and an increased focus on areas of highest risk, with DAERA officials undertaking increased waterway inspections within several Lough Neagh catchments of concern.\n\nI would stress that there are no quick fixes to the issues in Lough Neagh and it will take many years, if not decades, to see substantial recovery, such is the depth and complexity of the problem.","answerHtml":"I am pleased to report that implementation of the actions in the Lough Neagh Action Plan is progressing well.
Of the 37 actions contained within the Action Plan, 10 of these have been delivered and I am committed to driving forward the implementation of the remaining actions.
This work includes the progress on the Sustainable use of Livestock Slurry and Lough Neagh Blue Green Algae Small Business Research Initiatives, enhanced responses to reports of water pollution through an increase in Water Quality Inspectors and an increased focus on areas of highest risk, with DAERA officials undertaking increased waterway inspections within several Lough Neagh catchments of concern.
I would stress that there are no quick fixes to the issues in Lough Neagh and it will take many years, if not decades, to see substantial recovery, such is the depth and complexity of the problem.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201940%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438574","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438574"}},{"id":"435998","reference":"AQW 25772/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-07","answerBy":"2025-04-24","answered":"2025-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether a review of the Online Safety Strategy 2020-2025 will take place.","answerText":"The Online Safety Strategy and an initial 3-year action plan were published in February 2021 however funding for implementation only commenced in 2022. Year 3 of the Strategy has therefore just ended, and we are in the process of drafting an updated action plan to cover the remainder of the period.\n\nAs we approach the end of the 5-year Strategy, the Department will carry out a review to assess overall success and inform future strategies.","answerHtml":"The Online Safety Strategy and an initial 3-year action plan were published in February 2021 however funding for implementation only commenced in 2022. Year 3 of the Strategy has therefore just ended, and we are in the process of drafting an updated action plan to cover the remainder of the period.
As we approach the end of the 5-year Strategy, the Department will carry out a review to assess overall success and inform future strategies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025772%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435998"}},{"id":"435797","reference":"AQW 25682/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-04","answerBy":"2025-04-23","answered":"2025-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of actions within the Online Safety Strategy 2020-2025 that have been achieved.","answerText":"The initial 3-year action plan of the Online Safety Strategy contained 21 actions. Of those 21 actions, 17 have been achieved.\n\nActions 5, 15 and 16 are progressing but with a slight delay. They are reliant on the online safety training needs analysis report which is due in June 2025.\n\nAction 18 has not yet been achieved. Although all further educational colleges have online safety policies in place, there is not yet a sector-wide pilot programme developed. This action will be rolled over into the updated action plan.","answerHtml":"The initial 3-year action plan of the Online Safety Strategy contained 21 actions. Of those 21 actions, 17 have been achieved.
Actions 5, 15 and 16 are progressing but with a slight delay. They are reliant on the online safety training needs analysis report which is due in June 2025.
Action 18 has not yet been achieved. Although all further educational colleges have online safety policies in place, there is not yet a sector-wide pilot programme developed. This action will be rolled over into the updated action plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025682%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435797","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435797"}},{"id":"435796","reference":"AQW 25681/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-04","answerBy":"2025-04-23","answered":"2025-04-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how his Department is using the Keeping Safe relationships and sexuality education resources to support the ongoing delivery of the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding curriculum.","answerText":"The delivery of the ‘Keeping Safe’ programme ceased from May 2023 and these resources are no longer available.","answerHtml":"The delivery of the ‘Keeping Safe’ programme ceased from May 2023 and these resources are no longer available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025681%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435796","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435796"}},{"id":"435795","reference":"AQW 25680/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-04","answerBy":"2025-04-23","answered":"2025-04-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how teachers can access the Keeping Safe relationships and sexuality education resources.","answerText":"The delivery of the ‘Keeping Safe’ programme ceased from May 2023 and these resources are no longer available.","answerHtml":"The delivery of the ‘Keeping Safe’ programme ceased from May 2023 and these resources are no longer available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025680%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435795","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435795"}},{"id":"435794","reference":"AQW 25679/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-04","answerBy":"2025-04-23","answered":"2025-04-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of times the Safer Schools NI app has been downloaded; and (ii) the number of monthly users the app has had in the last 12 months.","answerText":"The department is advised that 922 schools have created a schools account on The Safer Schools Northern Ireland app with a total of 55,000 downloads (data provided at 8 April 2025).\n\nThe app does not currently collect monthly active user data.","answerHtml":"The department is advised that 922 schools have created a schools account on The Safer Schools Northern Ireland app with a total of 55,000 downloads (data provided at 8 April 2025).
The app does not currently collect monthly active user data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025679%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435794","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435794"}},{"id":"435793","reference":"AQW 25678/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-04","answerBy":"2025-04-23","answered":"2025-04-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children that were not successful in getting an offer of a funded pre-school place for September 2025 in Admissions Stage 1.","answerText":"The EA has advised that at this stage in the pre-school admissions process, 97% target aged children whose parents applied for a pre-school place have already received an offer of a funded place in a setting of their preference.\n\nThe pre-school admissions process has two stages and stage two remains ongoing at this time. The EA has advised that there are currently 2,316 funded places available to accommodate the 620 children who have not yet received the offer of a funded place in a setting of their parents’ preference.\n\nI would encourage parents to engage with the admissions process to the end and provide further preferences as they have been invited to do in order to maximise the changes of their child being offered a place in one of their preferred settings. Should additional funded places be required in local areas, the EA will adjust allocations to settings accordingly.","answerHtml":"The EA has advised that at this stage in the pre-school admissions process, 97% target aged children whose parents applied for a pre-school place have already received an offer of a funded place in a setting of their preference.
The pre-school admissions process has two stages and stage two remains ongoing at this time. The EA has advised that there are currently 2,316 funded places available to accommodate the 620 children who have not yet received the offer of a funded place in a setting of their parents’ preference.
I would encourage parents to engage with the admissions process to the end and provide further preferences as they have been invited to do in order to maximise the changes of their child being offered a place in one of their preferred settings. Should additional funded places be required in local areas, the EA will adjust allocations to settings accordingly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025678%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435793","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435793"}},{"id":"435599","reference":"AQW 25601/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-03","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will ensure the Education Authority carries out a full review into why Primary 1 and pre-school admission notifications were sent to parents early in error.","answerText":"On 3 April 2025, pre-school and primary school admission notifications were released six days ahead of schedule due to a technical error during testing by service provider Version 1.\n\nThe EA Connect team discovered the error shortly before 7am and immediately escalated it. An EA Incident Response Team was quickly established and a number of key actions were taken which included:\n\nContacting all pre-schools and primary schools to notify them of early release of admission notifications and providing contact details for further support.\n\nIssuing a statement to key media outlets and across EA social media channels providing assurance to parents that the outcome of applications in any emails parent/carers received was correct; advising that parents/carers will be able to log on to EA Connect and accept/reject their child’s place, or list other preferences, from 12 noon on Monday 7 April; and providing contact details for further support.\n\nEA immediately set up a Helpdesk and additional resources were added to throughout the morning and Helpdesk hours were extended until 6 pm\n\nEnsuring all parents and carers received an email or were contacted in relation to the admissions outcome.\n\nResponding to a significant volume of calls and emails.\n\nIn a statement Version 1 apologised for the error:\n\n“We would like to apologise to our valued customer, the Northern Ireland Education Authority, and parents and guardians of children applying for P1 or pre-school places for the 2025-26 academic year. Due to human error during testing of the EA Connect portal, early notifications were sent out today. We are actively investigating to understand how it happened. We recognise the additional pressure early notification has placed on school principals and staff, and we are committed to providing the necessary support to manage the situation.”\n\nThe EA also added its own apology to that already offered to parents by Version 1. Work is underway to determine how this happened and to ensure it cannot happen again.","answerHtml":"On 3 April 2025, pre-school and primary school admission notifications were released six days ahead of schedule due to a technical error during testing by service provider Version 1.
The EA Connect team discovered the error shortly before 7am and immediately escalated it. An EA Incident Response Team was quickly established and a number of key actions were taken which included:
Contacting all pre-schools and primary schools to notify them of early release of admission notifications and providing contact details for further support.
Issuing a statement to key media outlets and across EA social media channels providing assurance to parents that the outcome of applications in any emails parent/carers received was correct; advising that parents/carers will be able to log on to EA Connect and accept/reject their child’s place, or list other preferences, from 12 noon on Monday 7 April; and providing contact details for further support.
EA immediately set up a Helpdesk and additional resources were added to throughout the morning and Helpdesk hours were extended until 6 pm
Ensuring all parents and carers received an email or were contacted in relation to the admissions outcome.
Responding to a significant volume of calls and emails.
In a statement Version 1 apologised for the error:
“We would like to apologise to our valued customer, the Northern Ireland Education Authority, and parents and guardians of children applying for P1 or pre-school places for the 2025-26 academic year. Due to human error during testing of the EA Connect portal, early notifications were sent out today. We are actively investigating to understand how it happened. We recognise the additional pressure early notification has placed on school principals and staff, and we are committed to providing the necessary support to manage the situation.”
The EA also added its own apology to that already offered to parents by Version 1. Work is underway to determine how this happened and to ensure it cannot happen again.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025601%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435599","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435599"}},{"id":"437702","reference":"AQO 1909/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-03","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any measures she will take to ensure that public realm schemes undertaken in Hillsborough and Moira will resurface roads and improve drainage at the same time.","answerText":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality public realm schemes across the North.\n\nWhere schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.\n\nWhilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.\n\nMy Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality public realm schemes across the North.
Where schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.
Whilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.
My Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.
My officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201909%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437702","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437702"}},{"id":"435617","reference":"AQO 1886/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-03","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-29","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the role that social media platforms can play in tackling hate and ending violence against women and girls.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201886%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435617","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-04-29&docID=436284#AQO%201886/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435617"}},{"id":"435434","reference":"AQW 25546/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-02","answerBy":"2025-04-17","answered":"2025-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the definition each Health and Social Care Trust has for a short break in terms of respite care.","answerText":"There are agreed short break definitions in terms of respite care within Children’s and Adult Services, which are utilised by all Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) across Northern Ireland.\n\nAdult Services: Short break care is defined as the provision of regular, occasional or emergency but time limited breaks to those who are caring for others. It is any activity or service of limited duration designed to provide a break for the persons cared for and their carer from the usual commitment. Such a break can be provided on a regular basis over a long term.\n\nChildren’s Services: Short breaks aim to allow a child with a disability to have enjoyable planned experiences away from their primary carers and to create some personal space for carers. The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 [the Children Order] provides that children accommodated for a period of 24 hours or more outside their family home are deemed to be Children Looked After.\n\nHSCTs utilise both statutory and independent sector providers to provide short breaks. Short break services can also be provided through domiciliary care support within people’s own homes. Direct Payments can also facilitate short breaks for individuals and their carers. Shared Lives is also an option for older people and for adults with a learning disability.\n\nHSCTs also deliver short breaks (a series of short term-term placements with the same Foster Carer or in the same place) through Trust provision or in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.\n\nProvision of short break services is aligned to assessed needs and within the financial resources available to each Trust.","answerHtml":"There are agreed short break definitions in terms of respite care within Children’s and Adult Services, which are utilised by all Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) across Northern Ireland.
Adult Services: Short break care is defined as the provision of regular, occasional or emergency but time limited breaks to those who are caring for others. It is any activity or service of limited duration designed to provide a break for the persons cared for and their carer from the usual commitment. Such a break can be provided on a regular basis over a long term.
Children’s Services: Short breaks aim to allow a child with a disability to have enjoyable planned experiences away from their primary carers and to create some personal space for carers. The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 [the Children Order] provides that children accommodated for a period of 24 hours or more outside their family home are deemed to be Children Looked After.
HSCTs utilise both statutory and independent sector providers to provide short breaks. Short break services can also be provided through domiciliary care support within people’s own homes. Direct Payments can also facilitate short breaks for individuals and their carers. Shared Lives is also an option for older people and for adults with a learning disability.
HSCTs also deliver short breaks (a series of short term-term placements with the same Foster Carer or in the same place) through Trust provision or in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.
Provision of short break services is aligned to assessed needs and within the financial resources available to each Trust.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025546%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435434","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435434"}},{"id":"435433","reference":"AQW 25545/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-02","answerBy":"2025-04-17","answered":"2025-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of children with disabilities who have Direct Payments listed on their assessed needs.","answerText":"The Belfast HSC Trust has 319 children with disabilities availing of Direct Payments as an outcome of their assessed need.\n\nThe Northern HSC Trust has 225 Direct Payments for children who are receiving services from the Children with Disability teams. There are 24 Direct Payments for children who are receiving services from the Family Support and Intervention teams.\n\nThe South Eastern HSC Trust currently provides 254 families with Direct Payments to deliver a variety of supports to families with children with severe learning disabilities and or complex medical needs.\n\nThe Southern HSC Trust Children with Disabilities Service currently has 439 children listed as receiving or commencing Direct Payments based on their assessed needs.\n\nThe Western HSC Trust has 293 children with disabilities who have Direct Payments listed on their assessed needs, and are currently in receipt of same. The Western HSC Trust advise that there may be additional children who are also assessed as needing Direct Payments, but who are currently moving through the administration process. Currently, the Western HSC Trust are unable to quantify this number without a manual trawl of cases, which is not possible within the timescales for response.","answerHtml":"The Belfast HSC Trust has 319 children with disabilities availing of Direct Payments as an outcome of their assessed need.
The Northern HSC Trust has 225 Direct Payments for children who are receiving services from the Children with Disability teams. There are 24 Direct Payments for children who are receiving services from the Family Support and Intervention teams.
The South Eastern HSC Trust currently provides 254 families with Direct Payments to deliver a variety of supports to families with children with severe learning disabilities and or complex medical needs.
The Southern HSC Trust Children with Disabilities Service currently has 439 children listed as receiving or commencing Direct Payments based on their assessed needs.
The Western HSC Trust has 293 children with disabilities who have Direct Payments listed on their assessed needs, and are currently in receipt of same. The Western HSC Trust advise that there may be additional children who are also assessed as needing Direct Payments, but who are currently moving through the administration process. Currently, the Western HSC Trust are unable to quantify this number without a manual trawl of cases, which is not possible within the timescales for response.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025545%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435433","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435433"}},{"id":"435432","reference":"AQW 25544/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-02","answerBy":"2025-04-17","answered":"2025-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether a review is taking place of management culture and communication within Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to families seeking children's respite services.","answerText":"There is currently no regional review of management culture and communication within Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to families seeking children’s respite services. However, a Collective Leadership Approach would be the cultural approach adopted across the HSC Trusts.\n\nThe Belfast HSC Trust has informed the Department that they are not aware of any review of management culture and communication within Health and Social Care Trusts, in relation to families seeking children's respite services.\n\nThe Northern HSC Trust has stated that whilst there is currently no formal review in place, Children with Disability management are continuously trying to improve communications including:\n\nConsideration of effective engagement methods with parents/carers, and families who can advise on how to improve communications which will shape and inform an appropriate communication strategy.\n\nThe South Eastern HSC Trust has advised that they have established a range of communication forums with those families seeking Short Breaks. The South Eastern HSC Trust is currently planning to review the management culture and communication across the breath of children’s services to inform a practice of continuous improvement.\n\nThe Southern HSC Trust has informed my Department that if a child has been assessed as requiring short break (respite) services - the Southern HSC Trust will seek to ensure that there is timely and transparent communication with the family in relation to the type of support proposed and when this will be available. Where there is a waiting list in operation - Residential and Fostering waiting lists are regularly reviewed at the overnight forum and the social worker will provide an update to families. In addition, the Southern HSC Trust stated that where there are issues/concerns identified regarding the Trust’s communication with families regarding short breaks via complaints formally or informally, management will be advised of same and will seek to clarify the current position for families and identify any learning which will improve communication processes between the Trust and families.\n\nThe Western Trust have not undertaken a formal review of management culture and communications with families seeking respite services. However, the Western Trust has stated that they are continuously trying to improve communication with families and hold regular planned forums with parents and carers to provide updates regarding the Trust’s position on residential Short Breaks. The Western HSC Trust advise that parents were recently involved in the co-production of service developments in relation to the additional funding allocated. The Service are also in the process of setting up an Involvement Working Group to include some parents who can advise on how to improve communications within the Service.","answerHtml":"There is currently no regional review of management culture and communication within Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to families seeking children’s respite services. However, a Collective Leadership Approach would be the cultural approach adopted across the HSC Trusts.
The Belfast HSC Trust has informed the Department that they are not aware of any review of management culture and communication within Health and Social Care Trusts, in relation to families seeking children's respite services.
The Northern HSC Trust has stated that whilst there is currently no formal review in place, Children with Disability management are continuously trying to improve communications including:
Consideration of effective engagement methods with parents/carers, and families who can advise on how to improve communications which will shape and inform an appropriate communication strategy.
The South Eastern HSC Trust has advised that they have established a range of communication forums with those families seeking Short Breaks. The South Eastern HSC Trust is currently planning to review the management culture and communication across the breath of children’s services to inform a practice of continuous improvement.
The Southern HSC Trust has informed my Department that if a child has been assessed as requiring short break (respite) services - the Southern HSC Trust will seek to ensure that there is timely and transparent communication with the family in relation to the type of support proposed and when this will be available. Where there is a waiting list in operation - Residential and Fostering waiting lists are regularly reviewed at the overnight forum and the social worker will provide an update to families. In addition, the Southern HSC Trust stated that where there are issues/concerns identified regarding the Trust’s communication with families regarding short breaks via complaints formally or informally, management will be advised of same and will seek to clarify the current position for families and identify any learning which will improve communication processes between the Trust and families.
The Western Trust have not undertaken a formal review of management culture and communications with families seeking respite services. However, the Western Trust has stated that they are continuously trying to improve communication with families and hold regular planned forums with parents and carers to provide updates regarding the Trust’s position on residential Short Breaks. The Western HSC Trust advise that parents were recently involved in the co-production of service developments in relation to the additional funding allocated. The Service are also in the process of setting up an Involvement Working Group to include some parents who can advise on how to improve communications within the Service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025544%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435432","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435432"}},{"id":"435431","reference":"AQW 25543/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-02","answerBy":"2025-04-17","answered":"2025-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how each Health and Social Care Trust measures assessed need for children and families seeking children's respite services.","answerText":"It is important that HSC Trusts identify and assess the needs of vulnerable children to ensure that needs are appropriately met at an early stage.\n\nAcross all HSC Trusts in Northern Ireland – the Understanding The Needs of Children In Northern Ireland (UNOCINI) assessment framework is the standardised assessment model that is used within children’s services to measure assessed need for children and families – this includes assessed need in terms of short break / respite support. The UNOCINI is an inter-agency assessment model that was developed in Northern Ireland to:\n\nimprove the quality of assessment within stakeholder agencies.\n\nassist in communicating the needs of children across agencies.\n\navoid the escalation of children’s needs through early identification of need and effective intervention.","answerHtml":"It is important that HSC Trusts identify and assess the needs of vulnerable children to ensure that needs are appropriately met at an early stage.
Across all HSC Trusts in Northern Ireland – the Understanding The Needs of Children In Northern Ireland (UNOCINI) assessment framework is the standardised assessment model that is used within children’s services to measure assessed need for children and families – this includes assessed need in terms of short break / respite support. The UNOCINI is an inter-agency assessment model that was developed in Northern Ireland to:
improve the quality of assessment within stakeholder agencies.
assist in communicating the needs of children across agencies.
avoid the escalation of children’s needs through early identification of need and effective intervention.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025543%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435431","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435431"}},{"id":"435430","reference":"AQW 25542/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-02","answerBy":"2025-04-17","answered":"2025-05-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the definition each Health and Social Care Trust has for children deemed on the edge of care.","answerText":"In June 2022 my Department and the Department of Education updated ‘A Life Deserved: ‘Caring for Children & Young People in Northern Ireland’. This strategy for Looked After Children outlines that by ‘edge of care’ we mean one of a number of things:\n\nLiving in Families with intense needs and requiring intensive supports [on the edge of coming into care];\n\nReturning home from a period of care [on the edge of a [short] period in care];\n\nLeaving care to make the journey into adult life [on the edge of ageing out of care].\n\nIt also applies to children and young people who have left care and are still in need of some support; including those who have been adopted; those who are living in a family under a Private Law Order; and those who are supported in independent living in early adulthood.\n\nEach Health and Social Care Trust have advised that they utilise this definition.","answerHtml":"In June 2022 my Department and the Department of Education updated ‘A Life Deserved: ‘Caring for Children & Young People in Northern Ireland’. This strategy for Looked After Children outlines that by ‘edge of care’ we mean one of a number of things:
Living in Families with intense needs and requiring intensive supports [on the edge of coming into care];
Returning home from a period of care [on the edge of a [short] period in care];
Leaving care to make the journey into adult life [on the edge of ageing out of care].
It also applies to children and young people who have left care and are still in need of some support; including those who have been adopted; those who are living in a family under a Private Law Order; and those who are supported in independent living in early adulthood.
Each Health and Social Care Trust have advised that they utilise this definition.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025542%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435430","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435430"}},{"id":"435238","reference":"AQW 25486/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-01","answerBy":"2025-04-16","answered":"2025-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of teachers that have taken leave due to stress-related illnesses; and (ii) the total number of sick days recorded due to stress-related illnesses, in the last five years.","answerText":"The Department’s Teachers’ Pay Team has provided the following figures;\n\nThere have been 2,169 teachers who have been absent due to stress-related illness in the last 5 years.\n\nA total of 120,308 days absence due to stress-related illness in the last 5 years has been recorded.\n\nPlease note;\n\nFigures do not include teachers from voluntary grammar schools.\n\nFigures are taken for the previous 5 financial years.","answerHtml":"The Department’s Teachers’ Pay Team has provided the following figures;
There have been 2,169 teachers who have been absent due to stress-related illness in the last 5 years.
A total of 120,308 days absence due to stress-related illness in the last 5 years has been recorded.
Please note;
Figures do not include teachers from voluntary grammar schools.
Figures are taken for the previous 5 financial years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025486%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435238","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435238"}},{"id":"435237","reference":"AQW 25485/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-01","answerBy":"2025-04-16","answered":"2025-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils (i) suspended; and (ii) permanently excluded from (a) primary schools; and (b) post-primary schools, in the last five years.","answerText":"The number of pupils (i) suspended; and (ii) permanently excluded from (a) primary school; and (b) post-primary school the last five years for which data are available.\n\nAcademic year\tPrimary schools\tPost-primary schools\nNumber of pupils suspended\tNumber of pupils expelled\tNumber of pupils suspended\tNumber of pupils expelled\n2022/23\t206\t0\t4904\t23\n2021/22\t166\t0\t3530\t20\n2020/21\t118\t0\t3371\t25\n2019/20\t197\t0\t3088\t11\n2018/19\t317\t0\t4170\t30\n\nSource: Pupil suspensions and expulsions | Department of Education\n\nNotes:\n\nFigures relate to pupils of statutory school age.\n\nDue to school closures related to Covid-19 in 2019/20 and 202/21 comparisons to\n\nother years should be treated with caution.","answerHtml":"The number of pupils (i) suspended; and (ii) permanently excluded from (a) primary school; and (b) post-primary school the last five years for which data are available.
| Academic year | Primary schools | Post-primary schools | ||
| Number of pupils suspended | Number of pupils expelled | Number of pupils suspended | Number of pupils expelled | |
| 2022/23 | 206 | 0 | 4904 | 23 |
| 2021/22 | 166 | 0 | 3530 | 20 |
| 2020/21 | 118 | 0 | 3371 | 25 |
| 2019/20 | 197 | 0 | 3088 | 11 |
| 2018/19 | 317 | 0 | 4170 | 30 |
Source: Pupil suspensions and expulsions | Department of Education
Notes:
Figures relate to pupils of statutory school age.
Due to school closures related to Covid-19 in 2019/20 and 202/21 comparisons to
other years should be treated with caution.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025485%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435237","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435237"}},{"id":"434976","reference":"AQW 25380/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-31","answerBy":"2025-04-03","answered":"2025-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of appropriate school places that need to be found for children with a statement of special educational need for September 2025.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nEarly planning assumptions for September 2025 showed that there was a need for circa 1300 places. While the EA has worked to increase the majority of this capacity across the school estate, there is an assumed pressure of circa 400 places remaining in advance of the new academic year.\n\nThe EA has now commenced a more intensive round of engagements, prior to Easter, with those schools in areas with the greatest demand for capacity to secure the remaining placements in advance of the new academic year.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
Early planning assumptions for September 2025 showed that there was a need for circa 1300 places. While the EA has worked to increase the majority of this capacity across the school estate, there is an assumed pressure of circa 400 places remaining in advance of the new academic year.
The EA has now commenced a more intensive round of engagements, prior to Easter, with those schools in areas with the greatest demand for capacity to secure the remaining placements in advance of the new academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025380%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434976","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434976"}},{"id":"434975","reference":"AQW 25379/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-31","answerBy":"2025-04-15","answered":"2025-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether recommendations from the Education Training Inspectorate's 2012 - 2013 report entitled An evaluation of the provision to meet the needs of pupils with persistent and challenging behaviour in special schools, were implemented.","answerText":"This report and its recommendations were considered within the End-to-End Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) which identified the need for investment in and building of a skilled and confident workforce with access to SEN focused resources and support to meet children’s needs.\n\nMy SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan, under the Right People pillar, includes a number of actions, and demonstrates my commitment to investing in the educational workforce ensuring they are supported, valued and empowered to build supportive learning environments for pupils with SEN.","answerHtml":"This report and its recommendations were considered within the End-to-End Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) which identified the need for investment in and building of a skilled and confident workforce with access to SEN focused resources and support to meet children’s needs.
My SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan, under the Right People pillar, includes a number of actions, and demonstrates my commitment to investing in the educational workforce ensuring they are supported, valued and empowered to build supportive learning environments for pupils with SEN.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025379%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434975","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434975"}},{"id":"434974","reference":"AQW 25378/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-31","answerBy":"2025-04-15","answered":"2025-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of nursery schools that are currently in deficit are in receipt of both principal release funding and small school support.","answerText":"There are 93 statutory nursery schools. 38 reported a deficit as at 31 March 2024.\n\nUnder the Common Funding Scheme, nursery schools do not attract Primary Principals’ Release Time factor or the Small Schools Support factor.","answerHtml":"There are 93 statutory nursery schools. 38 reported a deficit as at 31 March 2024.
Under the Common Funding Scheme, nursery schools do not attract Primary Principals’ Release Time factor or the Small Schools Support factor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025378%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434974","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434974"}},{"id":"434973","reference":"AQW 25377/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-31","answerBy":"2025-04-15","answered":"2025-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of nursery schools currently in deficit.","answerText":"There are 93 statutory nursery schools. 38 reported a deficit as at 31 March 2024.\n\nUnder the Common Funding Scheme, nursery schools do not attract Primary Principals’ Release Time factor or the Small Schools Support factor.","answerHtml":"There are 93 statutory nursery schools. 38 reported a deficit as at 31 March 2024.
Under the Common Funding Scheme, nursery schools do not attract Primary Principals’ Release Time factor or the Small Schools Support factor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025377%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434973","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434973"}},{"id":"434727","reference":"AQW 25304/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-14","answered":"2025-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they are developing an updated Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The Department of Health has sponsorship of the Executive’s ‘Keeping children and young people safe: an Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland’ and accompanying three-year Action Plan, which were published in February 2021. As the online safety regulator, Ofcom has responsibilities for addressing harms to women and girls online. In February, Ofcom launched a consultation on Guidance for A Safer Life Online for Women and Girls as part of the requirements of the Online Safety Act 2023. Junior Ministers met with Ofcom earlier this year to discuss a range of issues including the consultation on Ofcom’s draft guidance on VAWG, as well as their Media Literacy Strategy. Our officials continue to liaise with Ofcom officials.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health has sponsorship of the Executive’s ‘Keeping children and young people safe: an Online Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland’ and accompanying three-year Action Plan, which were published in February 2021. As the online safety regulator, Ofcom has responsibilities for addressing harms to women and girls online. In February, Ofcom launched a consultation on Guidance for A Safer Life Online for Women and Girls as part of the requirements of the Online Safety Act 2023. Junior Ministers met with Ofcom earlier this year to discuss a range of issues including the consultation on Ofcom’s draft guidance on VAWG, as well as their Media Literacy Strategy. Our officials continue to liaise with Ofcom officials.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025304%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434727","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434727"}},{"id":"434726","reference":"AQW 25303/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-14","answered":"2025-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department will ensure that the number of pupils on a reduced timetable are tracked.","answerText":"Officials are working closely with EA colleagues to ensure that it will be possible to record absences at a more detailed level than at present through the use of a designated absence code from the commencement of the 2025/26 academic year, subject to the implementation of Edis.","answerHtml":"Officials are working closely with EA colleagues to ensure that it will be possible to record absences at a more detailed level than at present through the use of a designated absence code from the commencement of the 2025/26 academic year, subject to the implementation of Edis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025303%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434726","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434726"}},{"id":"434725","reference":"AQW 25302/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-14","answered":"2025-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the process to appoint a Special Educational Needs Champion.","answerText":"Work is ongoing to complete a phased, costed operational plan which will sit behind the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan, with immediate priority on the nine projects funded from the Public Service Transformation Fund.\n\nThe remit of the SEN Champion and how that person(s) will be appointed will be defined in due course in collaboration with key stakeholders.","answerHtml":"Work is ongoing to complete a phased, costed operational plan which will sit behind the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan, with immediate priority on the nine projects funded from the Public Service Transformation Fund.
The remit of the SEN Champion and how that person(s) will be appointed will be defined in due course in collaboration with key stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025302%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434725","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434725"}},{"id":"434724","reference":"AQW 25301/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-14","answered":"2025-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what the remit of the Special Educational Needs Champion will be.","answerText":"Work is ongoing to complete a phased, costed operational plan which will sit behind the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan, with immediate priority on the nine projects funded from the Public Service Transformation Fund.\n\nThe remit of the SEN Champion and how that person(s) will be appointed will be defined in due course in collaboration with key stakeholders.","answerHtml":"Work is ongoing to complete a phased, costed operational plan which will sit behind the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan, with immediate priority on the nine projects funded from the Public Service Transformation Fund.
The remit of the SEN Champion and how that person(s) will be appointed will be defined in due course in collaboration with key stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025301%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434724","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434724"}},{"id":"433596","reference":"AQW 24836/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-21","answerBy":"2025-04-07","answered":"2025-03-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the learnings that can be considered from the Scoil Spreagtha scheme in bridging the gap that exists in terms of the absence of second-language learning at primary level.","answerText":"My Department has not been involved in the Scoil Spreagtha project nor has it provided any funding. Therefore, no such assessment has been carried out.\n\nThe teaching of a second language is encouraged at both Foundation and Key Stages 1 and 2.","answerHtml":"My Department has not been involved in the Scoil Spreagtha project nor has it provided any funding. Therefore, no such assessment has been carried out.
The teaching of a second language is encouraged at both Foundation and Key Stages 1 and 2.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024836%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433596","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433596"}},{"id":"433595","reference":"AQW 24835/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-21","answerBy":"2025-04-07","answered":"2025-04-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of the impact the funding cuts affecting Foras na Gaeilge have had on the development of Scoil Spreagtha as a scheme and the strategic growth of the Irish language as a result.","answerText":"My department provided around £3.6m in funding to Foras na Gaeilge in 2024 to allow them to meet their statutory responsibilities. I have no plans to reduce this funding in 2025.\n\nDecisions around funding priorities, including the level of funding provided for the Scoil Spreagtha scheme, is an operational matter for Foras na Gaeilge, and their Board.","answerHtml":"My department provided around £3.6m in funding to Foras na Gaeilge in 2024 to allow them to meet their statutory responsibilities. I have no plans to reduce this funding in 2025.
Decisions around funding priorities, including the level of funding provided for the Scoil Spreagtha scheme, is an operational matter for Foras na Gaeilge, and their Board.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024835%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433595","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433595"}},{"id":"433594","reference":"AQW 24834/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-21","answerBy":"2025-04-07","answered":"2025-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children and young people with Severe Learning Difficulties in special schools in the last five years.","answerText":"School Census information below shows the number of pupils enrolled in special schools who were recorded as having Severe Learning Difficulties 2019/20 to 2024/25. This information relates to census day which is the Friday of the first full week in October.\n\nAcademic Year\tNo. of pupils\n2019/20\t3,137\n2020/21\t3,341\n2021/22\t3,605\n2022/23\t3,925\n2023/24\tNo data available\n2024/25\t4,648\n\nSource: Northern Ireland School Census\n\nNotes\n\nThe 2023/24 School Census data collection was impacted by industrial action, due to Action Short of Strike.","answerHtml":"School Census information below shows the number of pupils enrolled in special schools who were recorded as having Severe Learning Difficulties 2019/20 to 2024/25. This information relates to census day which is the Friday of the first full week in October.
| Academic Year | No. of pupils |
| 2019/20 | 3,137 |
| 2020/21 | 3,341 |
| 2021/22 | 3,605 |
| 2022/23 | 3,925 |
| 2023/24 | No data available |
| 2024/25 | 4,648 |
Source: Northern Ireland School Census
Notes
The 2023/24 School Census data collection was impacted by industrial action, due to Action Short of Strike.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024834%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433594","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433594"}},{"id":"433593","reference":"AQW 24833/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-21","answerBy":"2025-04-07","answered":"2025-04-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of special schools that have been re-categorised from the category of schools for Moderate Learning Difficulties to that of schools for Severe Learning Difficulties.","answerText":"My department has not received any development proposals to change the designation of a Special School.\n\nThe Education Authority has confirmed that since the approval of the Special Schools Area Planning Framework in October 2021, no Special School has been re-designated from Moderate Learning Difficulties to Severe Learning Difficulties.","answerHtml":"My department has not received any development proposals to change the designation of a Special School.
The Education Authority has confirmed that since the approval of the Special Schools Area Planning Framework in October 2021, no Special School has been re-designated from Moderate Learning Difficulties to Severe Learning Difficulties.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024833%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433593","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433593"}},{"id":"433592","reference":"AQW 24832/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-21","answerBy":"2025-04-07","answered":"2025-04-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether there has been a policy change to the effect that special schools are now the only location where children and young people with Severe Learning Difficulties are placed.","answerText":"The statutory duty for the placement of children rests with the Education Authority (EA) under Article 6 of the 1986 Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order.\n\nChildren with special educational needs (SEN) are educated in a range of education settings dependent on their individual needs and parental preference.","answerHtml":"The statutory duty for the placement of children rests with the Education Authority (EA) under Article 6 of the 1986 Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order.
Children with special educational needs (SEN) are educated in a range of education settings dependent on their individual needs and parental preference.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024832%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433592","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433592"}},{"id":"433374","reference":"AQW 24757/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-20","answerBy":"2025-04-04","answered":"2025-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any plans in place to ensure that bereaved parents are engaged and consulted with in relation to forthcoming legislation on the baby loss certificate scheme.","answerText":"I am keen to see a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme taken forward as quickly as possible to give bereaved families the opportunity to have formal recognition of their loss. I want all parents and families who suffered the devastating loss of a baby to feel that their grief is recognised. The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill, which will provide a power to make regulations to form a scheme, completed its First Stage in the Assembly on 25 March 2025.\n\nIt is my intention that this scheme will be preceded by a public consultation in order to take the views of families who have been impacted Baby Loss. It is important to me that the final scheme is shaped by the findings of that consultation. My Department will continue to work with the Department of Health to ensure that the legislation we bring forward to enact the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme reflects the needs of people here.","answerHtml":"I am keen to see a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme taken forward as quickly as possible to give bereaved families the opportunity to have formal recognition of their loss. I want all parents and families who suffered the devastating loss of a baby to feel that their grief is recognised. The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill, which will provide a power to make regulations to form a scheme, completed its First Stage in the Assembly on 25 March 2025.
It is my intention that this scheme will be preceded by a public consultation in order to take the views of families who have been impacted Baby Loss. It is important to me that the final scheme is shaped by the findings of that consultation. My Department will continue to work with the Department of Health to ensure that the legislation we bring forward to enact the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme reflects the needs of people here.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024757%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433374","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433374"}},{"id":"433373","reference":"AQW 24756/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-20","answerBy":"2025-04-04","answered":"2025-03-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the outcome of the consultation from 2022 on Miscarriage Leave and Pay.","answerText":"The consultation analysis is at an advanced stage and the intention is to publish the Departmental response paper before the summer recess.","answerHtml":"The consultation analysis is at an advanced stage and the intention is to publish the Departmental response paper before the summer recess.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024756%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433373","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433373"}},{"id":"433372","reference":"AQW 24755/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-20","answerBy":"2025-04-04","answered":"2025-03-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the introduction of legislation for miscarriage leave and pay.","answerText":"The addition of the entitlement for parental bereavement leave and pay in cases of miscarriage is to be provided for by April 2026, in line with the requirements of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.","answerHtml":"The addition of the entitlement for parental bereavement leave and pay in cases of miscarriage is to be provided for by April 2026, in line with the requirements of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024755%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433372","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433372"}},{"id":"432407","reference":"AQW 24334/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-12","answerBy":"2025-03-18","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 23560/22-27, for a breakdown of those employed directly by the Education Authority.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is the employing authority for all support staff employed in controlled and maintained schools.\n\nThe table below provides a breakdown of the categories of staff by whether the role of employer is carried out by the Board of Governors, on behalf of the EA, or by the EA itself.\n\nBoard of Governors\tEA\nClassroom Assistant\nSupervisory Assistant\nBuilding Supervisor\nCleaning Staff*\nExtended & After Schools Staff\nOther including invigilators, language assistants, sports coaches and technicians\tTransport Staff\nCatering Staff\nYouth Workers\nCleaning Staff (EA Cleaning Service)\n\n* Schools that do not avail of EA Cleaning Service employ cleaners directly","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is the employing authority for all support staff employed in controlled and maintained schools.
The table below provides a breakdown of the categories of staff by whether the role of employer is carried out by the Board of Governors, on behalf of the EA, or by the EA itself.
| Board of Governors | EA |
| Classroom Assistant Supervisory Assistant Building Supervisor Cleaning Staff* Extended & After Schools Staff Other including invigilators, language assistants, sports coaches and technicians | Transport Staff Catering Staff Youth Workers Cleaning Staff (EA Cleaning Service) |
* Schools that do not avail of EA Cleaning Service employ cleaners directly
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024334%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432407","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432407"}},{"id":"432159","reference":"AQW 24229/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-11","answerBy":"2025-03-27","answered":"2025-03-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are incidents when road defects reported through the NI Direct reporting tool are deleted without action being taken.","answerText":"My department receives a high volume of surface defect enquiries, such as potholes, and regrettably it is not possible to investigate all of these, and therefore many are dealt with during the next planned routine inspection of the area. During an ad-hoc investigation of a reported defect, repair work is also only carried out subject to a defect meeting our current intervention levels set out in the ‘Limited Service’ policy, (see Director of Engineering memorandum ‘Road maintenance standards for safety – limited service': https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/network-maintenance). Defects that meet the intervention level will be updated with a repair and added to a contractor works programme with other work. Should a reported defect not meet the intervention level, is a duplicate, or is already repaired following a recent safety inspection of the area, then this is updated with a no further action (NFA) description.\n\nCustomers can obtain an update on an individual reported defect by entering the enquiry reference number into the Track-a-fault facility on the NI Direct website. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/track-progress-reported-road-fault-or-issue.\n\nYou can upload pothole enquiries on the following Open Data NI website link: https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@transportni/pothole-enquiries.","answerHtml":"My department receives a high volume of surface defect enquiries, such as potholes, and regrettably it is not possible to investigate all of these, and therefore many are dealt with during the next planned routine inspection of the area. During an ad-hoc investigation of a reported defect, repair work is also only carried out subject to a defect meeting our current intervention levels set out in the ‘Limited Service’ policy, (see Director of Engineering memorandum ‘Road maintenance standards for safety – limited service': https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/network-maintenance). Defects that meet the intervention level will be updated with a repair and added to a contractor works programme with other work. Should a reported defect not meet the intervention level, is a duplicate, or is already repaired following a recent safety inspection of the area, then this is updated with a no further action (NFA) description.
Customers can obtain an update on an individual reported defect by entering the enquiry reference number into the Track-a-fault facility on the NI Direct website. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/track-progress-reported-road-fault-or-issue.
You can upload pothole enquiries on the following Open Data NI website link: https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@transportni/pothole-enquiries.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024229%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432159"}},{"id":"432158","reference":"AQW 24228/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-11","answerBy":"2025-03-27","answered":"2025-03-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of potholes reported through the NI Direct reporting tool where (i) action has been taken; (ii) action is awaiting; and (iii) no action was taken and the report deleted, in the last two years.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.\n\nCustomers can report road and lighting defects directly on the NI Direct website portal, or can phone 0300 200 7899 (24 hours a day), and a member of the call centre staff will submit this on the portal on a customer’s behalf.\n\nThe table below shows the total number of pothole enquiries received between 1st March 2024 to 11th March 2025 broken down by Council area. The information also shows the number investigated by my officials, detailing where action or no action has been taken as a result.\n\nAction taken with regard to defects can involve the addition of the repair to a works programme or notification to a third party for them to take action. Those marked as no action refer to defects which do not meet the intervention levels of my department’s current policy, are duplications in the system, or have already been repaired as part of follow up action from a routine safety inspection of the area.\n\nPeriod\t1-Mar-23 to\n1-Mar-24\t1-Mar-24 to\n1-Mar-25\tTotal\nAction taken (Investigated)\t14,220\t8,715\t22,935\nNo Action (Investigated)\t7,616\t4,959\t12,575\n\nDetails on pothole enquires can be found by following the Open Data NI website link: https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@transportni/pothole-enquiries.\n\nYou might also be interested in the road surface defects data published on: https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@transportni/surface-defects, mainly recorded during routine safety inspections as well as ad-hoc site investigations. This includes the surface defect category descriptions, e.g. pothole, rutted, depressed, cracked, crazed uneven, edge deterioration etc, and also shows the status and completion date of any repairs.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.
Customers can report road and lighting defects directly on the NI Direct website portal, or can phone 0300 200 7899 (24 hours a day), and a member of the call centre staff will submit this on the portal on a customer’s behalf.
The table below shows the total number of pothole enquiries received between 1st March 2024 to 11th March 2025 broken down by Council area. The information also shows the number investigated by my officials, detailing where action or no action has been taken as a result.
Action taken with regard to defects can involve the addition of the repair to a works programme or notification to a third party for them to take action. Those marked as no action refer to defects which do not meet the intervention levels of my department’s current policy, are duplications in the system, or have already been repaired as part of follow up action from a routine safety inspection of the area.
| Period | 1-Mar-23 to 1-Mar-24 | 1-Mar-24 to 1-Mar-25 | Total |
| Action taken (Investigated) | 14,220 | 8,715 | 22,935 |
| No Action (Investigated) | 7,616 | 4,959 | 12,575 |
Details on pothole enquires can be found by following the Open Data NI website link: https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@transportni/pothole-enquiries.
You might also be interested in the road surface defects data published on: https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@transportni/surface-defects, mainly recorded during routine safety inspections as well as ad-hoc site investigations. This includes the surface defect category descriptions, e.g. pothole, rutted, depressed, cracked, crazed uneven, edge deterioration etc, and also shows the status and completion date of any repairs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024228%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432158"}},{"id":"432157","reference":"AQW 24227/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-11","answerBy":"2025-03-27","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of public liability claims against her Department due to injuries suffered as a result of the pavement conditions in Moira in the last five years.","answerText":"My Department does not maintain its claim records by town, but by DfI Roads Section Office which broadly mirror council areas. Moira is therefore covered by the Lisburn and Castlereagh Office. Table 1 below details the number of personal injury public liability claims in each of the last full financial years, where the accident has been specifically recorded on my Department’s Claims Management System as having occurred on a footway in the Lisburn and Castlereagh office area.\n\nTable 1\n\nFinancial year\tNumber of claims received\n2019/2020\t10\n2020/2021\t15\n2021/2022\t9\n2022/2023\t19\n2023/2024\t20","answerHtml":"My Department does not maintain its claim records by town, but by DfI Roads Section Office which broadly mirror council areas. Moira is therefore covered by the Lisburn and Castlereagh Office. Table 1 below details the number of personal injury public liability claims in each of the last full financial years, where the accident has been specifically recorded on my Department’s Claims Management System as having occurred on a footway in the Lisburn and Castlereagh office area.
Table 1
| Financial year | Number of claims received |
| 2019/2020 | 10 |
| 2020/2021 | 15 |
| 2021/2022 | 9 |
| 2022/2023 | 19 |
| 2023/2024 | 20 |
My priority remains to ensure that all children have safe access to education, supported by the necessary clinical support. To help ensure this, my Department’s Chief Nursing Officer has commissioned the Public Health Agency to work in partnership with the Education Authority and other key stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment to scope the healthcare needs of children attending mainstream and special education schools.
I anticipate that a final report will be completed for consideration by the end of May 2025. It will allow us to identify the specific health challenges faced by this population, evaluate the complexity of their needs, and determine the support systems necessary to ensure timely, child-specific care within the school environment.
There are no plans for further changes in the current provision of on-site nursing support in Special Education Needs schools until that review is completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024057%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431616","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431616"}},{"id":"431615","reference":"AQW 24056/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-07","answerBy":"2025-03-25","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following his request that the Education Authority (EA) urgently reviews the Access NI process, whether the EA will publish any changes it is making to the process.","answerText":"On 4 February 2025, the Education Authority (EA) notified all schools that they had changed the Access NI process to require new employees to provide all the documentation necessary for checks before they receive their first payment. This should prevent any future build-up of outstanding vetting checks associated with temporary engagement.\n\nThe Department of Education (DE) is also carrying out an urgent review of DE Circular 2024/10 Pre-Employment / Access NI Check Requirements and Safer Recruitment Practices for Staff and Volunteers Working in or Providing a Service for Schools/Education Settings. The proposed changes include the introduction of a requirement for Access NI documentation to be submitted to the EA on day one of employment where an individual is appointed via the emergency recruitment process. In addition, it is proposed that the school leader will be required to seek a reference from a previous employer, which focuses on safeguarding and child protection.\n\nThe revised Circular will be published on the DE website as soon as the consultation process concludes, and all schools will be notified accordingly. Any additional changes to the Access NI process will be communicated to schools and service users in due course.","answerHtml":"On 4 February 2025, the Education Authority (EA) notified all schools that they had changed the Access NI process to require new employees to provide all the documentation necessary for checks before they receive their first payment. This should prevent any future build-up of outstanding vetting checks associated with temporary engagement.
The Department of Education (DE) is also carrying out an urgent review of DE Circular 2024/10 Pre-Employment / Access NI Check Requirements and Safer Recruitment Practices for Staff and Volunteers Working in or Providing a Service for Schools/Education Settings. The proposed changes include the introduction of a requirement for Access NI documentation to be submitted to the EA on day one of employment where an individual is appointed via the emergency recruitment process. In addition, it is proposed that the school leader will be required to seek a reference from a previous employer, which focuses on safeguarding and child protection.
The revised Circular will be published on the DE website as soon as the consultation process concludes, and all schools will be notified accordingly. Any additional changes to the Access NI process will be communicated to schools and service users in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024056%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431615","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431615"}},{"id":"431614","reference":"AQW 24055/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-07","answerBy":"2025-03-25","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will publish the business case for Strule Shared Education Campus.","answerText":"The Department does not routinely publish business cases. The Full Business Case (FBC) for Strule and all accompanying Departmental advice are commercially sensitive documentation and there are no plans to publish the FBC at this time.\n\nThe FBC was shared with the Executive who following review agreed that the Strule Shared Education Campus should proceed immediately to contract award.","answerHtml":"The Department does not routinely publish business cases. The Full Business Case (FBC) for Strule and all accompanying Departmental advice are commercially sensitive documentation and there are no plans to publish the FBC at this time.
The FBC was shared with the Executive who following review agreed that the Strule Shared Education Campus should proceed immediately to contract award.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024055%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431614","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431614"}},{"id":"431428","reference":"AQW 23987/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-06","answerBy":"2025-03-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to send patients to Evelina Children’s Hospital for paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023987%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431428","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431428"}},{"id":"431427","reference":"AQW 23986/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-06","answerBy":"2025-03-24","answered":"2025-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current number of children awaiting paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery.","answerText":"As of 14th November 2025, 7 children are waiting for paediatric Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Surgery. Of these 7 patients waiting:\n\n2 patients have dates booked for surgery before the end of November;\n\n3 patients are booked for surgery in December;\n\nBHSCT have advised that the they are aiming to book the 2 further children for surgery in January.\n\nA further 10 children are currently medically or socially suspended on the waiting list.","answerHtml":"As of 14th November 2025, 7 children are waiting for paediatric Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Surgery. Of these 7 patients waiting:
2 patients have dates booked for surgery before the end of November;
3 patients are booked for surgery in December;
BHSCT have advised that the they are aiming to book the 2 further children for surgery in January.
A further 10 children are currently medically or socially suspended on the waiting list.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023986%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431427","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431427"}},{"id":"431426","reference":"AQW 23985/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-06","answerBy":"2025-03-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans in place to clear the waiting list of children awaiting paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023985%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431426","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431426"}},{"id":"431425","reference":"AQW 23984/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-06","answerBy":"2025-03-24","answered":"2025-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the pavement resurfacing work that has been completed in Hillsborough in the last ten years.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.\n\nThere are many roads that would undoubtedly benefit from investment, including those in Hillsborough, however, due to a limited budget, resurfacing work must be taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.\n\nDetails of resurfacing work carried out in Hillsborough is provided in the Department’s Annual Reports to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. These reports can be viewed on the Department’s website www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications .","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.
There are many roads that would undoubtedly benefit from investment, including those in Hillsborough, however, due to a limited budget, resurfacing work must be taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.
Details of resurfacing work carried out in Hillsborough is provided in the Department’s Annual Reports to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. These reports can be viewed on the Department’s website www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications .
