AQW 14069/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/07/2024
Answered On Date: 08/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail his plans for improving career and employment opportunities for those with special educational needs after they reach the age of 19.

Answer:

Every individual should be able to access opportunities to fulfil their potential, and my Department provides support through the Careers Service to help people to make fully informed choices at important transition points.

For example, some young people may want to go from school into employment; the Department for Communities provides support for people with disabilities who are seeking or are in employment.

Others may want to gain further skills and qualifications, and my Department has a range of provision and supports for young people with special educational needs through Further Education Colleges, Universities and across our vocational training provision.

However, I am aware that there are significant gaps in provision. I have therefore asked officials to review the current provision and to provide me with recommendations to improve support for young people with special educational needs. I have also asked my officials to examine legislative protections and bring back advice as soon as possible. It is my hope that practical supports and legislative protections can be strengthened in this mandate. This will require collaboration across a number of other Departments.