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.

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.