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023984%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431425","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431425"}},{"id":"431424","reference":"AQW 23983/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-06","answerBy":"2025-03-24","answered":"2025-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether her Department monitors the level of heavy good vehicles passing through (a) Moira; and (b) Hillsborough; and (ii) how this impacts the requirement for road repairs.","answerText":"My Department does not specifically monitor the level of heavy goods vehicles passing through Moira Village.\n\nOfficials have commissioned an assessment of the suitability of alternative routes within Royal Hillsborough following a request for a weight limit restriction to be introduced in the whole village, including Carnreagh. This work is nearing completion and, as part of the assessment, surveys of heavy goods vehicle movements have been undertaken. A final report on the findings will be available in the coming months.\n\nThe footways and carriageways in Royal Hillsborough and Moira are inspected on a routine cyclical basis and any defects identified are noted and passed to the contractor for repair in accordance with my Department’s current maintenance policy.","answerHtml":"My Department does not specifically monitor the level of heavy goods vehicles passing through Moira Village.
Officials have commissioned an assessment of the suitability of alternative routes within Royal Hillsborough following a request for a weight limit restriction to be introduced in the whole village, including Carnreagh. This work is nearing completion and, as part of the assessment, surveys of heavy goods vehicle movements have been undertaken. A final report on the findings will be available in the coming months.
The footways and carriageways in Royal Hillsborough and Moira are inspected on a routine cyclical basis and any defects identified are noted and passed to the contractor for repair in accordance with my Department’s current maintenance policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023983%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431424","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431424"}},{"id":"431449","reference":"AQO 1731/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-06","answerBy":"2025-03-18","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline next steps for the development of the Maze Long Kesh site.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"We recognise the immense economic, historical and reconciliation potential of the site and are committed to working with the Maze/Long Kesh (MLK) board to maximise those opportunities for the benefit of all. The board met the TEO permanent secretary on 27 February 2025. We have since received advice from officials on the options for the board and on the immediate priorities. That is under consideration in our office, but no decisions have been made yet on the future of the site."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"First Minister, thank you for your answer. Have you been presented with options for the MLK Development Corporation on a way forward, and have those been considered? What are the next steps?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"As I said, we recently received information on the specific options. We have to meet our permanent secretary to discuss those. No decisions have been made. We have to discuss them, because, as I have said in the Chamber, we need political agreement on the enormous economic potential of the site; you know that. I know that you agree with that, as do many others here. It could be a game changer for our local economy, so I hope that we can get political agreement and that we can open the site in a way that will bring huge benefits to our local economy."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Mr Brett is not in his place."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201731%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431449","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-18&docID=432305#AQO%201731/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431449"}},{"id":"431056","reference":"AQW 23825/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-04","answerBy":"2025-03-20","answered":"2025-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions he is taking to reduce levels of loneliness in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Northern Ireland does not currently have a specific strategy to address loneliness nor one organisation identified to lead on this work. However, it is widely acknowledged that it is an important cross cutting issue that no one organization can tackle independently. It requires a collective and collaborative approach across sectors including, central government, statutory, voluntary and community sectors.\n\nRecognising that as a society, the issue of loneliness needs to be given greater prominence, my department carried out a scoping study in 2020 to identify existing and emerging policies, strategies and initiatives that are in place across the HSC that make a positive contribution to tackling loneliness. Subsequently a Loneliness Forum was established that includes HSC Trusts, the Public Health Agency, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and DoH staff. DAERA also participate in the forum. The DOH/HSC forum focuses on promoting and sharing best practice.\n\nMy Department is committed to continuing to lead the DOH/HSC Forum and we will liaise with all stakeholders, including other Departments, to further develop plans to tackle loneliness.","answerHtml":"Northern Ireland does not currently have a specific strategy to address loneliness nor one organisation identified to lead on this work. However, it is widely acknowledged that it is an important cross cutting issue that no one organization can tackle independently. It requires a collective and collaborative approach across sectors including, central government, statutory, voluntary and community sectors.
Recognising that as a society, the issue of loneliness needs to be given greater prominence, my department carried out a scoping study in 2020 to identify existing and emerging policies, strategies and initiatives that are in place across the HSC that make a positive contribution to tackling loneliness. Subsequently a Loneliness Forum was established that includes HSC Trusts, the Public Health Agency, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and DoH staff. DAERA also participate in the forum. The DOH/HSC forum focuses on promoting and sharing best practice.
My Department is committed to continuing to lead the DOH/HSC Forum and we will liaise with all stakeholders, including other Departments, to further develop plans to tackle loneliness.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023825%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431056","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431056"}},{"id":"431055","reference":"AQW 23824/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-04","answerBy":"2025-03-20","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will install a filter light for cars turning from Main Street, Moira, onto Meeting Street.","answerText":"When considering traffic signalling arrangements, there needs to be a balanced approach to both the differing traffic movements at any given junction and also the competing pedestrian demands whilst minimising congestion and maintaining road safety. Any change to a signalling needs to consider the impact on this balance.\n\nOfficials within my Department have reviewed the current traffic signalling arrangements at Main Street, Moira and consider that the current volume of right turning traffic is adequately managed within the present traffic signalling arrangement. The extra time required for the additional stages needed to facilitate a right turn filter lane would create unnecessary delays to this junction, causing increased congestion in Moira Village.","answerHtml":"When considering traffic signalling arrangements, there needs to be a balanced approach to both the differing traffic movements at any given junction and also the competing pedestrian demands whilst minimising congestion and maintaining road safety. Any change to a signalling needs to consider the impact on this balance.
Officials within my Department have reviewed the current traffic signalling arrangements at Main Street, Moira and consider that the current volume of right turning traffic is adequately managed within the present traffic signalling arrangement. The extra time required for the additional stages needed to facilitate a right turn filter lane would create unnecessary delays to this junction, causing increased congestion in Moira Village.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023824%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431055","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431055"}},{"id":"430435","reference":"AQW 23639/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-28","answerBy":"2025-03-18","answered":"2025-03-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, in light of his decision to make it compulsory for children to remain in education or training until they are 18 years old, to detail any work he has undertaken with the Minister for the Economy to review the Education Maintenance Allowance.","answerText":"The Minister for the Economy and I have not had any discussions on uplifting the Education Maintenance Allowance payment for young people in Northern Ireland.\n\nI recognise that the Education Maintenance Allowance provides valuable support to enable young people to remain in education or training and my officials will continue to discuss support for these young people with DfE officials.","answerHtml":"The Minister for the Economy and I have not had any discussions on uplifting the Education Maintenance Allowance payment for young people in Northern Ireland.
I recognise that the Education Maintenance Allowance provides valuable support to enable young people to remain in education or training and my officials will continue to discuss support for these young people with DfE officials.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023639%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430435","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430435"}},{"id":"430434","reference":"AQW 23638/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-28","answerBy":"2025-03-18","answered":"2025-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she is considering increasing the Education Maintenance Allowance and linking it to inflation.","answerText":"The Education Maintenance Allowance scheme is a joint policy for which responsibility is shared between my Department and the Department of Education (DE) and any plans to increase the Education Maintenance Allowance would be agreed between both Departments. There are currently no plans in place to increase the Education Maintenance Allowance and link it with inflation. I do, however, recognise the valuable support that the Education Maintenance Allowance provides to enable young people to remain in education or training and my officials will continue to work with DE officials on these cross-cutting issues.","answerHtml":"The Education Maintenance Allowance scheme is a joint policy for which responsibility is shared between my Department and the Department of Education (DE) and any plans to increase the Education Maintenance Allowance would be agreed between both Departments. There are currently no plans in place to increase the Education Maintenance Allowance and link it with inflation. I do, however, recognise the valuable support that the Education Maintenance Allowance provides to enable young people to remain in education or training and my officials will continue to work with DE officials on these cross-cutting issues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023638%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430434","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430434"}},{"id":"430246","reference":"AQW 23560/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-27","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 21924/22-27, for a breakdown of the category numbers by who has been working without a check for (i) more than one month; (ii) more than six months; and (iii) more than 12 months, including the number which are employed by the Education Authority in each category.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of outstanding Access NI checks related to staff engaged in schools on a temporary basis has reduced from 1,534, as of 5 February 2025, to 828, as of 28 February 2025.\n\nThe breakdown of the outstanding checks at 28 February 2025 is set out in the table below.\n\nCategory\t>1 month\t>6 months\t>12 months\tTotal\nClassroom Assistant\t287\t93\t117\t497\nCleaning & Building Supervisor\t72\t38\t38\t148\nTransport\t17\t4\t1\t22\nCatering\t32\t5\t8\t45\nSupervisory Assistant\t20\t11\t8\t39\nExtended & After Schools\t18\t8\t11\t37\nOther including invigilators, language assistants, sports coaches, technicians and youth workers\t17\t10\t13\t40\nTotal\t463\t169\t196\t828\n\nWhen awaiting the outcome of an Access NI check, the school principal is required to complete a risk assessment, ensure the staff member is supervised at all times by someone who is vetted to work in regulated activity and follow-up to confirm that the Access NI check has subsequently been completed.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that the number of outstanding Access NI checks related to staff engaged in schools on a temporary basis has reduced from 1,534, as of 5 February 2025, to 828, as of 28 February 2025.
The breakdown of the outstanding checks at 28 February 2025 is set out in the table below.
| Category | >1 month | >6 months | >12 months | Total |
| Classroom Assistant | 287 | 93 | 117 | 497 |
| Cleaning & Building Supervisor | 72 | 38 | 38 | 148 |
| Transport | 17 | 4 | 1 | 22 |
| Catering | 32 | 5 | 8 | 45 |
| Supervisory Assistant | 20 | 11 | 8 | 39 |
| Extended & After Schools | 18 | 8 | 11 | 37 |
| Other including invigilators, language assistants, sports coaches, technicians and youth workers | 17 | 10 | 13 | 40 |
| Total | 463 | 169 | 196 | 828 |
When awaiting the outcome of an Access NI check, the school principal is required to complete a risk assessment, ensure the staff member is supervised at all times by someone who is vetted to work in regulated activity and follow-up to confirm that the Access NI check has subsequently been completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023560%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430246","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430246"}},{"id":"430245","reference":"AQW 23559/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-27","answerBy":"2025-03-14","answered":"2025-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 23262/22-27, why Access NI checks have not been completed for statutory youth workers.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that the youth workers in question were engaged through the temporary engagement process to ensure that safe staffing levels were maintained in youth centres. In these circumstances it was not possible to complete the Access NI check prior to engagement. However, the EA has confirmed that these individuals have been working in a supervised capacity only, while their checks are in progress.\n\nI have asked the EA Chief Executive to urgently review the Access NI process. As a result, I have been assured that the EA is taking robust action to ensure that the issue of outstanding checks is addressed.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that the youth workers in question were engaged through the temporary engagement process to ensure that safe staffing levels were maintained in youth centres. In these circumstances it was not possible to complete the Access NI check prior to engagement. However, the EA has confirmed that these individuals have been working in a supervised capacity only, while their checks are in progress.
I have asked the EA Chief Executive to urgently review the Access NI process. As a result, I have been assured that the EA is taking robust action to ensure that the issue of outstanding checks is addressed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023559%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430245","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430245"}},{"id":"430244","reference":"AQW 23558/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-27","answerBy":"2025-03-14","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when the last inspection of footways in Moira town centre was carried out.","answerText":"My officials carry out inspections of the footways in Moira town centre on a four-week cyclical basis in line with my Department’s maintenance policy.\n\nThe most recent inspection was completed on 5 February 2025. Two defects were identified during this inspection, and these have been passed to our contractor for repair.","answerHtml":"My officials carry out inspections of the footways in Moira town centre on a four-week cyclical basis in line with my Department’s maintenance policy.
The most recent inspection was completed on 5 February 2025. Two defects were identified during this inspection, and these have been passed to our contractor for repair.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023558%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430244","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430244"}},{"id":"430243","reference":"AQW 23557/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-27","answerBy":"2025-03-14","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given current financial constraints, to detail how her Department prioritises pavement resurfacing.","answerText":"Under Article 8 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, my Department has a statutory duty to maintain all public roads in a safe and serviceable condition and to seek to fulfil this duty, an annual programme of resurfacing and reconstruction works is undertaken, the extent of which is dictated by the availability of funding.\n\nOn trunk roads, information is routinely gathered and analysed from a variety of specialist machine surveys and visual inspections and this information is used in order to help inform decisions regarding our annual maintenance programmes. On other roads, divisional programmes are prepared on the basis of a number of data factors including road usage and general surface condition surveys as well as information from maintenance inspections, public enquiries and public liability claims.\n\nProgrammes are subject to continual review and take into account a wide range of factors such as worsening condition of other roads, planned works by utilities, additional in year funding, contractor capacity etc.\n\nIn the absence of a fully funded allocation for the structural maintenance programme, my Department aims to prioritise decisions and interventions on the basis of the indicators outlined above as well as on the professional engineering judgements of local engineers. Those schemes not included in a particular year’s programme as result of funding constraints will routinely be considered in future years’ programmes.","answerHtml":"Under Article 8 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, my Department has a statutory duty to maintain all public roads in a safe and serviceable condition and to seek to fulfil this duty, an annual programme of resurfacing and reconstruction works is undertaken, the extent of which is dictated by the availability of funding.
On trunk roads, information is routinely gathered and analysed from a variety of specialist machine surveys and visual inspections and this information is used in order to help inform decisions regarding our annual maintenance programmes. On other roads, divisional programmes are prepared on the basis of a number of data factors including road usage and general surface condition surveys as well as information from maintenance inspections, public enquiries and public liability claims.
Programmes are subject to continual review and take into account a wide range of factors such as worsening condition of other roads, planned works by utilities, additional in year funding, contractor capacity etc.
In the absence of a fully funded allocation for the structural maintenance programme, my Department aims to prioritise decisions and interventions on the basis of the indicators outlined above as well as on the professional engineering judgements of local engineers. Those schemes not included in a particular year’s programme as result of funding constraints will routinely be considered in future years’ programmes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023557%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430243","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430243"}},{"id":"430242","reference":"AQW 23556/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-27","answerBy":"2025-03-14","answered":"2025-03-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the pavement resurfacing work that has been completed in Moira in the last ten years.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.\n\nThere are many roads that would undoubtedly benefit from investment, including those in Moira Village, however, due to a limited budget, resurfacing work must be taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.\n\nDetails of the resurfacing work carried out in Moira is provided in the Department’s Annual Reports to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. These reports can be viewed on the Department’s website www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.
There are many roads that would undoubtedly benefit from investment, including those in Moira Village, however, due to a limited budget, resurfacing work must be taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.
Details of the resurfacing work carried out in Moira is provided in the Department’s Annual Reports to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. These reports can be viewed on the Department’s website www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023556%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430242","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430242"}},{"id":"430121","reference":"AQW 23477/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-26","answerBy":"2025-03-13","answered":"2025-03-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the gender breakdown of principals in (i) primary schools; and (ii) nursery schools.","answerText":"The table below gives the number of male and female principals in (i) primary schools and (ii) nursery schools in 2023/24.\n\nMale\tFemale\nNumber\tPercentage (%)\tNumber\tPercentage (%)\nNursery\t0\t0\t94\t100\nPrimary\t316\t40.8\t459\t59.2\n\nSource: Teacher workforce statistics in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland, 2023/24.\n\nNotes.\n\nPrimary includes preparatory departments of grammar schools.","answerHtml":"The table below gives the number of male and female principals in (i) primary schools and (ii) nursery schools in 2023/24.
| Male | Female | |||
| Number | Percentage (%) | Number | Percentage (%) | |
| Nursery | 0 | 0 | 94 | 100 |
| Primary | 316 | 40.8 | 459 | 59.2 |
Source: Teacher workforce statistics in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland, 2023/24.
Notes.
Primary includes preparatory departments of grammar schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023477%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430121","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430121"}},{"id":"430120","reference":"AQW 23476/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-26","answerBy":"2025-03-13","answered":"2025-02-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether funded nursery principal release time is part of the ongoing workload discussions and their recommendations.","answerText":"Nursery principal release time was considered under the Review of Workload Impact on School Leaders. This was one of nine reviews committed to within the Teachers’ Pay and Workload Agreement. Eight reviews, including this one, have been completed by joint working groups comprised of representatives from teacher unions, DE, EA, CCMS, NICIE, CnaG and GBA and supported by a dedicated joint project team.\n\nFollowing careful consideration of the issue of funded nursery principal release time it was agreed that this issue was not a terms and conditions issue therefore it was agreed that DE representatives would engage with National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) outside of the remit of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) but will keep Management Side colleagues appraised of developments. The five main teachers’ unions, which make up Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) including NAHT were informed of this.\n\nFunding for nursery principal release time does not form part of the current pay and workload discussions.","answerHtml":"Nursery principal release time was considered under the Review of Workload Impact on School Leaders. This was one of nine reviews committed to within the Teachers’ Pay and Workload Agreement. Eight reviews, including this one, have been completed by joint working groups comprised of representatives from teacher unions, DE, EA, CCMS, NICIE, CnaG and GBA and supported by a dedicated joint project team.
Following careful consideration of the issue of funded nursery principal release time it was agreed that this issue was not a terms and conditions issue therefore it was agreed that DE representatives would engage with National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) outside of the remit of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) but will keep Management Side colleagues appraised of developments. The five main teachers’ unions, which make up Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) including NAHT were informed of this.
Funding for nursery principal release time does not form part of the current pay and workload discussions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023476%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430120","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430120"}},{"id":"429973","reference":"AQW 23377/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the level of funding received received by (i) a primary school of 52 pupils; and (ii) a nursery school of equivalent size.","answerText":"All grant aided schools are funded under the Common Funding Scheme. The Common Funding Formula (CFF) is the Department’s mechanism for allocating budgets to schools funded through Local Management of Schools arrangements. A school’s CFF allocation is determined by both the quantum of funding available to the Aggregated Schools Budget and a combination of the school’s overall enrolment, the differentiated needs of its pupils and the school’s characteristics.\n\n(i) In 2024-25 the funding allocated to the four primary schools with 52 full time equivalent (FTE) pupils ranges from £262,902 to £272,833. The average funding is £266,183.\n\n(ii) In 2024-25 the funding allocated to the 38 nursery schools with 52 FTE pupils ranges from £231,535 to £288,669. The average funding is £255,021.\n\nThe Education Authority, as funding authority for grant aided schools, publishes an analysis of resource allocations and expenditure for individual schools on its website.","answerHtml":"All grant aided schools are funded under the Common Funding Scheme. The Common Funding Formula (CFF) is the Department’s mechanism for allocating budgets to schools funded through Local Management of Schools arrangements. A school’s CFF allocation is determined by both the quantum of funding available to the Aggregated Schools Budget and a combination of the school’s overall enrolment, the differentiated needs of its pupils and the school’s characteristics.
(i) In 2024-25 the funding allocated to the four primary schools with 52 full time equivalent (FTE) pupils ranges from £262,902 to £272,833. The average funding is £266,183.
(ii) In 2024-25 the funding allocated to the 38 nursery schools with 52 FTE pupils ranges from £231,535 to £288,669. The average funding is £255,021.
The Education Authority, as funding authority for grant aided schools, publishes an analysis of resource allocations and expenditure for individual schools on its website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023377%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429973","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429973"}},{"id":"429972","reference":"AQW 23376/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he has taken following the Northern Ireland Audit Report into Managing the Schools' Estate, November 2024.","answerText":"I welcome the report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office on my Department’s approach to Managing the School’s Estate.\n\nWhile officials are working on how best to implement the various recommendations, this report leaves no doubt that the schools’ estate is in need of significantly increased and sustained funding to address the many years of underinvestment. We have an estate of over 1,100 schools, many of which are in extremely poor condition.\n\nThe report recognises that the Department’s current approach to estate management is largely driven by the level of funding available within a difficult overall financial position. It also recognises that I, as Minister, have agreed a clear vision for the schools’ estate, which is aligned to the Department’s goals. More work is necessary to build on this and develop an Estate Strategy to ensure more effective planning and delivery.\n\nHowever, the bottom line is my Department can only do so much with the budget made available to it, which means that difficult decisions have been, and will continue to be, necessary and in some cases some things will simply not get done unless the level of funding is significantly increased.","answerHtml":"I welcome the report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office on my Department’s approach to Managing the School’s Estate.
While officials are working on how best to implement the various recommendations, this report leaves no doubt that the schools’ estate is in need of significantly increased and sustained funding to address the many years of underinvestment. We have an estate of over 1,100 schools, many of which are in extremely poor condition.
The report recognises that the Department’s current approach to estate management is largely driven by the level of funding available within a difficult overall financial position. It also recognises that I, as Minister, have agreed a clear vision for the schools’ estate, which is aligned to the Department’s goals. More work is necessary to build on this and develop an Estate Strategy to ensure more effective planning and delivery.
However, the bottom line is my Department can only do so much with the budget made available to it, which means that difficult decisions have been, and will continue to be, necessary and in some cases some things will simply not get done unless the level of funding is significantly increased.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023376%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429972","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429972"}},{"id":"429971","reference":"AQW 23375/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will consider introducing legislation on the operation of private car parking businesses.","answerText":"Whilst my Department is responsible for on-street parking enforcement across the north, it has no responsibility for the operation and management of private car parks nor the enforcement companies that operate within them.\n\nThere is no legislation which specifically applies to privately owned car parks and my Department currently has no plans to introduce legislation in this area. However, any organisation that operates parking on private land and requests keeper details from the DVLA must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association such as the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) managed by the British Parking Association (BPA). Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks.","answerHtml":"Whilst my Department is responsible for on-street parking enforcement across the north, it has no responsibility for the operation and management of private car parks nor the enforcement companies that operate within them.
There is no legislation which specifically applies to privately owned car parks and my Department currently has no plans to introduce legislation in this area. However, any organisation that operates parking on private land and requests keeper details from the DVLA must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association such as the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) managed by the British Parking Association (BPA). Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023375%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429971","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429971"}},{"id":"429970","reference":"AQW 23374/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) when he will outline his plans following the consultation on a Regional Obesity Management Service; and (ii) why there is a delay in action following the consultation closing.","answerText":"Last year my Department completed a public consultation on the proposed introduction of a Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS), which would provide a means for people living with obesity in NI to access treatment and specialist support which is not currently available to them.\n\nI am currently considering the analysis of the responses received and potential next steps in the context of the difficult financial position my Department must operate within. Decisions regarding future development of this service will be based on consideration of the evidence presented, availability of resources, and competing priorities.","answerHtml":"Last year my Department completed a public consultation on the proposed introduction of a Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS), which would provide a means for people living with obesity in NI to access treatment and specialist support which is not currently available to them.
I am currently considering the analysis of the responses received and potential next steps in the context of the difficult financial position my Department must operate within. Decisions regarding future development of this service will be based on consideration of the evidence presented, availability of resources, and competing priorities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023374%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429970","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429970"}},{"id":"429969","reference":"AQW 23373/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the agreed measures his Department has in place to track the number of children better prepared to start school, as referenced in the Fair Start Report.","answerText":"The 3+ Review introduced as part of the Early Intervention Transformation Programme is a Health-led initiative which provides a developmental assessment of pre-school children carried out by the Health Visitor in the pre-school setting. It is intended to use this source to estimate the percentage of children in their immediate pre-school year at their appropriate stage of development.\n\nThe data is still under development and work is ongoing between officials in my department, the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health to assess its reliability and ensure it is robust.","answerHtml":"The 3+ Review introduced as part of the Early Intervention Transformation Programme is a Health-led initiative which provides a developmental assessment of pre-school children carried out by the Health Visitor in the pre-school setting. It is intended to use this source to estimate the percentage of children in their immediate pre-school year at their appropriate stage of development.
The data is still under development and work is ongoing between officials in my department, the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health to assess its reliability and ensure it is robust.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023373%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429969","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429969"}},{"id":"429626","reference":"AQW 23262/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-24","answerBy":"2025-02-27","answered":"2025-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 22958/22-27, to provide a breakdown of the seven youth workers who have been working without an Access NI check in place for more than six months, by whether the employer is the voluntary sector or statutory sector.","answerText":"The Education Authority has confirmed that the seven youth workers without an Access NI check for more than six months are all employed within the statutory sector.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has confirmed that the seven youth workers without an Access NI check for more than six months are all employed within the statutory sector.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023262%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429626","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429626"}},{"id":"429625","reference":"AQW 23261/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-24","answerBy":"2025-03-11","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans being considered to improve transport links to the Maze Long Kesh site, including to the Eikon Exhibition Centre.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:\n\nThe 325G Lisburn City service passes the Maze Long Kesh site. This service runs hourly between circa 8am to 8pm at present. Translink has no plans to increase the service at this time and any increase in service would require additional funding.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact Translink directly at aqw.request@translink.co.uk. Making direct contact with Translink will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:
The 325G Lisburn City service passes the Maze Long Kesh site. This service runs hourly between circa 8am to 8pm at present. Translink has no plans to increase the service at this time and any increase in service would require additional funding.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact Translink directly at aqw.request@translink.co.uk. Making direct contact with Translink will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023261%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429625","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429625"}},{"id":"429396","reference":"AQW 23157/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-21","answerBy":"2025-03-10","answered":"2025-02-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the budget that has been allocated to further education colleges for post-19 special educational needs provision in each of the last five years.","answerText":"My Department has provided a ring-fenced budget of £4.5 million, per annum, for each of the last 5 years, through the Additional Support Fund (ASF) to Further Education (FE) colleges towards the necessary additional technical and/or personal support required to allow students with learning difficulties or disabilities to participate in mainstream FE courses, or in discrete programmes. ASF is available to all students who enrol in FE colleges, irrespective of age, the department does not hold information in relation to the age profile of students who avail of this support.","answerHtml":"My Department has provided a ring-fenced budget of £4.5 million, per annum, for each of the last 5 years, through the Additional Support Fund (ASF) to Further Education (FE) colleges towards the necessary additional technical and/or personal support required to allow students with learning difficulties or disabilities to participate in mainstream FE courses, or in discrete programmes. ASF is available to all students who enrol in FE colleges, irrespective of age, the department does not hold information in relation to the age profile of students who avail of this support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023157%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429396","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429396"}},{"id":"429395","reference":"AQW 23156/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-21","answerBy":"2025-03-10","answered":"2025-02-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils that left special schools at the age of 19 in each of the three years.","answerText":"School Census information below shows the number of pupils enrolled in special schools who were recorded as being 18 in each of the last three years. Age is recorded at 1 July, so the pupils below will turn 19 before the end of the academic year.\n\nCensus Year\tNumber of pupils aged 18\n2024/25\t250\n2023/24\t284\n2022/23\t236","answerHtml":"School Census information below shows the number of pupils enrolled in special schools who were recorded as being 18 in each of the last three years. Age is recorded at 1 July, so the pupils below will turn 19 before the end of the academic year.
| Census Year | Number of pupils aged 18 |
| 2024/25 | 250 |
| 2023/24 | 284 |
| 2022/23 | 236 |
Work is ongoing between my officials and Health colleagues to develop the operational detail of joint Health/Education initiatives within the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023066%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429192","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429192"}},{"id":"429191","reference":"AQW 23065/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any further action that can be taken to improve the traffic flow into Moira from the M1 in order to prevent tailbacks onto the Moira Roundabout and the M1.","answerText":"My Department has previously introduced measures to improve traffic flow in Moira including the signalisation of the Main Street/Meeting Street junction, and a road marking scheme to provide right turn pockets between Backwood Road and the Old Kilmore Road junction.\n\nThe village’s future transport needs, being situated within the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area, will be considered as part of the new Eastern Transport Plan being developed by my Department. The plan will take account of the growth ambitions of Lisburn and Castlereagh city and other councils in the plan catchment area and will consider potential transport interventions for Moira.","answerHtml":"My Department has previously introduced measures to improve traffic flow in Moira including the signalisation of the Main Street/Meeting Street junction, and a road marking scheme to provide right turn pockets between Backwood Road and the Old Kilmore Road junction.
The village’s future transport needs, being situated within the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area, will be considered as part of the new Eastern Transport Plan being developed by my Department. The plan will take account of the growth ambitions of Lisburn and Castlereagh city and other councils in the plan catchment area and will consider potential transport interventions for Moira.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023065%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429191","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429191"}},{"id":"429190","reference":"AQW 23064/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the roads in Moira village that are scheduled for resurfacing in 2025.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.\n\nThere are many roads that would undoubtedly benefit from investment, including those in Moira Village, however, due to a limited budget, resurfacing work must be taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.\n\nOfficials are currently developing the 2025/26 resurfacing programme, and this will be provided in the Department’s Annual Report to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.\n\nIn the interim, my officials will continue to undertake regular inspections in Moira and repair defects in accordance with my Department’s current maintenance policy.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as road maintenance.
There are many roads that would undoubtedly benefit from investment, including those in Moira Village, however, due to a limited budget, resurfacing work must be taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.
Officials are currently developing the 2025/26 resurfacing programme, and this will be provided in the Department’s Annual Report to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.
In the interim, my officials will continue to undertake regular inspections in Moira and repair defects in accordance with my Department’s current maintenance policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023064%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429190","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429190"}},{"id":"429236","reference":"AQO 1663/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-04","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on a feasibility study into the reopening of the Knockmore railway line.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I confirm that Translink received funding through the Department for Transport's Union connectivity fund to undertake a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the railway line between Lisburn and Antrim. As well as considering engineering requirements, demand forecasting and cost estimates, the study is considering reopening the three stations previously in operation on the line at Ballinderry, Glenavy and Crumlin. In addition, three locations for a new station at Belfast International Airport are being appraised to identify the preferred option. The report is due to be completed in spring 2025, so, hopefully, in the next few weeks. I look forward to reviewing its recommendations on how to improve connectivity across our island."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the Minister for her answer. Has her Department made any budget bids to the fund for the delivery of the Knockmore line, which includes that link to Belfast International Airport?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"Maybe I could come back to the Member on that in writing. I have not become aware of any since I have come into post. I can double-check that with the Department and come back to you in writing."},{"speaker":"Mr Gildernew","text":"Comhghairdeas leat faoi do chéad Tráth na gCeist, a Aire, agus ádh mór ort."},{"speaker":"","text":"Can you update the House on the development of projects proposed under the all-Ireland rail review, Minister?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"Go raibh maith agat, a Cholm. My Department continues to work with our colleagues in the Department of Transport, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), to consider the recommendations in the review and identify the rail interventions that could be well advanced or delivered over the next decade to 2035. Rail services on the island are already being developed towards the report's vision. That includes an increase in the hourly train service between Dublin and Belfast, while procurement has also started on a new faster and more sustainable Enterprise train fleet for the Dublin to Belfast route. We hope to see that in place by 2029. In addition to the reopening of the Knockmore line, Translink has other feasibility studies ongoing that are linked to recommendations in the rail review and are due to report by spring/summer this year. I will then need to consider which projects to prioritise as funding opportunities become available. The outcomes from the EIB work and the ongoing feasibility studies will help to inform that. Just last week, I attended my first North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting and was delighted to meet my counterpart in the South, Minister O'Brien. That issue was high on the agenda. I look forward to continuing that work with my colleagues in the South."},{"speaker":"Mr Buckley","text":"The Minister will know that there is a lot of excitement across Northern Ireland about the potential reopening of old lines. In particular, one that is well known to her, as it is to me, is the Portadown to Armagh railway line in our constituencies. Following on from her answer to the previous question, what engagement will there be with local communities when the Department decides whether to advance a line?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"Yes, I am aware of that line in particular, given that it goes through my constituency as well. With all of the projects, engagement and consultation with communities are critical. While we await the outcome of the feasibility studies, we will consider, in the next steps, what that consultation will look like. I hope to see further progress on that in the very near future."},{"speaker":"Mr McNulty","text":"The Minister's Department deserves huge credit for the hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin. It is a game changer for public transport, so well done. Will the Minister please give an update on the reopening of the Armagh to Portadown line?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I thank the Member for his comments. The Enterprise service that he alludes to has been highly successful. We have seen a 49% increase in passengers, which is a success story in itself for public transport. The Portadown to Armagh line, with an onward connection to Mullingar, was identified as a medium-term intervention in the all-island strategic rail review in support of the recommendation to develop the railway to boost connectivity in the north midlands. The feasibility study builds on an initial study that was funded by the Department and carried out by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2022. Initial outcomes from the study suggest that there is sufficient forecast demand between Armagh and Belfast and in the local urban corridor of Portadown, Lurgan and Lisburn and that journey times will be competitive with the car. It is anticipated that the feasibility study report will be available in the coming weeks, and I will study its recommendations when I receive it."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Question No 5 has been withdrawn."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201663%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429236","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-04&docID=430160#AQO%201663/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429236"}},{"id":"437226","reference":"AQO 1636/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-03","answered":"2025-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they have considered including the development of a link road between the M1 and the Maze Long Kesh site in the final Programme for Government 2024-2027 and the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"We recognise the immense economic, historical and reconciliation potential of the site and are committed to working with the Board to maximise that potential for the benefit of all.\n\nWe recognise the benefit an improved road connection between the MLK site and the M1 motorway would bring, not least for the annual Balmoral Show. Other events at the Eikon Centre and the wider site would also benefit, and it would potentially improve access across the surrounding area. Of course, an improved road connection is also of critical importance to any future development that may take place on the site.\n\nThe Investment Strategy is currently being finalised along with the accompanying Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which sets out priorities for infrastructure investment over the next 10 years. The potential for a link road will be considered as part of discussions on these issues.\n\nAny proposals for a road connection will be subject to the normal planning and internal governance approvals and the allocation of funding.","answerHtml":"We recognise the immense economic, historical and reconciliation potential of the site and are committed to working with the Board to maximise that potential for the benefit of all.
We recognise the benefit an improved road connection between the MLK site and the M1 motorway would bring, not least for the annual Balmoral Show. Other events at the Eikon Centre and the wider site would also benefit, and it would potentially improve access across the surrounding area. Of course, an improved road connection is also of critical importance to any future development that may take place on the site.
The Investment Strategy is currently being finalised along with the accompanying Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which sets out priorities for infrastructure investment over the next 10 years. The potential for a link road will be considered as part of discussions on these issues.
Any proposals for a road connection will be subject to the normal planning and internal governance approvals and the allocation of funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201636%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437226","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437226"}},{"id":"428978","reference":"AQW 22958/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-19","answerBy":"2025-02-25","answered":"2025-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 21924/22-27, for a further breakdown of the number of sports coaches and youth workers currently working in schools without an Access NI check, broken down by those who have been working without a check for (i) more than one month; (ii) more than six months; and (iii) more than twelve months.","answerText":"When a school engages a temporary staff member, they are required to follow the guidance set out in DE Circular 2024/10, related to pre-employment and Access NI requirements and safer resourcing practices. This includes ensuring that non-vetted staff are supervised by someone who is vetted to work in regulated activity.\n\nWhere a staff member has not submitted the paperwork needed by Access NI, the Education Authority (EA) engages with the school Principal to remind them of the requirement to have this completed. Despite protracted communication between the EA and the employee/school, the documentation required to undertake the check can remain outstanding for a prolonged period. The table below details the number of sports coaches and youth workers without an Access NI check, broken down by the length of time the check has been outstanding.\n\nTime Period\tNo. Sports Coaches1\tNo. Youth Workers1\n4 weeks to 6 months\t2\t5\n6 months to 1 year\t0\t1\nGreater than 1 year\t0\t6\nTotal\t2\t12\n\n1 Figures as at 20 February 2025\n\nI have asked the EA Chief Executive to urgently review the Access NI process within schools and the EA. As a result, I have been assured that the EA is taking robust action to ensure that the issue of outstanding checks is addressed.","answerHtml":"When a school engages a temporary staff member, they are required to follow the guidance set out in DE Circular 2024/10, related to pre-employment and Access NI requirements and safer resourcing practices. This includes ensuring that non-vetted staff are supervised by someone who is vetted to work in regulated activity.
Where a staff member has not submitted the paperwork needed by Access NI, the Education Authority (EA) engages with the school Principal to remind them of the requirement to have this completed. Despite protracted communication between the EA and the employee/school, the documentation required to undertake the check can remain outstanding for a prolonged period. The table below details the number of sports coaches and youth workers without an Access NI check, broken down by the length of time the check has been outstanding.
| Time Period | No. Sports Coaches1 | No. Youth Workers1 |
| 4 weeks to 6 months | 2 | 5 |
| 6 months to 1 year | 0 | 1 |
| Greater than 1 year | 0 | 6 |
| Total | 2 | 12 |
1 Figures as at 20 February 2025
I have asked the EA Chief Executive to urgently review the Access NI process within schools and the EA. As a result, I have been assured that the EA is taking robust action to ensure that the issue of outstanding checks is addressed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022958%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428978","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428978"}},{"id":"428977","reference":"AQW 22957/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-19","answerBy":"2025-03-06","answered":"2025-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any support available to homeowners living in houses where the water infrastructure has not yet been adopted by NI Water and the developer has closed the relevant development company.","answerText":"At present, there is no support available to homeowners living in houses where the wastewater infrastructure has not yet been adopted by NI Water and the developer has closed the relevant development company.\n\nUnadopted developments, remain private developments and neither the Department nor NI Water has any legal remit to carry out works in private developments, with the responsibility for the development resting with the developer.","answerHtml":"At present, there is no support available to homeowners living in houses where the wastewater infrastructure has not yet been adopted by NI Water and the developer has closed the relevant development company.
Unadopted developments, remain private developments and neither the Department nor NI Water has any legal remit to carry out works in private developments, with the responsibility for the development resting with the developer.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022957%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428977","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428977"}},{"id":"428976","reference":"AQW 22956/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-19","answerBy":"2025-03-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 21687/22-27, to clarify that the Southern Health and Social Care Trust provides no other support apart from a leaflet and details for community organisations.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022956%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428976","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428976"}},{"id":"428975","reference":"AQW 22955/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-19","answerBy":"2025-03-06","answered":"2025-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update of where the £25 million Early Learning and Childcare Executive funding has been (i) spent; and (ii) earmarked for.","answerText":"My written statement to the Assembly in May 2024 set out the earmarked allocations from the £25 Early Learning and Childcare package:\n\nWritten Ministerial Statement - Early Learning and Childcare Measures 2024/25 | Department of Education.\n\nThe final spend position is not yet available. However, monitoring to date indicates that the profile is broadly in line with the earmarked allocations with the exception of £1.8m intended for a targeted childcare business support fund, which was returned to the Department of Finance as part of January monitoring. I will provide the final expenditure position at the end of the financial year.","answerHtml":"My written statement to the Assembly in May 2024 set out the earmarked allocations from the £25 Early Learning and Childcare package:
Written Ministerial Statement - Early Learning and Childcare Measures 2024/25 | Department of Education.
The final spend position is not yet available. However, monitoring to date indicates that the profile is broadly in line with the earmarked allocations with the exception of £1.8m intended for a targeted childcare business support fund, which was returned to the Department of Finance as part of January monitoring. I will provide the final expenditure position at the end of the financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022955%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428975","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428975"}},{"id":"428974","reference":"AQW 22954/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-19","answerBy":"2025-03-06","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the amount spent by her Department in 2024-25 on measures to deliver affordable, quality childcare.","answerText":"While childcare policy is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Education, delivering ‘more affordable, accessible, high-quality Early Learning and Childcare’ is an Executive priority in the Programme for Government. In July 2024, £740k of the Skills Fund was ringfenced to support pathways into the childcare sector and increase the supply of suitably qualified workers.\n\nIn addition, in August 2024, a business case was approved for £172k for a pilot collaborative Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare delivered through Belfast Met. The aim of the academy was to equip 20 participants with the necessary skills and experience to commence roles in the childcare sector.\n\nThe department also provides a suite of pathways for childcare training and qualifications through Further and Higher Education, and through vocational qualifications like apprenticeships and traineeships, which will qualify individuals to work across a range of childcare settings.\n\nA further £153k has been committed to delivering market research on a targeted business support scheme for childcare providers. This will report in March 2025.","answerHtml":"While childcare policy is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Education, delivering ‘more affordable, accessible, high-quality Early Learning and Childcare’ is an Executive priority in the Programme for Government. In July 2024, £740k of the Skills Fund was ringfenced to support pathways into the childcare sector and increase the supply of suitably qualified workers.
In addition, in August 2024, a business case was approved for £172k for a pilot collaborative Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare delivered through Belfast Met. The aim of the academy was to equip 20 participants with the necessary skills and experience to commence roles in the childcare sector.
The department also provides a suite of pathways for childcare training and qualifications through Further and Higher Education, and through vocational qualifications like apprenticeships and traineeships, which will qualify individuals to work across a range of childcare settings.
A further £153k has been committed to delivering market research on a targeted business support scheme for childcare providers. This will report in March 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022954%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428974","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428974"}},{"id":"428805","reference":"AQW 22871/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-02-21","answered":"2025-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 20966/22-27, to detail (i) how much of the £2 million, earmarked from the £25 million Early Learning and Childcare Funding, has been used in respect of scoping and developing a Targeted Business Support Scheme; and (ii) why the full £2 million was not spent.","answerText":"On 23 May 2024, I received Executive approval for a package of early learning and childcare measures to be implemented in the 2024/25 financial year. Within this, £2m was earmarked for a targeted business support scheme for childcare providers.\n\nFollowing engagement between officials through the Task and Finish Group, I wrote to the Economy Minister in July 2024 to formally request that his Department, in conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland, lead on the development and implementation of this measure given their expertise in designing and delivering business support instruments and the need to ensued alignment with existing economic development interventions.\n\nThe Economy Minister advised that his department needed greater clarity around the scheme objectives and offered to lead a scoping exercise to better understand the support needs of the childcare sector and identify what an appropriate government response should be. Just over £150,000 of the £2m available was requested and transferred to DfE in the September monitoring round to carry out this scoping work which was initially expected to complete by the end of December 2024. The timeframe for completion of the DfE-led exercise was subsequently extended to end March 2025 in order to allow for a more comprehensive assessment. The balance was returned to the Department of Finance as part of the January monitoring exercise, given that this funding is ringfenced by the Executive.","answerHtml":"On 23 May 2024, I received Executive approval for a package of early learning and childcare measures to be implemented in the 2024/25 financial year. Within this, £2m was earmarked for a targeted business support scheme for childcare providers.
Following engagement between officials through the Task and Finish Group, I wrote to the Economy Minister in July 2024 to formally request that his Department, in conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland, lead on the development and implementation of this measure given their expertise in designing and delivering business support instruments and the need to ensued alignment with existing economic development interventions.
The Economy Minister advised that his department needed greater clarity around the scheme objectives and offered to lead a scoping exercise to better understand the support needs of the childcare sector and identify what an appropriate government response should be. Just over £150,000 of the £2m available was requested and transferred to DfE in the September monitoring round to carry out this scoping work which was initially expected to complete by the end of December 2024. The timeframe for completion of the DfE-led exercise was subsequently extended to end March 2025 in order to allow for a more comprehensive assessment. The balance was returned to the Department of Finance as part of the January monitoring exercise, given that this funding is ringfenced by the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022871%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428805","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428805"}},{"id":"428804","reference":"AQW 22870/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 20966/22-27, whether the £1.8 million returned to the Department of Finance which had been ring-fenced for Early Learning and Childcare Funding will still be available to support childcare measures.","answerText":"As required for underspends in earmarked funding, the Department of Education returned the £1.8 million, and this formed part of the funding that was made available in the January monitoring round for allocation across departments.\n\nThe Executive’s Draft Budget 2025-26 sets aside £50 million for early learning and childcare support measures.","answerHtml":"As required for underspends in earmarked funding, the Department of Education returned the £1.8 million, and this formed part of the funding that was made available in the January monitoring round for allocation across departments.
The Executive’s Draft Budget 2025-26 sets aside £50 million for early learning and childcare support measures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022870%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428804","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428804"}},{"id":"428803","reference":"AQW 22869/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the £1.8 million returned to the Department of Finance in respect of earmarked Early Learning and Childcare funding will be retained for Early Learning and Childcare measures.","answerText":"The c£1.8m initially earmarked for childcare business support was returned to the Department of Finance when it was confirmed in November 2024 that the timeframe for the Department for the Economy completing its sector scoping study had been revised to March 2025.\n\nRe-allocating the funding at that point to other early learning and childcare measures was considered but deemed not feasible within the timeframe.\n\nIn line with financial budgeting processes, the c£1.8m underspend within the Early Learning and Childcare 2024/25 budget was returned to the Department of Finance as part of January monitoring and it became available to meet other Executive priorities in this financial year.","answerHtml":"The c£1.8m initially earmarked for childcare business support was returned to the Department of Finance when it was confirmed in November 2024 that the timeframe for the Department for the Economy completing its sector scoping study had been revised to March 2025.
Re-allocating the funding at that point to other early learning and childcare measures was considered but deemed not feasible within the timeframe.
In line with financial budgeting processes, the c£1.8m underspend within the Early Learning and Childcare 2024/25 budget was returned to the Department of Finance as part of January monitoring and it became available to meet other Executive priorities in this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022869%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428803","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428803"}},{"id":"428802","reference":"AQW 22868/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail why the £1.8 million returned to the Department of Finance in relation to earmarked Early Learning and Childcare funding was not used for other childcare support interventions, such as the Childcare Subsidy Scheme.","answerText":"The c£1.8m initially earmarked for childcare business support was returned to the Department of Finance when it was confirmed in November 2024 that the timeframe for the Department for the Economy completing its sector scoping study had been revised to March 2025.\n\nRe-allocating the funding at that point to other early learning and childcare measures was considered but deemed not feasible within the timeframe.\n\nIn line with financial budgeting processes, the c£1.8m underspend within the Early Learning and Childcare 2024/25 budget was returned to the Department of Finance as part of January monitoring and it became available to meet other Executive priorities in this financial year.","answerHtml":"The c£1.8m initially earmarked for childcare business support was returned to the Department of Finance when it was confirmed in November 2024 that the timeframe for the Department for the Economy completing its sector scoping study had been revised to March 2025.
Re-allocating the funding at that point to other early learning and childcare measures was considered but deemed not feasible within the timeframe.
In line with financial budgeting processes, the c£1.8m underspend within the Early Learning and Childcare 2024/25 budget was returned to the Department of Finance as part of January monitoring and it became available to meet other Executive priorities in this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428802","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428802"}},{"id":"428801","reference":"AQW 22867/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the bids made for the Draft Budget 2025-26 which relate to (i) supporting childcare businesses; and (ii) delivering quality, affordable childcare for families.","answerText":"The draft Executive Budget 2025-26 contains an allocation of £50m for proposals brought forward by the Early Years and Childcare Task and Finish Group. Any future bids to provide business support to childcare providers will be informed by the market research currently being undertaken.","answerHtml":"The draft Executive Budget 2025-26 contains an allocation of £50m for proposals brought forward by the Early Years and Childcare Task and Finish Group. Any future bids to provide business support to childcare providers will be informed by the market research currently being undertaken.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022867%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428801","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428801"}},{"id":"428465","reference":"AQW 22764/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 18861/22-27, to provide a date when they will appoint a new Chair and board members to the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation Board.","answerText":"We have asked officials for further advice on the options for filling the vacancies on the MLKDC Board. This will inform decisions on the way forward and the timeframe for appointments to be made.","answerHtml":"We have asked officials for further advice on the options for filling the vacancies on the MLKDC Board. This will inform decisions on the way forward and the timeframe for appointments to be made.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022764%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428465","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428465"}},{"id":"428464","reference":"AQW 22763/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 20843/22-27, whether they will publish the minutes of the latest meeting with the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation.","answerText":"Meetings within the Department and its Arm’s Length Bodies are considered internal meetings and TEO does not publish minutes of internal meetings as a matter of course.","answerHtml":"Meetings within the Department and its Arm’s Length Bodies are considered internal meetings and TEO does not publish minutes of internal meetings as a matter of course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022763%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428464","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428464"}},{"id":"428463","reference":"AQW 22762/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when they will answer AQW 16960/22-27.","answerText":"AQW 16960/22-27 was answered on 8 May 2025.","answerHtml":"AQW 16960/22-27 was answered on 8 May 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022762%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428463","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428463"}},{"id":"428462","reference":"AQW 22761/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer AQW 16788/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022761%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428462","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428462"}},{"id":"428461","reference":"AQW 22760/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the impact following Samaritans NI not receiving funding from the Core Grant Funding Scheme 2025-26.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022760%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428461","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428461"}},{"id":"428202","reference":"AQW 22671/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-14","answerBy":"2025-03-03","answered":"2025-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education in relation to the action to develop, where appropriate, bespoke services to support children in Irish-medium education, outlined in the Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda - Delivery Plan 2025-2030, to detail how his Department will determine what bespoke services are appropriate.","answerText":"A working group has been established, which includes representation from my department, the Education Authority (EA), Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnAG) and Altram, to examine the gaps in current services to support children with special educational needs (SEN) in Irish-medium education (IME) settings and develop a range of costed, evidence-based and co-designed solutions to address any such gaps.\n\nThis work will inform decisions on the delivery of bespoke services, subject to budget considerations.","answerHtml":"A working group has been established, which includes representation from my department, the Education Authority (EA), Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnAG) and Altram, to examine the gaps in current services to support children with special educational needs (SEN) in Irish-medium education (IME) settings and develop a range of costed, evidence-based and co-designed solutions to address any such gaps.
This work will inform decisions on the delivery of bespoke services, subject to budget considerations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022671%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428202","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428202"}},{"id":"428048","reference":"AQW 22574/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-13","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide a breakdown of estimated costs for each action in the Special Education Needs Reform Agenda five-year Delivery Plan which amount to the estimated £570 million total.","answerText":"As set out in the SEN Reform Agenda costings will be finessed in detailed implementation plans and in collaboration with key delivery partners.\n\nAn analysis of the current SEN financial model has identified opportunities to restructure existing resource towards more effective interventions and support, creating return on investment as well as opportunities for better outcomes for children and young people with SEN. There are also opportunities to draw in additional investment.\n\nA bid has been made to the Interim NICS Transformation Board which if successful will enable us to commence the phased implementation of this long-term inclusive SEN Reform Agenda. We will also seek opportunities within education and with other identified partners in Health and Economy, the voluntary and community and private sectors to jointly fund actions facilitating not only value for money, but a collaborative and child-centred approach to investment","answerHtml":"As set out in the SEN Reform Agenda costings will be finessed in detailed implementation plans and in collaboration with key delivery partners.
An analysis of the current SEN financial model has identified opportunities to restructure existing resource towards more effective interventions and support, creating return on investment as well as opportunities for better outcomes for children and young people with SEN. There are also opportunities to draw in additional investment.
