AQW 10597/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 19/11/2020
Answered On Date: 02/12/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any discussions she has had with LGBT+ groups or organisation in relation to (a) a potential sexual health strategy for Northern Ireland; and (b) sex education in Northern Ireland’s schools; and (ii) any issues raised during these conversations.

Answer:

While it would not be appropriate for me to comment on policy matters that fall to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education, I am leading on the development of the Executive’s Sexual Orientation Strategy under New Decade, New Approach. This Strategy will cut across Ministerial and Departmental remits and I have appointed an independent Expert Advisory Panel to make recommendations on the themes that the Strategy should address.

It is likely that the Panel will make recommendations relating to Health and Education; however, I am not in a position to make further comment on those recommendations until the Panel completes their work.