A bid has been made to the Interim NICS Transformation Board which if successful will enable us to commence the phased implementation of this long-term inclusive SEN Reform Agenda. We will also seek opportunities within education and with other identified partners in Health and Economy, the voluntary and community and private sectors to jointly fund actions facilitating not only value for money, but a collaborative and child-centred approach to investment
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022574%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428048","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428048"}},{"id":"428047","reference":"AQW 22573/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-13","answerBy":"2025-02-28","answered":"2025-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether his Department is tracking information on (i) the pricing of all childcare providers registered on the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme; and (ii) staff salaries, to understand the level of support required.","answerText":"Childcare providers recorded details of their fees upon registering for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS). As the Scheme is continuing into 2025-26 financial year, providers will be required to update this information.\n\nAs the NICSS is designed to reduce the cost of childcare for eligible working parents, it does not collect information on staff salaries. A scoping study led by the Department for the Economy has been set up to assess the business support needs of childcare providers.","answerHtml":"Childcare providers recorded details of their fees upon registering for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS). As the Scheme is continuing into 2025-26 financial year, providers will be required to update this information.
As the NICSS is designed to reduce the cost of childcare for eligible working parents, it does not collect information on staff salaries. A scoping study led by the Department for the Economy has been set up to assess the business support needs of childcare providers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022573%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428047","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428047"}},{"id":"428046","reference":"AQW 22572/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-13","answerBy":"2025-02-28","answered":"2025-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the steps her Department is taking to support childcare providers and ensure families have access to quality, affordable childcare.","answerText":"High quality, affordable childcare is a priority for the Executive. My department is working closely with the Department of Education on the development of their Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, including representation on the ELC Task and Finish Group where workforce is a specific focus. Supporting skills and education pathways for those working in the sector is a key focus for my department. My department currently provides a suite of pathways for childcare training and qualifications through Further and Higher Education, and through vocational qualifications like apprenticeships and traineeships, which will qualify individuals to work across a range of childcare settings. In July 2024, my predecessor ringfenced £740k of the Skills Fund to support pathways into the childcare sector, with the aim of increasing the supply of suitably qualified workers to help maintain and grow the sector across the North. In addition, we funded 20 places on the Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare at Belfast Met. We will continue to monitor the need for additional or alternative skills provision to support the childcare sector. In addition, my officials are assisting the Department of Education with market research on the childcare sector. This research will determine the key issues impacting the financial sustainability of providers within the childcare sector and will inform whether specific sectoral support is required and, if so, what form this should take.","answerHtml":"High quality, affordable childcare is a priority for the Executive. My department is working closely with the Department of Education on the development of their Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy, including representation on the ELC Task and Finish Group where workforce is a specific focus. Supporting skills and education pathways for those working in the sector is a key focus for my department. My department currently provides a suite of pathways for childcare training and qualifications through Further and Higher Education, and through vocational qualifications like apprenticeships and traineeships, which will qualify individuals to work across a range of childcare settings. In July 2024, my predecessor ringfenced £740k of the Skills Fund to support pathways into the childcare sector, with the aim of increasing the supply of suitably qualified workers to help maintain and grow the sector across the North. In addition, we funded 20 places on the Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare at Belfast Met. We will continue to monitor the need for additional or alternative skills provision to support the childcare sector. In addition, my officials are assisting the Department of Education with market research on the childcare sector. This research will determine the key issues impacting the financial sustainability of providers within the childcare sector and will inform whether specific sectoral support is required and, if so, what form this should take.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022572%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428046","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428046"}},{"id":"428045","reference":"AQW 22571/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-13","answerBy":"2025-02-28","answered":"2025-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 22298/22-27, whether the Education Authority's in-house team is now replacing the role Fujitsu were originally contracted to fulfil.","answerText":"I can confirm that there are additional Education Authority (EA) responsibilities as a consequence of the decision not to continue with the SPSMS Contract. These responsibilities are being delivered under the management of the EA’s Education Information Solutions Team.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that there are additional Education Authority (EA) responsibilities as a consequence of the decision not to continue with the SPSMS Contract. These responsibilities are being delivered under the management of the EA’s Education Information Solutions Team.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022571%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428045","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428045"}},{"id":"428044","reference":"AQW 22570/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-13","answerBy":"2025-02-28","answered":"2025-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, in light of recent increases in National Insurance contributions and the Minimum Wage, to detail any support that can be provided to childcare providers.","answerText":"As the Department of Education has policy responsibility for childcare, it will be for the Education Minister to determine if any additional support can be provided to childcare providers.","answerHtml":"As the Department of Education has policy responsibility for childcare, it will be for the Education Minister to determine if any additional support can be provided to childcare providers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022570%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428044","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428044"}},{"id":"427328","reference":"AQW 22299/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-10","answerBy":"2025-02-14","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he plans to (i) increase the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme cap of £167 per month; (ii) increase the subsidy percentage from 15 per cent; and (iii) extend the subsidy scheme to school aged children.","answerText":"I have secured £50m for Early Learning and Childcare provision in the draft 2025-26 Executive Budget, currently out for consultation. I am considering options for its allocation, based on what is affordable. When the budget is agreed, I will bring forward proposals to the Executive.","answerHtml":"I have secured £50m for Early Learning and Childcare provision in the draft 2025-26 Executive Budget, currently out for consultation. I am considering options for its allocation, based on what is affordable. When the budget is agreed, I will bring forward proposals to the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427328","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427328"}},{"id":"427327","reference":"AQW 22298/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-10","answerBy":"2025-02-25","answered":"2025-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Education Authority are obligated to pay any money to Fujitsu following the cancellation of the contract for the EdIS Strategic Partner and School Management System.","answerText":"The Education Authority are not obligated to pay any money to Fujitsu following the mutual termination of the Strategic Partner and School Management System contract.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority are not obligated to pay any money to Fujitsu following the mutual termination of the Strategic Partner and School Management System contract.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022298%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427327","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427327"}},{"id":"427326","reference":"AQW 22297/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-10","answerBy":"2025-02-25","answered":"2025-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when the Education Authority will appoint a new contractor to deliver the EdIS Strategic Partner and School Management System contract.","answerText":"The Education Authority are currently planning for a new procurement process to appoint a new contractor to deliver Strategic Partner services to schools. The aim is to complete the procurement process and award of contract by March 2027.\n\nContinuity of services to schools will be provided by the incumbent managed services provider, Capita, under its existing contract i.e. Education Network Northern Ireland, which will be extended until 31 March 2027.\n\nThe Schools Management System (SMS) element of the SPSMS, provided by a sub-contractor (Bromcom) to Fujitsu, was novated from Fujitsu to the EA. Therefore there is no requirement to procure this element of the contract. The development of the Bromcom SMS is ongoing and it is anticipated the replacement SMS will begin full implementation in schools in May 2025.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority are currently planning for a new procurement process to appoint a new contractor to deliver Strategic Partner services to schools. The aim is to complete the procurement process and award of contract by March 2027.
Continuity of services to schools will be provided by the incumbent managed services provider, Capita, under its existing contract i.e. Education Network Northern Ireland, which will be extended until 31 March 2027.
The Schools Management System (SMS) element of the SPSMS, provided by a sub-contractor (Bromcom) to Fujitsu, was novated from Fujitsu to the EA. Therefore there is no requirement to procure this element of the contract. The development of the Bromcom SMS is ongoing and it is anticipated the replacement SMS will begin full implementation in schools in May 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022297%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427326","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427326"}},{"id":"427325","reference":"AQW 22296/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-10","answerBy":"2025-02-25","answered":"2025-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when he will provide a breakdown of how the £50 million allocated for childcare measures in the Draft Budget 2025-26 will be spent by his Department.","answerText":"I am considering options for the allocation of the £50m, based on what is affordable. When the budget is agreed, I will bring forward proposals to the Executive.","answerHtml":"I am considering options for the allocation of the £50m, based on what is affordable. When the budget is agreed, I will bring forward proposals to the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022296%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427325","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427325"}},{"id":"427111","reference":"AQW 22194/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-07","answerBy":"2025-02-24","answered":"2025-03-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether it is protocol for someone living in Northern Ireland, who has been initially treated in the Republic of Ireland but needs further, non-urgent, outpatient care in Northern Ireland, to be sent to an Emergency Department.","answerText":"There is no formal protocol about referring patients to Emergency Departments for follow up treatment after initial treatment abroad. GPs will use their clinical judgement when referring patients to secondary care. This could be to out-patient care for non-urgent follow-up, or to an Urgent Care Centre or Emergency Department for care that is time critical such as fracture management.","answerHtml":"There is no formal protocol about referring patients to Emergency Departments for follow up treatment after initial treatment abroad. GPs will use their clinical judgement when referring patients to secondary care. This could be to out-patient care for non-urgent follow-up, or to an Urgent Care Centre or Emergency Department for care that is time critical such as fracture management.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022194%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427111","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427111"}},{"id":"426970","reference":"AQO 1570/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-02-18","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline the protocol for interaction between the Public Health Agency and the Health and Social Care Trusts when an issue arises from screening.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt (The Minister of Health)","text":"Trusts are responsible for delivering the screening services that they provide. They have a statutory duty of quality. Each trust is responsible for maintaining internal structures to support quality improvement and local coordination of screening services. They are also charged with ensuring that their workforce is appropriately trained. The Public Health Agency provides oversight and external quality assurance for screening programmes. It is also responsible for maintaining structures to support quality improvement and coordination of the screening programmes across Northern Ireland. Screening programmes have a learning event protocol that sets out the arrangements between the trusts and the Public Health Agency to support a culture of shared learning in order to improve the quality and safety of the programmes. Any issue, regardless of its impact, including near misses, should be reported immediately by the trust to the relevant screening team in the PHA. The team will then work collaboratively with the trust to investigate, review and implement any actions recommended because of the investigation. For more serious incidents or if more than one trust is involved, an incident management team will be established with involvement from relevant stakeholders. Serious adverse incidents (SAIs) are notified under the regional procedure for the reporting and following up of SAIs. Individual learning events are discussed at regular meetings between the PHA and the trusts, and a summary of learning events is reviewed at regular regional quality assurance meetings with an emphasis on sharing lessons learned with other, unaffected trusts, identifying trends that require further investigation and agreeing mitigating actions to reduce the chance of recurrence. The learning event protocols are regularly reviewed and updated accordingly."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Minister, thank you for the answer. Was that protocol in place between 2008 and 2021, considering the significant number of women, particularly in the Southern Trust, who were placed at considerable risk in those years? Who is accountable for the lack of adherence to that protocol?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I thank the Member for her interest in the issue, which goes much broader than a protocol. I have no doubt that she was shocked, as was I, at the time that passed before there were the right interventions. The screening programme encompasses a range of services provided by the trusts, GPs and the Business Services Organisation (BSO). We have had a number of reports on what went wrong with the occurrences in the Southern Trust. I await some quality assurance reports, and I will then decide on the way forward. The point is that it does not matter what protocols are in place; it is whether they are effective and are followed. Clearly, something went badly wrong and affected a really large number of women. I am determined that we will get to the bottom of it. The questions that we must ask are, \"What went wrong? Why did it go wrong? Who was responsible for it going wrong? What steps can we put in place to ensure that it never happens again or, at least, to minimise the chances of it happening again?\"."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dillon","text":"Minister, with regard to Mrs Guy's questions about the protocols, are you saying that something has changed and that something new has been implemented to ensure that the PHA has that overarching responsibility to ensure that what happens in the trusts' screening programmes is being done effectively and properly and that there are no issues? Also, will you give us some reassurance on the accreditation status of the HPV screening services in the Belfast Trust that are currently in place? I would encourage every woman to have her screening and smear test done."},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I join the Member in encouraging women not to be shy and not to be put off going for screening because it is important that they do so. The issues about Belfast's accreditation I will characterise as more technical than real issues with regard to the quality of the screening, and that is being addressed. For the overall picture on screening, we follow the advice of the UK National Screening Committee, so I am satisfied that everything that should be done is being done to ensure the quality of screening operations in Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"Minister, I noticed that you did not answer the last question. The Belfast Trust has been given the contract for the regional cervical screening programme for Northern Ireland, despite the fact that it is not yet accredited for such screening. Is the Minister satisfied with the decision to award the contract to the Belfast Trust? During a recent Committee meeting in Daisy Hill Hospital, the PHA admitted that it was short-staffed and was having to send tests to Gateshead in Newcastle to clear a backlog of screening. In awarding the contract in that way, the Minister bypassed two trusts — the Northern Trust and the Western Trust — that are fully accredited."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Please get to your question, Mrs Dodds."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"The award of that contract resulted in the resignation of two senior members of the service."},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I thank the Member for her remarks. The awarding of the contract was the appropriate and best way to go forward. I accept that there have been workforce issues. There has also been an issue with some equipment, but, as I said in my previous answer, any issues with accreditation are more about technical and administrative issues than with the quality of what is being done. It is, of course, a matter of regret that some of the tests had to be exported to get the results expedited, but we are moving in the right direction to providing that screening."},{"speaker":"Mr Beattie","text":"To tie this down and clarify, will the Minister advise who is ultimately responsible for the policy decisions in relation to the screening programme?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I thank my colleague for the question. The Department is guided, as I have said, by the UK National Screening Committee. It is an independent committee that advises Ministers and health services across the four UK countries on all aspects of screening. Its recommendations are evidence-based about whether to introduce, continue, change or withdraw screening programmes for a variety of conditions. In addition, there is a Northern Ireland screening committee that considers recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee. It is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer and provides policy advice to me and has a specific focus on implementation issues in Northern Ireland. I then consider and make my decision on screening policy in Northern Ireland on the basis of the advice, as I said, of the UK National Screening Committee and, indeed, the Northern Ireland committee."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"With regard to bowel cancer screening, we still lag behind the other regions of the UK on the age range for screening. How and when will we see that disparity addressed?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I have been talking with officials with a view to expanding it, and that is part of the three-year plan that I published recently. It is dependent on budget and finance and on workforce. I would like to see it offered from the age of 50 upwards, and that is an ambition that I will work towards within the confines of budget and workforce."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201570%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426970","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-02-18&docID=427948#AQO%201570/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426970"}},{"id":"426807","reference":"AQW 22018/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-05","answerBy":"2025-02-20","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether occupational therapists are required to (i) be consulted on; and (ii) sign-off equipment purchased for a Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools' classroom.","answerText":"General classroom equipment does not require approval from an Occupational Therapist (OT) and is procured by individual schools.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) may purchase child-specific equipment for specialist provision classrooms on the recommendation of an OT. It is a matter for Health to have the appropriate governance and sign-off in place regarding OTs’ recommendations.","answerHtml":"General classroom equipment does not require approval from an Occupational Therapist (OT) and is procured by individual schools.
The Education Authority (EA) may purchase child-specific equipment for specialist provision classrooms on the recommendation of an OT. It is a matter for Health to have the appropriate governance and sign-off in place regarding OTs’ recommendations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022018%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426807","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426807"}},{"id":"426806","reference":"AQW 22017/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-05","answerBy":"2025-02-20","answered":"2025-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether there is a Department-approved criteria defining (i) what a sensory room is; and (ii) what a sensory room contains.","answerText":"The term “sensory room” is not formally defined by my Department. A sensory room is a withdrawal space used for children and young people with sensory processing disorders, or cognitive conditions who may become dysregulated. The room utilises a range of audio, physical and visual sensory stimuli.\n\nEquipment for a sensory room is normally requested to meet the specific needs of the child/children that will use the space by health professionals, or special educational needs staff.","answerHtml":"The term “sensory room” is not formally defined by my Department. A sensory room is a withdrawal space used for children and young people with sensory processing disorders, or cognitive conditions who may become dysregulated. The room utilises a range of audio, physical and visual sensory stimuli.
Equipment for a sensory room is normally requested to meet the specific needs of the child/children that will use the space by health professionals, or special educational needs staff.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022017%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426806","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426806"}},{"id":"426805","reference":"AQW 22016/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-05","answerBy":"2025-02-20","answered":"2025-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether there are auditing procedures to ensure the effectiveness of money spent on Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools.","answerText":"Vacant or derelict sites are not encompassed within either the domestic or non-domestic rating administered by my Department.\n\nA policy to place a levy on vacant sites could not rest within the Department of Finance as a sole entity. Rather it is cross-cutting and spans a number of ministerial portfolios including Communities, Economy and Agriculture.","answerHtml":"Vacant or derelict sites are not encompassed within either the domestic or non-domestic rating administered by my Department.
A policy to place a levy on vacant sites could not rest within the Department of Finance as a sole entity. Rather it is cross-cutting and spans a number of ministerial portfolios including Communities, Economy and Agriculture.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022016%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426805","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426805"}},{"id":"426804","reference":"AQW 22015/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-05","answerBy":"2025-02-20","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (i) that have been set up to date; and (ii) that are projected for the 2025-26 academic year.","answerText":"There are 593 operational specialist provision classes in mainstream schools;\n\nThe Education Authority’s (EA) current projections indicate a need for between 50 and 70 new specialist provision classes for the 2025/26 academic year.","answerHtml":"There are 593 operational specialist provision classes in mainstream schools;
The Education Authority’s (EA) current projections indicate a need for between 50 and 70 new specialist provision classes for the 2025/26 academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022015%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426804","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426804"}},{"id":"426658","reference":"AQW 21924/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of people currently working in schools without an Access NI Check in roles that have contact with children and young people.","answerText":"All education workers employed in a statutory education setting in a regulated activity post are required to complete an Access NI check. These checks are carried out by the relevant employing authority.\n\nBoth the Education Authority (EA) and Council for Catholic Maintained schools (CCMS) have confirmed that there are no teaching staff working in schools with an outstanding Access NI check.\n\nSupport staff are employed by the EA, and they have advised that in the case of a short-term temporary hire or emergency cover appointment, it is not always possible to finalise the Access NI check prior to engagement. When awaiting the outcome of an Access NI check, the school principal is required to complete a risk assessment, ensure the staff member is supervised at all times by someone who is vetted to work in regulated activity and follow-up to confirm that the Access NI check has subsequently been completed.\n\nAs of 5 February 2025, there were 1,534 Access NI checks in progress for support staff engaged in this manner. These can be broken down as follows:\n\nCategory\tNumber*\nClassroom Assistant\t862\nCleaning & Building Supervisor\t240\nTransport\t42\nCatering\t100\nSupervisory Assistant\t107\nExtended & After Schools\t71\nOther including invigilators, language assistants, sports coaches, technicians and youth workers\t112\nTotal\t1,534\n\n*The above figures include support staff employed in both Controlled and Maintained schools.\n\nI have written to the EA Chief Executive asking him to review the process for support staff and take action to ensure that the number of outstanding checks is kept to a minimum","answerHtml":"All education workers employed in a statutory education setting in a regulated activity post are required to complete an Access NI check. These checks are carried out by the relevant employing authority.
Both the Education Authority (EA) and Council for Catholic Maintained schools (CCMS) have confirmed that there are no teaching staff working in schools with an outstanding Access NI check.
Support staff are employed by the EA, and they have advised that in the case of a short-term temporary hire or emergency cover appointment, it is not always possible to finalise the Access NI check prior to engagement. When awaiting the outcome of an Access NI check, the school principal is required to complete a risk assessment, ensure the staff member is supervised at all times by someone who is vetted to work in regulated activity and follow-up to confirm that the Access NI check has subsequently been completed.
As of 5 February 2025, there were 1,534 Access NI checks in progress for support staff engaged in this manner. These can be broken down as follows:
| Category | Number* |
| Classroom Assistant | 862 |
| Cleaning & Building Supervisor | 240 |
| Transport | 42 |
| Catering | 100 |
| Supervisory Assistant | 107 |
| Extended & After Schools | 71 |
| Other including invigilators, language assistants, sports coaches, technicians and youth workers | 112 |
| Total | 1,534 |
*The above figures include support staff employed in both Controlled and Maintained schools.
I have written to the EA Chief Executive asking him to review the process for support staff and take action to ensure that the number of outstanding checks is kept to a minimum
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021924%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426658","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426658"}},{"id":"426657","reference":"AQW 21923/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether there are minimum specifications for Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools, including (i) specifications for the room or building; (ii) equipment available; and (iii) teacher and staff training.","answerText":"Officials in my Department have prepared a Handbook for specialist provision accommodation which is currently going through the review and approval process. This Handbook will provide guidance for new school building projects. Whilst accommodation works for specialist provision classes currently being delivered in existing schools are based on this draft Handbook, you will appreciate that due to various restrictions including the age of the building, floor plans and site size, it is not always possible to deliver in line with all the Handbook’s recommended requirements.\n\nEquipment for specialist provision classes is purchased and obtained at the discretion of the school and the SEN coordinator or specialist provision teacher. Newly established specialist provision is allocated a budget of £20,000 to purchase furniture and equipment to meet the needs of its pupils. During the statutory assessment or review process, an Occupational Therapist may recommend specific equipment for an individual pupil to support their access to the curriculum, in these circumstances the Education Authority’s (EA) Statutory Assessment and Review Service is responsible for ordering and funding the item(s).\n\nThe EA’s Specialist Setting Support Team (SSST), is a multi-service team, providing integrated support for specialist provision classes.\n\nThe SSST team provides support at pre and post set up level for new settings. A comprehensive professional learning and development programme is available, delivered both online and in person, for senior leadership, teachers, classroom assistants and parents.","answerHtml":"Officials in my Department have prepared a Handbook for specialist provision accommodation which is currently going through the review and approval process. This Handbook will provide guidance for new school building projects. Whilst accommodation works for specialist provision classes currently being delivered in existing schools are based on this draft Handbook, you will appreciate that due to various restrictions including the age of the building, floor plans and site size, it is not always possible to deliver in line with all the Handbook’s recommended requirements.
Equipment for specialist provision classes is purchased and obtained at the discretion of the school and the SEN coordinator or specialist provision teacher. Newly established specialist provision is allocated a budget of £20,000 to purchase furniture and equipment to meet the needs of its pupils. During the statutory assessment or review process, an Occupational Therapist may recommend specific equipment for an individual pupil to support their access to the curriculum, in these circumstances the Education Authority’s (EA) Statutory Assessment and Review Service is responsible for ordering and funding the item(s).
The EA’s Specialist Setting Support Team (SSST), is a multi-service team, providing integrated support for specialist provision classes.
The SSST team provides support at pre and post set up level for new settings. A comprehensive professional learning and development programme is available, delivered both online and in person, for senior leadership, teachers, classroom assistants and parents.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021923%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426657","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426657"}},{"id":"426656","reference":"AQW 21922/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking with the Minister for the Economy to improve effective collaboration between schools and further education colleges.","answerText":"The 14-19 Framework “Developing a More Strategic Approach to 14-19 Education and Training – A Framework to Transform 14-19 Education and Training Provision” was developed jointly by my Department and the Department for the Economy (DfE) as a basis on which to drive forward a more strategic and collaborative approach to 14-19 education and training.\n\nThere has been significant engagement with stakeholders right across the 14-19 landscape, including schools and the further education colleges, both in the development of the Framework and in taking forward the actions contained within it.\n\nTogether with representatives from schools and the education sector, Mr Leo Murphy, Principal of North-West Regional College, sits on the 14-19 Framework Programme Board. The Programme Board was established to oversee the implementation of the actions contained within the Framework.\n\nFollowing the Gateway review in early 2024, officials in DE and DfE worked closely with stakeholders to devise an improved delivery model. This included hosting a workshop for departmental staff and for the wider 14-19 stakeholder group in the Belfast Metropolitan College to devise new governance arrangements to support delivery of work. Representatives from the education and further education sectors attended that workshop.\n\nThrough the Entitlement Framework, schools and FE Colleges work collaboratively to meet the requirement to offer students access to a minimum of 21 courses.\n\nRepresentatives of schools and FE colleges also have the opportunity to engage on a regular basis at meetings of their local Area Learning Community.","answerHtml":"The 14-19 Framework “Developing a More Strategic Approach to 14-19 Education and Training – A Framework to Transform 14-19 Education and Training Provision” was developed jointly by my Department and the Department for the Economy (DfE) as a basis on which to drive forward a more strategic and collaborative approach to 14-19 education and training.
There has been significant engagement with stakeholders right across the 14-19 landscape, including schools and the further education colleges, both in the development of the Framework and in taking forward the actions contained within it.
Together with representatives from schools and the education sector, Mr Leo Murphy, Principal of North-West Regional College, sits on the 14-19 Framework Programme Board. The Programme Board was established to oversee the implementation of the actions contained within the Framework.
Following the Gateway review in early 2024, officials in DE and DfE worked closely with stakeholders to devise an improved delivery model. This included hosting a workshop for departmental staff and for the wider 14-19 stakeholder group in the Belfast Metropolitan College to devise new governance arrangements to support delivery of work. Representatives from the education and further education sectors attended that workshop.
Through the Entitlement Framework, schools and FE Colleges work collaboratively to meet the requirement to offer students access to a minimum of 21 courses.
Representatives of schools and FE colleges also have the opportunity to engage on a regular basis at meetings of their local Area Learning Community.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021922%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426656","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426656"}},{"id":"426655","reference":"AQW 21921/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the International Ministerial Advisory Panel will be providing expertise on pre-vocational and technical pathways, as advised in the Independent Review of Education.","answerText":"The International Ministerial Advisory Panel is primarily focused on curriculum and assessment matters, and this may include consideration of pre-vocational curricular pathways.","answerHtml":"The International Ministerial Advisory Panel is primarily focused on curriculum and assessment matters, and this may include consideration of pre-vocational curricular pathways.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021921%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426655","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426655"}},{"id":"426654","reference":"AQW 21920/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when the School Building Handbooks for nursery, primary and post-primary schools were (i) last reviewed; and (ii) last updated.","answerText":"The School Building Handbooks for nursery, primary and post-primary schools are live documents and are reviewed on a continual basis. The latest updates to the handbooks were published on 27 January 2025.","answerHtml":"The School Building Handbooks for nursery, primary and post-primary schools are live documents and are reviewed on a continual basis. The latest updates to the handbooks were published on 27 January 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021920%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426654","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426654"}},{"id":"426353","reference":"AQW 21846/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-03","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the threshold cost of capital works to qualify as Minor Works has been changed.","answerText":"In October 2017 the Department increased the Education Authority’s (EA) capital delegation from £500k to £1m. This effectively meant that from that date, all EA capital projects below that threshold were carried out by the EA without reference to the Department. The EA is responsible for determining its own minor works priorities and for planning, managing and carrying out these works. Projects above £1m can still be undertaken but require approval by the Department’s Finance Director.\n\nSimilarly, all capital projects above £1m in the non-controlled sector, which are managed by the Department’s Investment and Infrastructure Directorate, are subject to approval by the Department’s Finance Director.\n\nAll capital projects are subject to a value for money business case and relevant statutory approvals. Costs associated with the schemes are reviewed and assessed by Quantity Surveyors to ensure value for money.","answerHtml":"In October 2017 the Department increased the Education Authority’s (EA) capital delegation from £500k to £1m. This effectively meant that from that date, all EA capital projects below that threshold were carried out by the EA without reference to the Department. The EA is responsible for determining its own minor works priorities and for planning, managing and carrying out these works. Projects above £1m can still be undertaken but require approval by the Department’s Finance Director.
Similarly, all capital projects above £1m in the non-controlled sector, which are managed by the Department’s Investment and Infrastructure Directorate, are subject to approval by the Department’s Finance Director.
All capital projects are subject to a value for money business case and relevant statutory approvals. Costs associated with the schemes are reviewed and assessed by Quantity Surveyors to ensure value for money.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021846%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426353","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426353"}},{"id":"426352","reference":"AQW 21845/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-03","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-03-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail all projects that have received funding under his Department's capital funding allocation in the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"Details of capital expenditure on projects from 1 April 2022 to 31 January 2025 across capital programmes, broken down by school or programme, is set out in tables which I have deposited in the Assembly Library.","answerHtml":"Details of capital expenditure on projects from 1 April 2022 to 31 January 2025 across capital programmes, broken down by school or programme, is set out in tables which I have deposited in the Assembly Library.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021845%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426352","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426352"}},{"id":"426351","reference":"AQW 21844/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-03","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any capital funding programmes currently open to schools to apply for funding.","answerText":"There are not currently any capital funding programmes open to schools to apply for funding. However, if a school identifies an issue which meets the current Ministerial Priority 1 criteria, i.e. minor works that meet inescapable statutory requirements such as Health and Safety, fire protection or statutory obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act, they can submit an ‘Unavoidable Minor Works Application' to either the Department of Education, if it is a maintained, voluntary grammar, grant-maintained integrated or Irish-medium school, or the Education Authority, if it is a controlled school.","answerHtml":"There are not currently any capital funding programmes open to schools to apply for funding. However, if a school identifies an issue which meets the current Ministerial Priority 1 criteria, i.e. minor works that meet inescapable statutory requirements such as Health and Safety, fire protection or statutory obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act, they can submit an ‘Unavoidable Minor Works Application' to either the Department of Education, if it is a maintained, voluntary grammar, grant-maintained integrated or Irish-medium school, or the Education Authority, if it is a controlled school.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021844%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426351","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426351"}},{"id":"426159","reference":"AQW 21765/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the capital projects that have received funding where an application for funding was not submitted, since the beginning of the 2022-2027 mandate.","answerText":"The information that you have requested relating to the number of capital projects that have received funding where an application for funding was not submitted, since the beginning of the 2022-2027 mandate will take some time to collate.\n\nI will arrange to have the information forwarded to you as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The information that you have requested relating to the number of capital projects that have received funding where an application for funding was not submitted, since the beginning of the 2022-2027 mandate will take some time to collate.
I will arrange to have the information forwarded to you as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021765%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426159"}},{"id":"426158","reference":"AQW 21764/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the unavoidable Minor Works applications submitted to his Department since the beginning of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate, including (i) name of school; (ii) date of submission; and (iii) whether the application was approved.","answerText":"The information that you have requested relating to the number of unavoidable Minor Works applications submitted to the department since the beginning of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate, will take some time to collate.\n\nI will arrange to have the information forwarded to you as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The information that you have requested relating to the number of unavoidable Minor Works applications submitted to the department since the beginning of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate, will take some time to collate.
I will arrange to have the information forwarded to you as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021764%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426158"}},{"id":"426157","reference":"AQW 21763/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether Minor Work applications for schools are still limited to inescapable statutory requirements.","answerText":"Projects progressing under the Minor Works programme are currently prioritised on the basis of health and safety, statutory compliance, the need to address urgent and emergency repairs and implementation of approved Development Proposals.","answerHtml":"Projects progressing under the Minor Works programme are currently prioritised on the basis of health and safety, statutory compliance, the need to address urgent and emergency repairs and implementation of approved Development Proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021763%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426157","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426157"}},{"id":"426156","reference":"AQW 21762/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 21056/22-27, for his assessment of an increase in the bursary amount.","answerText":"A range of bursary options are being assessed as part the Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) 2025/26 – 2027/28 business case process. As the business case is currently in draft form it would not be appropriate to comment further at this point.","answerHtml":"A range of bursary options are being assessed as part the Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) 2025/26 – 2027/28 business case process. As the business case is currently in draft form it would not be appropriate to comment further at this point.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021762%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426156","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426156"}},{"id":"426155","reference":"AQW 21761/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 21055/22-27, whether information on the reason for leaving the Education Authority is recorded.","answerText":"The reasons for Educational Psychologists leaving the Education Authority’s (EA) Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is recorded by the EA via exit interviews.","answerHtml":"The reasons for Educational Psychologists leaving the Education Authority’s (EA) Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is recorded by the EA via exit interviews.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021761%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426155","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426155"}},{"id":"426004","reference":"AQW 21688/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-30","answerBy":"2025-02-14","answered":"2025-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether different Health and Social Care Trusts have different protocols in response to women who experience bleeding while in their first trimester of pregnancy.","answerText":"All HSC Trusts offer early pregnancy services for women who experience bleeding following a positive pregnancy test.\n\nPlease see below the Trusts protocols in response to women who experience bleeding while in their first trimester of pregnancy:\n\nBelfast HSCT Trust\n\nThe Belfast Trust have a policy on the Management of Bleeding in Pregnancy in place. The Trust also follows National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance NG 126 on Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage: diagnosis and initial management NG126.\n\nReferrals to the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) are accepted from Emergency Department/ GP/ Maternity Assessment Unit / Antenatal Clinic / Self-referral from women.\n\nAccess to EPU is available within a few days of referral but is also available on a same day basis consistent with clinical need. Specific arrangements are in place to support women with a history of ectopic or a scan confirmed ectopic pregnancy. EPU services also operate ongoing review every two to three weeks for women with ongoing bleeding in early pregnancy.\n\nWomen in the very early stages of pregnancy e.g. 4/5 weeks who report bleeding may be asked to repeat a pregnancy test in one week. Should the test remain positive and there remain concerns re bleeding they will then be offered review in EPU.\n\nSouth Eastern HSC Trust\n\nSouth Eastern Trust provide early pregnancy services for women who experience bleeding following a positive pregnancy test. Women can self-refer or be referred by their general practitioner.\n\nNorthern HSC Trust\n\nThe Northern Trust operates early pregnancy clinics (EPC) on both Antrim and Causeway sites seven days a week. The EPC is a nurse-led service offering ultrasound assessment and blood testing. The EPC accepts self-referrals, referrals from gynaecology, midwifery care, GP’s and ED. Initial assessment is primarily via telephone triage\n\nAntrim EPC is available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Causeway EPC runs 9am – 1pm Monday to Sunday.\n\nOut of hours or if women’s history indicates they may become unstable, such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, dizziness or vasovagal episode, they should attend the closest emergency department (ED) for assessment. Depending on presentation of symptoms and quantification of bleeding different pathways may be followed;\n\nScant – light bleeding: women are advised to observe with worsening symptoms advice given. A log of the call will ensure woman is allocated appointment if bleeding persists or worsens.\n\nLight – moderate bleeding: woman is allocated an appointment in EPC – if they have not had a scan in this pregnancy already, it is ideal that the woman is seen within 24 hours\n\nHeavy bleeding: same day assessment is required. If clinical triage indicates, women are diverted to ED and then assessed by Gynae / EPC team at a later point in the assessment when stabilised.\n\nThe above information is in relation to PV bleeding in the first trimester with no associated symptoms such as abdominal pain etc. Clinical judgement is used in all the above circumstances, depending on history, presentation and assessment. Safety net advice is given to all patients regarding worsening symptoms. Patients who have uncomplicated PV bleeding who are less than 6 weeks pregnant are advised to do a home pregnancy test in 2 weeks. If positive an appointment is allocated or if reassessment of symptoms dictates this.\n\nSouthern HSC Trust\n\nThe Southern Trust operates an Early Pregnancy Problem Clinic where women can be referred or self-refer when experiencing bleeding in the first trimester. The opening hours of this clinic are currently 09.00-19.00 Monday to Friday and they are aiming to open on a Saturday in the near future. Outside of these hours women can attend the Emergency Department where they will be triaged and will await further assessment by the Gynae team.\n\nWestern HSC Trust\n\nWomen experiencing bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy are referred by their GP/ED to Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit for management. Each case is managed individually depending on clinical scenario.","answerHtml":"All HSC Trusts offer early pregnancy services for women who experience bleeding following a positive pregnancy test.
Please see below the Trusts protocols in response to women who experience bleeding while in their first trimester of pregnancy:
Belfast HSCT Trust
The Belfast Trust have a policy on the Management of Bleeding in Pregnancy in place. The Trust also follows National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance NG 126 on Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage: diagnosis and initial management NG126.
Referrals to the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) are accepted from Emergency Department/ GP/ Maternity Assessment Unit / Antenatal Clinic / Self-referral from women.
Access to EPU is available within a few days of referral but is also available on a same day basis consistent with clinical need. Specific arrangements are in place to support women with a history of ectopic or a scan confirmed ectopic pregnancy. EPU services also operate ongoing review every two to three weeks for women with ongoing bleeding in early pregnancy.
Women in the very early stages of pregnancy e.g. 4/5 weeks who report bleeding may be asked to repeat a pregnancy test in one week. Should the test remain positive and there remain concerns re bleeding they will then be offered review in EPU.
South Eastern HSC Trust
South Eastern Trust provide early pregnancy services for women who experience bleeding following a positive pregnancy test. Women can self-refer or be referred by their general practitioner.
Northern HSC Trust
The Northern Trust operates early pregnancy clinics (EPC) on both Antrim and Causeway sites seven days a week. The EPC is a nurse-led service offering ultrasound assessment and blood testing. The EPC accepts self-referrals, referrals from gynaecology, midwifery care, GP’s and ED. Initial assessment is primarily via telephone triage
Antrim EPC is available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Causeway EPC runs 9am – 1pm Monday to Sunday.
Out of hours or if women’s history indicates they may become unstable, such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, dizziness or vasovagal episode, they should attend the closest emergency department (ED) for assessment. Depending on presentation of symptoms and quantification of bleeding different pathways may be followed;
Scant – light bleeding: women are advised to observe with worsening symptoms advice given. A log of the call will ensure woman is allocated appointment if bleeding persists or worsens.
Light – moderate bleeding: woman is allocated an appointment in EPC – if they have not had a scan in this pregnancy already, it is ideal that the woman is seen within 24 hours
Heavy bleeding: same day assessment is required. If clinical triage indicates, women are diverted to ED and then assessed by Gynae / EPC team at a later point in the assessment when stabilised.
The above information is in relation to PV bleeding in the first trimester with no associated symptoms such as abdominal pain etc. Clinical judgement is used in all the above circumstances, depending on history, presentation and assessment. Safety net advice is given to all patients regarding worsening symptoms. Patients who have uncomplicated PV bleeding who are less than 6 weeks pregnant are advised to do a home pregnancy test in 2 weeks. If positive an appointment is allocated or if reassessment of symptoms dictates this.
Southern HSC Trust
The Southern Trust operates an Early Pregnancy Problem Clinic where women can be referred or self-refer when experiencing bleeding in the first trimester. The opening hours of this clinic are currently 09.00-19.00 Monday to Friday and they are aiming to open on a Saturday in the near future. Outside of these hours women can attend the Emergency Department where they will be triaged and will await further assessment by the Gynae team.
Western HSC Trust
Women experiencing bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy are referred by their GP/ED to Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit for management. Each case is managed individually depending on clinical scenario.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021688%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426004","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426004"}},{"id":"426003","reference":"AQW 21687/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-30","answerBy":"2025-02-14","answered":"2025-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any support that is provided to mothers and families who have experienced a miscarriage, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Belfast HSCT Trust\n\nWomen are cared for within different departments depending on their gestation and their clinical condition on presenting at the hospital. These include the:\n\nMaternity Assessment Unit (MAU)\n\nEarly Pregnancy Unit (EPU)\n\nDelivery suite\n\nSome women will be seen in the MAU, which provides care to women who require assessment and or additional care at various gestations as appropriate. Some women may need to remain in the MAU until their physical condition is stabilised prior to transfer to theatre and or onto a different department.\n\nWomen are also supported through miscarriage in the Early Pregnancy Unit. Specially trained midwives who offer transvaginal ultrasound and bereavement support are available in the unit Monday – Friday 08:00-16:00. In addition to this, the service has two Consultant Obstetricians and a Speciality Doctor who provide cover three mornings weekly. The midwives provide counselling in relation to the options for the management of miscarriage and provide care for medical management both as an outpatient or an inpatient option. Surgical management of miscarriage is also offered. Women who chose this option will be cared for in the ward setting of EPU where they are transferred to theatre for the procedure and returned to the ward to receive post-operative care from the midwives within EPU. For women who chose medical management of miscarriage they will remain under the care of EPU for a number of weeks until the miscarriage is fully resolved. This can involve additional visits to the unit or virtual appointments over the phone.\n\nAll midwives, doctors and maternity support workers provide bereavement care. They are mindful of the need to provide sensitive and compassionate care, which meets the needs of individual families. Some women will need to return to the EPU for ongoing care and they are cared for in a small private area with private toilet facilities. The EPU has been recently refurbished while working in partnership with the Snowdrop staff.\n\nWomen are provided with supporting documentation from the BHSCT / Miscarriage Association / Cradle and also informed of the bereavement support available from the childbirth and loss midwives. Women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss are also referred to the recurrent pregnancy loss clinic.\n\nIt is recognised that families who experience miscarriage are vulnerable to mental health difficulties and trauma symptoms alongside their grief. If required those families can be referred to the Maternity Psychological Service, embedded within the Royal Maternity Jubilee Hospital. Referrals for women, and birth partners/fathers are accepted and they are offered individual or couples-based sessions, depending on the clinical need. There is a longstanding high demand for psychological input into Maternity services and the Service is actively exploring opportunities to improve access for psychological interventions and reduce waiting times for bereaved families.\n\nSouth Eastern HSC Trust\n\nSouth Eastern Trust provide Early Pregnancy Service 7 days a week for women with early pregnancy issues. Women who experience miscarriage can access support from the bereavement team who cover gynaecology, maternity and neonatal.\n\nNorthern HSC Trust\n\nThe Northern Trust is committed to delivering high quality, compassionate care to women and their families following loss at any stage during pregnancy. Women and families experiencing miscarriage or a stillbirth have the support of the multidisciplinary team, the Trust Bereavement coordinator, the Bereavement Support Midwife, specialist midwives and specialist nurses who work collaboratively. The service provides support and guidance to all parents who experience pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, early neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, and pregnancy after loss.\n\nIn the clinical setting bereaved parents are cared for in their recently opened bereavement room. ‘The Willow Suite’ is a dedicated space for parents and families following the loss of a baby after 20 weeks providing an appropriately safe and sensitive environment, which upholds privacy and dignity whilst giving the opportunity to grieve and spend time with their precious baby whilst in hospital. On occasions there may be more than one bereaved family, therefore staff will use judgement as to their placement. Prior to 20 weeks, those experiencing loss are cared for in a private room on the gynaecology ward. In both clinical settings and supported by the multidisciplinary team parents receive:\n\nCompassionate and empathetic care;\n\nClear and sensitive communication;\n\nGuidance to make informed choices and decisions;\n\nEmotional support;\n\nOpportunities for memory making with provision of memory boxes, additional resources & bereavement photography;\n\nProvision of cuddle cot whilst in hospital or for use at home – a specialised cooling cot giving parents the opportunity to spend as much time as needed with their baby both in hospital or at home in the time before burial or cremation;\n\nIndividualised care planning;\n\nAssessment of mental health and onward referral if necessary;\n\nOpportunities for remembrance and reflection;\n\nSupport of specialist bereavement support midwife and signposting to other specialist services as required - outlined below.\n\nThe Bereavement Support Midwife works alongside multidisciplinary professionals providing training, support, guidance for staff in the clinical setting and supporting women and their families following miscarriage or stillbirth in the weeks and months after discharge as needed. The Bereavement Support Midwife also offers a listening service following loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, or in a new pregnancy after loss.\n\nThe Listening service is a 1:1 session (or sessions as required) with the Bereavement Support Midwife. This is a supportive session, which is individualised, led by the individual and offers signposting or referral to other services as required. The location, length of time and frequency of appointments are tailored to the parent’s needs. The parent also has access to the Bereavement Support Midwife via text, phone or email outside of these appointments. In addition to the listening service, if other specialist service are required for example therapeutic counselling or psychological support, the individual may be referred via a number of pathways;\n\nReferral to Mental Health Practitioner at GP practice;\n\nReferral to GP;\n\nReferral to community mental health team or psychological therapies;\n\nReferral to Trust Perinatal Mental Health Midwife;\n\nReferral for support at the Extra support/Birth Trauma Clinic or debrief clinic; and,\n\nReferral to Social Complexities midwife.\n\nSignposting to local and national charitable organisations for further support, befriending services, counselling services is also an option for families when psychological therapy is not required. Following Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, the trust offers referral to a specialist clinic. The clinic provides strong continuity of care for women and their partner. A small multidisciplinary team specialising in early pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage lead this clinic. The purpose of each appointment is to provide specialist support, undertake investigations, and provide treatments with an overall aim of reducing anxiety and improving mental and physical well-being prior to any future pregnancy. The Bereavement Support Midwife provides a supportive role alongside this clinic by providing a listening service, extra time, emotional support and guidance when needed.\n\nRecognising the importance of remembrance for all bereaved families, the Trust organise remembrance events for all those who have experienced the loss of a baby or child. These events are in the form of a snowdrop walk event for all the family once a year, interdenominational remembrance services in both areas of the trust, and the opportunity for parents to have their baby’s name entered into the books of remembrance. Events are also held throughout baby loss awareness week to raise awareness and give staff and service user’s opportunities to remember and reflect.\n\nThe Trust have recently established and opened their own dedicated Garden of Remembrance where families can come to remember and reflect. This space also hosts bereavement remembrance events throughout the year. Many parents have expressed their sincere appreciation for these services and events and have found comfort in remembering their baby or child in this way.\n\nA service user group, ‘The Butterfly Group’, is available for bereaved parents, NHSCT staff and members of public. The group meet quarterly with the aim of improving services and bereavement care.\n\nSouthern HSC Trust\n\nThe Southern Trust provide an information leaflet and details for local support groups that women who experience miscarriage can attend. The information leaflet will also provide answers to some questions that women may have in relation to miscarriage and the process following this.\n\nLocal Charities such as ‘4Louis’ and ‘Cradel’ provide memory boxes which are provided to women by the Gynaecological Nurses.\n\nWestern HSC Trust\n\nWomen who experience miscarriage and attend hospital are offered a visit by a midwife to provide additional support. Parents are also offered additional support by the Pregnancy and Loss Midwife for the Trust if their loss has occurred after 20 weeks. Women are also provided with details of support organisations that they wish to avail of at this time or at a later date.","answerHtml":"Belfast HSCT Trust
Women are cared for within different departments depending on their gestation and their clinical condition on presenting at the hospital. These include the:
Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU)
Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)
Delivery suite
Some women will be seen in the MAU, which provides care to women who require assessment and or additional care at various gestations as appropriate. Some women may need to remain in the MAU until their physical condition is stabilised prior to transfer to theatre and or onto a different department.
Women are also supported through miscarriage in the Early Pregnancy Unit. Specially trained midwives who offer transvaginal ultrasound and bereavement support are available in the unit Monday – Friday 08:00-16:00. In addition to this, the service has two Consultant Obstetricians and a Speciality Doctor who provide cover three mornings weekly. The midwives provide counselling in relation to the options for the management of miscarriage and provide care for medical management both as an outpatient or an inpatient option. Surgical management of miscarriage is also offered. Women who chose this option will be cared for in the ward setting of EPU where they are transferred to theatre for the procedure and returned to the ward to receive post-operative care from the midwives within EPU. For women who chose medical management of miscarriage they will remain under the care of EPU for a number of weeks until the miscarriage is fully resolved. This can involve additional visits to the unit or virtual appointments over the phone.
All midwives, doctors and maternity support workers provide bereavement care. They are mindful of the need to provide sensitive and compassionate care, which meets the needs of individual families. Some women will need to return to the EPU for ongoing care and they are cared for in a small private area with private toilet facilities. The EPU has been recently refurbished while working in partnership with the Snowdrop staff.
Women are provided with supporting documentation from the BHSCT / Miscarriage Association / Cradle and also informed of the bereavement support available from the childbirth and loss midwives. Women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss are also referred to the recurrent pregnancy loss clinic.
It is recognised that families who experience miscarriage are vulnerable to mental health difficulties and trauma symptoms alongside their grief. If required those families can be referred to the Maternity Psychological Service, embedded within the Royal Maternity Jubilee Hospital. Referrals for women, and birth partners/fathers are accepted and they are offered individual or couples-based sessions, depending on the clinical need. There is a longstanding high demand for psychological input into Maternity services and the Service is actively exploring opportunities to improve access for psychological interventions and reduce waiting times for bereaved families.
South Eastern HSC Trust
South Eastern Trust provide Early Pregnancy Service 7 days a week for women with early pregnancy issues. Women who experience miscarriage can access support from the bereavement team who cover gynaecology, maternity and neonatal.
Northern HSC Trust
The Northern Trust is committed to delivering high quality, compassionate care to women and their families following loss at any stage during pregnancy. Women and families experiencing miscarriage or a stillbirth have the support of the multidisciplinary team, the Trust Bereavement coordinator, the Bereavement Support Midwife, specialist midwives and specialist nurses who work collaboratively. The service provides support and guidance to all parents who experience pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, early neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, and pregnancy after loss.
In the clinical setting bereaved parents are cared for in their recently opened bereavement room. ‘The Willow Suite’ is a dedicated space for parents and families following the loss of a baby after 20 weeks providing an appropriately safe and sensitive environment, which upholds privacy and dignity whilst giving the opportunity to grieve and spend time with their precious baby whilst in hospital. On occasions there may be more than one bereaved family, therefore staff will use judgement as to their placement. Prior to 20 weeks, those experiencing loss are cared for in a private room on the gynaecology ward. In both clinical settings and supported by the multidisciplinary team parents receive:
Compassionate and empathetic care;
Clear and sensitive communication;
Guidance to make informed choices and decisions;
Emotional support;
Opportunities for memory making with provision of memory boxes, additional resources & bereavement photography;
Provision of cuddle cot whilst in hospital or for use at home – a specialised cooling cot giving parents the opportunity to spend as much time as needed with their baby both in hospital or at home in the time before burial or cremation;
Individualised care planning;
Assessment of mental health and onward referral if necessary;
Opportunities for remembrance and reflection;
Support of specialist bereavement support midwife and signposting to other specialist services as required - outlined below.
The Bereavement Support Midwife works alongside multidisciplinary professionals providing training, support, guidance for staff in the clinical setting and supporting women and their families following miscarriage or stillbirth in the weeks and months after discharge as needed. The Bereavement Support Midwife also offers a listening service following loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, or in a new pregnancy after loss.
The Listening service is a 1:1 session (or sessions as required) with the Bereavement Support Midwife. This is a supportive session, which is individualised, led by the individual and offers signposting or referral to other services as required. The location, length of time and frequency of appointments are tailored to the parent’s needs. The parent also has access to the Bereavement Support Midwife via text, phone or email outside of these appointments. In addition to the listening service, if other specialist service are required for example therapeutic counselling or psychological support, the individual may be referred via a number of pathways;
Referral to Mental Health Practitioner at GP practice;
Referral to GP;
Referral to community mental health team or psychological therapies;
Referral to Trust Perinatal Mental Health Midwife;
Referral for support at the Extra support/Birth Trauma Clinic or debrief clinic; and,
Referral to Social Complexities midwife.
Signposting to local and national charitable organisations for further support, befriending services, counselling services is also an option for families when psychological therapy is not required. Following Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, the trust offers referral to a specialist clinic. The clinic provides strong continuity of care for women and their partner. A small multidisciplinary team specialising in early pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage lead this clinic. The purpose of each appointment is to provide specialist support, undertake investigations, and provide treatments with an overall aim of reducing anxiety and improving mental and physical well-being prior to any future pregnancy. The Bereavement Support Midwife provides a supportive role alongside this clinic by providing a listening service, extra time, emotional support and guidance when needed.
Recognising the importance of remembrance for all bereaved families, the Trust organise remembrance events for all those who have experienced the loss of a baby or child. These events are in the form of a snowdrop walk event for all the family once a year, interdenominational remembrance services in both areas of the trust, and the opportunity for parents to have their baby’s name entered into the books of remembrance. Events are also held throughout baby loss awareness week to raise awareness and give staff and service user’s opportunities to remember and reflect.
The Trust have recently established and opened their own dedicated Garden of Remembrance where families can come to remember and reflect. This space also hosts bereavement remembrance events throughout the year. Many parents have expressed their sincere appreciation for these services and events and have found comfort in remembering their baby or child in this way.
A service user group, ‘The Butterfly Group’, is available for bereaved parents, NHSCT staff and members of public. The group meet quarterly with the aim of improving services and bereavement care.
Southern HSC Trust
The Southern Trust provide an information leaflet and details for local support groups that women who experience miscarriage can attend. The information leaflet will also provide answers to some questions that women may have in relation to miscarriage and the process following this.
Local Charities such as ‘4Louis’ and ‘Cradel’ provide memory boxes which are provided to women by the Gynaecological Nurses.
Western HSC Trust
Women who experience miscarriage and attend hospital are offered a visit by a midwife to provide additional support. Parents are also offered additional support by the Pregnancy and Loss Midwife for the Trust if their loss has occurred after 20 weeks. Women are also provided with details of support organisations that they wish to avail of at this time or at a later date.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021687%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426003","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426003"}},{"id":"426002","reference":"AQW 21686/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-30","answerBy":"2025-02-14","answered":"2025-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any support that is provided to mothers and families who have experienced a stillbirth, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Belfast HSC Trust\n\nWithin Belfast Trust, all midwives, doctors, neonatal nurses as well as clinical support staff provide bereavement care. The service employs two full-time specialist Childbirth and Loss midwives who will meet with bereaved women and their partners upon request to provide help and support in the initial bereavement period and following discharge home. In Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital the Trust endeavour to care for families who have experienced pregnancy loss from 12 weeks gestation in the Snowdrop Room. This is a dedicated bereavement room on a separate corridor within delivery suite with an ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and has also been co-designed with members of the Snowdrop Group. The Snowdrop Group works in partnership with the bereaved parents to enhance and improve bereavement care.\n\nFamilies are supported to spend time with their babies, make memories and share this precious time with extended family members including siblings as appropriate. They are guided in making decisions in relation to further investigations including hospital post-mortem examination. Staff discuss and assist families in making funeral arrangements for their baby. In addition staff recognise the impact for families experiencing stillbirth where English is not their first language. They engage with the appropriate interpreting services and are respectful of the cultural needs of individual families. Families can also avail of the chaplaincy service. Bereaved families receive one to one care from a dedicated midwife within delivery suite, supported by the Childbirth and Loss Midwives. Families are supported to spend time with their babies, creating memories and introducing their baby to siblings and or extended families\n\nOn discharge to the community, GP services provide ongoing support. Bereaved families are also given information about a range of charities including Sands, Child Bereavement UK, Anam Cara, Tiny Life, the Twins Trust, Cradle and Aching Arms.\n\nIt is recognised that families who experience a stillbirth are vulnerable to mental health difficulties and trauma symptoms alongside their grief. If required those families can be referred to the Maternity Psychological Service, embedded within the Royal Maternity Jubilee Hospital. Referrals for women, and birth partners/fathers are accepted and they are offered individual or couples-based sessions, depending on the clinical need. There is a longstanding high demand for psychological input into Maternity services, coupled with limited resources within the Maternity Psychological Service, and the service is actively exploring opportunities to improve access for psychological interventions and reduce waiting times for bereaved families.\n\nSouth Eastern HSC Trust\n\nSouth Eastern Trust provide a bereavement suite for women who sadly experience a stillbirth. The maternity service has two bereavement midwives who provide listening support with guidance to families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. They receive referrals from early pregnancy services, neonatal services as well as from the maternity unit. They also provide face to face support to bereaved families while they are inpatients.\n\nNorthern HSC Trust\n\nThe Northern Trust is committed to delivering high quality, compassionate care to women and their families following loss at any stage during pregnancy. Women and families experiencing miscarriage or a stillbirth have the support of the multidisciplinary team, the Trust Bereavement coordinator, the Bereavement Support Midwife, specialist midwives and specialist nurses who work collaboratively.\n\nThe service provides support and guidance to all parents who experience pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, early neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, and pregnancy after loss.\n\nIn the clinical setting bereaved parents are cared for in our recently opened bereavement room. ‘The Willow Suite’ is a dedicated space for parents and families following the loss of a baby after 20 weeks providing an appropriately safe and sensitive environment, which upholds privacy and dignity whilst giving the opportunity to grieve and spend time with their precious baby whilst in hospital. On occasions there may be more than one bereaved family, therefore staff will use judgement as to their placement. Prior to 20 weeks, those experiencing loss are cared for in a private room on the gynaecology ward. In both clinical settings and supported by the multidisciplinary team parents receive:\n\nCompassionate and empathetic care\n\nClear and sensitive communication\n\nGuidance to make informed choices and decisions,\n\nEmotional support\n\nOpportunities for memory making with provision of memory boxes, additional resources & bereavement photography,\n\nProvision of cuddle cot whilst in hospital or for use at home – a specialised cooling cot giving parents the opportunity to spend as much time as needed with their baby both in hospital or at home in the time before burial or cremation\n\nIndividualised care planning\n\nAssessment of mental health and onward referral if necessary\n\nOpportunities for Remembrance and reflection\n\nSupport of specialist bereavement support midwife and signposting to other specialist services as required -outlined below\n\nThe Bereavement Support Midwife works alongside multidisciplinary professionals providing training, support, guidance for staff in the clinical setting and supporting women and their families following miscarriage or stillbirth in the weeks and months after discharge as needed. The Bereavement Support Midwife also offers a listening service following loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, or in a new pregnancy after loss.\n\nThe Listening service is a 1:1 session (or sessions as required) with the Bereavement Support Midwife. This is a supportive session, which is individualised, led by the individual and offers signposting or referral to other services as required. The location, length of time and frequency of appointments are tailored to the parent’s needs. The parent also has access to the Bereavement Support Midwife via text, phone or email outside of these appointments. In addition to the listening service, if other specialist service are required for example therapeutic counselling or psychological support, the individual may be referred via a number of pathways;\n\nReferral to Mental Health Practitioner at GP practice\n\nReferral to GP\n\nReferral to community mental health team or psychological therapies\n\nReferral to Trust Perinatal Mental Health Midwife\n\nReferral for support at the Extra support/Birth Trauma Clinic or debrief clinic.\n\nReferral to Social Complexities midwife\n\nSignposting to local and national charitable organisations for further support, befriending services, counselling services is also an option for families when psychological therapy is not required. Following Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, the Northern Trust offers referral to a specialist clinic. The clinic provides strong continuity of care for women and their partner. A small multidisciplinary team specialising in early pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage lead this clinic. The purpose of each appointment is to provide specialist support, undertake investigations, and provide treatments with an overall aim of reducing anxiety and improving mental and physical well-being prior to any future pregnancy. The Bereavement Support Midwife provides a supportive role alongside this clinic by providing a listening service, extra time, emotional support and guidance when needed.\n\nRecognising the importance of remembrance for all bereaved families, the Trust organise remembrance events for all those who have experienced the loss of a baby or child. These events are in the form of a snowdrop walk event for all the family once a year, interdenominational remembrance services in both areas of the trust, and the opportunity for parents to have their babies name entered into the books of remembrance. Events are also held throughout baby loss awareness week to raise awareness and give staff and service user’s opportunities to remember and reflect.\n\nThe Trust have recently established and opened our own dedicated Garden of Remembrance where families can come to remember and reflect. This space also hosts bereavement remembrance events throughout the year. Many parents have expressed their sincere appreciation for these services and events and have found comfort in remembering their baby or child in this way. A service user group, ‘The Butterfly Group’, is available for bereaved parents, NHSCT staff and members of public. The group meet quarterly with the aim of improving services and bereavement care.\n\nSouthern HSC Trust\n\nSouthern Trust have purpose-built bereavement suites situated in the delivery suite where mothers are admitted for labour and birth. Both these suites are geographically located to avoid additional trauma for parents/visitors by meeting other birthing parents. The area has been sound proofed to avoid any noise disturbance. These rooms are suitable for any gestation usually used for 17-42 weeks gestation. Both suites have soft colours and furnishing to ensure the room appears less clinical and more conducive to the needs of bereaved families. Families remain in these room for labour and delivery and then discharged home.\n\nFamilies are discharged home with resources to provide comfort and support and offered a listening visit in Dromore Listening Rooms or telephone support from the Bereavement Midwife. Staff are caring, compassionate, emphatic and supportive to all bereaved parents. The Bereavement Midwife also signposts bereaved parents/families to other charitable organisations/support groups such as Little forget me nots, Cradle, SANDS NI, 4 Louis, Tommy charity.\n\nParents/ siblings are offered additional visits to Dromore listening rooms as required. Support visits are offered following coroner reports.\n\nThe Bereavement midwife contacts parents on the baby’s due date to offer emotional support and this support is continued throughout the year with the Trust’s annual Service of Remembrance.\n\nWith subsequent pregnancies emotional support is offered by bereavement midwife throughout the pregnancy journey.\n\nSome parents become involved with organising fundraising events throughout the year for all those who have been affected by baby loss.\n\nWestern HSC Trust\n\nIn Western trust all women who have experienced a stillbirth are offered support by Midwifery/Obstetric staff who will manage and support them throughout their care. Women are also offered additional support by the Pregnancy and Loss Midwife for the Trust. She offers to meet with families face to face or via telephone and provides a direct contact number should they require her assistance. Women are also provided with details of support organisations that they wish to avail of at this time or at a later date. The Trust also invite our mothers back for a consultation with their named consultant.","answerHtml":"Belfast HSC Trust
Within Belfast Trust, all midwives, doctors, neonatal nurses as well as clinical support staff provide bereavement care. The service employs two full-time specialist Childbirth and Loss midwives who will meet with bereaved women and their partners upon request to provide help and support in the initial bereavement period and following discharge home. In Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital the Trust endeavour to care for families who have experienced pregnancy loss from 12 weeks gestation in the Snowdrop Room. This is a dedicated bereavement room on a separate corridor within delivery suite with an ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and has also been co-designed with members of the Snowdrop Group. The Snowdrop Group works in partnership with the bereaved parents to enhance and improve bereavement care.
Families are supported to spend time with their babies, make memories and share this precious time with extended family members including siblings as appropriate. They are guided in making decisions in relation to further investigations including hospital post-mortem examination. Staff discuss and assist families in making funeral arrangements for their baby. In addition staff recognise the impact for families experiencing stillbirth where English is not their first language. They engage with the appropriate interpreting services and are respectful of the cultural needs of individual families. Families can also avail of the chaplaincy service. Bereaved families receive one to one care from a dedicated midwife within delivery suite, supported by the Childbirth and Loss Midwives. Families are supported to spend time with their babies, creating memories and introducing their baby to siblings and or extended families
On discharge to the community, GP services provide ongoing support. Bereaved families are also given information about a range of charities including Sands, Child Bereavement UK, Anam Cara, Tiny Life, the Twins Trust, Cradle and Aching Arms.
It is recognised that families who experience a stillbirth are vulnerable to mental health difficulties and trauma symptoms alongside their grief. If required those families can be referred to the Maternity Psychological Service, embedded within the Royal Maternity Jubilee Hospital. Referrals for women, and birth partners/fathers are accepted and they are offered individual or couples-based sessions, depending on the clinical need. There is a longstanding high demand for psychological input into Maternity services, coupled with limited resources within the Maternity Psychological Service, and the service is actively exploring opportunities to improve access for psychological interventions and reduce waiting times for bereaved families.
South Eastern HSC Trust
South Eastern Trust provide a bereavement suite for women who sadly experience a stillbirth. The maternity service has two bereavement midwives who provide listening support with guidance to families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. They receive referrals from early pregnancy services, neonatal services as well as from the maternity unit. They also provide face to face support to bereaved families while they are inpatients.
Northern HSC Trust
The Northern Trust is committed to delivering high quality, compassionate care to women and their families following loss at any stage during pregnancy. Women and families experiencing miscarriage or a stillbirth have the support of the multidisciplinary team, the Trust Bereavement coordinator, the Bereavement Support Midwife, specialist midwives and specialist nurses who work collaboratively.
The service provides support and guidance to all parents who experience pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, early neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, and pregnancy after loss.
In the clinical setting bereaved parents are cared for in our recently opened bereavement room. ‘The Willow Suite’ is a dedicated space for parents and families following the loss of a baby after 20 weeks providing an appropriately safe and sensitive environment, which upholds privacy and dignity whilst giving the opportunity to grieve and spend time with their precious baby whilst in hospital. On occasions there may be more than one bereaved family, therefore staff will use judgement as to their placement. Prior to 20 weeks, those experiencing loss are cared for in a private room on the gynaecology ward. In both clinical settings and supported by the multidisciplinary team parents receive:
Compassionate and empathetic care
Clear and sensitive communication
Guidance to make informed choices and decisions,
Emotional support
Opportunities for memory making with provision of memory boxes, additional resources & bereavement photography,
Provision of cuddle cot whilst in hospital or for use at home – a specialised cooling cot giving parents the opportunity to spend as much time as needed with their baby both in hospital or at home in the time before burial or cremation
Individualised care planning
Assessment of mental health and onward referral if necessary
Opportunities for Remembrance and reflection
Support of specialist bereavement support midwife and signposting to other specialist services as required -outlined below
The Bereavement Support Midwife works alongside multidisciplinary professionals providing training, support, guidance for staff in the clinical setting and supporting women and their families following miscarriage or stillbirth in the weeks and months after discharge as needed. The Bereavement Support Midwife also offers a listening service following loss at any stage of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, or in a new pregnancy after loss.
The Listening service is a 1:1 session (or sessions as required) with the Bereavement Support Midwife. This is a supportive session, which is individualised, led by the individual and offers signposting or referral to other services as required. The location, length of time and frequency of appointments are tailored to the parent’s needs. The parent also has access to the Bereavement Support Midwife via text, phone or email outside of these appointments. In addition to the listening service, if other specialist service are required for example therapeutic counselling or psychological support, the individual may be referred via a number of pathways;
Referral to Mental Health Practitioner at GP practice
Referral to GP
Referral to community mental health team or psychological therapies
Referral to Trust Perinatal Mental Health Midwife
Referral for support at the Extra support/Birth Trauma Clinic or debrief clinic.
Referral to Social Complexities midwife
Signposting to local and national charitable organisations for further support, befriending services, counselling services is also an option for families when psychological therapy is not required. Following Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, the Northern Trust offers referral to a specialist clinic. The clinic provides strong continuity of care for women and their partner. A small multidisciplinary team specialising in early pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage lead this clinic. The purpose of each appointment is to provide specialist support, undertake investigations, and provide treatments with an overall aim of reducing anxiety and improving mental and physical well-being prior to any future pregnancy. The Bereavement Support Midwife provides a supportive role alongside this clinic by providing a listening service, extra time, emotional support and guidance when needed.
Recognising the importance of remembrance for all bereaved families, the Trust organise remembrance events for all those who have experienced the loss of a baby or child. These events are in the form of a snowdrop walk event for all the family once a year, interdenominational remembrance services in both areas of the trust, and the opportunity for parents to have their babies name entered into the books of remembrance. Events are also held throughout baby loss awareness week to raise awareness and give staff and service user’s opportunities to remember and reflect.
The Trust have recently established and opened our own dedicated Garden of Remembrance where families can come to remember and reflect. This space also hosts bereavement remembrance events throughout the year. Many parents have expressed their sincere appreciation for these services and events and have found comfort in remembering their baby or child in this way. A service user group, ‘The Butterfly Group’, is available for bereaved parents, NHSCT staff and members of public. The group meet quarterly with the aim of improving services and bereavement care.
Southern HSC Trust
Southern Trust have purpose-built bereavement suites situated in the delivery suite where mothers are admitted for labour and birth. Both these suites are geographically located to avoid additional trauma for parents/visitors by meeting other birthing parents. The area has been sound proofed to avoid any noise disturbance. These rooms are suitable for any gestation usually used for 17-42 weeks gestation. Both suites have soft colours and furnishing to ensure the room appears less clinical and more conducive to the needs of bereaved families. Families remain in these room for labour and delivery and then discharged home.
Families are discharged home with resources to provide comfort and support and offered a listening visit in Dromore Listening Rooms or telephone support from the Bereavement Midwife. Staff are caring, compassionate, emphatic and supportive to all bereaved parents. The Bereavement Midwife also signposts bereaved parents/families to other charitable organisations/support groups such as Little forget me nots, Cradle, SANDS NI, 4 Louis, Tommy charity.
Parents/ siblings are offered additional visits to Dromore listening rooms as required. Support visits are offered following coroner reports.
The Bereavement midwife contacts parents on the baby’s due date to offer emotional support and this support is continued throughout the year with the Trust’s annual Service of Remembrance.
With subsequent pregnancies emotional support is offered by bereavement midwife throughout the pregnancy journey.
Some parents become involved with organising fundraising events throughout the year for all those who have been affected by baby loss.
Western HSC Trust
In Western trust all women who have experienced a stillbirth are offered support by Midwifery/Obstetric staff who will manage and support them throughout their care. Women are also offered additional support by the Pregnancy and Loss Midwife for the Trust. She offers to meet with families face to face or via telephone and provides a direct contact number should they require her assistance. Women are also provided with details of support organisations that they wish to avail of at this time or at a later date. The Trust also invite our mothers back for a consultation with their named consultant.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021686%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426002","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426002"}},{"id":"426001","reference":"AQW 21685/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-30","answerBy":"2025-02-14","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when the role of Deputy Secretary for Resources, Governance and Early Years will be filled.","answerText":"The role of Deputy Secretary for Resources, Governance and Early Years is currently being covered jointly by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Deputy Secretary of Sustainability and Infrastructure and Deputy Secretary of Education Policy and Children’s Services.\n\nThis is an interim measure that will be kept under review.","answerHtml":"The role of Deputy Secretary for Resources, Governance and Early Years is currently being covered jointly by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Deputy Secretary of Sustainability and Infrastructure and Deputy Secretary of Education Policy and Children’s Services.
This is an interim measure that will be kept under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021685%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426001","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426001"}},{"id":"426000","reference":"AQW 21684/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-30","answerBy":"2025-02-14","answered":"2025-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the role of Deputy Secretary for Resources, Governance and Early Years being vacant in his Department is delaying any work on the Childcare and Early Learning Strategy.","answerText":"The Directorate responsible for developing the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy has been temporarily re-assigned to the Deputy Secretary for Education Policy and Children’s Services. There has been no delay in progressing this work.","answerHtml":"The Directorate responsible for developing the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy has been temporarily re-assigned to the Deputy Secretary for Education Policy and Children’s Services. There has been no delay in progressing this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021684%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426000","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426000"}},{"id":"427701","reference":"AQO 1521/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-30","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the review of the Further Education delivery model.","answerText":"Question 12 – AQO 1521/22-27\n\nI am very supportive of the critical role played by Further Education Colleges in delivering the skills which the economy needs by providing learners wit high quality vocational and technical education. With courses available from access level to post graduate level, colleges have courses to suit learners of all ages.\n\nAdditionally, our colleges provide support to many businesses to help them to innovate and grow. This locally based provision is critical to ensuring all areas are able to benefit from economic growth.\n\nMy Department will be taking forward a co-designed programme of work in conjunction with Further Education Colleges over the next 24 months to review the Further Education delivery model.\n\nThis work aims to promote greater consistency in the provision of technical and vocational educational pathways as well as innovation support for employers in pursuit of my Economic Vision.","answerHtml":"Question 12 – AQO 1521/22-27
I am very supportive of the critical role played by Further Education Colleges in delivering the skills which the economy needs by providing learners wit high quality vocational and technical education. With courses available from access level to post graduate level, colleges have courses to suit learners of all ages.
Additionally, our colleges provide support to many businesses to help them to innovate and grow. This locally based provision is critical to ensuring all areas are able to benefit from economic growth.
My Department will be taking forward a co-designed programme of work in conjunction with Further Education Colleges over the next 24 months to review the Further Education delivery model.
This work aims to promote greater consistency in the provision of technical and vocational educational pathways as well as innovation support for employers in pursuit of my Economic Vision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201521%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427701","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427701"}},{"id":"425886","reference":"AQW 21602/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he is considering any actions to enable the Department to better track the (i) level of bullying incidents in schools; and (ii) trends of bullying incidents to support schools with interventions.","answerText":"Officials are progressing work on a number of fronts with a view to ensuring the Department has access to comprehensive data to better understand the frequency, motivations and methods of bullying type behaviour (BTB).\n\nThe Department has included a range of questions in relation to bullying type behaviour or the first time in the 2024 School Omnibus Survey including questions in relation to BTB methods and motivations.\n\nOfficials have also engaged with the ETI to ensure the inclusion of questions as part of a wider ETI pilot from September – December 2024, to help determine how schools are fulfilling their statutory obligations in relation to implementing the Act, in terms of recording of all incidents of bullying, development, implementation, monitoring and review of Addressing-Bullying policies and procedures.\n\nSchools are presently required to complete a Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) on the School Information Management System (SIMS) for each incident of BTB. The BCAF records statutorily required data, however presently this data cannot be collated or anonymised. The BCAF is being digitised as part of the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) digital change programme. The Department is starting to explore with the EA whether there is potential for accessing anonymised regional data resulting from the digitisation of the BCAF.\n\nThe Department has worked closely with the EA’s Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) in order to recently introduce an outcome based reporting approach which will see ABSIT providing the Department with termly reports in relation to the referrals they deal, the training they undertake and the associated outcomes for both.\n\nI also fully recognise the benefit of completing a new externally commission research study in order to gather valuable, up to date data on the nature and prevalence of bullying type behaviour. I will consider the scope to commission this research within the context of the Department’s overall final budget allocation.","answerHtml":"Officials are progressing work on a number of fronts with a view to ensuring the Department has access to comprehensive data to better understand the frequency, motivations and methods of bullying type behaviour (BTB).
The Department has included a range of questions in relation to bullying type behaviour or the first time in the 2024 School Omnibus Survey including questions in relation to BTB methods and motivations.
Officials have also engaged with the ETI to ensure the inclusion of questions as part of a wider ETI pilot from September – December 2024, to help determine how schools are fulfilling their statutory obligations in relation to implementing the Act, in terms of recording of all incidents of bullying, development, implementation, monitoring and review of Addressing-Bullying policies and procedures.
Schools are presently required to complete a Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) on the School Information Management System (SIMS) for each incident of BTB. The BCAF records statutorily required data, however presently this data cannot be collated or anonymised. The BCAF is being digitised as part of the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) digital change programme. The Department is starting to explore with the EA whether there is potential for accessing anonymised regional data resulting from the digitisation of the BCAF.
The Department has worked closely with the EA’s Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) in order to recently introduce an outcome based reporting approach which will see ABSIT providing the Department with termly reports in relation to the referrals they deal, the training they undertake and the associated outcomes for both.
I also fully recognise the benefit of completing a new externally commission research study in order to gather valuable, up to date data on the nature and prevalence of bullying type behaviour. I will consider the scope to commission this research within the context of the Department’s overall final budget allocation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021602%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425886","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425886"}},{"id":"425885","reference":"AQW 21601/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any engagement he has had with the Utility Regulator in relation to the development of a NIE Networks compensation scheme for those impacted by Storm Éowyn.","answerText":"Officials from my Department are engaging with senior representatives from the Utility Regulator and NIE Networks to determine what options are available to provide payments to electricity customers across the North who were most impacted by a loss of power due to Storm Éowyn.\n\nMy officials will continue to work with the Utility Regulator and NIE Networks to identify the most appropriate option to provide payments to eligible electricity customers impacted by Storm Éowyn.","answerHtml":"Officials from my Department are engaging with senior representatives from the Utility Regulator and NIE Networks to determine what options are available to provide payments to electricity customers across the North who were most impacted by a loss of power due to Storm Éowyn.
My officials will continue to work with the Utility Regulator and NIE Networks to identify the most appropriate option to provide payments to eligible electricity customers impacted by Storm Éowyn.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021601%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425885"}},{"id":"425884","reference":"AQW 21600/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) plans to redevelop the former Dromore Central Primary School site; and (ii) when he will know if the site will be used for special educational needs provision.","answerText":"The Education Authority is holding the former Dromore Primary School site from disposal as it is currently under consideration for SEN provision.\n\nInitial technical assessments have been carried out and draft plans developed for extensive refurbishment works to the building. Unfortunately, timeframes cannot be provided at this stage as other options are also under consideration.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority is holding the former Dromore Primary School site from disposal as it is currently under consideration for SEN provision.
Initial technical assessments have been carried out and draft plans developed for extensive refurbishment works to the building. Unfortunately, timeframes cannot be provided at this stage as other options are also under consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021600%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425884"}},{"id":"425660","reference":"AQW 21493/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-28","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any request they have made of NIE Networks to provide a compensation scheme for those impacted by Storm Éowyn.","answerText":"We are acutely aware of the significant impact on the thousands of people who were without power as a result of Storm Éowyn.\n\nWe met with the Managing Director from Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE) on Saturday 25 January and again at the Executive meeting on Monday (27 January) and have urged him to consider how his organisation could provide a good will payment to support families and businesses impacted by the effects of Storm Éowyn.","answerHtml":"We are acutely aware of the significant impact on the thousands of people who were without power as a result of Storm Éowyn.
We met with the Managing Director from Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE) on Saturday 25 January and again at the Executive meeting on Monday (27 January) and have urged him to consider how his organisation could provide a good will payment to support families and businesses impacted by the effects of Storm Éowyn.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021493%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425660","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425660"}},{"id":"425659","reference":"AQW 21492/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-28","answerBy":"2025-02-12","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will commission research to establish the current prevalence of bullying in schools to provide a baseline to measure interventions.","answerText":"I fully recognise that it would be beneficial to complete a new externally commission research study in order to gather valuable, up to date data on the nature and prevalence of bullying type behaviour. Such a study would help support the Department’s understanding of the profile of pupils involved in Bullying Type Behaviour (BTB), to quantify the impact, identify challenges and emerging issues in relation to bullying type behaviour, and to highlight best practice in addressing BTB in schools.\n\nI will consider the scope to commission this research within the context of the Department’s overall final budget allocation.","answerHtml":"I fully recognise that it would be beneficial to complete a new externally commission research study in order to gather valuable, up to date data on the nature and prevalence of bullying type behaviour. Such a study would help support the Department’s understanding of the profile of pupils involved in Bullying Type Behaviour (BTB), to quantify the impact, identify challenges and emerging issues in relation to bullying type behaviour, and to highlight best practice in addressing BTB in schools.
I will consider the scope to commission this research within the context of the Department’s overall final budget allocation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021492%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425659","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425659"}},{"id":"425658","reference":"AQW 21491/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-28","answerBy":"2025-02-12","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of schools using temporary engagement forms to recruit classroom assistants.","answerText":"Temporary engagement forms are used by schools to engage staff for emergency cover and can be used for all categories of staff, including classroom assistants.\n\nThe temporary engagement process is used to provide cover for sickness absence, or where schools are unable to fill a vacancy via the formal recruitment process. While, in most cases, temporary engagements should not exceed six months, they are occasionally used for longer periods as a result of recruitment difficulties.\n\nThe Education Authority has made a bid to the Executive Transformation Fund to establish an emergency register for support staff across education, similar to the supply teacher register, which, along with service reform, should mean that schools only need to use temporary engagement forms in exceptional circumstances.","answerHtml":"Temporary engagement forms are used by schools to engage staff for emergency cover and can be used for all categories of staff, including classroom assistants.
The temporary engagement process is used to provide cover for sickness absence, or where schools are unable to fill a vacancy via the formal recruitment process. While, in most cases, temporary engagements should not exceed six months, they are occasionally used for longer periods as a result of recruitment difficulties.
The Education Authority has made a bid to the Executive Transformation Fund to establish an emergency register for support staff across education, similar to the supply teacher register, which, along with service reform, should mean that schools only need to use temporary engagement forms in exceptional circumstances.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021491%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425658","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425658"}},{"id":"425657","reference":"AQW 21490/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-28","answerBy":"2025-02-12","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking to create a training and career pathway for classroom assistants.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) employs the majority of classroom assistants working in schools across Northern Ireland. The EA has commenced a strategic review of the classroom assistant employment model which includes a specific workstream on professional standards, career pathways and professional development. This work is at an early stage and is linked to the wider Special Educational Needs reform programme.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) employs the majority of classroom assistants working in schools across Northern Ireland. The EA has commenced a strategic review of the classroom assistant employment model which includes a specific workstream on professional standards, career pathways and professional development. This work is at an early stage and is linked to the wider Special Educational Needs reform programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021490%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425657","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425657"}},{"id":"425656","reference":"AQW 21489/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-28","answerBy":"2025-02-12","answered":"2025-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of classroom assistants currently working that have not completed an Access NI check.","answerText":"I would refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 21519/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for the week ending 7 February 2025.","answerHtml":"I would refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 21519/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for the week ending 7 February 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021489%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425656","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425656"}},{"id":"425347","reference":"AQW 21404/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-27","answerBy":"2025-01-30","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any support available to schools that have incurred damage as a result of Storm Éowyn.","answerText":"Education Authority (EA) staff and contractors worked extremely hard to protect the schools’ estate and ensure those schools which incurred damage could reopen safely and as quickly as possible.\n\nRemedial works to repair damaged buildings will be ongoing in some schools for several weeks.\n\nThe EA and the Department will continue to liaise with schools to provide support and ensure that any outstanding repairs or replacements are progressed as quickly as possible.","answerHtml":"Education Authority (EA) staff and contractors worked extremely hard to protect the schools’ estate and ensure those schools which incurred damage could reopen safely and as quickly as possible.
Remedial works to repair damaged buildings will be ongoing in some schools for several weeks.
The EA and the Department will continue to liaise with schools to provide support and ensure that any outstanding repairs or replacements are progressed as quickly as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021404%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425347","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425347"}},{"id":"425346","reference":"AQW 21403/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-27","answerBy":"2025-02-11","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how the Education Authority Sensory Service supports schools with visually impaired learners to implement and embed the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with a Visual Impairment.","answerText":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Sensory Service Qualified Teachers for Vision Impairment (QTVIs) and Qualified Habilitation Specialists (QHSs) (commissioned from Guide Dogs NI) work collaboratively to provide the additional support outlined in the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with a Visual Impairment (CFVI) to enable children and young people to gain the additional skills they need to access the curriculum with increasing independence. The CFVI is deemed an effective tool in assisting schools to support pupils with vision impairment.\n\nThe EA’s Sensory Service is represented on the four nations steering group for the CFVI and the Service’s QTVIs contribute resources to the central resource bank linked to the CFVI.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Sensory Service Qualified Teachers for Vision Impairment (QTVIs) and Qualified Habilitation Specialists (QHSs) (commissioned from Guide Dogs NI) work collaboratively to provide the additional support outlined in the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with a Visual Impairment (CFVI) to enable children and young people to gain the additional skills they need to access the curriculum with increasing independence. The CFVI is deemed an effective tool in assisting schools to support pupils with vision impairment.
The EA’s Sensory Service is represented on the four nations steering group for the CFVI and the Service’s QTVIs contribute resources to the central resource bank linked to the CFVI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021403%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425346","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425346"}},{"id":"425345","reference":"AQW 21402/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-27","answerBy":"2025-02-11","answered":"2025-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Education and Training Inspectorate inspections will assess how the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with a Visual Impairment is embedded in schools which support a pupil or pupils with a visual impairment.","answerText":"As part of the inspection process, the Education and Training Inspectorate monitors, inspects and reports on the quality of education provision for all learners within a school or organisation, including those with a visual impairment.\n\nInspectors also work with schools and other statutory and non-statutory services to identify and share effective practice from which others may learn.","answerHtml":"As part of the inspection process, the Education and Training Inspectorate monitors, inspects and reports on the quality of education provision for all learners within a school or organisation, including those with a visual impairment.
Inspectors also work with schools and other statutory and non-statutory services to identify and share effective practice from which others may learn.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021402%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425345","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425345"}},{"id":"425344","reference":"AQW 21401/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-27","answerBy":"2025-02-11","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Education and Training Inspectorate is required to inspect the work of the Education Authority Sensory Service.","answerText":"The Education and Training Inspectorate exercises its functions under Article 102 of The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.\n\nInspectors have a duty to:\n\npromote the highest standards of education and of professional practice among teachers and staff in schools and settings;\n\nadvise the Department on any aspect of the curriculum which the Department may refer to them or on which they think advice is appropriate; and\n\nmonitor, inspect and report on the nature, scope and effect of advisory and support services provided by the Education Authority in relation to the curricula and staff of grant‐aided schools.","answerHtml":"The Education and Training Inspectorate exercises its functions under Article 102 of The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.
Inspectors have a duty to:
promote the highest standards of education and of professional practice among teachers and staff in schools and settings;
advise the Department on any aspect of the curriculum which the Department may refer to them or on which they think advice is appropriate; and
monitor, inspect and report on the nature, scope and effect of advisory and support services provided by the Education Authority in relation to the curricula and staff of grant‐aided schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021401%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425344"}},{"id":"425143","reference":"AQW 21331/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-24","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to evidence provided at the Committee for Education meeting on 22 January, for his assessment of the reason why his Department is unsure of how many schools have an anti-bullying policy in place, as required by the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Northern Ireland Act (NI) 2016 (the Act), which came into effect in 2021, requires schools to record incidents or alleged incidents of bullying type behaviour (BTB), their motivation and their outcome. Each school’s Board of Governors (BoG) has responsibility to oversee the implementation of the Act in their school. The Act places a statutory duty on a BoG collectively to take responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and periodic review of the school’s Addressing-Bullying policies and procedures. The legislation does not include the requirement for schools to share their policies with the Department.\n\nOfficials are progressing work on a number of fronts with a view to ensuring the Department has access to comprehensive data in order to better understand implementation of, and compliance with, the Act.\n\nThe Department has included a range of questions in relation to bullying type behaviour for the first time in the 2024 School Omnibus Survey. These questions covered the awareness of the Act and its statutory duties, effectiveness of implementation, and BTB methods and motivations. This information will allow the Department to understand more about the impact of the Act and how best to support schools to effectively implement the Act.\n\nETI inspectors, in all inspections, evaluate how well schools meet the needs of their pupils through the lens of ‘Health, wellbeing and keeping safe’. As part of inspection, inspectors therefore review all pastoral policies and guidance within a school, as set out in the Department guidance, Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools. Officials have also engaged with the ETI to ensure the inclusion of questions as part of a wider ETI pilot from September – December 2024, to help determine how schools are fulfilling their statutory obligations in relation to implementing the Act, in terms of recording of all incidents of bullying, development, implementation, monitoring and review of Addressing-Bullying policies and procedures.\n\nSchools are presently required to complete a Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) on the School Information Management System for each incident of Bullying Type Behaviour. The BCAF records statutorily required data however, presently this data cannot be collated or anonymised. The BCAF is being digitised as part of the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) digital change programme. The Department is starting to explore the potential opportunities in relation to data presented by the digitisation of the BCAF, which include the potential to better measure how schools are meeting the requirements of the Act.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Northern Ireland Act (NI) 2016 (the Act), which came into effect in 2021, requires schools to record incidents or alleged incidents of bullying type behaviour (BTB), their motivation and their outcome. Each school’s Board of Governors (BoG) has responsibility to oversee the implementation of the Act in their school. The Act places a statutory duty on a BoG collectively to take responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and periodic review of the school’s Addressing-Bullying policies and procedures. The legislation does not include the requirement for schools to share their policies with the Department.
Officials are progressing work on a number of fronts with a view to ensuring the Department has access to comprehensive data in order to better understand implementation of, and compliance with, the Act.
The Department has included a range of questions in relation to bullying type behaviour for the first time in the 2024 School Omnibus Survey. These questions covered the awareness of the Act and its statutory duties, effectiveness of implementation, and BTB methods and motivations. This information will allow the Department to understand more about the impact of the Act and how best to support schools to effectively implement the Act.
ETI inspectors, in all inspections, evaluate how well schools meet the needs of their pupils through the lens of ‘Health, wellbeing and keeping safe’. As part of inspection, inspectors therefore review all pastoral policies and guidance within a school, as set out in the Department guidance, Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools. Officials have also engaged with the ETI to ensure the inclusion of questions as part of a wider ETI pilot from September – December 2024, to help determine how schools are fulfilling their statutory obligations in relation to implementing the Act, in terms of recording of all incidents of bullying, development, implementation, monitoring and review of Addressing-Bullying policies and procedures.
Schools are presently required to complete a Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) on the School Information Management System for each incident of Bullying Type Behaviour. The BCAF records statutorily required data however, presently this data cannot be collated or anonymised. The BCAF is being digitised as part of the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) digital change programme. The Department is starting to explore the potential opportunities in relation to data presented by the digitisation of the BCAF, which include the potential to better measure how schools are meeting the requirements of the Act.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021331%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425143"}},{"id":"425142","reference":"AQW 21330/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-24","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the training provided to teachers that have a pupil with a visual impairment in their class; and (ii) whether this training is mandatory.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).\n\nThe EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.\n\nInduction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.\n\nThe EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.\n\nAll special schools receive whole school training for VI.\n\nIn addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.\n\nThe EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).
The EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.
Induction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.
The EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.
All special schools receive whole school training for VI.
In addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.
The EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021330%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425142"}},{"id":"425141","reference":"AQW 21329/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-24","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether training in supporting visually impaired learners for those classroom assistants supporting a child with a visual impairment is mandatory.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).\n\nThe EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.\n\nInduction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.\n\nThe EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.\n\nAll special schools receive whole school training for VI.\n\nIn addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.\n\nThe EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).
The EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.
Induction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.
The EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.
All special schools receive whole school training for VI.
In addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.
The EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021329%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425141"}},{"id":"425140","reference":"AQW 21328/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-24","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of classroom assistants currently assigned to a child with a visual impairment; and (ii) how many of these have accessed formal training in supporting visually impaired learners.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).\n\nThe EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.\n\nInduction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.\n\nThe EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.\n\nAll special schools receive whole school training for VI.\n\nIn addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.\n\nThe EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).
The EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.
Induction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.
The EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.
All special schools receive whole school training for VI.
In addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.
The EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021328%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425140"}},{"id":"425139","reference":"AQW 21327/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-24","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether a school's Board of Governors is required to keep a record of official complaints made by parents, students and staff.","answerText":"It is the policy of the Department of Education that each school Board of Governors should establish formal written procedures for dealing with complaints; a school’s complaints procedure should be made available to parents, and the wider school community on request.\n\nSchools are required to record and handle complaints in line with its complaints procedure. Records of school complaints are retained and disposed of by schools in line with their retention and disposal schedule.\n\nThere are also specific requirements for schools to maintain a record of complaints associated with safeguarding concerns. Under the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act, all schools are required to keep a record of all reported instances of bullying type behaviour, the steps taken to deal with these and the outcomes.","answerHtml":"It is the policy of the Department of Education that each school Board of Governors should establish formal written procedures for dealing with complaints; a school’s complaints procedure should be made available to parents, and the wider school community on request.
Schools are required to record and handle complaints in line with its complaints procedure. Records of school complaints are retained and disposed of by schools in line with their retention and disposal schedule.
There are also specific requirements for schools to maintain a record of complaints associated with safeguarding concerns. Under the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act, all schools are required to keep a record of all reported instances of bullying type behaviour, the steps taken to deal with these and the outcomes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021327%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425139"}},{"id":"424645","reference":"AQW 21056/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-01-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he is considering increasing the bursary available to those undertaking the Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology.","answerText":"Since 2006 the Department of Education has funded student places on the Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) course. The course is provided by Queen’s University Belfast, and it is funded through an approved three-year business case.\n\nDepartment officials are currently finalising the business case for the 2025/26 to 2027/28 period. This business case will consider a range of options for the delivery of the course, including the bursary level.","answerHtml":"Since 2006 the Department of Education has funded student places on the Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) course. The course is provided by Queen’s University Belfast, and it is funded through an approved three-year business case.
Department officials are currently finalising the business case for the 2025/26 to 2027/28 period. This business case will consider a range of options for the delivery of the course, including the bursary level.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021056%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424645","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424645"}},{"id":"424644","reference":"AQW 21055/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of Educational Psychologists that have left the Education Authority in the last five years.","answerText":"The table below details the number of Educational Psychologists (EPs) that have left the Education Authority’s (EA) Educational Psychology Service (EPS) in each of the last five financial years (April–March).\n\nYear\tNo of EPs who have left EA\n2020-21\t9\n2021-22\t6\n2022-23\t11\n2023-24\t9\n2024-25\t15","answerHtml":"The table below details the number of Educational Psychologists (EPs) that have left the Education Authority’s (EA) Educational Psychology Service (EPS) in each of the last five financial years (April–March).
| Year | No of EPs who have left EA |
| 2020-21 | 9 |
| 2021-22 | 6 |
| 2022-23 | 11 |
| 2023-24 | 9 |
| 2024-25 | 15 |
The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority (EA) was established in September 2022 and provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act. ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.
ABSIT’s Whole School Leadership Training offer is a comprehensive professional development programme for Safeguarding, Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) pastoral leads and SENCOs/Learning Support Coordinators in schools. This is delivered using a blended, modular approach that has been co-developed with 140 schools and delivered to over 250 schools in the region who have participated to date.
The purpose of the leadership training is to build the confidence and ability of school leaders to align and implement an evidence-based, whole school approach to support children and young people, to address statutory requirements and embed best practice. This training includes modules on legislation, research, policy, systems/processes, assessment, preventative approaches, effective responses, stakeholder engagement and communication.
The Department and ABSIT are open to exploring best practice in other jurisdictions, including FUSE, which could complement the comprehensive, schoolwide approach ABSIT has developed through its whole school leadership training and other existing relevant provision such as the Safer Schools NI App.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021054%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424643","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424643"}},{"id":"424169","reference":"AQW 20845/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how he will support the Department of Education to deliver the commitment to the development of a Speech, Language and Communications Intervention Programme which will target 10,000 children over the next three academic years, as referenced in the Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda.","answerText":"The development of a Speech, Language and Communications Intervention Programme was announced by the Minister for Education in his statement to the Assembly on 13 January 2025.\n\nThis work will be progressed through the Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda and associated Delivery Plan which will be published in the coming weeks.\n\nOfficials from Health and Education continue to work together on refining a system that will include clear and positive ambitions for our children with Special Educational Needs.","answerHtml":"The development of a Speech, Language and Communications Intervention Programme was announced by the Minister for Education in his statement to the Assembly on 13 January 2025.
This work will be progressed through the Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda and associated Delivery Plan which will be published in the coming weeks.
Officials from Health and Education continue to work together on refining a system that will include clear and positive ambitions for our children with Special Educational Needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020845%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424169","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424169"}},{"id":"424168","reference":"AQW 20844/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-01-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when he will provide a plan for how the £50 million Executive funding for childcare will be spent.","answerText":"The draft 2025/26 Budget is currently out for consultation. Once the funding for Early Learning and Childcare has been finalised, I will bring forward proposals to my Executive colleagues for its allocation.","answerHtml":"The draft 2025/26 Budget is currently out for consultation. Once the funding for Early Learning and Childcare has been finalised, I will bring forward proposals to my Executive colleagues for its allocation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020844%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424168","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424168"}},{"id":"424167","reference":"AQW 20843/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-01-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail when their next meeting is scheduled with the MLK Development Corporation.","answerText":"We met with the MLKDC Board in July 2024 and continue to work with Board on the way forward.\n\nOfficials from our department are in regular contact with MLKDC and meet formally with the MLKDC senior management team on a quarterly basis.","answerHtml":"We met with the MLKDC Board in July 2024 and continue to work with Board on the way forward.
Officials from our department are in regular contact with MLKDC and meet formally with the MLKDC senior management team on a quarterly basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020843%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424167","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424167"}},{"id":"424166","reference":"AQW 20842/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether costs have been modelled for the introduction of a subsidy scheme for childcare providers to support with staff salaries.","answerText":"The Department for the Economy (DfE) is leading a scoping exercise to develop a clearer picture of the business support requirements of the childcare sector and help inform the appropriate government response. The cost pressures faced by providers, including those related to staff salaries will be considered as part of this work.","answerHtml":"The Department for the Economy (DfE) is leading a scoping exercise to develop a clearer picture of the business support requirements of the childcare sector and help inform the appropriate government response. The cost pressures faced by providers, including those related to staff salaries will be considered as part of this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020842%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424166","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424166"}},{"id":"424165","reference":"AQW 20841/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people (i) eligible for the NHS Healthy Start programme; and (ii) currently receiving support through the programme.","answerText":"As of 23 December 2024, 10,266 people in Northern Ireland are receiving support from the scheme. This data is published monthly on the NHS Healthy Start website.\n\nUnfortunately, data is not currently available for the number of people eligible for the NHS Healthy Start scheme. This is due to an issue with the data provided to the NHS Business Services Authority, administering the scheme on our behalf. This data is used to calculate uptake for the scheme. The current data issues do not prevent anyone from joining the scheme or continuing to access the scheme if they are eligible.","answerHtml":"As of 23 December 2024, 10,266 people in Northern Ireland are receiving support from the scheme. This data is published monthly on the NHS Healthy Start website.
Unfortunately, data is not currently available for the number of people eligible for the NHS Healthy Start scheme. This is due to an issue with the data provided to the NHS Business Services Authority, administering the scheme on our behalf. This data is used to calculate uptake for the scheme. The current data issues do not prevent anyone from joining the scheme or continuing to access the scheme if they are eligible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020841%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424165","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424165"}},{"id":"425223","reference":"AQO 1420/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-27","answered":"2025-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how his Department ensures proactive, consistent and effective communication in relation to disruption on the road network.","answerText":"My Department has approximately 200 CCTV cameras across Northern Ireland that allows my officials to observe road conditions/disruptions. We also work closely with the PSNI and they provide information on some collisions that are likely to impact the road network.\n\nOnce an incident is confirmed on the road network and my officials are aware, road users are made aware of the incident by placing information on any of the variable message signs, if any are located in the area. Depending on the type of incident information is placed on the TrafficWatchNI website (which had almost 10 million page visits in 2024), X account (which has over 85,000 followers) or issuing emails to website subscribers (of which there are 1,686).\n\nOfficials also work closely with media outlets to provide this information to the public.\n\nMy Department also processes approximately 22,000 applications for road or lane closure applications each year. Those planned roadworks that are expected to affect the public most are displayed on my Department’s TrafficWatchNI website.\n\nGiven the volume of closures, communication with road users including elected representatives in relation to upcoming roadworks is focused on the busiest routes, primarily the 'A' Class network. Communications used include use of road-side signs on the impacted route in advance of the works, as well as notification on TrafficWatchNI. In some cases, this notification is extended to some busier lower tier roads as resources permit.","answerHtml":"My Department has approximately 200 CCTV cameras across Northern Ireland that allows my officials to observe road conditions/disruptions. We also work closely with the PSNI and they provide information on some collisions that are likely to impact the road network.
Once an incident is confirmed on the road network and my officials are aware, road users are made aware of the incident by placing information on any of the variable message signs, if any are located in the area. Depending on the type of incident information is placed on the TrafficWatchNI website (which had almost 10 million page visits in 2024), X account (which has over 85,000 followers) or issuing emails to website subscribers (of which there are 1,686).
Officials also work closely with media outlets to provide this information to the public.
My Department also processes approximately 22,000 applications for road or lane closure applications each year. Those planned roadworks that are expected to affect the public most are displayed on my Department’s TrafficWatchNI website.
Given the volume of closures, communication with road users including elected representatives in relation to upcoming roadworks is focused on the busiest routes, primarily the 'A' Class network. Communications used include use of road-side signs on the impacted route in advance of the works, as well as notification on TrafficWatchNI. In some cases, this notification is extended to some busier lower tier roads as resources permit.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201420%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425223","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425223"}},{"id":"423823","reference":"AQW 20668/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-15","answerBy":"2025-01-20","answered":"2025-01-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the date he will publish (i) the Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan; and (ii) the associated outcomes framework.","answerText":"The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and associated Delivery Plan will be published in the coming weeks.\n\nOfficials are working together on refining the outcomes framework that will include clear and positive ambitions for our children with SEN and set out how we will measure our progress towards meeting those. I intend to bring this forward as an early action as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and associated Delivery Plan will be published in the coming weeks.
Officials are working together on refining the outcomes framework that will include clear and positive ambitions for our children with SEN and set out how we will measure our progress towards meeting those. I intend to bring this forward as an early action as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020668%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423823","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423823"}},{"id":"423822","reference":"AQW 20667/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-15","answerBy":"2025-01-30","answered":"2025-01-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when the review of Healthy Child, Healthy Future will be published.","answerText":"Work is ongoing to refresh the Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework. It is envisaged that the revised framework will be published by Spring 2025.","answerHtml":"Work is ongoing to refresh the Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework. It is envisaged that the revised framework will be published by Spring 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020667%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423822","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423822"}},{"id":"423821","reference":"AQW 20666/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-15","answerBy":"2025-01-30","answered":"2025-01-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current number of health visitor job vacancies, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The information on Health and Social Care (HSC) vacancies actively being recruited by staff group and organisation is published by my Department on a quarterly basis. The latest available information refers to 30 September 2024 and can be found at the following link:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/topics/dhssps-statistics-and-research/workforce-statistics\n\nA breakdown of health visitor vacancies actively being recruited by HSC Trust as at 30 September 2024, is detailed in the table below:\n\nHSC Health Visitor Vacancies Actively Being Recruited as at 30 September 2024\n\nHSC Trust\tVacancies Actively Being Recruited\nBelfast\t5\nNorthern\t4\nSouth Eastern\t6\nSouthern\t6\nWestern\t2\nTotal\t23\n\nSource: Information & Analysis Directorate, DoH","answerHtml":"The information on Health and Social Care (HSC) vacancies actively being recruited by staff group and organisation is published by my Department on a quarterly basis. The latest available information refers to 30 September 2024 and can be found at the following link:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/topics/dhssps-statistics-and-research/workforce-statistics
A breakdown of health visitor vacancies actively being recruited by HSC Trust as at 30 September 2024, is detailed in the table below:
HSC Health Visitor Vacancies Actively Being Recruited as at 30 September 2024
| HSC Trust | Vacancies Actively Being Recruited |
| Belfast | 5 |
| Northern | 4 |
| South Eastern | 6 |
| Southern | 6 |
| Western | 2 |
| Total | 23 |
Source: Information & Analysis Directorate, DoH
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020666%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423821","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423821"}},{"id":"423820","reference":"AQW 20665/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-15","answerBy":"2025-01-30","answered":"2025-01-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the selection process for the experts on the International Ministerial Advisory Panel on Curriculum and Assessment in Northern Ireland; and (ii) the remuneration each will receive.","answerText":"I have appointed prominent individuals with a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in matters of education policy, particularly curriculum and assessment to the International Ministerial Advisory Panel via Direct Award Contracts.\n\nAll candidates were assessed as suitable for appointment by officials.\n\nPanel members will receive a daily rate of £500 for their professional time and advice. Members will only be remunerated for days worked. This the same level as the Chairs of the Independent Review of Education and the Education Underachievement Panel and less than the per diem rate for a Director in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.","answerHtml":"I have appointed prominent individuals with a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in matters of education policy, particularly curriculum and assessment to the International Ministerial Advisory Panel via Direct Award Contracts.
All candidates were assessed as suitable for appointment by officials.
Panel members will receive a daily rate of £500 for their professional time and advice. Members will only be remunerated for days worked. This the same level as the Chairs of the Independent Review of Education and the Education Underachievement Panel and less than the per diem rate for a Director in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020665%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423820","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423820"}},{"id":"423819","reference":"AQW 20664/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-15","answerBy":"2025-01-30","answered":"2025-01-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when the trial of special educational needs classroom assistants within preschool education settings will commence.","answerText":"I refer the member to AQW 20501/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 24 January 2025.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to AQW 20501/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 24 January 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020664%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423819","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423819"}},{"id":"423678","reference":"AQW 20580/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-14","answerBy":"2025-01-17","answered":"2025-01-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme will continue beyond the 2024-25 financial year.","answerText":"I would refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 20468/22-27.\n\nThe answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 17 January 2025.","answerHtml":"I would refer the Member to the answer to question AQW 20468/22-27.
The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 17 January 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020580%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423678","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423678"}},{"id":"423677","reference":"AQW 20579/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-14","answerBy":"2025-01-29","answered":"2025-01-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the practice of treating children with special educational needs and disabilities as supernumerary will end as part of his special educational needs reforms.","answerText":"Children with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) are currently considered as supernumerary for admissions purposes, meaning a child who holds a statement can access the school most suitable for their needs regardless of whether places remain available through the open enrolment procedure.\n\nWhile this remains the existing practice, my officials are in the process of bringing proposals to me for my consideration.","answerHtml":"Children with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) are currently considered as supernumerary for admissions purposes, meaning a child who holds a statement can access the school most suitable for their needs regardless of whether places remain available through the open enrolment procedure.
While this remains the existing practice, my officials are in the process of bringing proposals to me for my consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020579%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423677","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423677"}},{"id":"423676","reference":"AQW 20578/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-14","answerBy":"2025-01-29","answered":"2025-01-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, further to his oral statement on special educational needs reform on 13 January 2025, to detail (i) when the bespoke regional programme for 2-3 year olds will be in place; and (ii) whether this will be available to all 2-3 year olds.","answerText":"I refer the member to AQW 20500/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 24 January 2025.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to AQW 20500/22-27. The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 24 January 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020578%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423676","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423676"}},{"id":"423675","reference":"AQW 20577/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-14","answerBy":"2025-01-29","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 19439/22-27, how National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines are being followed in relation to hybrid closed loop for diabetics who have reliability issues with freestyle Libre sensors and can only use Dexcom sensors.","answerText":"The most appropriate glucose monitoring system for each individual is the responsibility of the Health and Social Care Trust and their clinicians to determine, in consultation with the patient and/or the patient’s carer.\n\nContinuous glucose monitors currently listed on the NI Drug Tariff can be provided. Two new sensors (Freestyle Libre Plus® and Dexcom One Plus®) were recently added to the NI Drug Tariff. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 on Hybrid Closed Loop systems, has been endorsed as applicable to NI. My Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications, given the scale of investment needed. Funding is required for devices in addition to upskilling and recruiting the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Final decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made to support the integration of continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care.","answerHtml":"The most appropriate glucose monitoring system for each individual is the responsibility of the Health and Social Care Trust and their clinicians to determine, in consultation with the patient and/or the patient’s carer.
Continuous glucose monitors currently listed on the NI Drug Tariff can be provided. Two new sensors (Freestyle Libre Plus® and Dexcom One Plus®) were recently added to the NI Drug Tariff. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 on Hybrid Closed Loop systems, has been endorsed as applicable to NI. My Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications, given the scale of investment needed. Funding is required for devices in addition to upskilling and recruiting the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Final decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made to support the integration of continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020577%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423675","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423675"}},{"id":"423674","reference":"AQW 20576/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-14","answerBy":"2025-01-29","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 19439/22-27, why the Dexcom G6 and G7 are not on the Drug Tariff list when the Dexcom one and one+ are on the list.","answerText":"There are many glucose monitoring systems available from various companies to support people living with diabetes. I am aware of the significant benefits these devices can provide to people living with diabetes. The most appropriate system for each individual is the responsibility of the Health and Social Care Trust and their clinicians to determine, in consultation with the patient and/or the patient’s carer.\n\nThere is an application and assessment process for the inclusion of devices onto the NI Drug Tariff list - my Department cannot add devices to the NI Drug Tariff list. It is the manufacturers of Continuous Glucose Monitors who have to complete this process and consequently, provide access. The Business Services Organisation manage this function within Health and Social Care on behalf of my Department.","answerHtml":"There are many glucose monitoring systems available from various companies to support people living with diabetes. I am aware of the significant benefits these devices can provide to people living with diabetes. The most appropriate system for each individual is the responsibility of the Health and Social Care Trust and their clinicians to determine, in consultation with the patient and/or the patient’s carer.
There is an application and assessment process for the inclusion of devices onto the NI Drug Tariff list - my Department cannot add devices to the NI Drug Tariff list. It is the manufacturers of Continuous Glucose Monitors who have to complete this process and consequently, provide access. The Business Services Organisation manage this function within Health and Social Care on behalf of my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020576%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423674","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423674"}},{"id":"423486","reference":"AQW 20469/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-13","answerBy":"2025-01-28","answered":"2025-01-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the occasions in which he has made a decision on a development proposal that is contrary to the recommendation of officials since the beginning of the mandate.","answerText":"I have taken decisions which have not followed the recommendations made to me by officials on three Development Proposals (DP). These are DP720 (proposed closure of Queen Elizabeth II Primary School), DP 728 (proposed transformation to controlled integrated status of Rathmore Primary School) and DP 727 (proposed transformation to controlled integrated status of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College).","answerHtml":"I have taken decisions which have not followed the recommendations made to me by officials on three Development Proposals (DP). These are DP720 (proposed closure of Queen Elizabeth II Primary School), DP 728 (proposed transformation to controlled integrated status of Rathmore Primary School) and DP 727 (proposed transformation to controlled integrated status of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020469%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423486","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423486"}},{"id":"423130","reference":"AQW 20317/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-09","answerBy":"2025-01-24","answered":"2025-01-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health why the Southern Health and Social Care Trust recorded 46 per cent of one year health reviews as no contact for 2023-24.","answerText":"Over recent years the Health Visiting Service in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) area has experienced significant workforce challenges, with a large number of unfilled vacancies. As noted in the published statistics for 2023-24, this situation impacted on the Trust’s ability to fully deliver 1-year reviews as recommended in the Healthy Child Healthy Future policy.\n\nThe Trust has worked to increase recruitment to its complement of health visitors in order to allow it to deliver the services required to be provided as part of the framework. Consequently, the Trust has been able to resume full provision of all the framework contact interventions.\n\nThroughout this period, the Trust has taken action to assess, manage and mitigate the risks involved. It has also reviewed its Health Visiting caseload and provided assurance that, in any case where the 1-year review was not carried out, an appropriate in-person review has now taken place.","answerHtml":"Over recent years the Health Visiting Service in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) area has experienced significant workforce challenges, with a large number of unfilled vacancies. As noted in the published statistics for 2023-24, this situation impacted on the Trust’s ability to fully deliver 1-year reviews as recommended in the Healthy Child Healthy Future policy.
The Trust has worked to increase recruitment to its complement of health visitors in order to allow it to deliver the services required to be provided as part of the framework. Consequently, the Trust has been able to resume full provision of all the framework contact interventions.
Throughout this period, the Trust has taken action to assess, manage and mitigate the risks involved. It has also reviewed its Health Visiting caseload and provided assurance that, in any case where the 1-year review was not carried out, an appropriate in-person review has now taken place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020317%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423130","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423130"}},{"id":"423129","reference":"AQW 20316/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-09","answerBy":"2025-01-24","answered":"2025-01-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions he is taking to address the number of children not being seen by a health visitor for their one year review.","answerText":"The most recent version of the “Healthy Child, Healthy Future (HCHF): Health Review Statistics for Northern Ireland 2023/24”, provides data in respect of the coverage and timeliness of all Health Visiting pre-school health contacts. The information contained within the report is retrospective and pertains to the 2023/24 year.\n\nDuring the period covered by this report, Health Visiting services in some of our HSC Trusts faced significant workforce challenges, with a large number of unfilled vacancies. Work has been ongoing within Trusts to address this with workforce planning and recruitment exercises, and prioritisation of HCHF contacts as appropriate. Any decision to stand down any element of core health visiting contacts, as defined within the existing HCHF framework, will be subject to a risk assessment by the relevant HSC Trust.\n\nI remain committed to ensuring that every child is given the best start in life. Driving this commitment is the work currently progressing on the refresh of the “Healthy Child, Healthy Future” framework, to ensure it reflects current research evidence and best practice. I anticipate that this refresh will be completed by Spring 2025.","answerHtml":"The most recent version of the “Healthy Child, Healthy Future (HCHF): Health Review Statistics for Northern Ireland 2023/24”, provides data in respect of the coverage and timeliness of all Health Visiting pre-school health contacts. The information contained within the report is retrospective and pertains to the 2023/24 year.
During the period covered by this report, Health Visiting services in some of our HSC Trusts faced significant workforce challenges, with a large number of unfilled vacancies. Work has been ongoing within Trusts to address this with workforce planning and recruitment exercises, and prioritisation of HCHF contacts as appropriate. Any decision to stand down any element of core health visiting contacts, as defined within the existing HCHF framework, will be subject to a risk assessment by the relevant HSC Trust.
I remain committed to ensuring that every child is given the best start in life. Driving this commitment is the work currently progressing on the refresh of the “Healthy Child, Healthy Future” framework, to ensure it reflects current research evidence and best practice. I anticipate that this refresh will be completed by Spring 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020316%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423129","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423129"}},{"id":"423128","reference":"AQW 20315/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-09","answerBy":"2025-01-24","answered":"2025-01-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the new Local IMPACT Teams will have health professionals as part of the team.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nThe Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) model roll-out will initially involve restructuring the EAs existing separate SEND support services and for September 2025 this will not directly include health services. However, the long-term vision for the model has always been to maximise local operational co-ordination with relevant health services and other non-SEND EA services.\n\nThe geographic network of the LITs has been aligned to Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust areas to enable this in future and work is currently underway in terms of aligning the LIT operating model with those of the Regional Integrated Support for Education (RISE) offers within each Trust. Work is also underway in terms of regionalising the EA's speech and language class provision in alignment with relevant Trust operating models and the LITs.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local IMPACT Teams (LITs) model roll-out will initially involve restructuring the EAs existing separate SEND support services and for September 2025 this will not directly include health services. However, the long-term vision for the model has always been to maximise local operational co-ordination with relevant health services and other non-SEND EA services.
The geographic network of the LITs has been aligned to Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust areas to enable this in future and work is currently underway in terms of aligning the LIT operating model with those of the Regional Integrated Support for Education (RISE) offers within each Trust. Work is also underway in terms of regionalising the EA's speech and language class provision in alignment with relevant Trust operating models and the LITs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020315%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423128"}},{"id":"423151","reference":"AQO 1368/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-09","answerBy":"2025-01-20","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the findings of the Good Relations Indicators 2023 report, published in December 2024, which found that the percentage of 16-year-olds who think that relations between Protestants and Catholics are better now than they were five years ago has declined in the last ten years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201368%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423151","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423151"}},{"id":"422576","reference":"AQW 20024/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-21","answered":"2025-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the Women's Health Action Plan.","answerText":"The purpose of the Women’s Health Plan, which my Department is currently developing, is to highlight ongoing policy and service development initiatives, and to outline the actions and improvements that can be delivered over the next three years to improve health outcomes for women.\n\nThe focus to date has been on mapping the work that is already under way across the health and social care system (including, for example improving maternity, gynae and menopause services, cervical screening and breast cancer services, and planning for a mother and baby unit) and identifying areas where further action is needed (for example, improving public health awareness around women’s health, providing more training and education for healthcare professionals on these issues, promoting healthy lifestyles and tackling health inequality).\n\nMy Department will be hosting a number of engagement events commencing this month to listen and share insights & priorities with a diverse range of women and health professionals to further inform the development of the Action Plan. The pace and extent of delivery will be determined by our available capacity and resources, which remain under extreme pressure.\n\nYou may also be aware that my Department part-funded the Women’s Health Survey for Northern Ireland which launched on 11 November 2024. The survey is being carried out by the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University, Belfast, in partnership with Derry Well Women. Its purpose is to hear directly from women about their specific health needs and experiences to help shape planning for women’s health services. The survey will remain open into February 2025 and I would be grateful for your support in sharing the survey and encouraging as many women as possible to take this opportunity to share their views.","answerHtml":"The purpose of the Women’s Health Plan, which my Department is currently developing, is to highlight ongoing policy and service development initiatives, and to outline the actions and improvements that can be delivered over the next three years to improve health outcomes for women.
The focus to date has been on mapping the work that is already under way across the health and social care system (including, for example improving maternity, gynae and menopause services, cervical screening and breast cancer services, and planning for a mother and baby unit) and identifying areas where further action is needed (for example, improving public health awareness around women’s health, providing more training and education for healthcare professionals on these issues, promoting healthy lifestyles and tackling health inequality).
My Department will be hosting a number of engagement events commencing this month to listen and share insights & priorities with a diverse range of women and health professionals to further inform the development of the Action Plan. The pace and extent of delivery will be determined by our available capacity and resources, which remain under extreme pressure.
You may also be aware that my Department part-funded the Women’s Health Survey for Northern Ireland which launched on 11 November 2024. The survey is being carried out by the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University, Belfast, in partnership with Derry Well Women. Its purpose is to hear directly from women about their specific health needs and experiences to help shape planning for women’s health services. The survey will remain open into February 2025 and I would be grateful for your support in sharing the survey and encouraging as many women as possible to take this opportunity to share their views.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020024%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422576","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422576"}},{"id":"422575","reference":"AQW 20023/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-21","answered":"2025-01-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether TNC2011/2 Policy Statement on Tackling Violence and Abusive Behaviour against Teachers has been implemented.","answerText":"TNC 2011/2 Policy Statement on Tackling Violence and Abusive Behaviour against Teachers was agreed through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) in 2011 and was issued to all schools. It is also published on the Department’s web site.\n\nAs you are aware the Department of Education (DE) is not the employer of teachers. Teachers are employed by the Board of Governors for each school setting, with human resource matters carried out in consultation with the relevant employing authority.\n\nThe Education Authority and CCMS, along with the other sectoral bodies, are in the process of finalising Violence at Work Policy and Guidance in consultation with Trade Unions. It is anticipated that the policy and guidance will be issued in February 2025.","answerHtml":"TNC 2011/2 Policy Statement on Tackling Violence and Abusive Behaviour against Teachers was agreed through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) in 2011 and was issued to all schools. It is also published on the Department’s web site.
As you are aware the Department of Education (DE) is not the employer of teachers. Teachers are employed by the Board of Governors for each school setting, with human resource matters carried out in consultation with the relevant employing authority.
The Education Authority and CCMS, along with the other sectoral bodies, are in the process of finalising Violence at Work Policy and Guidance in consultation with Trade Unions. It is anticipated that the policy and guidance will be issued in February 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020023%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422575","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422575"}},{"id":"422574","reference":"AQW 20022/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-21","answered":"2025-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are any guidelines in place for GPs to prescribe medication recommended by a private specialist consultant.","answerText":"The legacy Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) issued correspondence on a number of occasions to private providers and general practice, most recently in June 2021, regarding requests for HSC prescriptions following private consultation. The purpose of this correspondence was to remind both sectors of their clinical responsibilities in relation to prescribing of medications to patients under their care. In particular, the limitations with regards to requests to GPs for transfer of ongoing prescribing of medication which for the patient’s GP may not be clinically acceptable. This guidance still applies.\n\nTo further clarify appropriate arrangements, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) issued ‘Private (non-HSC) Prescribing Requests Guidance for Primary Care’ in September 2024. The new guidance (attached) provides a reminder that the legal responsibility for prescribing lies with the prescriber who signs the prescription, and it is the responsibility of the individual prescriber to prescribe within their own level of competence and scope of practice.\n\nThe prescription of any medication associated with private healthcare should be managed by the private provider. Whilst there is no obligation on GPs to prescribe, in instances where a GP considers that the medication being requested is clinically appropriate, falls within their area of competence, does not breach the terms of their contract or indemnity cover, and is in keeping with the General Medical Council (GMC) guidance on Good Medical Practice, then they may choose to prescribe.\n\nSupplementary advice to GP practices, relating to pre and/or post treatment support in primary care to individuals procuring private healthcare services, was issued by my department 20 November 2024. It advises that, where a GP is made aware of an individual’s plans to procure private healthcare in a private capacity, it is recommended that:\n\nThe individual is encouraged to ensure all pre and post treatment costs are included in the overall package;\n\nThe individual is informed that they may have to pay for ongoing treatment or medications which are recommended.","answerHtml":"The legacy Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) issued correspondence on a number of occasions to private providers and general practice, most recently in June 2021, regarding requests for HSC prescriptions following private consultation. The purpose of this correspondence was to remind both sectors of their clinical responsibilities in relation to prescribing of medications to patients under their care. In particular, the limitations with regards to requests to GPs for transfer of ongoing prescribing of medication which for the patient’s GP may not be clinically acceptable. This guidance still applies.
To further clarify appropriate arrangements, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) issued ‘Private (non-HSC) Prescribing Requests Guidance for Primary Care’ in September 2024. The new guidance (attached) provides a reminder that the legal responsibility for prescribing lies with the prescriber who signs the prescription, and it is the responsibility of the individual prescriber to prescribe within their own level of competence and scope of practice.
The prescription of any medication associated with private healthcare should be managed by the private provider. Whilst there is no obligation on GPs to prescribe, in instances where a GP considers that the medication being requested is clinically appropriate, falls within their area of competence, does not breach the terms of their contract or indemnity cover, and is in keeping with the General Medical Council (GMC) guidance on Good Medical Practice, then they may choose to prescribe.
Supplementary advice to GP practices, relating to pre and/or post treatment support in primary care to individuals procuring private healthcare services, was issued by my department 20 November 2024. It advises that, where a GP is made aware of an individual’s plans to procure private healthcare in a private capacity, it is recommended that:
The individual is encouraged to ensure all pre and post treatment costs are included in the overall package;
The individual is informed that they may have to pay for ongoing treatment or medications which are recommended.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020022%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422574","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422574"}},{"id":"428824","reference":"AQO 1339/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-13","answered":"2025-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the impact of the 2025-2026 draft budget on his Department.","answerText":"This is a very difficult proposed outcome for DAERA given the significant challenges facing my Department.\n\nOn Resource DEL, my initial assessment is while I welcome the proposed Executive earmarking of the £332.5 million for agriculture, agri-environment, fisheries and rural development that was previously earmarked by HM Treasury for these purposes, I am disappointed that there has not been an inflationary uplift in this funding. However, I recognise the very constrained funding available to the Executive.\n\nIn relation to the proposed £15.7 million general allocation to my Department, this is significantly less than my £50.9 million bids. This would mean that there is insufficient funding to cover DAERA’s statutory obligations such as bTB Compensation, contractual pressures on pay and running costs, and important new work on Climate Change and the Environmental Improvement Plan including Lough Neagh.\n\nOn Capital DEL, I welcome the proposed Executive earmarked allocation of £12.3 million to DAERA for a just transition fund for agriculture. However, the proposed £119.5 million total Capital DEL allocation is £7.1 million less than my Department’s £126.6 million inescapable bids and, while that is disappointing, it again reflects the wider availability of such funding for the Executive.\n\nThis also means that my Department would not receive any funding to allocate to my £52.7 million high priority Capital DEL bids which include Lough Neagh and the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation programme\n\nI will therefore have to make difficult decisions on what can be funded. If no further funding is available for my Department at Final Budget stage I will be seeking additional Resource DEL and Capital DEL allocations at in-year Monitoring Rounds in 2025-26.","answerHtml":"This is a very difficult proposed outcome for DAERA given the significant challenges facing my Department.
On Resource DEL, my initial assessment is while I welcome the proposed Executive earmarking of the £332.5 million for agriculture, agri-environment, fisheries and rural development that was previously earmarked by HM Treasury for these purposes, I am disappointed that there has not been an inflationary uplift in this funding. However, I recognise the very constrained funding available to the Executive.
In relation to the proposed £15.7 million general allocation to my Department, this is significantly less than my £50.9 million bids. This would mean that there is insufficient funding to cover DAERA’s statutory obligations such as bTB Compensation, contractual pressures on pay and running costs, and important new work on Climate Change and the Environmental Improvement Plan including Lough Neagh.
On Capital DEL, I welcome the proposed Executive earmarked allocation of £12.3 million to DAERA for a just transition fund for agriculture. However, the proposed £119.5 million total Capital DEL allocation is £7.1 million less than my Department’s £126.6 million inescapable bids and, while that is disappointing, it again reflects the wider availability of such funding for the Executive.
This also means that my Department would not receive any funding to allocate to my £52.7 million high priority Capital DEL bids which include Lough Neagh and the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation programme
I will therefore have to make difficult decisions on what can be funded. If no further funding is available for my Department at Final Budget stage I will be seeking additional Resource DEL and Capital DEL allocations at in-year Monitoring Rounds in 2025-26.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201339%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428824","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428824"}},{"id":"422588","reference":"AQO 1323/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-13","answered":"2025-01-13","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice to outline the budgetary pressures facing her Department in 2025-2026.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"My Department's additional allocation from the Executive in draft Budget 2025-26 is £134 million, compared with our stabilisation pressures, initially reported, of £207 million. His Majesty's Treasury has earmarked £38 million of additional security funding for the PSNI. That funding, combined with a reported £5 million reduction in pressures, leaves my Department facing over £30 million of stabilisation pressures. That excludes an estimated £15 million pressure as a result of the Chancellor's changes to the rules on employer National Insurance contributions. My Department also submitted capital bids of £146 million and received an allocation of £100 million. Whilst the allocations in 2025-26 are welcome, difficult decisions on the prioritisation of service provision will continue to be required to manage the remaining pressures. That will continue to present challenges for legal aid payment times, the ability to grow police numbers and delivery against the draft Programme for Government."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she give an update on the PSNI workforce recovery business case?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"One of the Executive's priorities, under the New Decade, New Approach agreement, was to increase police numbers to 7,500. That is the same figure that was recommended by the Patten report 20 years ago. However, police officer numbers are at a record low. Without additional funding, it will not be possible for the PSNI to recover and grow as we would wish it to. In order for the PSNI to have adequate funding to stabilise and recover numbers to a sustainable position, I have repeatedly raised the need for a better financial settlement for my Department with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as well as with the Finance Minister and other Executive colleagues. I pay tribute to the Finance Minister, who, in recent allocations, showed that she had listened to that argument. My officials are considering a business case from the PSNI on stabilisation and recruitment, and we continue to work closely with PSNI colleagues to help support them to prepare a robust business case for onward submission to the Department of Finance."},{"speaker":"","text":"When the work has been completed, I will make the case to the Executive for additional funding for that purpose. For the affordability requirements to be met, however, we will need to deal with the additional £30 million pressure in the Department. Otherwise, the affordability component of any business case will not be met. It is therefore important that the Department continue to work to reduce that pressure insofar as we can and that the PSNI and our other arm's-length bodies seek to do likewise."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"I ask the Minister whether it remains the case that the Executive are not in line to get one-off Treasury funding of up to £240 million for the unforeseen and unavoidable costs arising from the PSNI data leak? Does that, along with the pressures that the Minister has outlined, mean that the PSNI's ambition — indeed, it is all our ambition to see this happen — to recruit up to 500 PSNI officers in the next financial year is now extremely challenging, if not impossible?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I agree that it is extremely challenging, but I disagree that it is impossible. I do not believe that it is impossible. Rather, I believe that it is possible and that, if we work together, we can achieve it. The first and most important part of doing that is for us to get the business case together. That business case will need to be robust. Remember that there are costs associated with having too few police officers as well as with recruiting more. We need to consider what those costs will be. That will form part of the business case. It is important to recognise, as the Member has done, that, in addition to the immediate pressures that it faces, my Department faces exceptional pressures of £227 million from McCloud injury to feelings legal claims, from the data breach and for holiday pay. Those costs are not affordable within my Department's budget under any circumstance. The Finance Minister would conclude that they are also not affordable within the Executive's Budget under any circumstance. I therefore continue to support the Finance Minister's efforts to secure a reserve claim from HM Treasury to fund those particular costs, which are outwith the normal workings of policing. Finally, on the question of whether investment in police services here keeps pace with that elsewhere in GB and on these islands, none of the money is hypothecated when it arrives with us, with the exception of security funding, which is sent directly from Treasury to the PSNI. As does every other Department, we have to bid through the local devolved processes to obtain the resources that we need to run our Police Service, our Prison Service and all the other elements of justice that we have to cover within the budget. To date, we have managed to do that reasonably successfully. I again thank the Finance Minister for her work on that, because it is an uphill struggle."},{"speaker":"Dr Aiken","text":"I wish the Minister a happy new year. Minister, the cost of the separated prison regime is significant. Has your Department been able to annualise the costs and look at their impact? Will you report those costs, please?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"My understanding from the last time that I looked is that the cost of the separated regime is somewhere between £2·5 million and £4 million per annum. That is a relatively small amount in the context of my overall budget, but, as the Member said, it is nevertheless significant. As I said in response to the Member's colleague's question, we raise the matter routinely with the NIO, which is ultimately responsible for whether people are committed into the separated regime. We need to look carefully at the fact that, whether they are in the separated or normal regime, prisoners have to be accommodated and that there will be costs pertaining to their security and other issues. We should therefore not lose sight of the fact that there will be a cost to people being imprisoned, irrespective of how they are housed. An additional cost, however, results from separation, and I raise that matter with the NIO periodically."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201323%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422588","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-01-13&docID=422082#AQO%201323/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422588"}},{"id":"421420","reference":"AQW 19784/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-11","answerBy":"2024-12-17","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, following the publication of the Cervical Cytology Review reports in December 2024, whether he will agree to a statutory public inquiry.","answerText":"Following the publication of the two factual reports a detailed analysis of the findings of the Cervical Cytology Review Outcomes report will be commissioned by the PHA. It is expected that this analysis, supported by appropriate independent experts, will be completed in January 2025.\n\nThese reports will help inform my consideration of the next steps. As Health Minister I remain committed to finding the most appropriate method to understand what happened and to learn lessons to ensure that our screening programmes deliver on behalf of our population. These reports will help inform my consideration of the next steps.","answerHtml":"Following the publication of the two factual reports a detailed analysis of the findings of the Cervical Cytology Review Outcomes report will be commissioned by the PHA. It is expected that this analysis, supported by appropriate independent experts, will be completed in January 2025.
These reports will help inform my consideration of the next steps. As Health Minister I remain committed to finding the most appropriate method to understand what happened and to learn lessons to ensure that our screening programmes deliver on behalf of our population. These reports will help inform my consideration of the next steps.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019784%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421420","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421420"}},{"id":"421000","reference":"AQW 19595/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-09","answerBy":"2024-12-13","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any action he is taking to address the paediatric waiting list for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery.","answerText":"There are a number of actions ongoing between my officials and Belfast Health and Social Services Trust (BHSCT) staff to reduce the current waiting times for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) surgery and to find a sustainable solution to this complex issue. Actions include:\n\nBelfast Trust have commenced additional clinics and theatre sessions to help reduce paediatric waiting times and additional Paediatric Gastrostomy procedures have been approved through waiting list initiative funding. The Trust have carried out a number of additional weekend theatre sessions to help address the backlog and it is hoped that additional sessions will be available going forward dependent on theatre, bed and staffing capacity.\n\nFollowing a clinical validation exercise it is estimated that around 25 children would be suitable to transfer to an NHS Provider in Great Britain (GB) to receive their surgery. Discussions are ongoing with a number of NHS paediatric providers. Capacity is being sought for the child’s complete pathway including a pre-assessment clinic for these complex children, theatre capacity, inpatient bed capacity (children stay between 48-72 hours), parental training to manage the peg tube, equipment and food, and a follow up appointment. This is required to ensure continuity of care for the children and their parents.\n\nA small number of procedures were also carried out in the Ulster Hospital by Belfast Trust paediatric surgeons. This pathway is being reviewed to determine if this would offer a sustainable solution or provide a short-term solution to reduce lists. Discussions between the two units are ongoing.\n\nThe Republic of Ireland (ROI) have confirmed that they do not have capacity at this time to carry out PEG Tube Surgery for children from NI due to their own pressures.\n\nBelfast Trust have also entered into consultation with Independent Sector (IS) Providers in Northern Ireland to explore if there is a provider in a position to safely deliver the necessary arrangements for the child’s complete pathway including a pre-assessment clinic, theatre capacity, inpatient bed capacity (children stay between 48-72 hours), parental training to manage the peg tube, equipment and food, and a follow up appointment. The IS Providers have indicated that they are not in a position to provide this service, at this time.\n\nWhilst RBHSC has been facing increased winter pressures as a result of the enhanced winter planning they have been able to maintain their elective lists, which would include the PEG tube insertions. In previous years elective sessions were cancelled during winter pressure periods.\n\nThere is significant work underway between the Belfast Trust paediatric surgeons, the Child Health Partnership and District General Hospital (DGH) surgical units to consider what surgery needs to be carried out in RBHSC and what can be carried out locally at DGHs. A number of elective theatre lists have already been moved to District General Hospitals, and this work in ongoing. This means that theatre and bed capacity in RBHSC is freed to manage children that can only have their surgery in RBHSC. I hope to see some more tangible improvements in the situation as we move into 2025. This will have a knock-on effect on the issue of those children who require the PEG insertion elective procedure.\n\nI want to assure you that officials in the Department as well as colleagues in BHSCT are continuing to work hard to try and address this issue but, given the ongoing pressures on the service and demand for theatre capacity, this will mean that this will not be solved immediately. We will continue to assess and gauge progress on this to ensure that all of the children and young people receive the care they require as quickly as possible.","answerHtml":"There are a number of actions ongoing between my officials and Belfast Health and Social Services Trust (BHSCT) staff to reduce the current waiting times for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) surgery and to find a sustainable solution to this complex issue. Actions include:
Belfast Trust have commenced additional clinics and theatre sessions to help reduce paediatric waiting times and additional Paediatric Gastrostomy procedures have been approved through waiting list initiative funding. The Trust have carried out a number of additional weekend theatre sessions to help address the backlog and it is hoped that additional sessions will be available going forward dependent on theatre, bed and staffing capacity.
Following a clinical validation exercise it is estimated that around 25 children would be suitable to transfer to an NHS Provider in Great Britain (GB) to receive their surgery. Discussions are ongoing with a number of NHS paediatric providers. Capacity is being sought for the child’s complete pathway including a pre-assessment clinic for these complex children, theatre capacity, inpatient bed capacity (children stay between 48-72 hours), parental training to manage the peg tube, equipment and food, and a follow up appointment. This is required to ensure continuity of care for the children and their parents.
A small number of procedures were also carried out in the Ulster Hospital by Belfast Trust paediatric surgeons. This pathway is being reviewed to determine if this would offer a sustainable solution or provide a short-term solution to reduce lists. Discussions between the two units are ongoing.
The Republic of Ireland (ROI) have confirmed that they do not have capacity at this time to carry out PEG Tube Surgery for children from NI due to their own pressures.
Belfast Trust have also entered into consultation with Independent Sector (IS) Providers in Northern Ireland to explore if there is a provider in a position to safely deliver the necessary arrangements for the child’s complete pathway including a pre-assessment clinic, theatre capacity, inpatient bed capacity (children stay between 48-72 hours), parental training to manage the peg tube, equipment and food, and a follow up appointment. The IS Providers have indicated that they are not in a position to provide this service, at this time.
Whilst RBHSC has been facing increased winter pressures as a result of the enhanced winter planning they have been able to maintain their elective lists, which would include the PEG tube insertions. In previous years elective sessions were cancelled during winter pressure periods.
There is significant work underway between the Belfast Trust paediatric surgeons, the Child Health Partnership and District General Hospital (DGH) surgical units to consider what surgery needs to be carried out in RBHSC and what can be carried out locally at DGHs. A number of elective theatre lists have already been moved to District General Hospitals, and this work in ongoing. This means that theatre and bed capacity in RBHSC is freed to manage children that can only have their surgery in RBHSC. I hope to see some more tangible improvements in the situation as we move into 2025. This will have a knock-on effect on the issue of those children who require the PEG insertion elective procedure.
I want to assure you that officials in the Department as well as colleagues in BHSCT are continuing to work hard to try and address this issue but, given the ongoing pressures on the service and demand for theatre capacity, this will mean that this will not be solved immediately. We will continue to assess and gauge progress on this to ensure that all of the children and young people receive the care they require as quickly as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019595%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421000","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421000"}},{"id":"420999","reference":"AQW 19594/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-09","answerBy":"2024-12-24","answered":"2024-12-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the schools that have been formally consulted as part of developing the End to End Review of Special Educational Needs; (ii) the number Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators involved in its production; and (iii) the number of families and young people formally consulted.","answerText":"In informing the scrutiny report recommendations on the special educational needs (SEN) system, most recently the Independent Review of Education and Independent Review of SEN Services and Processes, extensive stakeholder engagement was conducted across the system. The recommendations derived from these reports underpinned the design of the End to End (E2E) Review of SEN, highlighting the importance of integrating stakeholder insights into the reform process.\n\nAs part of the E2E Review of SEN, a programme of targeted stakeholder engagement was also completed. At the outset, individuals with an interest in the Review were given the opportunity to register online and specify their area of interest. Engagement events were also advertised on Department of Education (DE) and Education Authority (EA) social media channels.\n\nOfficials conducted workshops for key stakeholder groups, including children and young people, to ascertain their views on the support provided to them; with schools to understand how they support children and young people with SEN and how the staff are supported; and with parents/carers about support and advice available, each group was also asked to identify improvements that could be made. Individual school visits were also undertaken to discuss a number of issues and to find potential solutions from the E2E Review of SEN. The majority of school visits were conducted with school leaders and SEN Co-ordinators (SENCos). Officials also met separately with a cluster group of nine SENCos to discuss a number of proposals. Two surveys were also conducted to gather views from key stakeholders, with 270 responses received.","answerHtml":"In informing the scrutiny report recommendations on the special educational needs (SEN) system, most recently the Independent Review of Education and Independent Review of SEN Services and Processes, extensive stakeholder engagement was conducted across the system. The recommendations derived from these reports underpinned the design of the End to End (E2E) Review of SEN, highlighting the importance of integrating stakeholder insights into the reform process.
As part of the E2E Review of SEN, a programme of targeted stakeholder engagement was also completed. At the outset, individuals with an interest in the Review were given the opportunity to register online and specify their area of interest. Engagement events were also advertised on Department of Education (DE) and Education Authority (EA) social media channels.
Officials conducted workshops for key stakeholder groups, including children and young people, to ascertain their views on the support provided to them; with schools to understand how they support children and young people with SEN and how the staff are supported; and with parents/carers about support and advice available, each group was also asked to identify improvements that could be made. Individual school visits were also undertaken to discuss a number of issues and to find potential solutions from the E2E Review of SEN. The majority of school visits were conducted with school leaders and SEN Co-ordinators (SENCos). Officials also met separately with a cluster group of nine SENCos to discuss a number of proposals. Two surveys were also conducted to gather views from key stakeholders, with 270 responses received.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019594%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420999","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420999"}},{"id":"420998","reference":"AQW 19593/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-09","answerBy":"2024-12-24","answered":"2025-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any actions his Department has taken under goal 2.1 of the Sport and Physical Activity Strategy; and (ii) any evidence of progress on this goal.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Sport NI.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has provided me with a response.\n\nDue to the volume of information to be provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact Sport NI directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Sport NI.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has provided me with a response.
Due to the volume of information to be provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact Sport NI directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019593%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420998"}},{"id":"420997","reference":"AQW 19592/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-09","answerBy":"2024-12-24","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will fund the aftercare following paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery.","answerText":"Patient who have a paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery in RBHSC have access to theatre capacity, inpatient bed capacity (children stay between 48-72 hours), parental training to manage the peg tube, equipment and food, and follow up appointments to manage the children’s follow up care. This is required to ensure continuity of care for the children and their parents. However, there are only a small number of specialist nurses in RBHSC who provide this care and as such this can be a limiting factor when there is a backlog of patients receiving treatment.\n\nOfficials have asked Belfast Health and Social Services Trust staff to consider options for addressing the current backlog of children waiting for paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery. Once this is provided my officials from the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) will consider this plan as a matter of urgency.\n\nWider discussions are also underway to consider the additional recurrent need for children’s services including the need for pre-assessment clinics for these complex children and other complex cases, the need for additional specialist nursing capacity in RBHSC and for the expansion of nursing roles in local hospital paediatric units.\n\nHowever, this will be challenging within the current nursing and financial constraints.","answerHtml":"Patient who have a paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery in RBHSC have access to theatre capacity, inpatient bed capacity (children stay between 48-72 hours), parental training to manage the peg tube, equipment and food, and follow up appointments to manage the children’s follow up care. This is required to ensure continuity of care for the children and their parents. However, there are only a small number of specialist nurses in RBHSC who provide this care and as such this can be a limiting factor when there is a backlog of patients receiving treatment.
Officials have asked Belfast Health and Social Services Trust staff to consider options for addressing the current backlog of children waiting for paediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery. Once this is provided my officials from the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) will consider this plan as a matter of urgency.
Wider discussions are also underway to consider the additional recurrent need for children’s services including the need for pre-assessment clinics for these complex children and other complex cases, the need for additional specialist nursing capacity in RBHSC and for the expansion of nursing roles in local hospital paediatric units.
However, this will be challenging within the current nursing and financial constraints.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019592%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420997"}},{"id":"420996","reference":"AQW 19591/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-09","answerBy":"2024-12-24","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of children on the waiting list for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy surgery, broken down by month in the last two years.","answerText":"As of 13th December 2024, 66 children are on the Percutaneous Gastrostomy Surgery waiting list.\n\nMy officials are not in a position to provide procedure level waiting list information over time as this is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","answerHtml":"As of 13th December 2024, 66 children are on the Percutaneous Gastrostomy Surgery waiting list.
My officials are not in a position to provide procedure level waiting list information over time as this is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019591%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420996"}},{"id":"420838","reference":"AQW 19528/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-06","answerBy":"2024-12-12","answered":"2025-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 19171/22-27, (i) to detail the 11 Development Proposals awaiting his decision; and (ii) how long each proposal has been waiting for his decision to be made.","answerText":"I have taken decisions on Development Proposals that were with me for consideration. The decisions can be accessed on the Department’s website. Development Proposal Decisions 2025 | Department of Education.","answerHtml":"I have taken decisions on Development Proposals that were with me for consideration. The decisions can be accessed on the Department’s website. Development Proposal Decisions 2025 | Department of Education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019528%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420838","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420838"}},{"id":"420837","reference":"AQW 19527/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-06","answerBy":"2024-12-23","answered":"2024-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 18006/22-27, to detail the number of referrals to the Education Authority's Educational Psychology Service from a designated medical officer that have been (i) taken forward; and (ii) rejected in each of the last five years.","answerText":"(i) The Education Authority (EA) has provided the data on referrals to Educational Psychology Services (EPS) made by Designated Medical Officers which include Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), over the last five years:\n\n2019/\n20\t2020/\n21\t2021\n/22\t2022/\n23\t2023/\n24\tTotal\nReferrals to EPS from designated Medical Officers\t838\t809\t859\t650\t594\t3,750\n\n(ii) The EA does not hold data on cases that have been rejected centrally.","answerHtml":"(i) The Education Authority (EA) has provided the data on referrals to Educational Psychology Services (EPS) made by Designated Medical Officers which include Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), over the last five years:
| 2019/ 20 | 2020/ 21 | 2021 /22 | 2022/ 23 | 2023/ 24 | Total | |
| Referrals to EPS from designated Medical Officers | 838 | 809 | 859 | 650 | 594 | 3,750 |
(ii) The EA does not hold data on cases that have been rejected centrally.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019527%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420837","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420837"}},{"id":"420836","reference":"AQW 19526/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-06","answerBy":"2024-12-23","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer AQW 16788/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019526%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420836","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420836"}},{"id":"420835","reference":"AQW 19525/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-06","answerBy":"2024-12-23","answered":"2024-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, as part of the Curriculum-led Capital Investment Programme, whether schools applying for the outdoor covered sports spaces will have to demonstrate that these facilities will be open to the wider community where it is safe and possible to do so.","answerText":"The primary aim of the new curriculum-led capital investment programme is to invest in priority areas that will directly support, enable and enhance delivery of the curriculum to support high-quality learning and teaching. Where this investment would also benefit the wider community outside of school core usage, schools are encouraged to make their premises available as a community facility, where possible.\n\nThe eligibility criteria for both the pilot project to provide outdoor covered sports spaces in primary schools and the programme for synthetic pitches and sports halls in the post-primary sector will be set out by my department in the coming weeks.","answerHtml":"The primary aim of the new curriculum-led capital investment programme is to invest in priority areas that will directly support, enable and enhance delivery of the curriculum to support high-quality learning and teaching. Where this investment would also benefit the wider community outside of school core usage, schools are encouraged to make their premises available as a community facility, where possible.
The eligibility criteria for both the pilot project to provide outdoor covered sports spaces in primary schools and the programme for synthetic pitches and sports halls in the post-primary sector will be set out by my department in the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019525%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420835","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420835"}},{"id":"420834","reference":"AQW 19524/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-06","answerBy":"2024-12-23","answered":"2024-12-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following the announcement that all post-primary and special schools will receive new desktop computers, (i) whether consideration was given as to when schools last updated desktop computers; and (ii) whether schools were consulted if they needed other hardware instead.","answerText":"Desktop devices are being procured to replace end of life devices in post-primary and special schools to ensure that students have access to secure, modern technology.","answerHtml":"Desktop devices are being procured to replace end of life devices in post-primary and special schools to ensure that students have access to secure, modern technology.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019524%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420834","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420834"}},{"id":"420694","reference":"AQW 19442/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-05","answerBy":"2024-12-20","answered":"2024-12-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any additional specific support being provided to parents with multiples, both pre-birth and post-birth.","answerText":"Support varies from Trust to Trust, therefore I have provided a response from each Trust below:\n\nBelfast HSC Trust:\n\nThe Royal Jubilee Maternity Service provides dedicated specialist Twins and Multiples Antenatal Clinics which are led by Consultant Obstetricians who specialise in multiple pregnancy care. There is a dedicated antenatal twins and multiples specific antenatal education programme provided for women and their families. The Service provides dedicated twins and multiples infant feeding advisory support in Maternity and Neonatal settings.\n\nSouth Eastern HSC Trust\n\nIn terms of antenatal care - there is a twin specific educational parent-craft evening every 3 months, these are in addition to all the other parent-craft and supports we have in place for every pregnant patient.\n\nFrom an antenatal perspective all parents of multiples are seen at the twins/multiples clinic in Maternity Out Patients Department, which is consultant led. There are two midwives allocated to this clinic to provide continuity and these midwives provide an antenatal education class tailored to the needs of parents expecting multiples. The classes are also supported by a consultant obstetrician, a member of the neonatal team and a representative from the Charity ‘Tiny Life’. Parents are also encouraged to attend the other antenatal education classes breastfeeding workshops within the Trust to help them prepare for birth and the early postnatal period. Mothers are also directed to the ‘Twins Trust’, which is active in Northern Ireland and can provide ongoing support. Postnatal hospital care is tailored to the individual needs of the babies and that of the mother. Community midwives will offer postnatal visits as required on an individualised basis to offer advice and support.\n\nNorthern HSC Trust:\n\nNorthern Trust have a dedicated multiples clinic run by a specific team of staff including Obstetricians with a special interest in multiples, midwives and a dedicated sonographer who works alongside the clinic.\n\nParents receive support from a team of staff who they see regularly and receive the benefits of continuity care, have early access to the clinic upon confirmation of a multiple pregnancy and have regular, specialised care in accordance with their pregnancy. This clinic has benefited from working with the Twins Trust and successfully completed an audit to measure the clinic against the recommendations detailed in NICE guideline for multiples NG137. In addition, there are antenatal education sessions which are specifically tailored to provide information for multiple pregnancies. This is coordinated by the antenatal education midwife alongside the midwife working in the clinic, with input from Tiny Life, a charity for premature babies.\n\nSouthern HSC Trust\n\nThe Southern Health and Social Care Trust run six information evenings for all multiple pregnancy ladies pre-birth. These face to face sessions are delivered by the inter disciplinary team, consisting of:\n\nSHSCT Midwife/ (Mum of twins/Top tips 10.)\n\nConsultant Obstetrician- talking about the birth and labour ward setting.\n\nNeonatal Unit Nurse- to discuss neonatal service in case baby needs to go there.\n\nPhysiotherapists talk specifically about multiple births.\n\nBreastfeeding Lead Midwife- information regarding feeding multiple babies.\n\nTwins Trust specialist Health visitor support.\n\nTinylife charity- talk in case baby comes early.\n\nClosing question time.\n\nParents are encouraged to join other workshops for psychological support, (Getting Ready For Baby and Hypnobirthing Programme) and have access to antenatal education midwifery team email, if they have any questions/queries or concerns. For Postnatal ladies and babies there is no specific additional support provided to parents, however they will be aware of support available from midwife, health visitor and signposted to community organisations\n\nWestern HSC Trust\n\nThere is a dedicated antenatal clinic for women with twin pregnancy (higher order multiples are delivered in Belfast Trust - this is a regional agreement). All women pregnant with twins are seen at every antenatal appointment by a consultant with a special interest in multiple births/ high risk pregnancy. A midwife is in attendance at these clinics to offer support. Detailed ultrasound is performed at every visit, and tailored plans for delivery are made in conjunction with the woman. Parent education classes are offered but not specific to multiple pregnancies at this time. Midwives link with Health Visiting team for women with multiple pregnancies and offer an antenatal visit where possible. From a neonatal services perspective, Western Trust try to keep twins together, in the same room and in beds beside one another. Once they are well enough, if there are no contraindications, twins will be nursed in the same cot, for short periods of time. Western Trust try to discharge home at the same time if both babies are ready for discharge around the same time, but this isn’t always possible. If one baby goes home first the Trust facilitate visits, with the other baby, to the unit after discharge, and encourage them to room in together unless there is a contraindication. They also have discreet signage which acknowledges if the baby has been a multiple and lost a sibling before or after birth. There is no specific additional support offered at this time in the postnatal period, unless the babies are born prematurely when there would be support available from Tinylife.","answerHtml":"Support varies from Trust to Trust, therefore I have provided a response from each Trust below:
Belfast HSC Trust:
The Royal Jubilee Maternity Service provides dedicated specialist Twins and Multiples Antenatal Clinics which are led by Consultant Obstetricians who specialise in multiple pregnancy care. There is a dedicated antenatal twins and multiples specific antenatal education programme provided for women and their families. The Service provides dedicated twins and multiples infant feeding advisory support in Maternity and Neonatal settings.
South Eastern HSC Trust
In terms of antenatal care - there is a twin specific educational parent-craft evening every 3 months, these are in addition to all the other parent-craft and supports we have in place for every pregnant patient.
From an antenatal perspective all parents of multiples are seen at the twins/multiples clinic in Maternity Out Patients Department, which is consultant led. There are two midwives allocated to this clinic to provide continuity and these midwives provide an antenatal education class tailored to the needs of parents expecting multiples. The classes are also supported by a consultant obstetrician, a member of the neonatal team and a representative from the Charity ‘Tiny Life’. Parents are also encouraged to attend the other antenatal education classes breastfeeding workshops within the Trust to help them prepare for birth and the early postnatal period. Mothers are also directed to the ‘Twins Trust’, which is active in Northern Ireland and can provide ongoing support. Postnatal hospital care is tailored to the individual needs of the babies and that of the mother. Community midwives will offer postnatal visits as required on an individualised basis to offer advice and support.
Northern HSC Trust:
Northern Trust have a dedicated multiples clinic run by a specific team of staff including Obstetricians with a special interest in multiples, midwives and a dedicated sonographer who works alongside the clinic.
Parents receive support from a team of staff who they see regularly and receive the benefits of continuity care, have early access to the clinic upon confirmation of a multiple pregnancy and have regular, specialised care in accordance with their pregnancy. This clinic has benefited from working with the Twins Trust and successfully completed an audit to measure the clinic against the recommendations detailed in NICE guideline for multiples NG137. In addition, there are antenatal education sessions which are specifically tailored to provide information for multiple pregnancies. This is coordinated by the antenatal education midwife alongside the midwife working in the clinic, with input from Tiny Life, a charity for premature babies.
Southern HSC Trust
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust run six information evenings for all multiple pregnancy ladies pre-birth. These face to face sessions are delivered by the inter disciplinary team, consisting of:
SHSCT Midwife/ (Mum of twins/Top tips 10.)
Consultant Obstetrician- talking about the birth and labour ward setting.
Neonatal Unit Nurse- to discuss neonatal service in case baby needs to go there.
Physiotherapists talk specifically about multiple births.
Breastfeeding Lead Midwife- information regarding feeding multiple babies.
Twins Trust specialist Health visitor support.
Tinylife charity- talk in case baby comes early.
Closing question time.
Parents are encouraged to join other workshops for psychological support, (Getting Ready For Baby and Hypnobirthing Programme) and have access to antenatal education midwifery team email, if they have any questions/queries or concerns. For Postnatal ladies and babies there is no specific additional support provided to parents, however they will be aware of support available from midwife, health visitor and signposted to community organisations
Western HSC Trust
There is a dedicated antenatal clinic for women with twin pregnancy (higher order multiples are delivered in Belfast Trust - this is a regional agreement). All women pregnant with twins are seen at every antenatal appointment by a consultant with a special interest in multiple births/ high risk pregnancy. A midwife is in attendance at these clinics to offer support. Detailed ultrasound is performed at every visit, and tailored plans for delivery are made in conjunction with the woman. Parent education classes are offered but not specific to multiple pregnancies at this time. Midwives link with Health Visiting team for women with multiple pregnancies and offer an antenatal visit where possible. From a neonatal services perspective, Western Trust try to keep twins together, in the same room and in beds beside one another. Once they are well enough, if there are no contraindications, twins will be nursed in the same cot, for short periods of time. Western Trust try to discharge home at the same time if both babies are ready for discharge around the same time, but this isn’t always possible. If one baby goes home first the Trust facilitate visits, with the other baby, to the unit after discharge, and encourage them to room in together unless there is a contraindication. They also have discreet signage which acknowledges if the baby has been a multiple and lost a sibling before or after birth. There is no specific additional support offered at this time in the postnatal period, unless the babies are born prematurely when there would be support available from Tinylife.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019442%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420694","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420694"}},{"id":"420693","reference":"AQW 19441/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-05","answerBy":"2024-12-20","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether additional financial support and services for parents with multiples is being considered as part of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.","answerText":"The specific needs of parents with multiples will be considered as part of the development of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.\n\nIn recognition that implementing an ELC Strategy will take time, I have introduced a range of measures this year which have already reduced the costs of childcare for eligible parents, including those with multiples. The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme has been designed to ease the financial pressures on households and to help more parents remain in work, and the subsidy is available per child.\n\nThe Sure Start programme operates a Progressive Universalism model which ensures that the individual needs of Sure Start children and families are identified and supported, including families with multiple births. I have provided an additional £3.1m to Sure Start in 2024/25.","answerHtml":"The specific needs of parents with multiples will be considered as part of the development of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.
In recognition that implementing an ELC Strategy will take time, I have introduced a range of measures this year which have already reduced the costs of childcare for eligible parents, including those with multiples. The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme has been designed to ease the financial pressures on households and to help more parents remain in work, and the subsidy is available per child.
The Sure Start programme operates a Progressive Universalism model which ensures that the individual needs of Sure Start children and families are identified and supported, including families with multiple births. I have provided an additional £3.1m to Sure Start in 2024/25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019441%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420693","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420693"}},{"id":"420692","reference":"AQW 19440/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-05","answerBy":"2024-12-20","answered":"2024-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on any work being undertaken to address the issues that people are having in accessing GP appointments.","answerText":"I recognise the importance of access to GP services for patients. In response to increasing patient demand GPs are utilising a mixed consultation model with telephone consultations, video and face to face consultations as a means of managing the rising demand on services within the existing workforce while retaining responsiveness to those patients who need the most urgent attention and care.\n\nAs independent contractors, who provide primary medical services to their registered list of patients under the terms of the General Medical Services Contracts Regulations, and clinical professionals, GPs are responsible for making appropriate decisions about the treatment, care and management of individual patients. This also means that decisions about the day to day running of the surgery, including the use of technology, telephony and the appointment system, are determined locally by the GP practice within the constraints of their available workforce.\n\nAdditional measures have been put in place to support primary care to adapt flexibly to increasing demand. These include focusing on increasing capacity to meet the demand from patients through, for example, reinforcing the GP workforce and increasing the range of healthcare professionals working in primary care, investment in general practice and the implementation of new and innovative ways of working, including making greater use of technology and telephony.\n\nIn recent years the Department has made significant funding available to enable GPs to improve their telephony systems, improve accessibility and employ additional staff to ensure telephony demand is managed effectively.\n\nAs part of supporting work in this area, my Department has also established a GP Access Working Group to explore issues relating to access to services and develop a programme of work to help address these and improve the experience for patients.\n\nThe Working Group includes representatives from General Practice and service users among its membership. As part of this, work has commenced on developing guidance for practices in management of patient demand and optimising workflow within practices to maximise efficiency. The Group is also considering how technology can help to deliver improvements to the process for accessing services for patients and practices alike.","answerHtml":"I recognise the importance of access to GP services for patients. In response to increasing patient demand GPs are utilising a mixed consultation model with telephone consultations, video and face to face consultations as a means of managing the rising demand on services within the existing workforce while retaining responsiveness to those patients who need the most urgent attention and care.
As independent contractors, who provide primary medical services to their registered list of patients under the terms of the General Medical Services Contracts Regulations, and clinical professionals, GPs are responsible for making appropriate decisions about the treatment, care and management of individual patients. This also means that decisions about the day to day running of the surgery, including the use of technology, telephony and the appointment system, are determined locally by the GP practice within the constraints of their available workforce.
Additional measures have been put in place to support primary care to adapt flexibly to increasing demand. These include focusing on increasing capacity to meet the demand from patients through, for example, reinforcing the GP workforce and increasing the range of healthcare professionals working in primary care, investment in general practice and the implementation of new and innovative ways of working, including making greater use of technology and telephony.
In recent years the Department has made significant funding available to enable GPs to improve their telephony systems, improve accessibility and employ additional staff to ensure telephony demand is managed effectively.
As part of supporting work in this area, my Department has also established a GP Access Working Group to explore issues relating to access to services and develop a programme of work to help address these and improve the experience for patients.
The Working Group includes representatives from General Practice and service users among its membership. As part of this, work has commenced on developing guidance for practices in management of patient demand and optimising workflow within practices to maximise efficiency. The Group is also considering how technology can help to deliver improvements to the process for accessing services for patients and practices alike.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019440%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420692","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420692"}},{"id":"420691","reference":"AQW 19439/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-05","answerBy":"2024-12-20","answered":"2024-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to upgrade blood sugar sensors used by those with diabetes to ensure they are hybrid closed loop capable.","answerText":"Continuous glucose monitors currently listed on the NI Drug Tariff can be provided, with the most appropriate system determined in consultation between the clinician and the patient and/or the patient’s carer. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 on Hybrid Closed Loop systems, has been endorsed as applicable to NI.\n\nMy Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications. Overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements, to both enable and support, are being considered.\n\nFunding is required for devices in addition to upskilling and recruiting the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Given the scale of investment needed, financial requirements are also being considered.\n\nFinal decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made. This will support the integration continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care and will be communicated to all stakeholders.","answerHtml":"Continuous glucose monitors currently listed on the NI Drug Tariff can be provided, with the most appropriate system determined in consultation between the clinician and the patient and/or the patient’s carer. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 on Hybrid Closed Loop systems, has been endorsed as applicable to NI.
My Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications. Overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements, to both enable and support, are being considered.
Funding is required for devices in addition to upskilling and recruiting the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Given the scale of investment needed, financial requirements are also being considered.
Final decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made. This will support the integration continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care and will be communicated to all stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019439%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420691","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420691"}},{"id":"420690","reference":"AQW 19438/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-05","answerBy":"2024-12-20","answered":"2024-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he has considered a scheme where those with diabetes who are experienced hybrid closed loop (HCL) pump users could act as service ambassadors to provide managed peer support to service users that have just started using HCL pumps.","answerText":"The role of service users, working alongside the Diabetes Network, sharing lived experiences of diabetes, has set the direction of the Network’s efforts to improve diabetes treatment and care. Indeed, in the setting up of the Diabetes Network, provision was made for a collective leadership platform, to support real change in improving outcomes for people living with diabetes. The Regional Insulin Pump Service is a clinical model currently delivered in Northern Ireland to provide equity, reduce variability, and enhance patient outcomes. People living with diabetes involved in the codesign of the Regional Insulin Pump service, reflected the need for ‘quality of life’ to be a key principle. Acceptance of this recommendation made Northern Ireland the first region among the four nations to use this. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Hybrid Closed Loop systems guidance states the support of a trained multidisciplinary team experienced in insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring is required. In addition, the role of peer support is also being considered.","answerHtml":"The role of service users, working alongside the Diabetes Network, sharing lived experiences of diabetes, has set the direction of the Network’s efforts to improve diabetes treatment and care. Indeed, in the setting up of the Diabetes Network, provision was made for a collective leadership platform, to support real change in improving outcomes for people living with diabetes. The Regional Insulin Pump Service is a clinical model currently delivered in Northern Ireland to provide equity, reduce variability, and enhance patient outcomes. People living with diabetes involved in the codesign of the Regional Insulin Pump service, reflected the need for ‘quality of life’ to be a key principle. Acceptance of this recommendation made Northern Ireland the first region among the four nations to use this. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Hybrid Closed Loop systems guidance states the support of a trained multidisciplinary team experienced in insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring is required. In addition, the role of peer support is also being considered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019438%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420690","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420690"}},{"id":"420085","reference":"AQW 19171/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-02","answerBy":"2024-12-17","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the 19 Current Development Proposals, including when decisions on each will be taken.","answerText":"There are currently 21 Development Proposals (DPs) with my Department for consideration. Eleven of these are awaiting my decision, two discontinuance proposals are being held due to forthcoming proposals for Transformation and the other eight are being progressed by my officials.\n\nAs I am sure you will be aware, the assessment of any DP is a complex process and requires consideration of all the evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all children and to ensure they have access to high quality education that is viable and sustainable in the long term.\n\nI am unable to provide a precise timeframe as to when decisions will be taken.","answerHtml":"There are currently 21 Development Proposals (DPs) with my Department for consideration. Eleven of these are awaiting my decision, two discontinuance proposals are being held due to forthcoming proposals for Transformation and the other eight are being progressed by my officials.
As I am sure you will be aware, the assessment of any DP is a complex process and requires consideration of all the evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all children and to ensure they have access to high quality education that is viable and sustainable in the long term.
I am unable to provide a precise timeframe as to when decisions will be taken.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019171%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420085","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420085"}},{"id":"420084","reference":"AQW 19170/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-02","answerBy":"2024-12-17","answered":"2024-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the budget provided to the Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team each year since its creation.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT), within the Education Authority, was established in September 2022.\n\nThe Department’s total funding for ABSIT for the 2022/23 financial year was £275,000. As a consequence of wider budgetary pressures across the Department, in financial year 2023/24, funding was reduced to £270,000. For the current financial year, 2024/25, funding has remained at £270,000.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT), within the Education Authority, was established in September 2022.
The Department’s total funding for ABSIT for the 2022/23 financial year was £275,000. As a consequence of wider budgetary pressures across the Department, in financial year 2023/24, funding was reduced to £270,000. For the current financial year, 2024/25, funding has remained at £270,000.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019170%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420084","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420084"}},{"id":"419830","reference":"AQW 19084/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current number of vacancies for social workers in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust's Children's Disability Community Team.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has indicated that there are currently 5 social work vacancies within the Children’s Disability Teams. The Trust has been actively trying to fill these posts but with very limited success. The majority of social work vacancies in Trusts are filled between June and August each year, when student social workers qualify from our local Universities.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has indicated that there are currently 5 social work vacancies within the Children’s Disability Teams. The Trust has been actively trying to fill these posts but with very limited success. The majority of social work vacancies in Trusts are filled between June and August each year, when student social workers qualify from our local Universities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019084%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419830","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419830"}},{"id":"419829","reference":"AQW 19083/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children presenting to mainstream settings who are non-speaking in each of the last three years.","answerText":"This information is not held by the Department of Education (DE).","answerHtml":"This information is not held by the Department of Education (DE).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019083%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419829","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419829"}},{"id":"419828","reference":"AQW 19082/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether all pre-schools that will be part of the Pre-school Education Standardisation Programme have been given a timeline of when they will move to standardised hours.","answerText":"It is not possible to provide a timeline for individual settings at this stage, other than those that I have announced will transition to offer at least 22.5 hours pre-school education provision per week from September 2025.\n\nIt will take a number of years for all pre-schools to transition to the standardised session length. The speed of transition will largely be dependent on the resources available from the Executive at each stage, as well as the circumstances of individual pre-school settings.","answerHtml":"It is not possible to provide a timeline for individual settings at this stage, other than those that I have announced will transition to offer at least 22.5 hours pre-school education provision per week from September 2025.
It will take a number of years for all pre-schools to transition to the standardised session length. The speed of transition will largely be dependent on the resources available from the Executive at each stage, as well as the circumstances of individual pre-school settings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019082%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419828","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419828"}},{"id":"419462","reference":"AQW 18942/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-27","answerBy":"2024-12-12","answered":"2024-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail their assessment of the number of jobs that could be created from the development of the Maze Long Kesh site.","answerText":"We recognise that the Maze Long Kesh site has potential to deliver significant employment opportunities, and to act as a catalyst for further development in the surrounding area. The potential number of jobs will depend on the detail of any proposals that emerge for the site.","answerHtml":"We recognise that the Maze Long Kesh site has potential to deliver significant employment opportunities, and to act as a catalyst for further development in the surrounding area. The potential number of jobs will depend on the detail of any proposals that emerge for the site.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018942%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419462","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419462"}},{"id":"419304","reference":"AQW 18865/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-26","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2024-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether he has seen a draft of the Department of Education's End to End Review of Special Educational Needs report; and (ii) to what extent his Department has been involved in its production.","answerText":"My Department is supportive that the End-to-End Review is the key driver of transformation and cross-departmental collaboration for Special Educational Needs.\n\nA summary report and a draft delivery plan has been shared with officials. It will be presented for my consideration following a meeting of senior officials between both departments to finalise actions.\n\nDepartmental and Public Health Agency officials have been fully embedded in several DE’s structures as part of the review and oversight of the policy interface. These structures have provided several opportunities to share information across departmental boundaries and inform the production of the report and delivery plan.","answerHtml":"My Department is supportive that the End-to-End Review is the key driver of transformation and cross-departmental collaboration for Special Educational Needs.
A summary report and a draft delivery plan has been shared with officials. It will be presented for my consideration following a meeting of senior officials between both departments to finalise actions.
Departmental and Public Health Agency officials have been fully embedded in several DE’s structures as part of the review and oversight of the policy interface. These structures have provided several opportunities to share information across departmental boundaries and inform the production of the report and delivery plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018865%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419304","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419304"}},{"id":"419303","reference":"AQW 18864/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-26","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2024-12-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has provided schools with guidance on requests from private educational psychologists to observe pupils in schools and for teachers to complete paperwork for assessments.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) issued guidance to schools on the use of educational psychology private reports as part of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) & Medical Categories Training in 2018, which has been shared on request and at training sessions where required since then.\n\nThe guidance notes that the school is not obliged to permit any private assessor into the school to undertake an observation, that this is at the discretion of the principal and each situation needs to be considered on an individual basis.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) issued guidance to schools on the use of educational psychology private reports as part of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) & Medical Categories Training in 2018, which has been shared on request and at training sessions where required since then.
The guidance notes that the school is not obliged to permit any private assessor into the school to undertake an observation, that this is at the discretion of the principal and each situation needs to be considered on an individual basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018864%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419303","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419303"}},{"id":"419302","reference":"AQW 18863/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-26","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2024-12-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any action his Department is taking to support school leaders with their workload.","answerText":"The teachers' Workload Agreement TNC 2024/2 was jointly developed and agreed by both the teaching trade unions (NITC) and Management Side of TNC.\n\nThe agreement clarifies the legislative terms and conditions of teaching staff including working hours, teaching time, cover arrangements and supervision.\n\nThe guidance outlined in the agreement has been developed to provide a framework for Principals and Boards of Governors to ensure the allocation and distribution of duties to all Principals, Vice Principals and Teachers is managed in a fair and reasonable manner that enables staff to observe their contractual requirements with sufficient time to enjoy a reasonable work/life balance.\n\nThe Workload Agreement TNC 2024/2 is effective in providing clarification, advice and guidance on teachers' terms and conditions to Boards of Governors, Principals and Teachers.\n\nIn April 2024 a joint commitment between Management Side and NITC was given to design a framework to address the recommendations contained in the 8 completed workforce reviews.\n\nA timetable for the implementation of those areas which can be progressed, both immediately and over a short to medium term has now been jointly agreed with the trade unions.\n\nThe focus by both Management Side and the NITC is to determine the areas of work which, once revised and implemented, will have the potential to impact positively on working practices within the education sector.\n\nA programme of work has been prepared grouping the recommendations which are in progress and those that can be progressed with existing resources into themes, one of which is School Leaders.\n\nOne of the original major areas of contention was the workload associated with inspections and through positive engagement between NITC and the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) the processes have now moved towards a position of greater ongoing professional support and dialogue with an aim of supporting school improvement.","answerHtml":"The teachers' Workload Agreement TNC 2024/2 was jointly developed and agreed by both the teaching trade unions (NITC) and Management Side of TNC.
The agreement clarifies the legislative terms and conditions of teaching staff including working hours, teaching time, cover arrangements and supervision.
The guidance outlined in the agreement has been developed to provide a framework for Principals and Boards of Governors to ensure the allocation and distribution of duties to all Principals, Vice Principals and Teachers is managed in a fair and reasonable manner that enables staff to observe their contractual requirements with sufficient time to enjoy a reasonable work/life balance.
The Workload Agreement TNC 2024/2 is effective in providing clarification, advice and guidance on teachers' terms and conditions to Boards of Governors, Principals and Teachers.
In April 2024 a joint commitment between Management Side and NITC was given to design a framework to address the recommendations contained in the 8 completed workforce reviews.
A timetable for the implementation of those areas which can be progressed, both immediately and over a short to medium term has now been jointly agreed with the trade unions.
The focus by both Management Side and the NITC is to determine the areas of work which, once revised and implemented, will have the potential to impact positively on working practices within the education sector.
A programme of work has been prepared grouping the recommendations which are in progress and those that can be progressed with existing resources into themes, one of which is School Leaders.
One of the original major areas of contention was the workload associated with inspections and through positive engagement between NITC and the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) the processes have now moved towards a position of greater ongoing professional support and dialogue with an aim of supporting school improvement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018863%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419302","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419302"}},{"id":"419301","reference":"AQW 18862/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-26","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2025-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the work his Department is undertaking to support sports clubs in making access to sports and physical activity more affordable.","answerText":"Sport NI, an arm’s length body of my Department, has responsibility for the development of sport across Northern Ireland. I asked the Chief Executive of Sport NI for details of relevant programmes which they offer. He has advised me as follows:\n\n“In 2023 Sport Northern Ireland (Sport NI) launched a Renewable Energy Fund (pilot scheme), a £1million pound National Lottery funded investment programme with two primary objectives:\n\n“To reduce the environmental impact of sports club across Northern Ireland.\n\n“Develop SNI’s understanding of the needs of the sports sector and how environmental interventions can impact the operations of sports clubs; the knowledge gained will inform how we invest in the future.\n\n“The fund also seeks to reduce carbon emissions, produce greener sports clubs, make savings on energy bills, and create a more financially sustainable club sector. Although the programme does not stipulate how a club should use their savings, it is intended that should there be future iterations, savings be redirected into sports development.”\n\n“Sport NI recently launched the Creating Opportunities Crowdfunder small grants programme, which is available to local clubs. Clubs can apply for funding for any new and/or additional participation projects they wish to run within their club. The programme offers up to 50% match-funding support to a maximum of £5,000 from Sport NI through the Crowdfunder platform. Eligible costs include (but are not exclusive to) coaching costs, venue hire, workshops costs, equipment and capital costs required to deliver their participation project.\n\n“In 2024/25 the Crowdfunder programme has approved £141,015 of match funding to a total of 31 different approved projects.\n\n“Please also see web link for more information on Creating Opportunities Crowdfunder: http://www.sportni.net/funding/creating-opportunities/”\n\nThe Chief Executive also advised me of the following programmes which Sport NI has supported with Exchequer funding under District Council Community Planning:\n\n“10 applications were received from Local Authorities (Ards & North Down didn’t apply). 6 applications at this stage have been deemed to be successful within the available budget to facilitate sport and physical activity opportunities. These are as follows;\n\n“Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon’s ‘Get Moving ABC’. The proposed project focusses on Walking Netball, Multi use games area programmes, a girls active programme and a local basketball pathway programme.\n\n“Mid Ulster’s Promoting Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity in Mid Ulster. The proposed project aims to develop a range of sport and physical activity projects such as swimming and multi activity for neurodivergent people along with several forest walks for older people.\n\n“Lisburn & Castlereagh’s Commit to Fit 2025 programme. This directly links sport and physical activity projects into 3 of the 5 themes within the Community Plan namely:\n\n“Children and Young People\n\n“Health and Well Being\n\n“Our Community\n\n“Antrim and Newtownabbey’s Take a Dive into ’25 programme. This includes the Healthy Kids School Coaching Programme focusing on physical activity, mindfulness and healthy eating within 25 schools within the borough and is focused on the most socially deprived wards within the borough. They will also offer primary schools swimming programmes, also focussing on areas of social deprivation which would otherwise not have access to this sport and physical activity programme.\n\n“Causeway Coast & Glens has proposed a range of projects from Boccia, ASD initiatives, swimming and other mainstream sports such as Gymnastics , Cricket and Golf to communities who would otherwise not be able to access such sporting activities.\n\n“Fermanagh and Omagh’s Community Active programme (the first reserve), which is focused on developing a range of physical activity projects specifically for children and older people who would not usually have access to these programmes.”\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact Sport NI directly. Making direct contact with Sport NI will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"Sport NI, an arm’s length body of my Department, has responsibility for the development of sport across Northern Ireland. I asked the Chief Executive of Sport NI for details of relevant programmes which they offer. He has advised me as follows:
“In 2023 Sport Northern Ireland (Sport NI) launched a Renewable Energy Fund (pilot scheme), a £1million pound National Lottery funded investment programme with two primary objectives:
“To reduce the environmental impact of sports club across Northern Ireland.
“Develop SNI’s understanding of the needs of the sports sector and how environmental interventions can impact the operations of sports clubs; the knowledge gained will inform how we invest in the future.
“The fund also seeks to reduce carbon emissions, produce greener sports clubs, make savings on energy bills, and create a more financially sustainable club sector. Although the programme does not stipulate how a club should use their savings, it is intended that should there be future iterations, savings be redirected into sports development.”
“Sport NI recently launched the Creating Opportunities Crowdfunder small grants programme, which is available to local clubs. Clubs can apply for funding for any new and/or additional participation projects they wish to run within their club. The programme offers up to 50% match-funding support to a maximum of £5,000 from Sport NI through the Crowdfunder platform. Eligible costs include (but are not exclusive to) coaching costs, venue hire, workshops costs, equipment and capital costs required to deliver their participation project.
“In 2024/25 the Crowdfunder programme has approved £141,015 of match funding to a total of 31 different approved projects.
“Please also see web link for more information on Creating Opportunities Crowdfunder: http://www.sportni.net/funding/creating-opportunities/”
The Chief Executive also advised me of the following programmes which Sport NI has supported with Exchequer funding under District Council Community Planning:
“10 applications were received from Local Authorities (Ards & North Down didn’t apply). 6 applications at this stage have been deemed to be successful within the available budget to facilitate sport and physical activity opportunities. These are as follows;
“Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon’s ‘Get Moving ABC’. The proposed project focusses on Walking Netball, Multi use games area programmes, a girls active programme and a local basketball pathway programme.
“Mid Ulster’s Promoting Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity in Mid Ulster. The proposed project aims to develop a range of sport and physical activity projects such as swimming and multi activity for neurodivergent people along with several forest walks for older people.
“Lisburn & Castlereagh’s Commit to Fit 2025 programme. This directly links sport and physical activity projects into 3 of the 5 themes within the Community Plan namely:
“Children and Young People
“Health and Well Being
“Our Community
“Antrim and Newtownabbey’s Take a Dive into ’25 programme. This includes the Healthy Kids School Coaching Programme focusing on physical activity, mindfulness and healthy eating within 25 schools within the borough and is focused on the most socially deprived wards within the borough. They will also offer primary schools swimming programmes, also focussing on areas of social deprivation which would otherwise not have access to this sport and physical activity programme.
“Causeway Coast & Glens has proposed a range of projects from Boccia, ASD initiatives, swimming and other mainstream sports such as Gymnastics , Cricket and Golf to communities who would otherwise not be able to access such sporting activities.
“Fermanagh and Omagh’s Community Active programme (the first reserve), which is focused on developing a range of physical activity projects specifically for children and older people who would not usually have access to these programmes.”
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact Sport NI directly. Making direct contact with Sport NI will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018862%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419301","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419301"}},{"id":"419300","reference":"AQW 18861/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-26","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2024-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when a chairperson and full board will be appointed to the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation.","answerText":"Officials are reviewing the options for appointment of a Chair and additional Board Members to the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation and we expect to receive updated advice in the near future.","answerHtml":"Officials are reviewing the options for appointment of a Chair and additional Board Members to the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation and we expect to receive updated advice in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018861%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419300","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419300"}},{"id":"418776","reference":"AQO 1257/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-21","answerBy":"2024-12-03","answered":"2024-12-03","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission whether there have been any recent changes to security arrangements and protocols for guests and visitors to Parliament Buildings.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"I thank the Member for her question. While it would be unwise to discuss the detail of security arrangements in a public forum, the Assembly Commission takes security seriously. Arrangements are kept under review by Assembly management and are revisited and amended, as required. Access by visitors to Parliament Buildings is outlined in the Assembly Commission policy, 'Conduct and Behaviour of Visitors in Parliament Buildings'. That includes general rules of entry and those conditions that are applicable to visitors. Members may have noticed a change, with the visitor experience team taking responsibility for the reception desk to greet visitors when they enter the Building. However, that change operates within the wider framework of our existing security arrangements, which include the requirement to go through the search facility on arrival and the presence of ushers in the Great Hall."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you for the answer. You mentioned that security arrangements are reviewed as and when. Is there a particular time frame within which that happens? Does it happen on a regular basis?"},{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"Not that I am aware of. The Assembly Commission will keep that under constant review. We will assess how well security arrangements are working, and if there are any incidents, or if there is any need to make any changes to that, any Member can write to the Assembly Commission on that and we will consider it."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"Will the Member detail or advise what changes have been made by the Commission in the light of the fact that a Sinn Féin employee, who stood accused of child sex offences, was given the run of this Building for months because of Philip McGuigan's failure to cancel his pass? When will we see the publication of the report on the issues that have arisen from the Michael McMonagle scandal?"},{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"I thank the Member for his question. As he will know, issues relating to that are under investigation. The Assembly Commission has already said that it will not be providing a running commentary on that investigation."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201257%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418776","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-12-03&docID=419471#AQO%201257/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418776"}},{"id":"418360","reference":"AQW 18460/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-19","answerBy":"2024-12-04","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on maternity services in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust continue to provide the full range of Maternity care services for pregnant women.\n\nMaternity Services are provided from the following:\n\nThe Ulster Maternity Hospital provides Maternity Outpatients services, Emergency Obstetric Unit, an Alongside Midwifery Unit and Labour Ward.\n\nThe Lagan Valley and Downe Midwifery Led Units are bases for Community Midwives, but also provide both obstetric and midwifery led antenatal clinics.\n\nCommunity Midwifery care is also delivered from hubs in Bangor and Ards & Holywood (Greenway team).\n\nThe total births in the Ulster Hospital in 2023/24 (as per latest published inpatient activity statistics) was 3,612 which equates to 18.2% of overall hospital births across Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust continue to provide the full range of Maternity care services for pregnant women.
Maternity Services are provided from the following:
The Ulster Maternity Hospital provides Maternity Outpatients services, Emergency Obstetric Unit, an Alongside Midwifery Unit and Labour Ward.
The Lagan Valley and Downe Midwifery Led Units are bases for Community Midwives, but also provide both obstetric and midwifery led antenatal clinics.
Community Midwifery care is also delivered from hubs in Bangor and Ards & Holywood (Greenway team).
The total births in the Ulster Hospital in 2023/24 (as per latest published inpatient activity statistics) was 3,612 which equates to 18.2% of overall hospital births across Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018460%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418360","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418360"}},{"id":"418359","reference":"AQW 18459/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-19","answerBy":"2024-12-04","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any further action that can be taken to improve traffic congestion in Moira.","answerText":"My Department has previously introduced measures to improve traffic flow and road safety in Moira including the signalisation of the Main Street/Meeting Street junction, a road marking scheme to provide right turn pockets into local retail sites and a garage outlet between Backwood Road and the Old Kilmore Road junction.\n\nWe have also looked at a number of options to prevent traffic from queuing back to the M1 Westbound Motorway off-slip in the evening peak. To date, the costs of these options have been considered too prohibitive to be progressed further at this time.\n\nThe village’s future transport needs, being situated within the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area, will be considered as part of the new Eastern Transport Plan being developed by the Department. The plan will take account of the growth ambitions of Lisburn and Castlereagh city and other councils in the plan catchment area and will consider potential transport interventions for Moira.","answerHtml":"My Department has previously introduced measures to improve traffic flow and road safety in Moira including the signalisation of the Main Street/Meeting Street junction, a road marking scheme to provide right turn pockets into local retail sites and a garage outlet between Backwood Road and the Old Kilmore Road junction.
We have also looked at a number of options to prevent traffic from queuing back to the M1 Westbound Motorway off-slip in the evening peak. To date, the costs of these options have been considered too prohibitive to be progressed further at this time.
The village’s future transport needs, being situated within the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area, will be considered as part of the new Eastern Transport Plan being developed by the Department. The plan will take account of the growth ambitions of Lisburn and Castlereagh city and other councils in the plan catchment area and will consider potential transport interventions for Moira.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018459%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418359","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418359"}},{"id":"418358","reference":"AQW 18458/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-19","answerBy":"2024-12-04","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to remedy the new IT system to ensure that medication does not drop off a patient's prescription if it is not renewed within a five day period.","answerText":"The encompass pharmacy team have worked with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team from across the region to agree how the encompass clinical decision support tool is configured. As recommended, the encompass system includes a default duration of five days for all antimicrobials. The prescribing clinician can change this duration at the point of prescribing and any prescribed order can be modified at any time. A number of prompts has been built into the system to support clinicians to actively manage orders for antimicrobials within the first five days of treatment after 48, 72 and 96 hours.","answerHtml":"The encompass pharmacy team have worked with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team from across the region to agree how the encompass clinical decision support tool is configured. As recommended, the encompass system includes a default duration of five days for all antimicrobials. The prescribing clinician can change this duration at the point of prescribing and any prescribed order can be modified at any time. A number of prompts has been built into the system to support clinicians to actively manage orders for antimicrobials within the first five days of treatment after 48, 72 and 96 hours.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018458%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418358","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418358"}},{"id":"418357","reference":"AQW 18457/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-19","answerBy":"2024-12-04","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to provide hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes.","answerText":"National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943, Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetes, has been endorsed as applicable in Northern Ireland. Subsequently, my Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications of this decision. Overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements to both enable and support, are being considered. Given the scale of investment needed, financial requirements are also being considered, as funding is required for devices as well as resources to upskill and recruit the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Final decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made, supported by an implementation plan. This will support the integration continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care and will be communicated to all stakeholders.","answerHtml":"National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943, Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetes, has been endorsed as applicable in Northern Ireland. Subsequently, my Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications of this decision. Overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements to both enable and support, are being considered. Given the scale of investment needed, financial requirements are also being considered, as funding is required for devices as well as resources to upskill and recruit the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Final decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made, supported by an implementation plan. This will support the integration continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care and will be communicated to all stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018457%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418357","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418357"}},{"id":"418356","reference":"AQW 18456/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-19","answerBy":"2024-12-04","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when Northern Ireland will commence participation in the National Diabetes Audits, as agreed in the Diabetes Strategic Framework of November 2016.","answerText":"The Diabetes Strategic Framework (2016) included an action to participate in National Diabetes Audit, similar to the Diabetes Audit used in England and Wales.\n\nThe Department of Health remains committed to working towards participation in the National Diabetes Audit. However, there have been significant challenges in progressing this recommendation, as the required infrastructure is not currently in place to participate fully in the audit.\n\nWith the full implementation of Encompass, currently being rolled out across all Health and Social Care Trusts, the provision of data that is both available and extractable for the region will be available. This will support participation in the National Diabetes Audit in the future.","answerHtml":"The Diabetes Strategic Framework (2016) included an action to participate in National Diabetes Audit, similar to the Diabetes Audit used in England and Wales.
The Department of Health remains committed to working towards participation in the National Diabetes Audit. However, there have been significant challenges in progressing this recommendation, as the required infrastructure is not currently in place to participate fully in the audit.
With the full implementation of Encompass, currently being rolled out across all Health and Social Care Trusts, the provision of data that is both available and extractable for the region will be available. This will support participation in the National Diabetes Audit in the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018456%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418356","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418356"}},{"id":"417975","reference":"AQW 18301/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 16786/22-27, to detail any additional actions that can be taken to improve safety for those walking between Moira and Moira Train Station.","answerText":"A section of footway from the Motorway Bridge to Moira Train Station was widened to accommodate commuters and pedestrians wishing to go to the station and then further extended by approximately 110 metres from the motorway bridge towards Moira.\n\nThere are no further works planned at present.","answerHtml":"A section of footway from the Motorway Bridge to Moira Train Station was widened to accommodate commuters and pedestrians wishing to go to the station and then further extended by approximately 110 metres from the motorway bridge towards Moira.
There are no further works planned at present.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018301%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417975","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417975"}},{"id":"417974","reference":"AQW 18300/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he will commit to introducing legislation for post-19 special educational needs provision in the 2022-2027 mandate.","answerText":"I want every young person to have the opportunity to access skills and training opportunities and fulfil their potential. As you know, I have tasked officials to review the position in relation to both the provision, and the relevant legislation, and to bring forward recommendations. At that point I will be in a better position to confirm what can be delivered within this shortened mandate.","answerHtml":"I want every young person to have the opportunity to access skills and training opportunities and fulfil their potential. As you know, I have tasked officials to review the position in relation to both the provision, and the relevant legislation, and to bring forward recommendations. At that point I will be in a better position to confirm what can be delivered within this shortened mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018300%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417974","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417974"}},{"id":"417973","reference":"AQW 18299/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the recommendation in the Independent Review of Education for a single early intervention and learner support agency.","answerText":"In my statement to the Assembly on 21 October 2024 I set out my response to the Independent Review of Education. Alongside my statement I also provided my Departments response to the report’s recommendations.\n\nIn relation to facilitating learner centred interventions, under which a single early intervention and learner support agency was suggested, my Department accepts the need to review and improve service delivery.\n\nEducation services will be reformed through the outworkings of the End-to-End Reviews of Special Educational Needs and School Improvement which focus on the development of high quality, cost-effective services. These reviews will shortly bring forward recommendations on how delivery models can be more responsive, agile and customer focused. Service delivery improvements will be achieved initially through re-configuration and re-focusing of services delivered by the Education Authority and other education bodies.\n\nProgress will be closely monitored and, if necessary, more fundamental structural change will be implemented.","answerHtml":"In my statement to the Assembly on 21 October 2024 I set out my response to the Independent Review of Education. Alongside my statement I also provided my Departments response to the report’s recommendations.
In relation to facilitating learner centred interventions, under which a single early intervention and learner support agency was suggested, my Department accepts the need to review and improve service delivery.
Education services will be reformed through the outworkings of the End-to-End Reviews of Special Educational Needs and School Improvement which focus on the development of high quality, cost-effective services. These reviews will shortly bring forward recommendations on how delivery models can be more responsive, agile and customer focused. Service delivery improvements will be achieved initially through re-configuration and re-focusing of services delivered by the Education Authority and other education bodies.
Progress will be closely monitored and, if necessary, more fundamental structural change will be implemented.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417973","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417973"}},{"id":"417972","reference":"AQW 18298/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when the evaluation of the Physician Associate role will be concluded.","answerText":"My Department intends that this evaluation will conclude by the end of the current financial year. However, this timeframe may now be complicated by the need to take into account any relevant learning from the independent review of PAs in England announced on 20 November 2024.","answerHtml":"My Department intends that this evaluation will conclude by the end of the current financial year. However, this timeframe may now be complicated by the need to take into account any relevant learning from the independent review of PAs in England announced on 20 November 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018298%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417972","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417972"}},{"id":"417971","reference":"AQW 18297/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on proposed capital works for Fort Hill Integrated College and Fort Hill Primary School and Nursery Unit.","answerText":"The proposed capital works for Fort Hill Integrated College (IC) and Fort Hill Integrated Primary School (IPS) and Nursery Unit are in the latter stages of design with the Spatial Coordination and Developed Design stage (RIBA Stage 3) having completed in May 2024.\n\nA planning application for the new build was submitted in August 2023, however no decision on the application has been taken at this time.\n\nGiven the severe constraints on my Department’s capital budget, regrettably this project will be unable to progress to the Technical Design and Pre-tender stage (RIBA Stage 4) and to construction without additional funding being secured.\n\nI can assure you that I have and will continue to make the case for significant additional and sustained capital funding for my Department, to permit projects like Fort Hill IC and Fort Hill IPS and Nursery Unit to proceed to construction as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The proposed capital works for Fort Hill Integrated College (IC) and Fort Hill Integrated Primary School (IPS) and Nursery Unit are in the latter stages of design with the Spatial Coordination and Developed Design stage (RIBA Stage 3) having completed in May 2024.
A planning application for the new build was submitted in August 2023, however no decision on the application has been taken at this time.
Given the severe constraints on my Department’s capital budget, regrettably this project will be unable to progress to the Technical Design and Pre-tender stage (RIBA Stage 4) and to construction without additional funding being secured.
I can assure you that I have and will continue to make the case for significant additional and sustained capital funding for my Department, to permit projects like Fort Hill IC and Fort Hill IPS and Nursery Unit to proceed to construction as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018297%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417971","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417971"}},{"id":"419159","reference":"AQO 1196/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-14","answerBy":"2024-11-25","answered":"2024-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how the first Climate Action Plan will contribute toward Northern Ireland meeting its emissions targets contained within the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.","answerText":"My department must by regulations set the first three carbon budgets and the emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2040. We will deliver on our carbon budgets through the development of a series of Climate Action Plans which will set out the policies and proposals across all sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the associated five-year period.\n\nMy department is leading collaboration with all other Departments to develop Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan. Officials are in the process of finalising the draft document for consultation. I am fully committed to delivering a Climate Action Plan that is transformational, evidence-based and informed by stakeholders.\n\nThe carbon budget regulations were agreed by the Executive last week and I now aim to bring the draft Climate Action Plan to Executive colleagues as soon as possible seeking their approval to publish the Plan for a 16-week consultation, as required by legislation.","answerHtml":"My department must by regulations set the first three carbon budgets and the emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2040. We will deliver on our carbon budgets through the development of a series of Climate Action Plans which will set out the policies and proposals across all sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the associated five-year period.
My department is leading collaboration with all other Departments to develop Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan. Officials are in the process of finalising the draft document for consultation. I am fully committed to delivering a Climate Action Plan that is transformational, evidence-based and informed by stakeholders.
The carbon budget regulations were agreed by the Executive last week and I now aim to bring the draft Climate Action Plan to Executive colleagues as soon as possible seeking their approval to publish the Plan for a 16-week consultation, as required by legislation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201196%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419159"}},{"id":"417284","reference":"AQW 18006/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-11","answerBy":"2024-11-26","answered":"2024-12-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) whether the Education Authority Educational Psychology Service tracks the number of referrals made by Speech and Language Therapists for children of pre-school age; and (ii) the number of these referrals that have been (a) taken forward; and (b) rejected in the last five years.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that the Educational Psychology Service records all referrals from Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) under the category of ‘designated medical officer’. It does not track the number of referrals made specifically by SLTs.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that the Educational Psychology Service records all referrals from Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) under the category of ‘designated medical officer’. It does not track the number of referrals made specifically by SLTs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018006%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417284","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417284"}},{"id":"417283","reference":"AQW 18005/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-11","answerBy":"2024-11-26","answered":"2024-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether private pre-school providers that are part of the Pre-school Education Programme Standardisation have access to all Education Authority support that statutory providers have access to.","answerText":"The support needed to transition to a standardised session length varies from setting to setting, based on their particular circumstances and the Education Authority (EA) assessment of need.\n\nAll funded Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP) providers will be included in the standardisation programme. This includes both statutory and non-statutory pre-school providers of all management types. The EA has assessed the support required for all providers requesting a transition to a standardised session length from September 2025 that are currently listed for consultation and will provide this support if the proposed changes are approved.","answerHtml":"The support needed to transition to a standardised session length varies from setting to setting, based on their particular circumstances and the Education Authority (EA) assessment of need.
All funded Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP) providers will be included in the standardisation programme. This includes both statutory and non-statutory pre-school providers of all management types. The EA has assessed the support required for all providers requesting a transition to a standardised session length from September 2025 that are currently listed for consultation and will provide this support if the proposed changes are approved.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018005%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417283","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417283"}},{"id":"417282","reference":"AQW 18004/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-11","answerBy":"2024-11-26","answered":"2024-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on outstanding capital projects for schools in Lagan Valley.","answerText":"The status of ongoing capital projects in the Lagan Valley constituency are as detailed below:\n\nSchool Name\tFunding Programme\tStatus\nDromore High School\tMajor Capital\tProcurement of Integrated Consultant Team ongoing.\nFriends’ School\tMajor Capital\tOn hold\nLisnagarvey High School\tMajor Capital\tOn hold\nFort Hill Integrated College, Fort Hill Primary School and Nursery Unit\tMajor Capital\tSpatial co-ordination and developed design (RIBA Stage 3) completed. Planning application in progress.\nRowandale Integrated Primary School\tFresh Start Agreement\tNew build 14 class primary school anticipated to complete in Summer 2025.\nBeechlawn School\tSpecial Educational Needs (SEN) Investment Programme.\tThe design proposed for the extension and refurbishment of the building is currently being reviewed, with a view to increasing the provision.\nParkview School\tSpecial Educational Needs Investment Programme.\tA feasibility exercise has commented to explore options to provide a five-class accommodation block.\n\nSpecialist Provision in Mainstream (SPiM)\n\nOne of the strands of my SEN capital investment programme focuses on the creation of additional specialist provision classes in mainstream schools. For the 2024/25 school year, 112 new SPiM classes have been created, four of which are in the Lagan Valley constituency. These are at Carr Primary School (PS), Fort Hill Integrated PS, Old Warren PS and St Colman’s PS.\n\nIn addition, there are several ongoing minor works capital projects that are too numerous to mention in the Lagan Valley constituency.","answerHtml":"The status of ongoing capital projects in the Lagan Valley constituency are as detailed below:
| School Name | Funding Programme | Status |
| Dromore High School | Major Capital | Procurement of Integrated Consultant Team ongoing. |
| Friends’ School | Major Capital | On hold |
| Lisnagarvey High School | Major Capital | On hold |
| Fort Hill Integrated College, Fort Hill Primary School and Nursery Unit | Major Capital | Spatial co-ordination and developed design (RIBA Stage 3) completed. Planning application in progress. |
| Rowandale Integrated Primary School | Fresh Start Agreement | New build 14 class primary school anticipated to complete in Summer 2025. |
| Beechlawn School | Special Educational Needs (SEN) Investment Programme. | The design proposed for the extension and refurbishment of the building is currently being reviewed, with a view to increasing the provision. |
| Parkview School | Special Educational Needs Investment Programme. | A feasibility exercise has commented to explore options to provide a five-class accommodation block. |
Specialist Provision in Mainstream (SPiM)
One of the strands of my SEN capital investment programme focuses on the creation of additional specialist provision classes in mainstream schools. For the 2024/25 school year, 112 new SPiM classes have been created, four of which are in the Lagan Valley constituency. These are at Carr Primary School (PS), Fort Hill Integrated PS, Old Warren PS and St Colman’s PS.
In addition, there are several ongoing minor works capital projects that are too numerous to mention in the Lagan Valley constituency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018004%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417282","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417282"}},{"id":"416534","reference":"AQW 17677/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-05","answerBy":"2024-11-20","answered":"2024-11-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has engaged with the Minister for Education in Ireland regarding ongoing funding of the Scoil Spreagtha programme.","answerText":"No, I have not engaged with the Minister for Education in Ireland on the Scoil Spreagtha programme. My Department currently does not provide any funding to this programme.","answerHtml":"No, I have not engaged with the Minister for Education in Ireland on the Scoil Spreagtha programme. My Department currently does not provide any funding to this programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017677%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416534","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416534"}},{"id":"416265","reference":"AQW 17563/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-04","answerBy":"2024-11-19","answered":"2024-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether work is scheduled to repair the uneven pavements in Moira town centre.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as resurfacing and road maintenance.\n\nResurfacing schemes are funded through my Department's Structural Maintenance allocation; however regrettably for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all our roads and footways in a reasonable condition. Whilst there are many roads and footways such as Main Street, Moira, that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.\n\nDetails of the planned list of resurfacing schemes for the 2024/25 financial year are included in my Department’s annual report to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council which is scheduled to be delivered on 18 November 2024.\n\nMy officials will continue to monitor the footways in Moira town centre and all defects meeting current intervention levels will be recorded for repair in line with current limited-service policy guidelines.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as resurfacing and road maintenance.
Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department's Structural Maintenance allocation; however regrettably for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all our roads and footways in a reasonable condition. Whilst there are many roads and footways such as Main Street, Moira, that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need of intervention.
Details of the planned list of resurfacing schemes for the 2024/25 financial year are included in my Department’s annual report to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council which is scheduled to be delivered on 18 November 2024.
My officials will continue to monitor the footways in Moira town centre and all defects meeting current intervention levels will be recorded for repair in line with current limited-service policy guidelines.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017563%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416265","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416265"}},{"id":"416264","reference":"AQW 17562/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-04","answerBy":"2024-11-19","answered":"2024-11-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the support he is providing to statutory and non-statutory youth services.","answerText":"My Department is providing funding of circa £36m for the 2024/25 year to the Education Authority for the provision of statutory and non-statutory youth services.","answerHtml":"My Department is providing funding of circa £36m for the 2024/25 year to the Education Authority for the provision of statutory and non-statutory youth services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017562%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416264","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416264"}},{"id":"416263","reference":"AQW 17561/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-04","answerBy":"2024-11-19","answered":"2024-11-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail what statutory and non-statutory youth services he has visited or met to date since taking office.","answerText":"Since coming to office I have not visited any statutory youth services, however I have visited or met with the following youth service settings delivered by the community and voluntary sector:\n\nUniformed Organisations - joint meeting with Girls Brigade, Northern Ireland, Boys Brigade Northern Ireland, Girl Guiding Ulster, Scouts Northern Ireland & Scouting Ireland;\n\nYouth Action (NI) – joint meeting with Boys and Girls Clubs Northern Ireland, BYTES, YMCA, Youth Initiatives & Youth Work Alliance;\n\nResurgam Youth Initiative\n\nLedley Hall Boys & Girls Club;\n\nFóram na nÓG;\n\nDuke of Edinburgh;\n\nGirl Guiding Ulster;\n\nNorth Belfast Youth Providers– joint meeting with New Lodge Youth Centre, Ardoyne Youth Centre, Streetbeat, Shankill Womens Centre, Holy Family Youth Centre & Ashton Community Trust.","answerHtml":"Since coming to office I have not visited any statutory youth services, however I have visited or met with the following youth service settings delivered by the community and voluntary sector:
Uniformed Organisations - joint meeting with Girls Brigade, Northern Ireland, Boys Brigade Northern Ireland, Girl Guiding Ulster, Scouts Northern Ireland & Scouting Ireland;
Youth Action (NI) – joint meeting with Boys and Girls Clubs Northern Ireland, BYTES, YMCA, Youth Initiatives & Youth Work Alliance;
Resurgam Youth Initiative
Ledley Hall Boys & Girls Club;
Fóram na nÓG;
Duke of Edinburgh;
Girl Guiding Ulster;
North Belfast Youth Providers– joint meeting with New Lodge Youth Centre, Ardoyne Youth Centre, Streetbeat, Shankill Womens Centre, Holy Family Youth Centre & Ashton Community Trust.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017561%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416263","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416263"}},{"id":"416262","reference":"AQW 17560/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-04","answerBy":"2024-11-19","answered":"2024-11-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail what actions the Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team are taking to support schools with anti-bullying measures.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority was established in September 2022 and provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act. ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.\n\nIn the last academic year September 2023 – August 2024, actions taken by ABSIT to support schools to address bullying type behaviour included:\n\nResponding to 289 referrals from parents, advocates, school and other sources. These referrals include tailored support and training for schools.\n\nFacilitating 9188 education setting individuals to complete the ABSIT Online Foundational Training which launched in January 2024.\n\nCo-developing, with 146 schools, the ABSIT School Leadership Training Programme. This is a comprehensive professional development programme for Safeguarding, Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) pastoral leads and SENCOs/Learning Support Coordinators in schools.\n\nProducing Addressing Bullying in School Resources that included: Environmental Risk Reduction and Action Plan template; Bullying Concern Assessment Form; Addressing Bullying Behaviour Policy template; Addressing Bullying Behaviour Processes Flow Chart; and a Policy Checklist.\n\nCreating Rights Based Information and Guidance Leaflets which are available to children, young people and parents/carers with translations in multiple languages.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority was established in September 2022 and provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act. ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.
In the last academic year September 2023 – August 2024, actions taken by ABSIT to support schools to address bullying type behaviour included:
Responding to 289 referrals from parents, advocates, school and other sources. These referrals include tailored support and training for schools.
Facilitating 9188 education setting individuals to complete the ABSIT Online Foundational Training which launched in January 2024.
Co-developing, with 146 schools, the ABSIT School Leadership Training Programme. This is a comprehensive professional development programme for Safeguarding, Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) pastoral leads and SENCOs/Learning Support Coordinators in schools.
Producing Addressing Bullying in School Resources that included: Environmental Risk Reduction and Action Plan template; Bullying Concern Assessment Form; Addressing Bullying Behaviour Policy template; Addressing Bullying Behaviour Processes Flow Chart; and a Policy Checklist.
Creating Rights Based Information and Guidance Leaflets which are available to children, young people and parents/carers with translations in multiple languages.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017560%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416262","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416262"}},{"id":"416261","reference":"AQW 17559/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-04","answerBy":"2024-11-19","answered":"2024-11-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the need to re-establish the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Department determined that more specific support should be provided to schools and educational settings to support implementation of the Act and the Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) was therefore established within the Education Authority (EA) in September 2022.\n\nGiven that some of the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum’s (NIABF) activities duplicated the work of the EA’s Primary and Post Primary Behaviour Support and Provisions, including that of ABSIT, the Department decided to cease funding to NIABF from 31 March 2023 to ensure that there was no double funding.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Department determined that more specific support should be provided to schools and educational settings to support implementation of the Act and the Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) was therefore established within the Education Authority (EA) in September 2022.
Given that some of the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum’s (NIABF) activities duplicated the work of the EA’s Primary and Post Primary Behaviour Support and Provisions, including that of ABSIT, the Department decided to cease funding to NIABF from 31 March 2023 to ensure that there was no double funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017559%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416261","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416261"}},{"id":"415789","reference":"AQW 17454/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-25","answerBy":"2024-11-11","answered":"2024-10-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he is in discussions with any Executive colleagues to fund the establishment of an early years and childcare professional body.","answerText":"I have had no discussions with Executive colleagues on this issue.","answerHtml":"I have had no discussions with Executive colleagues on this issue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017454%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415789","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415789"}},{"id":"415788","reference":"AQW 17453/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-25","answerBy":"2024-11-11","answered":"2024-11-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he intends to establish an Early Years Partnership Board, chaired by himself and the Minister of Health.","answerText":"I am aware of the reference within the Independent Review of Education Report to the establishment of an Early Years Partnership Board. While I agree that close cooperation between my department and the department of Health is essential to ensuring a coordinated and coherent support infrastructure for children in their early years and beyond, there are existing structures in place to drive this. They include the recently formed Children and Young People’s Strategy Monitoring and Reporting Board, which includes DE and DOH representation at Deputy Permanent Secretary level.\n\nI have no immediate plans to establish an additional board at this stage but will keep the existing arrangements under review.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the reference within the Independent Review of Education Report to the establishment of an Early Years Partnership Board. While I agree that close cooperation between my department and the department of Health is essential to ensuring a coordinated and coherent support infrastructure for children in their early years and beyond, there are existing structures in place to drive this. They include the recently formed Children and Young People’s Strategy Monitoring and Reporting Board, which includes DE and DOH representation at Deputy Permanent Secretary level.
I have no immediate plans to establish an additional board at this stage but will keep the existing arrangements under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017453%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415788","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415788"}},{"id":"415624","reference":"AQW 17393/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-10-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has sought cross-departmental funding to reinstate the school sports programme.","answerText":"The 2024-25 funding envelope that my Department has been allocated faces significant, unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations. Taking the current budgetary situation and other Departmental priorities into account, I have decided to await the outcome of the October monitoring round before making a decision regarding the possible reintroduction of the Sports Programme.\n\nI have asked my officials to consider if there are other models for funding a programme which I will consider in due course, I have also asked them to engage with sporting bodies including Ulster Rugby, the Irish Football Association, the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association and Ulster Hockey to explore a programme that might be taken forward in the next financial year should funding become available.","answerHtml":"The 2024-25 funding envelope that my Department has been allocated faces significant, unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations. Taking the current budgetary situation and other Departmental priorities into account, I have decided to await the outcome of the October monitoring round before making a decision regarding the possible reintroduction of the Sports Programme.
I have asked my officials to consider if there are other models for funding a programme which I will consider in due course, I have also asked them to engage with sporting bodies including Ulster Rugby, the Irish Football Association, the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association and Ulster Hockey to explore a programme that might be taken forward in the next financial year should funding become available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017393%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415624","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415624"}},{"id":"415623","reference":"AQW 17392/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any discussions he has had with the Minister of Education in relation to a potential subsidy scheme for early learning and childcare workers to help improve their salary.","answerText":"I am committed to working with the Minister for Education and other Executive colleagues to implement the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.\n\nI am aware that the childcare sector is facing challenges, including the recruitment and retention of staff. My department is working with the Department of Education, (DE) the Department of Health, (DoH) and the Department for Communities (DfC) to consider a range of interventions to support this sector.\n\nDE has responsibility for the targeted business support scheme for childcare providers. However, as my department has expertise in delivering business support, my officials are assisting with this work. This includes an assessment of the relevant labour to develop a clearer picture of the type of supports that might be required. This exercise will involve direct engagement with childcare providers to gather insights into the challenges they face, the key issues impacting the financial sustainability of providers and options for a government intervention.\n\nIn the immediate term, I have committed £740,000 of my Skills Fund to support pathways into the childcare sector, helping the supply of workers into this critically important sector.","answerHtml":"I am committed to working with the Minister for Education and other Executive colleagues to implement the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.
I am aware that the childcare sector is facing challenges, including the recruitment and retention of staff. My department is working with the Department of Education, (DE) the Department of Health, (DoH) and the Department for Communities (DfC) to consider a range of interventions to support this sector.
DE has responsibility for the targeted business support scheme for childcare providers. However, as my department has expertise in delivering business support, my officials are assisting with this work. This includes an assessment of the relevant labour to develop a clearer picture of the type of supports that might be required. This exercise will involve direct engagement with childcare providers to gather insights into the challenges they face, the key issues impacting the financial sustainability of providers and options for a government intervention.
In the immediate term, I have committed £740,000 of my Skills Fund to support pathways into the childcare sector, helping the supply of workers into this critically important sector.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017392%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415623","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415623"}},{"id":"415622","reference":"AQW 17391/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any discussions he has had with the Minister of Education in relation to improving the levels of physical activity of school children, so they reach the recommended level of one hour per day.","answerText":"I have had no discussions with Minister Givan on this issue.","answerHtml":"I have had no discussions with Minister Givan on this issue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017391%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415622","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415622"}},{"id":"415621","reference":"AQW 17390/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-10-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking to support the delivery of the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.","answerText":"Addressing violence against women and girls is an issue for all areas of society and education has a role in supporting that. The Delivery Plan brings into sharp focus my Department's responsibilities, and we will consider how the curriculum can support the wider strategy, with schools having an important role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.\n\nMy Department will contribute to the Delivery Plan and is establishing an Oversight Group to decide how the actions it is required to take forward will be delivered together with key delivery partners including the Executive Office. This will include engagement with stakeholders. Officials will bring forward recommendations for my consideration.\n\nDelivery of comprehensive, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate Relationships and Sexuality Education is an important part in reducing violence against women and girls.\n\nOur curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to educate young people to develop healthy relationships. Pupils have the opportunity to explore their management of a range of feelings and emotions and those of others; initiating, developing and sustaining mutually satisfying relationships, explore the qualities of a loving, respectful relationship and develop coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship scenarios.","answerHtml":"Addressing violence against women and girls is an issue for all areas of society and education has a role in supporting that. The Delivery Plan brings into sharp focus my Department's responsibilities, and we will consider how the curriculum can support the wider strategy, with schools having an important role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.
My Department will contribute to the Delivery Plan and is establishing an Oversight Group to decide how the actions it is required to take forward will be delivered together with key delivery partners including the Executive Office. This will include engagement with stakeholders. Officials will bring forward recommendations for my consideration.
Delivery of comprehensive, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate Relationships and Sexuality Education is an important part in reducing violence against women and girls.
Our curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to educate young people to develop healthy relationships. Pupils have the opportunity to explore their management of a range of feelings and emotions and those of others; initiating, developing and sustaining mutually satisfying relationships, explore the qualities of a loving, respectful relationship and develop coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship scenarios.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017390%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415621","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415621"}},{"id":"415620","reference":"AQW 17389/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-10-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of whether the delivery of comprehensive, age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate Relationships and Sexuality Education is an essential part in reducing violence against women and girls.","answerText":"Addressing violence against women and girls is an issue for all areas of society and education has a role in supporting that. The Delivery Plan brings into sharp focus my Department's responsibilities, and we will consider how the curriculum can support the wider strategy, with schools having an important role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.\n\nMy Department will contribute to the Delivery Plan and is establishing an Oversight Group to decide how the actions it is required to take forward will be delivered together with key delivery partners including the Executive Office. This will include engagement with stakeholders. Officials will bring forward recommendations for my consideration.\n\nDelivery of comprehensive, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate Relationships and Sexuality Education is an important part in reducing violence against women and girls.\n\nOur curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to educate young people to develop healthy relationships. Pupils have the opportunity to explore their management of a range of feelings and emotions and those of others; initiating, developing and sustaining mutually satisfying relationships, explore the qualities of a loving, respectful relationship and develop coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship scenarios.","answerHtml":"Addressing violence against women and girls is an issue for all areas of society and education has a role in supporting that. The Delivery Plan brings into sharp focus my Department's responsibilities, and we will consider how the curriculum can support the wider strategy, with schools having an important role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.
My Department will contribute to the Delivery Plan and is establishing an Oversight Group to decide how the actions it is required to take forward will be delivered together with key delivery partners including the Executive Office. This will include engagement with stakeholders. Officials will bring forward recommendations for my consideration.
Delivery of comprehensive, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate Relationships and Sexuality Education is an important part in reducing violence against women and girls.
Our curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to educate young people to develop healthy relationships. Pupils have the opportunity to explore their management of a range of feelings and emotions and those of others; initiating, developing and sustaining mutually satisfying relationships, explore the qualities of a loving, respectful relationship and develop coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship scenarios.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017389%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415620","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415620"}},{"id":"417334","reference":"AQO 1103/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-11","answered":"2024-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman's report on an Investigation of a Complaint Against the Western Health and Social Care Trust, published on 23 October 2024.","answerText":"The recent Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman's (NIPSO) report was primarily focussed on a complaint against the Western Health and Social Care Trust. However, I have considered the findings and recommendations which are relevant to my department in relation to the use of restrictive practices in schools.\n\nMy department has consulted on draft statutory guidance on the Reduction and Management of Restrictive Practices in Educational Settings. Responses to this consultation have been analysed and officials are currently working with stakeholders to revise and refine the draft guidance, reflecting on the issues raised during the consultation process.\n\nAs part of this work, the findings and recommendations of the Ombudsman’s report will be reviewed, in collaboration with health officials and in the context of the draft guidance for schools.\n\nDepartmental officials have scheduled a meeting with NIPSO officials in the coming weeks to discuss the issues raised in the report.\n\nDepartmental officials will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders as work progresses to finalise the guidance.","answerHtml":"The recent Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman's (NIPSO) report was primarily focussed on a complaint against the Western Health and Social Care Trust. However, I have considered the findings and recommendations which are relevant to my department in relation to the use of restrictive practices in schools.
My department has consulted on draft statutory guidance on the Reduction and Management of Restrictive Practices in Educational Settings. Responses to this consultation have been analysed and officials are currently working with stakeholders to revise and refine the draft guidance, reflecting on the issues raised during the consultation process.
As part of this work, the findings and recommendations of the Ombudsman’s report will be reviewed, in collaboration with health officials and in the context of the draft guidance for schools.
Departmental officials have scheduled a meeting with NIPSO officials in the coming weeks to discuss the issues raised in the report.
Departmental officials will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders as work progresses to finalise the guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201103%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417334","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417334"}},{"id":"415630","reference":"AQO 1079/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-11","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the business plan of the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister)","text":"The Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation business plan was submitted to the Executive Office, but we understand that the development corporation is further reviewing it in light of its current budget allocation. The business plan will be revised now that the outcome of the internal reallocation exercise is known. The Member will appreciate that that outcome became known only today. The development corporation will consider that, and that will determine what is achievable from a budgetary perspective. We will consider the updated plan as soon as possible. Once approved, it will be published on the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation website. In the interim, the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation continues to operate in line with its agreed remit. We are committed to working with the development corporation to realise the potential of the site to the benefit of all, but we recognise that we must move only with consensus and sensitivity. No decisions have yet been made on the future of the site."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you, deputy First Minister. You and I share the constituency of Lagan Valley, where the Maze/Long Kesh site is, and we understand its strategic importance for the area. With the access and influence that being deputy First Minister provides, what are you doing to deliver the potential of the site? It seems as though the politics of the site are taking priority over delivery."},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. As I outlined, a significant history is associated with the site. It also has huge potential, but we can move forward only with sensitivity to the victims and survivors who are most impacted on by the events that happened on and are associated with that site. That is what I will do."},{"speaker":"Mr Boylan","text":"At a Question Time in September, the First Minister referenced a meeting with the MLK Development Corporation in July. Will the deputy First Minister update us on subsequent discussions that will inform a road map for the regeneration of the site?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his question. We had an update from the board. There is a new board in place, with six new members. They are looking at some of the plans and proposals that the previous board made. The new members are still in the early stages of working together, but there is significant talent, enthusiasm and ambition on that board. Anything that the board proposes, including the budget and activities on the site, will require the First Minister and my agreement. As the Member will be aware, however, a number of organisations are on the site, so part of the board's role will be to continue to support those excellent organisations, such as Air Ambulance and the Ulster Aviation Society."},{"speaker":"Mr Buckley","text":"The deputy First Minister will know that yesterday marked a significant day for many of us who attended acts of remembrance. Last night, I attended the UDR Association act of remembrance in Mountnorris Presbyterian Church, where I joined UDR widows, including my great-aunt, who lost her husband in the Glenanne army barracks explosion many years ago. Most of the victims have experienced much hurt and retraumatisation but no justice. Will the deputy First Minister assure the House that there will be nothing on the site that will hurt victims and survivors of terrorism?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"In the Executive Office, we have many responsibilities that relate to victims and survivors of the Troubles. That means trying to meet their needs. It also means being sensitive to the concerns and issues that they face. Victims and survivors in Northern Ireland have given the most, and we must always be very sensitive to that as we move forward. We must recognise their loss and the legitimacy of their concerns and issues. As I said, it is therefore important that nothing happens on the site that would further any hurt or pain. Anything that happens must be done with full sensitivity to the victims and survivors."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Deputy First Minister, you said that it is important that nothing happens on the site that gives offence to victims. I agree, but the problem is that nothing is happening on the site at all. The saga of the Maze/Long Kesh development has been going on longer than 'The Mousetrap'. It has been sitting there, a wasting asset. If the Executive Office cannot progress it, I suggest that two things happen: one, a simple, poignant memorial is put up for all those who want to remember at that site; two, the rest of it is given over to social housing or some other productive form of economic development, because this farce cannot continue indefinitely."},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his question. If he wants to tramp over the concerns of victims, that is up to him. I will not engage in that. I will move forward with the consensus of victims and survivors, because anything that we do should not cause any further concern or hurt. Therefore, it is not for me to decide the way forward and to impose it on those who have been associated with that site and have hurt and sensitivities in relation to it. As I said, I want to unlock the potential of the site, but it has to be done in a particular way and with consensus. The Member is also incorrect when he said that nothing is happening on that site. There are some good activities on that site, not least the Balmoral show, which, I understand, he has attended. There are activities at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, and there is the Ulster Aviation Society, an excellent organisation that attracted 7,000 visitors on the European heritage open days weekend. Of course, the Air Ambulance has been based there since 2017, and it has been called out some 4,500 times. Those are some of the activities that take place. Of course I would like to unlock the full potential of the site, but we should recognise the good work that is already happening there."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"Deputy First Minister, your party colleague, Lord Dodds, is on record as stating:"},{"speaker":"","text":"Will you give a commitment today that you agree with your party colleague and the statement that he made?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The Member will be aware that that building was listed, as I understand it, at the request of the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during a period of direct rule and outside the control or context of either the Northern Ireland Executive or the House. I am clear and reiterate this: nothing will happen on that site as long as I am deputy First Minister that would cause hurt and pain to victims and survivors. That is my promise to victims and survivors. I wish to do nothing to cause any further pain and hurt to those who have suffered the most and given the most to Northern Ireland."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201079%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415630","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-11-11&docID=416633#AQO%201079/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415630"}},{"id":"415265","reference":"AQW 17207/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 16717/22-27, to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the £25 million.","answerText":"My Written Statement of 23 May 2024 set out the breakdown of the £25m allocated to Early Learning and Childcare for 2024/25. The full statement is available here: Written Ministerial Statement - Early Learning and Childcare Measures 2024/25 | Department of Education.","answerHtml":"My Written Statement of 23 May 2024 set out the breakdown of the £25m allocated to Early Learning and Childcare for 2024/25. The full statement is available here: Written Ministerial Statement - Early Learning and Childcare Measures 2024/25 | Department of Education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017207%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415265","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415265"}},{"id":"415264","reference":"AQW 17206/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-10-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 16715/22-27, whether the Schools Trauma Advisory Referral Service is currently not accepting referrals.","answerText":"The Schools Trauma Advisory Referral Service (STARS) was available to schools with children seeking sanctuary for early advice and onwards referrals to the Educational Psychology and other relevant Education Authority (EA) services that support the emotional health and wellbeing of children.\n\nDue to a shortage in the availability of Educational Psychologist support within the EA, STARS is not currently taking referrals. The Intercultural Education Service (IES) are currently working with EA colleagues to explore alternative ways of providing trauma-informed training, advice and support to schools who require urgent early intervention for children seeking sanctuary.","answerHtml":"The Schools Trauma Advisory Referral Service (STARS) was available to schools with children seeking sanctuary for early advice and onwards referrals to the Educational Psychology and other relevant Education Authority (EA) services that support the emotional health and wellbeing of children.
Due to a shortage in the availability of Educational Psychologist support within the EA, STARS is not currently taking referrals. The Intercultural Education Service (IES) are currently working with EA colleagues to explore alternative ways of providing trauma-informed training, advice and support to schools who require urgent early intervention for children seeking sanctuary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017206%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415264","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415264"}},{"id":"414676","reference":"AQW 16963/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for his assessment of the proposals in the Independent Review of Education to expand Sure Start provision; and (ii) whether this proposal has been costed.","answerText":"The tables below show the funding allocated to each of the 38 Sure Start projects for the period 2020-21 to 2024-25, as advised by the Department of Health (DoH) which administers the programme on behalf of my Department.\n\nTable A: Sure Start Revenue Funding Allocations\n\nSure Start Project\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\t2024-25\nAbbey\t£766,304\t£935,872\t£958,345\t£958,345\t£1,054,180\nBallymena and Little Steps\t£1,172,850\t£1,196,307\t£1,232,196\t£1,232,196\t£1,355,416\nStar (Banbridge)\t£291,743\t£297,578\t£306,505\t£306,505\t£337,156\nBangor\t£311,995\t£361,926\t£372,784\t£372,784\t£410,062\nBeechmount\t£232,962\t£237,621\t£244,750\t£244,750\t£269,225\nBlossom\t£706,937\t£721,076\t£742,708\t£742,708\t£816,979\nCherish\t£678,648\t£989,450\t£1,002,323\t£1,002,323\t£1,102,555\nClan Mor\t£582,958\t£594,617\t£612,456\t£612,456\t£673,702\nClogher Valley\t£540,398\t£551,206\t£567,742\t£567,742\t£624,516\nClose to Home (Dungannon)\t£769,378\t£784,766\t£808,309\t£808,309\t£889,140\nColeraine\t£989,889\t£1,070,589\t£1,102,707\t£1,102,707\t£1,212,978\nColin Neighbourhood\t£846,419\t£863,347\t£889,247\t£889,247\t£978,172\nDalriada\t£649,709\t£710,366\t£766,971\t£817,353\t£899,088\nDownpatrick\t£870,351\t£887,758\t£914,391\t£914,391\t£1,005,830\nDungiven\t£706,415\t£720,543\t£742,159\t£742,159\t£816,375\nEast Belfast\t£943,997\t£1,038,343\t£1,063,890\t£1,063,890\t£1,170,279\nEdenballymore\t£611,168\t£623,391\t£642,093\t£642,093\t£706,302\nGlenbrook\t£534,843\t£545,540\t£561,906\t£561,906\t£618,097\nGOLD\t£1,071,748\t£1,152,099\t£1,186,661\t£1,186,661\t£1,305,327\nHorizon\t£567,034\t£617,432\t£635,955\t£635,955\t£699,551\nARKE (Keady / Callanbridge)\t£355,558\t£512,938\t£522,723\t£522,723\t£574,995\nKilkeel\t£223,626\t£295,621\t£304,490\t£304,490\t£334,939\nLAST\t£779,824\t£795,420\t£819,283\t£819,283\t£901,211\nLisburn\t£343,992\t£470,690\t£479,207\t£479,207\t£527,128\nLittle Hands (Ballymagroarty)\t£732,011\t£635,985\t£743,542\t£743,542\t£817,896\nLower Ards\t£719,510\t£798,112\t£816,452\t£816,452\t£898,097\nOrana (Newry City)\t£810,354\t£894,083\t£915,302\t£915,302\t£1,006,832\nOuter West\t£533,585\t£544,257\t£560,585\t£560,585\t£616,644\nRainbow\t£428,590\t£516,600\t£526,495\t£526,495\t£579,145\nSaol Ur\t£503,024\t£513,084\t£528,477\t£528,477\t£581,325\nShankill\t£658,053\t£671,214\t£691,350\t£691,350\t£760,485\nShantallow\t£709,820\t£724,016\t£745,736\t£745,736\t£820,310\nSMILE\t£702,850\t£791,711\t£809,859\t£809,859\t£890,845\nSouth Armagh\t£816,400\t£934,011\t£956,428\t£956,428\t£1,052,071\nSouth Belfast\t£996,561\t£1,016,492\t£1,046,987\t£1,046,987\t£1,151,686\nSplash\t£818,471\t£834,840\t£859,885\t£859,885\t£945,874\nStrabane\t£872,162\t£889,605\t£916,293\t£916,293\t£1,007,922\nWaterside (East Bank)\t£538,771\t£605,814\t£623,988\t£623,988\t£686,387\nTotal:\t£25,388,908\t£27,344,320\t£28,221,180\t£28,271,562\t£31,098,722\n\nTable B: Sure Start Capital Funding Allocations\n\nSure Start Project\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\t2024-25\nAbbey\t£94,349\t£118,000\nArds\t\t£75,919\nCherish\t£42,439\nHorizon\t£2,205\nLittle Hands (Ballymagroarty)\t£44,780\nShankill\t\t£95,000\t£111,000\nTotal:\t£183,773\t£288,919\t£111,000\tNil\tNil\n\nTable C: Sure Start Speech, Language and Communication Allocations*\n\nHealth and Social Care Trust Area\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\t2024-25\nBelfast\t£355,335\t£367,882\t£384,521\t£384,521\t£422,973\nNorthern\t£223,256\t£218,198\t£230,347\t£230,347\t£253,382\nSouth Eastern\t£184,441\t£193,570\t£204,980\t£204,980\t£225,478\nSouthern\t£328,979\t£341,624\t£360,278\t£360,278\t£396,306\nWestern\t£324,480\t£341,851\t£363,313\t£363,313\t£399,644\nRegional\t£120,179\t£121,890\t£125,546\t£125,546\t£138,101\nTotal:\t£1,536,670\t£1,585,015\t£1,668,985\t£1,668,985\t£1,835,884\n\n*DoH advises that it is not possible to disaggregate Trust values to individual Sure Start project allocations.\n\nI have already funded expansion of the Sure Start programme in 2024-25, bringing 22 new geographical areas into the programme. Further expansion will be considered within the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and will be dependent on additional funding being made available by the Executive and the capacity of the early years workforce.","answerHtml":"The tables below show the funding allocated to each of the 38 Sure Start projects for the period 2020-21 to 2024-25, as advised by the Department of Health (DoH) which administers the programme on behalf of my Department.
Table A: Sure Start Revenue Funding Allocations
| Sure Start Project | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Abbey | £766,304 | £935,872 | £958,345 | £958,345 | £1,054,180 |
| Ballymena and Little Steps | £1,172,850 | £1,196,307 | £1,232,196 | £1,232,196 | £1,355,416 |
| Star (Banbridge) | £291,743 | £297,578 | £306,505 | £306,505 | £337,156 |
| Bangor | £311,995 | £361,926 | £372,784 | £372,784 | £410,062 |
| Beechmount | £232,962 | £237,621 | £244,750 | £244,750 | £269,225 |
| Blossom | £706,937 | £721,076 | £742,708 | £742,708 | £816,979 |
| Cherish | £678,648 | £989,450 | £1,002,323 | £1,002,323 | £1,102,555 |
| Clan Mor | £582,958 | £594,617 | £612,456 | £612,456 | £673,702 |
| Clogher Valley | £540,398 | £551,206 | £567,742 | £567,742 | £624,516 |
| Close to Home (Dungannon) | £769,378 | £784,766 | £808,309 | £808,309 | £889,140 |
| Coleraine | £989,889 | £1,070,589 | £1,102,707 | £1,102,707 | £1,212,978 |
| Colin Neighbourhood | £846,419 | £863,347 | £889,247 | £889,247 | £978,172 |
| Dalriada | £649,709 | £710,366 | £766,971 | £817,353 | £899,088 |
| Downpatrick | £870,351 | £887,758 | £914,391 | £914,391 | £1,005,830 |
| Dungiven | £706,415 | £720,543 | £742,159 | £742,159 | £816,375 |
| East Belfast | £943,997 | £1,038,343 | £1,063,890 | £1,063,890 | £1,170,279 |
| Edenballymore | £611,168 | £623,391 | £642,093 | £642,093 | £706,302 |
| Glenbrook | £534,843 | £545,540 | £561,906 | £561,906 | £618,097 |
| GOLD | £1,071,748 | £1,152,099 | £1,186,661 | £1,186,661 | £1,305,327 |
| Horizon | £567,034 | £617,432 | £635,955 | £635,955 | £699,551 |
| ARKE (Keady / Callanbridge) | £355,558 | £512,938 | £522,723 | £522,723 | £574,995 |
| Kilkeel | £223,626 | £295,621 | £304,490 | £304,490 | £334,939 |
| LAST | £779,824 | £795,420 | £819,283 | £819,283 | £901,211 |
| Lisburn | £343,992 | £470,690 | £479,207 | £479,207 | £527,128 |
| Little Hands (Ballymagroarty) | £732,011 | £635,985 | £743,542 | £743,542 | £817,896 |
| Lower Ards | £719,510 | £798,112 | £816,452 | £816,452 | £898,097 |
| Orana (Newry City) | £810,354 | £894,083 | £915,302 | £915,302 | £1,006,832 |
| Outer West | £533,585 | £544,257 | £560,585 | £560,585 | £616,644 |
| Rainbow | £428,590 | £516,600 | £526,495 | £526,495 | £579,145 |
| Saol Ur | £503,024 | £513,084 | £528,477 | £528,477 | £581,325 |
| Shankill | £658,053 | £671,214 | £691,350 | £691,350 | £760,485 |
| Shantallow | £709,820 | £724,016 | £745,736 | £745,736 | £820,310 |
| SMILE | £702,850 | £791,711 | £809,859 | £809,859 | £890,845 |
| South Armagh | £816,400 | £934,011 | £956,428 | £956,428 | £1,052,071 |
| South Belfast | £996,561 | £1,016,492 | £1,046,987 | £1,046,987 | £1,151,686 |
| Splash | £818,471 | £834,840 | £859,885 | £859,885 | £945,874 |
| Strabane | £872,162 | £889,605 | £916,293 | £916,293 | £1,007,922 |
| Waterside (East Bank) | £538,771 | £605,814 | £623,988 | £623,988 | £686,387 |
| Total: | £25,388,908 | £27,344,320 | £28,221,180 | £28,271,562 | £31,098,722 |
Table B: Sure Start Capital Funding Allocations
| Sure Start Project | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Abbey | £94,349 | £118,000 | |||
| Ards | £75,919 | ||||
| Cherish | £42,439 | ||||
| Horizon | £2,205 | ||||
| Little Hands (Ballymagroarty) | £44,780 | ||||
| Shankill | £95,000 | £111,000 | |||
| Total: | £183,773 | £288,919 | £111,000 | Nil | Nil |
Table C: Sure Start Speech, Language and Communication Allocations*
| Health and Social Care Trust Area | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Belfast | £355,335 | £367,882 | £384,521 | £384,521 | £422,973 |
| Northern | £223,256 | £218,198 | £230,347 | £230,347 | £253,382 |
| South Eastern | £184,441 | £193,570 | £204,980 | £204,980 | £225,478 |
| Southern | £328,979 | £341,624 | £360,278 | £360,278 | £396,306 |
| Western | £324,480 | £341,851 | £363,313 | £363,313 | £399,644 |
| Regional | £120,179 | £121,890 | £125,546 | £125,546 | £138,101 |
| Total: | £1,536,670 | £1,585,015 | £1,668,985 | £1,668,985 | £1,835,884 |
*DoH advises that it is not possible to disaggregate Trust values to individual Sure Start project allocations.
I have already funded expansion of the Sure Start programme in 2024-25, bringing 22 new geographical areas into the programme. Further expansion will be considered within the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and will be dependent on additional funding being made available by the Executive and the capacity of the early years workforce.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016963%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414676","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414676"}},{"id":"414675","reference":"AQW 16962/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the funding provided by his Department to each Sure Start in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The tables below show the funding allocated to each of the 38 Sure Start projects for the period 2020-21 to 2024-25, as advised by the Department of Health (DoH) which administers the programme on behalf of my Department.\n\nTable A: Sure Start Revenue Funding Allocations\n\nSure Start Project\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\t2024-25\nAbbey\t£766,304\t£935,872\t£958,345\t£958,345\t£1,054,180\nBallymena and Little Steps\t£1,172,850\t£1,196,307\t£1,232,196\t£1,232,196\t£1,355,416\nStar (Banbridge)\t£291,743\t£297,578\t£306,505\t£306,505\t£337,156\nBangor\t£311,995\t£361,926\t£372,784\t£372,784\t£410,062\nBeechmount\t£232,962\t£237,621\t£244,750\t£244,750\t£269,225\nBlossom\t£706,937\t£721,076\t£742,708\t£742,708\t£816,979\nCherish\t£678,648\t£989,450\t£1,002,323\t£1,002,323\t£1,102,555\nClan Mor\t£582,958\t£594,617\t£612,456\t£612,456\t£673,702\nClogher Valley\t£540,398\t£551,206\t£567,742\t£567,742\t£624,516\nClose to Home (Dungannon)\t£769,378\t£784,766\t£808,309\t£808,309\t£889,140\nColeraine\t£989,889\t£1,070,589\t£1,102,707\t£1,102,707\t£1,212,978\nColin Neighbourhood\t£846,419\t£863,347\t£889,247\t£889,247\t£978,172\nDalriada\t£649,709\t£710,366\t£766,971\t£817,353\t£899,088\nDownpatrick\t£870,351\t£887,758\t£914,391\t£914,391\t£1,005,830\nDungiven\t£706,415\t£720,543\t£742,159\t£742,159\t£816,375\nEast Belfast\t£943,997\t£1,038,343\t£1,063,890\t£1,063,890\t£1,170,279\nEdenballymore\t£611,168\t£623,391\t£642,093\t£642,093\t£706,302\nGlenbrook\t£534,843\t£545,540\t£561,906\t£561,906\t£618,097\nGOLD\t£1,071,748\t£1,152,099\t£1,186,661\t£1,186,661\t£1,305,327\nHorizon\t£567,034\t£617,432\t£635,955\t£635,955\t£699,551\nARKE (Keady / Callanbridge)\t£355,558\t£512,938\t£522,723\t£522,723\t£574,995\nKilkeel\t£223,626\t£295,621\t£304,490\t£304,490\t£334,939\nLAST\t£779,824\t£795,420\t£819,283\t£819,283\t£901,211\nLisburn\t£343,992\t£470,690\t£479,207\t£479,207\t£527,128\nLittle Hands (Ballymagroarty)\t£732,011\t£635,985\t£743,542\t£743,542\t£817,896\nLower Ards\t£719,510\t£798,112\t£816,452\t£816,452\t£898,097\nOrana (Newry City)\t£810,354\t£894,083\t£915,302\t£915,302\t£1,006,832\nOuter West\t£533,585\t£544,257\t£560,585\t£560,585\t£616,644\nRainbow\t£428,590\t£516,600\t£526,495\t£526,495\t£579,145\nSaol Ur\t£503,024\t£513,084\t£528,477\t£528,477\t£581,325\nShankill\t£658,053\t£671,214\t£691,350\t£691,350\t£760,485\nShantallow\t£709,820\t£724,016\t£745,736\t£745,736\t£820,310\nSMILE\t£702,850\t£791,711\t£809,859\t£809,859\t£890,845\nSouth Armagh\t£816,400\t£934,011\t£956,428\t£956,428\t£1,052,071\nSouth Belfast\t£996,561\t£1,016,492\t£1,046,987\t£1,046,987\t£1,151,686\nSplash\t£818,471\t£834,840\t£859,885\t£859,885\t£945,874\nStrabane\t£872,162\t£889,605\t£916,293\t£916,293\t£1,007,922\nWaterside (East Bank)\t£538,771\t£605,814\t£623,988\t£623,988\t£686,387\nTotal:\t£25,388,908\t£27,344,320\t£28,221,180\t£28,271,562\t£31,098,722\n\nTable B: Sure Start Capital Funding Allocations\n\nSure Start Project\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\t2024-25\nAbbey\t£94,349\t£118,000\nArds\t\t£75,919\nCherish\t£42,439\nHorizon\t£2,205\nLittle Hands (Ballymagroarty)\t£44,780\nShankill\t\t£95,000\t£111,000\nTotal:\t£183,773\t£288,919\t£111,000\tNil\tNil\n\nTable C: Sure Start Speech, Language and Communication Allocations*\n\nHealth and Social Care Trust Area\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\t2024-25\nBelfast\t£355,335\t£367,882\t£384,521\t£384,521\t£422,973\nNorthern\t£223,256\t£218,198\t£230,347\t£230,347\t£253,382\nSouth Eastern\t£184,441\t£193,570\t£204,980\t£204,980\t£225,478\nSouthern\t£328,979\t£341,624\t£360,278\t£360,278\t£396,306\nWestern\t£324,480\t£341,851\t£363,313\t£363,313\t£399,644\nRegional\t£120,179\t£121,890\t£125,546\t£125,546\t£138,101\nTotal:\t£1,536,670\t£1,585,015\t£1,668,985\t£1,668,985\t£1,835,884\n\n*DoH advises that it is not possible to disaggregate Trust values to individual Sure Start project allocations.\n\nI have already funded expansion of the Sure Start programme in 2024-25, bringing 22 new geographical areas into the programme. Further expansion will be considered within the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and will be dependent on additional funding being made available by the Executive and the capacity of the early years workforce.","answerHtml":"The tables below show the funding allocated to each of the 38 Sure Start projects for the period 2020-21 to 2024-25, as advised by the Department of Health (DoH) which administers the programme on behalf of my Department.
Table A: Sure Start Revenue Funding Allocations
| Sure Start Project | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Abbey | £766,304 | £935,872 | £958,345 | £958,345 | £1,054,180 |
| Ballymena and Little Steps | £1,172,850 | £1,196,307 | £1,232,196 | £1,232,196 | £1,355,416 |
| Star (Banbridge) | £291,743 | £297,578 | £306,505 | £306,505 | £337,156 |
| Bangor | £311,995 | £361,926 | £372,784 | £372,784 | £410,062 |
| Beechmount | £232,962 | £237,621 | £244,750 | £244,750 | £269,225 |
| Blossom | £706,937 | £721,076 | £742,708 | £742,708 | £816,979 |
| Cherish | £678,648 | £989,450 | £1,002,323 | £1,002,323 | £1,102,555 |
| Clan Mor | £582,958 | £594,617 | £612,456 | £612,456 | £673,702 |
| Clogher Valley | £540,398 | £551,206 | £567,742 | £567,742 | £624,516 |
| Close to Home (Dungannon) | £769,378 | £784,766 | £808,309 | £808,309 | £889,140 |
| Coleraine | £989,889 | £1,070,589 | £1,102,707 | £1,102,707 | £1,212,978 |
| Colin Neighbourhood | £846,419 | £863,347 | £889,247 | £889,247 | £978,172 |
| Dalriada | £649,709 | £710,366 | £766,971 | £817,353 | £899,088 |
| Downpatrick | £870,351 | £887,758 | £914,391 | £914,391 | £1,005,830 |
| Dungiven | £706,415 | £720,543 | £742,159 | £742,159 | £816,375 |
| East Belfast | £943,997 | £1,038,343 | £1,063,890 | £1,063,890 | £1,170,279 |
| Edenballymore | £611,168 | £623,391 | £642,093 | £642,093 | £706,302 |
| Glenbrook | £534,843 | £545,540 | £561,906 | £561,906 | £618,097 |
| GOLD | £1,071,748 | £1,152,099 | £1,186,661 | £1,186,661 | £1,305,327 |
| Horizon | £567,034 | £617,432 | £635,955 | £635,955 | £699,551 |
| ARKE (Keady / Callanbridge) | £355,558 | £512,938 | £522,723 | £522,723 | £574,995 |
| Kilkeel | £223,626 | £295,621 | £304,490 | £304,490 | £334,939 |
| LAST | £779,824 | £795,420 | £819,283 | £819,283 | £901,211 |
| Lisburn | £343,992 | £470,690 | £479,207 | £479,207 | £527,128 |
| Little Hands (Ballymagroarty) | £732,011 | £635,985 | £743,542 | £743,542 | £817,896 |
| Lower Ards | £719,510 | £798,112 | £816,452 | £816,452 | £898,097 |
| Orana (Newry City) | £810,354 | £894,083 | £915,302 | £915,302 | £1,006,832 |
| Outer West | £533,585 | £544,257 | £560,585 | £560,585 | £616,644 |
| Rainbow | £428,590 | £516,600 | £526,495 | £526,495 | £579,145 |
| Saol Ur | £503,024 | £513,084 | £528,477 | £528,477 | £581,325 |
| Shankill | £658,053 | £671,214 | £691,350 | £691,350 | £760,485 |
| Shantallow | £709,820 | £724,016 | £745,736 | £745,736 | £820,310 |
| SMILE | £702,850 | £791,711 | £809,859 | £809,859 | £890,845 |
| South Armagh | £816,400 | £934,011 | £956,428 | £956,428 | £1,052,071 |
| South Belfast | £996,561 | £1,016,492 | £1,046,987 | £1,046,987 | £1,151,686 |
| Splash | £818,471 | £834,840 | £859,885 | £859,885 | £945,874 |
| Strabane | £872,162 | £889,605 | £916,293 | £916,293 | £1,007,922 |
| Waterside (East Bank) | £538,771 | £605,814 | £623,988 | £623,988 | £686,387 |
| Total: | £25,388,908 | £27,344,320 | £28,221,180 | £28,271,562 | £31,098,722 |
Table B: Sure Start Capital Funding Allocations
| Sure Start Project | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Abbey | £94,349 | £118,000 | |||
| Ards | £75,919 | ||||
| Cherish | £42,439 | ||||
| Horizon | £2,205 | ||||
| Little Hands (Ballymagroarty) | £44,780 | ||||
| Shankill | £95,000 | £111,000 | |||
| Total: | £183,773 | £288,919 | £111,000 | Nil | Nil |
Table C: Sure Start Speech, Language and Communication Allocations*
| Health and Social Care Trust Area | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Belfast | £355,335 | £367,882 | £384,521 | £384,521 | £422,973 |
| Northern | £223,256 | £218,198 | £230,347 | £230,347 | £253,382 |
| South Eastern | £184,441 | £193,570 | £204,980 | £204,980 | £225,478 |
| Southern | £328,979 | £341,624 | £360,278 | £360,278 | £396,306 |
| Western | £324,480 | £341,851 | £363,313 | £363,313 | £399,644 |
| Regional | £120,179 | £121,890 | £125,546 | £125,546 | £138,101 |
| Total: | £1,536,670 | £1,585,015 | £1,668,985 | £1,668,985 | £1,835,884 |
*DoH advises that it is not possible to disaggregate Trust values to individual Sure Start project allocations.
I have already funded expansion of the Sure Start programme in 2024-25, bringing 22 new geographical areas into the programme. Further expansion will be considered within the Executive’s Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and will be dependent on additional funding being made available by the Executive and the capacity of the early years workforce.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016962%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414675","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414675"}},{"id":"414674","reference":"AQW 16961/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when his Department will publish bullying data and trends captured by schools, as required through the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.","answerText":"Under the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act), a school’s Board of Governors is responsible for the implementation of the Act. Schools are required to record data on incidents or alleged incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation and their outcome. The legislation does not include the requirement for schools to share the data that they record with the Department.\n\nThe 2024 Schools Omnibus Survey will include questions in relation to addressing bullying type behaviour in schools and compliance with the Act. There are also questions on bullying type behaviour, pastoral care and positive relationships being piloted this term (September – December 2024) as part of Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) inspections.","answerHtml":"Under the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act), a school’s Board of Governors is responsible for the implementation of the Act. Schools are required to record data on incidents or alleged incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation and their outcome. The legislation does not include the requirement for schools to share the data that they record with the Department.
The 2024 Schools Omnibus Survey will include questions in relation to addressing bullying type behaviour in schools and compliance with the Act. There are also questions on bullying type behaviour, pastoral care and positive relationships being piloted this term (September – December 2024) as part of Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) inspections.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016961%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414674","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414674"}},{"id":"414673","reference":"AQW 16960/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2025-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the timeline for (i) when the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation business plan will be signed off; and (ii) when a plan for the future direction of the site will be published.","answerText":"The Board of the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation met with the TEO Permanent Secretary on 27 February 2025. Since that meeting, we have received advice from officials on the options for the board and the immediate priorities. This is currently under consideration.\n\nNo decisions have yet been made on the future of the site.\n\nThe Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation revised business plan was approved on 15 April 2025.","answerHtml":"The Board of the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation met with the TEO Permanent Secretary on 27 February 2025. Since that meeting, we have received advice from officials on the options for the board and the immediate priorities. This is currently under consideration.
No decisions have yet been made on the future of the site.
The Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation revised business plan was approved on 15 April 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016960%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414673","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414673"}},{"id":"414672","reference":"AQW 16959/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the budget allocation for 2023-24 for the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation.","answerText":"The budget allocation for the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation for 2023/24 is set out below.\n\nResource £1,069k\n\nReceipts £(108k)*\n\nCapital £936k\n\nCapital Receipts £(11k)*\n\n*Figures shown in brackets represent income.","answerHtml":"The budget allocation for the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation for 2023/24 is set out below.
Resource £1,069k
Receipts £(108k)*
Capital £936k
Capital Receipts £(11k)*
*Figures shown in brackets represent income.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016959%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414672","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414672"}},{"id":"414497","reference":"AQW 16874/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-16","answerBy":"2024-10-31","answered":"2024-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any actions he is considering to improve pay for childcare workers; and (ii) any engagement he has had with the Minister for the Economy in relation to this issue.","answerText":"The challenges facing the childcare workforce, including recruitment, retention, qualification levels and rates of pay are being considered as part of the development of the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. In conjunction with my Department, officials from the Department for the Economy, the Department of Health and the Department for Communities are exploring what actions might be possible in the context of a sector largely comprising private childcare businesses and self- employed childminders.","answerHtml":"The challenges facing the childcare workforce, including recruitment, retention, qualification levels and rates of pay are being considered as part of the development of the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. In conjunction with my Department, officials from the Department for the Economy, the Department of Health and the Department for Communities are exploring what actions might be possible in the context of a sector largely comprising private childcare businesses and self- employed childminders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016874%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414497","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414497"}},{"id":"414496","reference":"AQW 16873/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-16","answerBy":"2024-10-31","answered":"2024-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when he will repeal Article 4 (1) (c) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.","answerText":"A public consultation on draft statutory guidance on the Reduction and Management of Restrictive Practices in Educational Settings closed on the 10 November 2023. I have considered analysis from the responses to the consultation and asked officials to work with stakeholders to revise and refine the draft guidance, reflecting on the issues raised.\n\nThe need to repeal Article 4 (1) (c) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 will be considered in the context of the revised guidance.","answerHtml":"A public consultation on draft statutory guidance on the Reduction and Management of Restrictive Practices in Educational Settings closed on the 10 November 2023. I have considered analysis from the responses to the consultation and asked officials to work with stakeholders to revise and refine the draft guidance, reflecting on the issues raised.
The need to repeal Article 4 (1) (c) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 will be considered in the context of the revised guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016873%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414496","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414496"}},{"id":"414495","reference":"AQW 16872/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-16","answerBy":"2024-10-31","answered":"2024-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when updated statutory guidance on restrictive practices will be published.","answerText":"A public consultation on draft statutory guidance on the Reduction and Management of Restrictive Practices in Educational Settings closed on the 10 November 2023. I have now considered analysis from the responses to the consultation and asked officials to work with stakeholders to revise and refine the draft guidance, reflecting on the issues raised.\n\nThis is a challenging and complex issue and there are many diverging opinions which need to be carefully considered. Subject to timely progress it is anticipated that statutory guidance will be published\n\nin the 2024/25 school year.","answerHtml":"A public consultation on draft statutory guidance on the Reduction and Management of Restrictive Practices in Educational Settings closed on the 10 November 2023. I have now considered analysis from the responses to the consultation and asked officials to work with stakeholders to revise and refine the draft guidance, reflecting on the issues raised.
This is a challenging and complex issue and there are many diverging opinions which need to be carefully considered. Subject to timely progress it is anticipated that statutory guidance will be published
in the 2024/25 school year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016872%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414495","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414495"}},{"id":"414494","reference":"AQW 16871/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-16","answerBy":"2024-10-31","answered":"2024-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) when the childcare strategy will be published; and (ii) the reason for its delay.","answerText":"It is my intention to have a draft Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy ready for Executive consideration and public consultation in 2025.\n\nAs agreed with Executive colleagues in May 2024, implementing the package of ELC measures in 2024/25 has been given priority over the past 6 months. Work on requirements for 2025/26 and the longer-term strategy has now recommenced.\n\nThe development of the strategy will be informed by evaluation of the measures being implemented in 2024/25 and new data emerging, including from a NISRA parental survey I have commissioned, the results of which will be available by April 2025. Further stakeholder engagement is also planned on key issues such as workforce challenges and accessibility of provision.\n\nGiven the level of investment likely to be required and sector workforce capacity constraints, it will take a number of years to deliver on all the commitments in the Strategy, once agreed. The scale and pace of implementation will largely depend on the budget made available by the Executive.","answerHtml":"It is my intention to have a draft Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy ready for Executive consideration and public consultation in 2025.
As agreed with Executive colleagues in May 2024, implementing the package of ELC measures in 2024/25 has been given priority over the past 6 months. Work on requirements for 2025/26 and the longer-term strategy has now recommenced.
The development of the strategy will be informed by evaluation of the measures being implemented in 2024/25 and new data emerging, including from a NISRA parental survey I have commissioned, the results of which will be available by April 2025. Further stakeholder engagement is also planned on key issues such as workforce challenges and accessibility of provision.
Given the level of investment likely to be required and sector workforce capacity constraints, it will take a number of years to deliver on all the commitments in the Strategy, once agreed. The scale and pace of implementation will largely depend on the budget made available by the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016871%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414494","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414494"}},{"id":"414493","reference":"AQW 16870/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-16","answerBy":"2024-10-31","answered":"2024-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the recommendation for the establishment of a single authority for all schools at point 8.50 in the Independent Review of Education.","answerText":"As reported in the Independent Review of Education, the current school management arrangements are complex and cumbersome and I support the panel’s recommendation that they need to be reformed. The Report highlighted the suboptimal support for controlled schools and this is a key priority that I wish to address.\n\nA controlled schools Taskforce has recently been established with the aim to improve effectiveness in the short-term and plan for the creation of a managing authority for controlled schools. This does not preclude work to better support other sectors in future and, under any model, I expect that managing authorities should work together to maximise consistency.","answerHtml":"As reported in the Independent Review of Education, the current school management arrangements are complex and cumbersome and I support the panel’s recommendation that they need to be reformed. The Report highlighted the suboptimal support for controlled schools and this is a key priority that I wish to address.
A controlled schools Taskforce has recently been established with the aim to improve effectiveness in the short-term and plan for the creation of a managing authority for controlled schools. This does not preclude work to better support other sectors in future and, under any model, I expect that managing authorities should work together to maximise consistency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016870%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414493","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414493"}},{"id":"414302","reference":"AQW 16789/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-15","answerBy":"2024-10-23","answered":"2024-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for his assessment of the 14 - 19 Framework within the NI Audit Office report Developing the skills for Northern Ireland's future; and (ii) to detail any action he is taking following this review.","answerText":"My Department is jointly responsible for delivery of the 14-19 Education and Training Framework along with the Department for the Economy.\n\nAs reflected in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the Department for Economy’s strategy ‘Developing the skills for Northern Ireland’s future’ work has already progressed to address issues identified in the governance and implementation of the 14-19 Framework.\n\nIt would be inappropriate to comment any further in detail in advance of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on these issues scheduled for 21 November, the PAC’s subsequent report and the DoF Minister’s response to that report.","answerHtml":"My Department is jointly responsible for delivery of the 14-19 Education and Training Framework along with the Department for the Economy.
As reflected in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the Department for Economy’s strategy ‘Developing the skills for Northern Ireland’s future’ work has already progressed to address issues identified in the governance and implementation of the 14-19 Framework.
It would be inappropriate to comment any further in detail in advance of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on these issues scheduled for 21 November, the PAC’s subsequent report and the DoF Minister’s response to that report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016789%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414302","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414302"}},{"id":"414301","reference":"AQW 16788/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-15","answerBy":"2024-10-30","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) for an update on the Review of the Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care; (ii) when the public consultation will be launched; and (ii) to detail the reason for the delay in publishing the consultation.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016788%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414301","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414301"}},{"id":"414300","reference":"AQW 16787/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-15","answerBy":"2024-10-30","answered":"2024-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQO 922/22-27, when his officials will report on the way forward.","answerText":"As previously stated, my officials are considering the most effective way forward on this issue. I hope to be in a position to make a further announcement in the near future.","answerHtml":"As previously stated, my officials are considering the most effective way forward on this issue. I hope to be in a position to make a further announcement in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016787%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414300","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414300"}},{"id":"414299","reference":"AQW 16786/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-15","answerBy":"2024-10-30","answered":"2024-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether street lights can be installed along Station Road, Moira, given that it connects the train station to the town and the substantial traffic levels on the road.","answerText":"Officials in my department have advised that they have been working with Translink to address a number of capacity concerns at Moira Station and as such a section of footway from the Motorway Bridge to Moira Station that was previously widened to accommodate commuters and pedestrians has recently been extended by approximately 110m from the motorway bridge towards Moira.\n\nStreet lighting is currently situated at either side of the train station, in the direction of Glenavy as far as the Chestnut Hill Road junction and in the direction of Moira as far as the bridge near Ballycanal Holiday homes. Locations beyond these, which include Station Road, are rural in nature and do not meet the current minimum criteria for the provision of street lighting. My Department’s street lighting policy helps to ensure lighting is provided where it is most needed as well as managing future maintenance and energy costs and the environmental impacts of light pollution.","answerHtml":"Officials in my department have advised that they have been working with Translink to address a number of capacity concerns at Moira Station and as such a section of footway from the Motorway Bridge to Moira Station that was previously widened to accommodate commuters and pedestrians has recently been extended by approximately 110m from the motorway bridge towards Moira.
Street lighting is currently situated at either side of the train station, in the direction of Glenavy as far as the Chestnut Hill Road junction and in the direction of Moira as far as the bridge near Ballycanal Holiday homes. Locations beyond these, which include Station Road, are rural in nature and do not meet the current minimum criteria for the provision of street lighting. My Department’s street lighting policy helps to ensure lighting is provided where it is most needed as well as managing future maintenance and energy costs and the environmental impacts of light pollution.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016786%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414299","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414299"}},{"id":"413982","reference":"AQW 16718/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-14","answerBy":"2024-10-29","answered":"2024-10-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether there are any plans to improve the public realm of Moira town centre given the uneven pavement surfaces in the town.","answerText":"My Department works collaboratively with Councils to deliver Urban Regeneration projects, such as Public Realm Schemes, in urban towns and city centres, with a policy focus on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more.\n\nMoira has a population of less than 5,000 residents so a Public Realm Scheme would fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.\n\nUneven pavement surfaces are the responsibility of Department for Infrastructure which is responsible for making sure pavements are free from trip hazards and other defects as far as reasonably practical for public safety reasons.","answerHtml":"My Department works collaboratively with Councils to deliver Urban Regeneration projects, such as Public Realm Schemes, in urban towns and city centres, with a policy focus on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more.
Moira has a population of less than 5,000 residents so a Public Realm Scheme would fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Uneven pavement surfaces are the responsibility of Department for Infrastructure which is responsible for making sure pavements are free from trip hazards and other defects as far as reasonably practical for public safety reasons.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016718%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413982","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413982"}},{"id":"413981","reference":"AQW 16717/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-14","answerBy":"2024-10-29","answered":"2024-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) to detail the amount of the £25 million designated for childcare interventions that has been spent to date; and (ii) to provide a breakdown of the spend.","answerText":"I would refer the Member to the answer to AQW 15273/22-27.\n\nThe answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 27 September 2024.","answerHtml":"I would refer the Member to the answer to AQW 15273/22-27.
The answer is contained in the Written Answers Booklet for week ending 27 September 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016717%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413981","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413981"}},{"id":"413979","reference":"AQW 16715/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-14","answerBy":"2024-10-29","answered":"2024-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 16119/22-27, (i) whether the Schools Trauma Advisory and Referral Service is no longer taking referrals; and (ii) whether this service will be expanded.","answerText":"The Schools Trauma Advisory Referral Service (STARS) was available to schools for early advice and onwards referrals to the Education Psychology and other Education Authority (EA) services.\n\nThe Department and the EA are currently seeking additional Asylum Seekers and Refugees (ASR) Dispersal funding from the Home Office to help develop alternative ways of providing trauma-informed training, advice and support to schools who require urgent early intervention. This will involve provision of Assessment Trained Professionals to undertake Trauma Informed reviews of new arrivals and Trauma Informed Practice Training for Teachers and Pastoral Care Leads, as soon as possible after arrival.\n\nIt is anticipated that revised support arrangements will be in place during Spring 2025 pending funding being made available to DE and EA.","answerHtml":"The Schools Trauma Advisory Referral Service (STARS) was available to schools for early advice and onwards referrals to the Education Psychology and other Education Authority (EA) services.
The Department and the EA are currently seeking additional Asylum Seekers and Refugees (ASR) Dispersal funding from the Home Office to help develop alternative ways of providing trauma-informed training, advice and support to schools who require urgent early intervention. This will involve provision of Assessment Trained Professionals to undertake Trauma Informed reviews of new arrivals and Trauma Informed Practice Training for Teachers and Pastoral Care Leads, as soon as possible after arrival.
It is anticipated that revised support arrangements will be in place during Spring 2025 pending funding being made available to DE and EA.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016715%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413979","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413979"}},{"id":"413847","reference":"AQW 16645/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-11","answerBy":"2024-10-28","answered":"2024-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will commission a detailed review of capital costs required to standardise pre school education hours, given the current scoping report was based on self-assessment of capital requirements.","answerText":"The scoping study report was based on a range of data which included the self-assessed state of readiness provided by individual pre-school education settings as well as input from both my Department and the EA in regard to capital and minor works.\n\nThe report provides an outline ten-year implementation plan. As the programme rolls out, I will consider the need for the data to be refreshed or supplemented as appropriate.","answerHtml":"The scoping study report was based on a range of data which included the self-assessed state of readiness provided by individual pre-school education settings as well as input from both my Department and the EA in regard to capital and minor works.
The report provides an outline ten-year implementation plan. As the programme rolls out, I will consider the need for the data to be refreshed or supplemented as appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016645%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413847","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413847"}},{"id":"413846","reference":"AQW 16644/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-11","answerBy":"2024-10-28","answered":"2024-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the availability of educational psychologists.","answerText":"The Independent Review of Education (December 2023) considered the Education Authority’s (EA) Educational Psychology Service (EPS) and recommended that ‘the staffing of the Educational Psychology Service should return to the level of five or so years ago with around 130 fully qualified psychologists’.\n\nMy department has invested in the Educational Psychology workforce and is currently funding 38 student places on the Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) course at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) which provides the qualification to enable registration as a practitioner. Those completing the course are obliged to take up employment in the EA’s EPS for at least three years after they qualify. Consequently, we have seen the staffing in EPS increase.\n\nThere are currently 130 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff in the EPS (excluding administrative staff), comprised of 94.06 FTE Educational Psychologists and 35.87 FTE Assistant Educational Psychologists. It is expected that the number of Educational Psychologists will continue to increase annually as students complete the DECAP course.","answerHtml":"The Independent Review of Education (December 2023) considered the Education Authority’s (EA) Educational Psychology Service (EPS) and recommended that ‘the staffing of the Educational Psychology Service should return to the level of five or so years ago with around 130 fully qualified psychologists’.
My department has invested in the Educational Psychology workforce and is currently funding 38 student places on the Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) course at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) which provides the qualification to enable registration as a practitioner. Those completing the course are obliged to take up employment in the EA’s EPS for at least three years after they qualify. Consequently, we have seen the staffing in EPS increase.
There are currently 130 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff in the EPS (excluding administrative staff), comprised of 94.06 FTE Educational Psychologists and 35.87 FTE Assistant Educational Psychologists. It is expected that the number of Educational Psychologists will continue to increase annually as students complete the DECAP course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016644%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413846","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413846"}},{"id":"413845","reference":"AQW 16643/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-11","answerBy":"2024-10-28","answered":"2024-11-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any contingency measures in place to ensure children receive hot meals in school despite staff vacancies.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has a number of contingencies in place when disruption to school meal provision occurs and these are considered in the following order:\n\nMeals can be transported from another school with a production kitchen if it has sufficient capacity;\n\nPrepared meals can brought into the school, providing there are sufficient staff and oven capacity available to heat/ serve the meals;\n\nA packed lunch service can be offered to all pupils, subject to the capacity of the external provider;\n\nPacked lunches can be provided for pupils entitled to free school meals only, subject to the capacity of the external provider.\n\nThe EA continues to prioritise the preparation and serving of meals in a safe environment, meeting food safety regulations.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has a number of contingencies in place when disruption to school meal provision occurs and these are considered in the following order:
Meals can be transported from another school with a production kitchen if it has sufficient capacity;
Prepared meals can brought into the school, providing there are sufficient staff and oven capacity available to heat/ serve the meals;
A packed lunch service can be offered to all pupils, subject to the capacity of the external provider;
Packed lunches can be provided for pupils entitled to free school meals only, subject to the capacity of the external provider.
The EA continues to prioritise the preparation and serving of meals in a safe environment, meeting food safety regulations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016643%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413845","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413845"}},{"id":"413844","reference":"AQW 16642/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-11","answerBy":"2024-10-28","answered":"2024-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) his Department's policy for street lighting in rural areas; and (ii) when this policy was last reviewed.","answerText":"My Department’s policy for the provision of street lighting in rural areas, which was established in 1993, is detailed in RSPPG E072 and can be accessed via the following link.\n\nStreet lighting RSPPG E072 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)\n\nThe policy uses two main criteria when considering the provision of street lighting in rural areas:\n\nthe density of housing within a community, including public buildings with significant night-time use; and\n\nroad safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction in the number of night-time collisions.\n\nThe policy is subject to continual informal review and ensures that the limited resources available for the provision of street lighting are directed to those areas where they can provide the maximum benefit to the public, particularly where road or infrastructure safety is concerned.\n\nIt also serves to balance the demand for more rural lighting against the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation of the countryside and the environmental impact of night sky light pollution on people, wildlife and fauna.\n\nAs such, I have no immediate plans to change this policy at this time.","answerHtml":"My Department’s policy for the provision of street lighting in rural areas, which was established in 1993, is detailed in RSPPG E072 and can be accessed via the following link.
Street lighting RSPPG E072 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
The policy uses two main criteria when considering the provision of street lighting in rural areas:
the density of housing within a community, including public buildings with significant night-time use; and
road safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction in the number of night-time collisions.
The policy is subject to continual informal review and ensures that the limited resources available for the provision of street lighting are directed to those areas where they can provide the maximum benefit to the public, particularly where road or infrastructure safety is concerned.
It also serves to balance the demand for more rural lighting against the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation of the countryside and the environmental impact of night sky light pollution on people, wildlife and fauna.
As such, I have no immediate plans to change this policy at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016642%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413844","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413844"}},{"id":"413532","reference":"AQW 16505/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-09","answerBy":"2024-10-17","answered":"2024-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of schools that cannot currently provide hot meals due to catering staff shortages; (ii) the number of children impacted by this; and (iii) the number of children impacted by this that are entitled to free school meals.","answerText":"The Education Authority has advised that as of 11 October, there are two schools that cannot currently provide hot meals due to catering staff shortages. The EA estimates that across these two schools, an average of 350 children would normally take a school meal each day and 51 of these pupils are entitled to free school meals.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has advised that as of 11 October, there are two schools that cannot currently provide hot meals due to catering staff shortages. The EA estimates that across these two schools, an average of 350 children would normally take a school meal each day and 51 of these pupils are entitled to free school meals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016505%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413532","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413532"}},{"id":"413531","reference":"AQW 16504/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-09","answerBy":"2024-10-24","answered":"2024-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any capital works are planned for Dromara to increase the capacity of the sewers servicing the village.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:\n\nNI Water has no capital investment planned for Dromara within the current Price Control 21 period (2021/22 - 2026/27). A detailed appraisal study is required to assess the engineering options to address properties affected by internal flooding. NI Water plans to commence this study in 2025/26, subject to the availability of funding. Any capital investment options subsequently identified, will be considered during the company’s prioritisation process for its Price Control 27 Business Plan, which covers the period 2027/28 - 2032/33.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
NI Water has no capital investment planned for Dromara within the current Price Control 21 period (2021/22 - 2026/27). A detailed appraisal study is required to assess the engineering options to address properties affected by internal flooding. NI Water plans to commence this study in 2025/26, subject to the availability of funding. Any capital investment options subsequently identified, will be considered during the company’s prioritisation process for its Price Control 27 Business Plan, which covers the period 2027/28 - 2032/33.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016504%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413531","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413531"}},{"id":"413530","reference":"AQW 16503/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-09","answerBy":"2024-10-24","answered":"2024-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the current job vacancy list for the Education Authority, including how long each job has been unfilled.","answerText":"The table below provides information on the Education Authority’s (EA) job vacancy list as at 11th October 2024.\n\nInformation on the how long each role has been unfilled is not held centrally on the EA’s recruitment system and is therefore not readily available.\n\nEducation Authority job vacancy list as at 11th October 2024\n\nPost Type\tNumber of job vacancies\nCorporate vacancies\t170\nAdministrative\t35\nArchitectural\t4\nClassroom and Playground Support\t4\nFinance\t3\nHuman Resources\t6\nIT\t3\nManagement\t4\nOperational\t95\nProcurement\t1\nSchool Support\t3\nSurveyor\t1\nYouth\t11\n\nSchool Based\t123\nAdministrative\t7\nClassroom and Playground Support\t68\nEducation Welfare\t1\nOperational\t11\nSchool Support\t4\nTeaching\t32\nGrand Total\t293\n\nNotes:\n\nInformation is based on vacant posts in the EA advertised as at 11 October 2024.\n\nThe EA job vacancy list can change on a daily basis.\n\nThe current EA vacancy list is available on the EA external and internal job sites. These sites are updated and change daily.\n\nThe responsibility for school-based staffing matters, including the management of vacancies, is delegated to individual schools. This means it is not possible to provide information on all vacancies across schools.","answerHtml":"The table below provides information on the Education Authority’s (EA) job vacancy list as at 11th October 2024.
Information on the how long each role has been unfilled is not held centrally on the EA’s recruitment system and is therefore not readily available.
Education Authority job vacancy list as at 11th October 2024
| Post Type | Number of job vacancies |
| Corporate vacancies | 170 |
| Administrative | 35 |
| Architectural | 4 |
| Classroom and Playground Support | 4 |
| Finance | 3 |
| Human Resources | 6 |
| IT | 3 |
| Management | 4 |
| Operational | 95 |
| Procurement | 1 |
| School Support | 3 |
| Surveyor | 1 |
| Youth | 11 |
| School Based | 123 |
| Administrative | 7 |
| Classroom and Playground Support | 68 |
| Education Welfare | 1 |
| Operational | 11 |
| School Support | 4 |
| Teaching | 32 |
| Grand Total | 293 |
Notes:
Information is based on vacant posts in the EA advertised as at 11 October 2024.
The EA job vacancy list can change on a daily basis.
The current EA vacancy list is available on the EA external and internal job sites. These sites are updated and change daily.
The responsibility for school-based staffing matters, including the management of vacancies, is delegated to individual schools. This means it is not possible to provide information on all vacancies across schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016503%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413530","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413530"}},{"id":"413529","reference":"AQW 16502/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-09","answerBy":"2024-10-24","answered":"2024-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking to support schools that are experiencing catering job vacancies.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has been targeting its resources in order to recruit staff to fill catering vacancies. The actions include the use of social media, school platforms, roadshow recruitment days and the Job page of the EA website. The EA has also put in place a small mobile catering team to minimise disruption where possible.\n\nIn addition, we have recently agreed a Pay and Grading review for education sector support staff. This agreement will be implemented by the EA in the next few months and will increase the rates of pay available for roles within the catering service. It is hoped that this will help address some of the recruitment and retention issues currently being faced by the EA, many of which are also being experienced across the wider catering and hospitality sectors.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has been targeting its resources in order to recruit staff to fill catering vacancies. The actions include the use of social media, school platforms, roadshow recruitment days and the Job page of the EA website. The EA has also put in place a small mobile catering team to minimise disruption where possible.
In addition, we have recently agreed a Pay and Grading review for education sector support staff. This agreement will be implemented by the EA in the next few months and will increase the rates of pay available for roles within the catering service. It is hoped that this will help address some of the recruitment and retention issues currently being faced by the EA, many of which are also being experienced across the wider catering and hospitality sectors.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016502%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413529","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413529"}},{"id":"413528","reference":"AQW 16501/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-09","answerBy":"2024-10-24","answered":"2024-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when the initial list of pre-schools identified for transition to standardised hours will be announced.","answerText":"To ensure the programme progresses as quickly as possible, my Department will publish details of proposed settings in tranches. The Education Authority is currently engaging with individual pre-school settings to confirm their individual state of readiness. It is the intention that this work will be completed in time for the details of the first tranche of proposed settings to be published for consultation before November 2024.\n\nFurther information on the Standardisation Programme is available on the DE website at Pre-School Education Programme - Standardisation | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk) and this will be updated as the programme progresses.","answerHtml":"To ensure the programme progresses as quickly as possible, my Department will publish details of proposed settings in tranches. The Education Authority is currently engaging with individual pre-school settings to confirm their individual state of readiness. It is the intention that this work will be completed in time for the details of the first tranche of proposed settings to be published for consultation before November 2024.
Further information on the Standardisation Programme is available on the DE website at Pre-School Education Programme - Standardisation | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk) and this will be updated as the programme progresses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016501%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413528","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413528"}},{"id":"413325","reference":"AQW 16418/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-08","answerBy":"2024-10-23","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will commit to cover the healthcare travel costs for all cancer patients under the age of 25.","answerText":"I recognise that the unexpected costs for patients undergoing hospital treatment can add additional financial pressure at an already difficult time. There are existing schemes in place to help support individuals and their dependants in Northern Ireland who need access to healthcare.\n\nThe Help with Healthcare Costs Scheme provides individuals and their dependants, primarily on low incomes, with financial help towards the cost of dental treatment, eyesight tests, glasses or contact lens, and travel costs for health and social care treatment on referral by a doctor or dentist. The eligibility criteria are set out in legislation and certain benefits automatically passport on to the scheme.\n\nThere are currently no plans under development for an additional support scheme at this time. In the absence of an agreed multi-year budget for health and a significant projected overspend, such a scheme would not be currently affordable and would have to be considered in the future alongside the many other competing funding demands across the Health and Social Care system.","answerHtml":"I recognise that the unexpected costs for patients undergoing hospital treatment can add additional financial pressure at an already difficult time. There are existing schemes in place to help support individuals and their dependants in Northern Ireland who need access to healthcare.
The Help with Healthcare Costs Scheme provides individuals and their dependants, primarily on low incomes, with financial help towards the cost of dental treatment, eyesight tests, glasses or contact lens, and travel costs for health and social care treatment on referral by a doctor or dentist. The eligibility criteria are set out in legislation and certain benefits automatically passport on to the scheme.
There are currently no plans under development for an additional support scheme at this time. In the absence of an agreed multi-year budget for health and a significant projected overspend, such a scheme would not be currently affordable and would have to be considered in the future alongside the many other competing funding demands across the Health and Social Care system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016418%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413325","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413325"}},{"id":"413324","reference":"AQW 16417/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-08","answerBy":"2024-10-23","answered":"2024-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of properties on the DG5 register.","answerText":"The management of the DG5 register is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and been advised that there are currently 87 properties on the NI Water DG5 Internal Flooding Register.","answerHtml":"The management of the DG5 register is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and been advised that there are currently 87 properties on the NI Water DG5 Internal Flooding Register.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016417%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413324","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413324"}},{"id":"413323","reference":"AQW 16416/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-08","answerBy":"2024-10-23","answered":"2024-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the target time frame for NI Water to remove properties from the DG5 register.","answerText":"The management of the DG5 register is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and been advised that for the PC21 Price Control period (2021 – 2027) the target is to remove a total of 57 properties from the DG5 register.","answerHtml":"The management of the DG5 register is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and been advised that for the PC21 Price Control period (2021 – 2027) the target is to remove a total of 57 properties from the DG5 register.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016416%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413323","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413323"}},{"id":"413322","reference":"AQW 16415/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-08","answerBy":"2024-10-23","answered":"2024-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will introduce a Northern Ireland-specific drug tariff for pharmacies.","answerText":"Northern Ireland does have its own Drug Tariff for community pharmacies.\n\nFollowing the 2010 Judicial Review and subsequent consultation on improved arrangements, the then Health Minister decided that the English Drug Tariff should be used as the basis for reimbursement of medicines supplied with modifications for local NI circumstances such as services provided in NI.\n\nThis policy position was re-affirmed by Minister Swann in May 2024.","answerHtml":"Northern Ireland does have its own Drug Tariff for community pharmacies.
Following the 2010 Judicial Review and subsequent consultation on improved arrangements, the then Health Minister decided that the English Drug Tariff should be used as the basis for reimbursement of medicines supplied with modifications for local NI circumstances such as services provided in NI.
This policy position was re-affirmed by Minister Swann in May 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016415%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413322","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413322"}},{"id":"413321","reference":"AQW 16414/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-08","answerBy":"2024-10-23","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to introduce electronic scripts for pharmacies.","answerText":"My Departments Strategic Planning and Performance Group leads on a programme to replace the current written prescription system with an electronic prescribing system. Whilst there is policy support for this programme my Department continues to operate under significant budgetary and financial constraints including in our Capital budget and timelines have not yet been confirmed. I remain hopeful that the implementation of this project will be able to proceed once capital funding has been prioritised for this programme.","answerHtml":"My Departments Strategic Planning and Performance Group leads on a programme to replace the current written prescription system with an electronic prescribing system. Whilst there is policy support for this programme my Department continues to operate under significant budgetary and financial constraints including in our Capital budget and timelines have not yet been confirmed. I remain hopeful that the implementation of this project will be able to proceed once capital funding has been prioritised for this programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016414%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413321","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413321"}},{"id":"412545","reference":"AQW 16120/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-02","answerBy":"2024-10-17","answered":"2024-10-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the data his Department is collecting from childcare providers, including childminders, through the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.","answerText":"Data is provided by childcare providers when they register for the scheme as follows:-\n\n•Provider name\n\n•Contact details\n\n•HSCT registration details\n\n•Type of registration\n\n•Provider type\n\n•Management type\n\n•Days open, open / closing time, weeks open annually\n\n•Frequency of invoice to parents, start date for preparing invoices\n\n•Fee structure\n\n•Child level usage i.e. number of days attended per week\n\n•Bank details\n\nProviders are also required to provide invoice details for each of the eligible children within their provision on a monthly basis.","answerHtml":"Data is provided by childcare providers when they register for the scheme as follows:-
•Provider name
•Contact details
•HSCT registration details
•Type of registration
•Provider type
•Management type
•Days open, open / closing time, weeks open annually
•Frequency of invoice to parents, start date for preparing invoices
•Fee structure
•Child level usage i.e. number of days attended per week
•Bank details
Providers are also required to provide invoice details for each of the eligible children within their provision on a monthly basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016120%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412545","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412545"}},{"id":"412544","reference":"AQW 16119/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-02","answerBy":"2024-10-17","answered":"2024-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether additional funding will be available to schools to support newcomer children where English is not their first language.","answerText":"Schools receive additional funding annually through the Common Funding Formula for each newcomer child enrolled at the October census. A newcomer child is defined as a child who does not share a first language in common with their teachers and peers (i.e. English, or Irish for those children educated within Irish Medium schools). In the 2023/24 financial year, the total additional funding amounted to circa £22m of funding to schools in support of newcomer children.\n\nIn addition to newcomer pupil funding directed to schools, the Department also supports children arriving in Northern Ireland through a number of Government schemes, including those for the resettlement of Afghan and Syrian citizens, the Homes for Ukraine scheme and The Executive Office’s Dispersal fund for children seeking asylum and refuge. In the current financial year a total of over £900k will be directed to schools and the Education Authority (EA) to remove barriers to education for this cohort of children and to ensure they are welcomed and succeeding within our education system.\n\nThe EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) provide specific newcomer support to schools and families around the school placement process, including welfare supports such as Free School Meals, Uniform Grants and School Transport. This includes advice and guidance to families for children with Special Educational Needs and disability.\n\nIn partnership with the EA’s Educational Psychology Service, IES operate the ‘Schools Trauma Advisory and Referral Service’ (STARS) which is open to all schools with newcomer pupils who are concerned about trauma as the main presenting barrier to learning and integration in school.","answerHtml":"Schools receive additional funding annually through the Common Funding Formula for each newcomer child enrolled at the October census. A newcomer child is defined as a child who does not share a first language in common with their teachers and peers (i.e. English, or Irish for those children educated within Irish Medium schools). In the 2023/24 financial year, the total additional funding amounted to circa £22m of funding to schools in support of newcomer children.
In addition to newcomer pupil funding directed to schools, the Department also supports children arriving in Northern Ireland through a number of Government schemes, including those for the resettlement of Afghan and Syrian citizens, the Homes for Ukraine scheme and The Executive Office’s Dispersal fund for children seeking asylum and refuge. In the current financial year a total of over £900k will be directed to schools and the Education Authority (EA) to remove barriers to education for this cohort of children and to ensure they are welcomed and succeeding within our education system.
The EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) provide specific newcomer support to schools and families around the school placement process, including welfare supports such as Free School Meals, Uniform Grants and School Transport. This includes advice and guidance to families for children with Special Educational Needs and disability.
In partnership with the EA’s Educational Psychology Service, IES operate the ‘Schools Trauma Advisory and Referral Service’ (STARS) which is open to all schools with newcomer pupils who are concerned about trauma as the main presenting barrier to learning and integration in school.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016119%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412544","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412544"}},{"id":"412543","reference":"AQW 16118/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-02","answerBy":"2024-10-17","answered":"2024-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the safeguarding checks that private tutors currently undergo.","answerText":"The role of private tutors is not overseen or regulated by my department.\n\nThe Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 set out the requirements for safeguarding checks, stipulating that vetting checks are required to be completed for individuals entering regulated occupations as defined in the legislation. Such checks are undertaken by AccessNI.","answerHtml":"The role of private tutors is not overseen or regulated by my department.
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 set out the requirements for safeguarding checks, stipulating that vetting checks are required to be completed for individuals entering regulated occupations as defined in the legislation. Such checks are undertaken by AccessNI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016118%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412543","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412543"}},{"id":"411743","reference":"AQW 15815/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-26","answerBy":"2024-10-11","answered":"2024-10-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the amount of funding provided in 2024 to further education colleges to provide classes in English for people seeking asylum who speak another language.","answerText":"For the 2024/2025 financial year, the Department for the Economy has provided £1.7m funding for the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages to Further Education colleges as part of their overall 2024/2025 resource budget allocation. However, it is not possible to determine how much of this funding is specifically allocated to deliver classes to people seeking asylum who speak another language as the Department does not hold this information.","answerHtml":"For the 2024/2025 financial year, the Department for the Economy has provided £1.7m funding for the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages to Further Education colleges as part of their overall 2024/2025 resource budget allocation. However, it is not possible to determine how much of this funding is specifically allocated to deliver classes to people seeking asylum who speak another language as the Department does not hold this information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015815%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411743","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411743"}},{"id":"411742","reference":"AQW 15814/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-26","answerBy":"2024-10-11","answered":"2024-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education when the review of staff to child ratios across all preschool education settings, as referenced to in a Fair Start Report, will be published.","answerText":"In 2022 my Department commissioned a scoping study to analyse the current state of the pre-school education sector and cost a range of options for standardisation of funded pre-school education provision, including adjusting the staffing ratio. The report was circulated to Executive colleagues and is available on the Department’s website at Final Scoping Study Report | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk).","answerHtml":"In 2022 my Department commissioned a scoping study to analyse the current state of the pre-school education sector and cost a range of options for standardisation of funded pre-school education provision, including adjusting the staffing ratio. The report was circulated to Executive colleagues and is available on the Department’s website at Final Scoping Study Report | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015814%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411742","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411742"}},{"id":"411741","reference":"AQW 15813/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-26","answerBy":"2024-10-11","answered":"2024-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of actions led, or co-led, by his Department in a Fair Start Report (i) have been completed; (ii) are being progressed; and (iii) have yet to be actioned.","answerText":"Of the 47 actions in the original “A Fair Start” report, six have been completed and 30 are being progressed. This includes three additional actions identified as complementary to the actions within the report. 14 actions have yet to be completed. Since June 2021 when the report was first published, an additional six actions were identified and completed. Progress Reports can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/fair-start","answerHtml":"Of the 47 actions in the original “A Fair Start” report, six have been completed and 30 are being progressed. This includes three additional actions identified as complementary to the actions within the report. 14 actions have yet to be completed. Since June 2021 when the report was first published, an additional six actions were identified and completed. Progress Reports can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/fair-start
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015813%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411741","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411741"}},{"id":"411740","reference":"AQW 15812/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-26","answerBy":"2024-10-11","answered":"2024-10-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding provided to schools to facilitate and enable Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools to date.","answerText":"Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SPiMS) emerged in 2020 in response to the unprecedented increase in demand for specialist education. However, legacy ‘learning support’ classes have existed for many years. SPiMS are, and have always been, part of the continuum of special education provision for children and young people.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) does not provide funding to schools to facilitate SPiMS, rather they are funded directly via the EA’s central budget. The total EA expenditure on the establishment and operation of SPiMS from 2020/21 (including projected expenditure for 2024/25) is £221.5m.\n\nThis does not include expenditure by Voluntary Grammar/Grant Maintained Integrated schools.","answerHtml":"Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SPiMS) emerged in 2020 in response to the unprecedented increase in demand for specialist education. However, legacy ‘learning support’ classes have existed for many years. SPiMS are, and have always been, part of the continuum of special education provision for children and young people.
The Education Authority (EA) does not provide funding to schools to facilitate SPiMS, rather they are funded directly via the EA’s central budget. The total EA expenditure on the establishment and operation of SPiMS from 2020/21 (including projected expenditure for 2024/25) is £221.5m.
This does not include expenditure by Voluntary Grammar/Grant Maintained Integrated schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015812%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411740","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411740"}},{"id":"413153","reference":"AQO 922/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-26","answerBy":"2024-10-07","answered":"2024-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he is considering amendments to the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 to align with the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023.","answerText":"The relevant provisions (sections 1-4) within the Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 which reinforce the requirement for employers to tackle sexual harassment, will commence in England, Scotland and Wales on 26 October 2024.\n\nAmendments to the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 would be necessary to ensure that the new requirements upon employers to tackle sexual harassment also apply in Northern Ireland. My officials are considering the way forward on this issue.","answerHtml":"The relevant provisions (sections 1-4) within the Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 which reinforce the requirement for employers to tackle sexual harassment, will commence in England, Scotland and Wales on 26 October 2024.
Amendments to the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 would be necessary to ensure that the new requirements upon employers to tackle sexual harassment also apply in Northern Ireland. My officials are considering the way forward on this issue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20922%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413153","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413153"}},{"id":"411583","reference":"AQW 15746/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-25","answerBy":"2024-10-03","answered":"2024-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on plans to redevelop the former Dromore Central Primary School site.","answerText":"The former Dromore Primary School site has been retained and is being considered for SEN provision. Initial technical assessments have been carried out and draft plans have been developed for extensive refurbishment works to the existing building.\n\nUnfortunately, timeframes cannot be provided at this time as works are subject to Business Case approvals being received as well as available funding.","answerHtml":"The former Dromore Primary School site has been retained and is being considered for SEN provision. Initial technical assessments have been carried out and draft plans have been developed for extensive refurbishment works to the existing building.
Unfortunately, timeframes cannot be provided at this time as works are subject to Business Case approvals being received as well as available funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015746%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411583","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411583"}},{"id":"411582","reference":"AQW 15745/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-25","answerBy":"2024-10-10","answered":"2024-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for a breakdown of the (i) average time taken; and (ii) longest waiting time to process the family assessment to qualify for adoption in the last five years.","answerText":"At this time, the Department of Health does not capture the specific data required to provide the breakdown requested.\n\nThrough the Directed Statutory Functions (DSF) report received annually from each HSC Trust, the information provided below details the length of time prospective adopters wait from their formal application to adopt to commencing their adoption assessment for the past five years.\n\nTime waiting\t31/3/24\t31/3/23\t31/3/22\t31/3/21\t31/3/20\nLess than 1 month\t5\t7\t14\t14\t<5\nMore than 1 month, less than 3 months\t10\t<5\t11\t16\t19\nMore than 3 months, less than 6 months\t14\t5\t12\t8\t<5\nMore than 6 months, less than 12 months\t<5\t5\t22\t<5\t<5\n1 year or more\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\n\nNote: <5 denotes a figure of between 1 and 5. The actual figure is suppressed to avoid disclosure\n\nThe DSF reports from HSC Trusts detail that a significant number of assessments are delayed in commencing due to the availability of social work staff to progress these. Children’s social services teams within HSC Trusts have experienced significant pressures which have impacted on the capacity of the Trusts to discharge their statutory duties, including the assessment of prospective adoption families.","answerHtml":"At this time, the Department of Health does not capture the specific data required to provide the breakdown requested.
Through the Directed Statutory Functions (DSF) report received annually from each HSC Trust, the information provided below details the length of time prospective adopters wait from their formal application to adopt to commencing their adoption assessment for the past five years.
| Time waiting | 31/3/24 | 31/3/23 | 31/3/22 | 31/3/21 | 31/3/20 |
| Less than 1 month | 5 | 7 | 14 | 14 | <5 |
| More than 1 month, less than 3 months | 10 | <5 | 11 | 16 | 19 |
| More than 3 months, less than 6 months | 14 | 5 | 12 | 8 | <5 |
| More than 6 months, less than 12 months | <5 | 5 | 22 | <5 | <5 |
| 1 year or more | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
Note: <5 denotes a figure of between 1 and 5. The actual figure is suppressed to avoid disclosure
The DSF reports from HSC Trusts detail that a significant number of assessments are delayed in commencing due to the availability of social work staff to progress these. Children’s social services teams within HSC Trusts have experienced significant pressures which have impacted on the capacity of the Trusts to discharge their statutory duties, including the assessment of prospective adoption families.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015745%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411582","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411582"}},{"id":"411581","reference":"AQW 15744/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-25","answerBy":"2024-10-10","answered":"2024-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation is constrained to matters of health and safety, site security, essential maintenance and supporting the current tenants in the absence of Ministerial agreement on the future use of the site.","answerText":"The Development Corporation is currently charged with maintaining and managing the site, carrying out essential health and safety works, and supporting the existing tenants.\n\nThe Development Corporation seeks as far as possible to maintain a state of readiness for future development. This includes continuing to consider possible approaches to regeneration of the site and provide advice and options for the future.","answerHtml":"The Development Corporation is currently charged with maintaining and managing the site, carrying out essential health and safety works, and supporting the existing tenants.
The Development Corporation seeks as far as possible to maintain a state of readiness for future development. This includes continuing to consider possible approaches to regeneration of the site and provide advice and options for the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015744%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411581","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411581"}},{"id":"411580","reference":"AQW 15743/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-25","answerBy":"2024-10-10","answered":"2024-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he is planning to introduce a right to miscarriage leave for supply teachers.","answerText":"Teachers’ (including supply teachers’) terms & conditions are negotiated and agreed by the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) which comprises representatives of teachers’ employers and sectoral bodies, the Department of Education and the five recognised teachers’ unions. Decisions are communicated to teachers and their employers via TNC Circulars.\n\nTNC 2021/1 details the Teachers’ Maternity Leave Scheme.\n\nThis Scheme is the result of an agreement reached between the Management and\n\nTeachers' Sides of TNC. It reflects rules concerning statutory and occupational maternity leave as a consequence of the relevant legislation.\n\nThe Scheme applies to all pregnant teachers irrespective of pay or weekly\n\nworking hours.\n\nThe Scheme includes provisions in the event of a miscarriage. Each case must be considered on its own merits.","answerHtml":"Teachers’ (including supply teachers’) terms & conditions are negotiated and agreed by the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) which comprises representatives of teachers’ employers and sectoral bodies, the Department of Education and the five recognised teachers’ unions. Decisions are communicated to teachers and their employers via TNC Circulars.
TNC 2021/1 details the Teachers’ Maternity Leave Scheme.
This Scheme is the result of an agreement reached between the Management and
Teachers' Sides of TNC. It reflects rules concerning statutory and occupational maternity leave as a consequence of the relevant legislation.
The Scheme applies to all pregnant teachers irrespective of pay or weekly
working hours.
The Scheme includes provisions in the event of a miscarriage. Each case must be considered on its own merits.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015743%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411580","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411580"}},{"id":"411579","reference":"AQW 15742/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-25","answerBy":"2024-10-10","answered":"2024-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions he is taking to improve the adoption process.","answerText":"The Adoption and Children Act, which received Royal Assent on 27 April 2022 will reform the legislative framework and procedural arrangements governing adoption in Northern Ireland and will lead to the introduction of a range of new measures aimed at improving the adoption process.\n\nThe Act will make the adoption process as efficient and robust as possible, reducing unnecessary delay and uncertainty for children. The framework for adoption will be more consistent with the principles and provisions of the Children (NI) Order 1995, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and international human rights, ensuring that the child is put firmly at the centre of the adoption process.\n\nThe Act will introduce a statutory principle that, in general, delay is likely to prejudice the child’s welfare and a requirement for courts to draw up timetables for resolving adoption cases without delay. The aim is to reduce the drift and unnecessary delay that prolongs instability for children and families when adoption would be in a child’s best interests.\n\nThe Act also has power to enable adoption services to be managed and/or provided on either a regional or sub-regional basis. It is considered that regionalising some aspects of the service could potentially provide greater consistency, efficiency and accountability, build expertise and contribute to a greater culture of cross-sectoral partnership.\n\nThe Act will also place a duty on Trusts to make arrangements for the provision of adoption support services, as specified in regulations. This duty will be used to deliver a framework for adoption support services at both placement and post adoption order.\n\nThere is also a power to establish an independent review mechanism relating to adoption decision making which will be prescribed in regulations. This mechanism will enable prospective adopters to request a review of an adoption agency’s decision that they should not be approved to adopt.\n\nThis is a substantive programme of work and implementation of the Act is being taken forward on a phased basis over a period of 5 years from 2022 to 2027.\n\nImplementation of the Act is currently progressing within the context of a severely restricted budget and social workforce challenges. Provisions to enable the introduction of transitional adoption support services arrangements and extended support for care leavers have been delayed until April 2025. Work is almost complete on the necessary regulations and guidance required to support implementation as soon as it is possible to do so.","answerHtml":"The Adoption and Children Act, which received Royal Assent on 27 April 2022 will reform the legislative framework and procedural arrangements governing adoption in Northern Ireland and will lead to the introduction of a range of new measures aimed at improving the adoption process.
The Act will make the adoption process as efficient and robust as possible, reducing unnecessary delay and uncertainty for children. The framework for adoption will be more consistent with the principles and provisions of the Children (NI) Order 1995, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and international human rights, ensuring that the child is put firmly at the centre of the adoption process.
The Act will introduce a statutory principle that, in general, delay is likely to prejudice the child’s welfare and a requirement for courts to draw up timetables for resolving adoption cases without delay. The aim is to reduce the drift and unnecessary delay that prolongs instability for children and families when adoption would be in a child’s best interests.
The Act also has power to enable adoption services to be managed and/or provided on either a regional or sub-regional basis. It is considered that regionalising some aspects of the service could potentially provide greater consistency, efficiency and accountability, build expertise and contribute to a greater culture of cross-sectoral partnership.
The Act will also place a duty on Trusts to make arrangements for the provision of adoption support services, as specified in regulations. This duty will be used to deliver a framework for adoption support services at both placement and post adoption order.
There is also a power to establish an independent review mechanism relating to adoption decision making which will be prescribed in regulations. This mechanism will enable prospective adopters to request a review of an adoption agency’s decision that they should not be approved to adopt.
This is a substantive programme of work and implementation of the Act is being taken forward on a phased basis over a period of 5 years from 2022 to 2027.
Implementation of the Act is currently progressing within the context of a severely restricted budget and social workforce challenges. Provisions to enable the introduction of transitional adoption support services arrangements and extended support for care leavers have been delayed until April 2025. Work is almost complete on the necessary regulations and guidance required to support implementation as soon as it is possible to do so.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015742%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411579","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411579"}},{"id":"412585","reference":"AQO 897/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-19","answerBy":"2024-10-01","answered":"2024-10-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the development of a new green growth strategy.","answerText":"My Department has been leading the development of the Green Growth Strategy, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive, collaborating with other departments, local government and key stakeholders from across the business, voluntary and community sectors.\n\nThe draft Green Growth Strategy is the Executive’s multi-decade strategy for climate, the environment & the economy. Its aim is to ensure future government policy making here has climate and environmental action at its core.\n\nThe draft strategy sets out a long-term vision for tackling the climate and environment challenge in a way that benefits all our people and with an emphasis on just and fair economic growth. It proposes a range of principles and 10 commitments which will help balance climate action, clean environment and green jobs.\n\nIn October 2021, the then Executive agreed the text of a draft Green Growth Strategy. The strategy was issued for an eight-week public consultation, revised and updated to incorporate feedback from the consultation exercise and the impact of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) which received Royal Assent on 6 June 2022. While the updated strategy was agreed by the former DAERA Minister, it was not possible to secure approval in the absence of an Executive.\n\nIn the interim, the draft Strategy has been further updated to ensure its accuracy and relevance. The strategy was issued to all Departments for review in July 2024, has been updated to reflect feedback and is being finalised prior to consideration by the Executive.\n\nI hope to take the Strategy to the Executive this autumn for approval to publish.","answerHtml":"My Department has been leading the development of the Green Growth Strategy, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive, collaborating with other departments, local government and key stakeholders from across the business, voluntary and community sectors.
The draft Green Growth Strategy is the Executive’s multi-decade strategy for climate, the environment & the economy. Its aim is to ensure future government policy making here has climate and environmental action at its core.
The draft strategy sets out a long-term vision for tackling the climate and environment challenge in a way that benefits all our people and with an emphasis on just and fair economic growth. It proposes a range of principles and 10 commitments which will help balance climate action, clean environment and green jobs.
In October 2021, the then Executive agreed the text of a draft Green Growth Strategy. The strategy was issued for an eight-week public consultation, revised and updated to incorporate feedback from the consultation exercise and the impact of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) which received Royal Assent on 6 June 2022. While the updated strategy was agreed by the former DAERA Minister, it was not possible to secure approval in the absence of an Executive.
In the interim, the draft Strategy has been further updated to ensure its accuracy and relevance. The strategy was issued to all Departments for review in July 2024, has been updated to reflect feedback and is being finalised prior to consideration by the Executive.
I hope to take the Strategy to the Executive this autumn for approval to publish.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20897%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412585","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412585"}},{"id":"409887","reference":"AQO 831/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-12","answerBy":"2024-09-23","answered":"2024-09-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what action he is taking to promote investment to and from the European Union and the European Economic Area to maximise any benefits from dual market access.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"Maximising the opportunities associated with dual market access is key to growing our prosperity. Invest NI promotes the dual market access proposition through its network of overseas offices in Europe and beyond. It has developed a European programme that will showcase the North as an investment destination. The programme includes a comprehensive online marketing campaign and a series of in-person events, the first of which I will attend in Germany in October. Further events are planned for the Netherlands and Belgium. Locally, I want to see our businesses take advantage of dual market access. Accordingly, my officials have initiated a forum with business representatives to co-design support and guidance for navigating the new regulatory environment and maximising our unique trading opportunities. Research has been published that identifies the particular sectors that stand to gain most from access to both markets."},{"speaker":"Mrs Guy","text":"Thank you, Minister, for that answer. Northern Ireland's relatively strong economic performance has been predominantly in the services sector, although the manufacturing sector should benefit from dual market access. Can the Minister give a more specific update on what work has been done by Invest NI to sell the benefits of dual market access, including to potential investors in North America?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"As the Member may know, I have just returned from North America, having been there all last week. It was a frequent topic of discussion. The Invest NI team out there has been presenting similar evidence of what dual market access looks like and will mean. There is an interest there in what it means for companies. I suppose that it is on three levels. Geographically, we are looking at North America and Europe, but we are also looking at our indigenous businesses so that they fully understand what the propositions are. That is why that research was done. As the Member says, the services sector is strong, but it may not necessarily benefit so much from dual market access. We will, however, need to ensure that the sectors that stand a chance of benefiting most understand what the rules and regulations are and how they will benefit. Bear in mind that dual market access was finally agreed only at around this time last year. It will be under implementation until 2025. Some of this is still evolving. There is a significant interest in North America. As I said, when we met people last week, it was a frequent topic of conversation. We had officials there who were able to give advice and guidance to people who are considering investing here. That is the proposition that we will bring to Europe next month. I intend to go to a number of European destinations to make sure that people fully understand that, because, as the Member will understand as much as anybody, there continue to be unwelcome challenges from Brexit, and there will continue to be challenges for our businesses as a consequence of Brexit. Where there is an advantage to be gained, we have to make sure that we are in a position to act on it."},{"speaker":"Mr McGuigan","text":"Following on from answers that the Minister has already given, I ask whether the recent HMRC trade data suggests that manufacturing exports are benefiting from dual market access?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"Yes, a number of companies have been saying that they have benefited specifically from that. From the existing data, it is difficult to measure the exact impact across manufacturing. There is no data available on specific companies that are selling to both Britain and the EU to identify exactly how companies are benefiting. We certainly have had testimony from individuals indicating that they have seen great benefits. We have seen a small increase in goods from the North being exported to the EU over the past year, despite a challenging business environment and the cost-of-living crisis. Goods exports from GB to the EU fell by 9% over the same period, so that indicates that there are benefits to be had. We need to ensure that our local, indigenous businesses are fully aware of how to take advantage of those benefits."},{"speaker":"Mr Brett","text":"I welcome the Minister back from his trade visit and hope that those representing North Belfast did not cause him too much difficulty while he was out there. Data published last week shows that manufacturing output is down by 1·1% and that dual market access has, to date, not brought any benefit to the Northern Ireland economy. The service sector, which shows 33% growth, is, of course, not covered by the protocol."},{"speaker":"","text":"Can the Minister assure the House that he will continue to focus on building not only the European market but the UK internal market, which continues to be the biggest investment market for companies and exports from Northern Ireland?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"Yes. Access to both markets is the key to the dual market access benefit that will flow to us. We will ensure that companies have as few barriers to trade as possible, east-west, North/South and into Europe. Our manufacturing companies, like the wider economy, face challenges. There is historically high inflation in raw materials, and there are rising wage and energy bills, but the figures published on 12 September show an easing in the contraction of the production output rate, with an improvement in the second quarter estimated at 3·5% from a figure of 4·3% in quarter one. The Ulster Bank purchasing managers index reported that the manufacturing sector had the highest level of growth, activity and new orders and the strongest level of optimism of any sector. It points to an improving picture for the manufacturing sectors, but I agree with the Member that we want to ensure that our companies can grow, export and trade as seamlessly as possible, both east-west and North/South."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"Can the Minister provide an update on the publication of the Magee task force's report?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"I am not sure what that has to do with dual market access, but, nonetheless, the report was published last week. The matter may arise in further questions, but the interim report was published last week. It identifies challenges that need to be met in order to realise the ambition. I am sure we will get down to meeting those challenges in the near future."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20831%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409887","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-09-23&docID=410650#AQO%20831/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409887"}},{"id":"409149","reference":"AQW 14531/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-05","answerBy":"2024-09-20","answered":"2024-09-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the consultation his Department undertook with (i) children and young people; (ii) parents; and (iii) school leaders prior to his approval of a £250,000 capital spend on magnetic lockable pouches for mobile phones in schools.","answerText":"Officials are preparing a business case for the pilot scheme and an associated specification for the procurement process. In advance of the roll-out of the pilot there will be engagement with pupils, parents and school leaders to inform the evaluation process.\n\nThe guidance provided to schools is informed by relevant evidence that highlights the impact of the unauthorised use of mobile devices in school, as well as the excessive use of such devices more generally. The guidance sets out a range of different approaches that could be used in schools to restrict the use of mobile phones, this includes the potential use of inhibiting devices.\n\nThe circular asks schools to revise existing policies accordingly to develop approaches that work for their own environment. As part of this, it is highlighted that schools should consult with the wider school community, including children and young people as well as parents on the specific delivery of policies at school level.","answerHtml":"Officials are preparing a business case for the pilot scheme and an associated specification for the procurement process. In advance of the roll-out of the pilot there will be engagement with pupils, parents and school leaders to inform the evaluation process.
The guidance provided to schools is informed by relevant evidence that highlights the impact of the unauthorised use of mobile devices in school, as well as the excessive use of such devices more generally. The guidance sets out a range of different approaches that could be used in schools to restrict the use of mobile phones, this includes the potential use of inhibiting devices.
The circular asks schools to revise existing policies accordingly to develop approaches that work for their own environment. As part of this, it is highlighted that schools should consult with the wider school community, including children and young people as well as parents on the specific delivery of policies at school level.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014531%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409149","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409149"}},{"id":"409148","reference":"AQW 14530/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-05","answerBy":"2024-09-20","answered":"2024-09-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will commit to deliver the recommendations set out in the UK Blood Cancer Action Plan.","answerText":"My Department acknowledges the recommendations outlined within the report and how these can help to deliver better outcomes for those living with blood cancer. However, my Department was not consulted or involved in the development of this particular publication.\n\nMy Department has undertaken service reviews across the core haematology cancer pathways (Myeloma, Lymphoma and Leukaemia) in Northern Ireland. The haematology pathway reviews have identified a range of recommendations that will help transform the future delivery of haematology services.\n\nWork is ongoing to progress the implementation of the haematology review recommendations and is dependent on the complexity and scale of the review recommendations, available resources and other existing commissioning priorities.\n\nI remain fully committed to the implementation of the NI Cancer Strategy and to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to transform our cancer services that will deliver better outcomes for all of those impacted by a cancer diagnosis in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"My Department acknowledges the recommendations outlined within the report and how these can help to deliver better outcomes for those living with blood cancer. However, my Department was not consulted or involved in the development of this particular publication.
My Department has undertaken service reviews across the core haematology cancer pathways (Myeloma, Lymphoma and Leukaemia) in Northern Ireland. The haematology pathway reviews have identified a range of recommendations that will help transform the future delivery of haematology services.
Work is ongoing to progress the implementation of the haematology review recommendations and is dependent on the complexity and scale of the review recommendations, available resources and other existing commissioning priorities.
I remain fully committed to the implementation of the NI Cancer Strategy and to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to transform our cancer services that will deliver better outcomes for all of those impacted by a cancer diagnosis in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014530%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409148","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409148"}}]}