AQW 20422/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/01/2025
Answered On Date: 21/01/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of (i) legislation that extends post-19 special educational needs provision to 25 years old; and (ii) moving responsibility and associated funding from his Department to the Department of Education.

Answer:

As indicated previously, improving support for people with special educational needs is a priority in my Department’s business plan and the Executive’s draft Programme for Government.

My officials are currently reviewing the relevant legislation, as well as the existing training and skills provision, to consider how best we can make improvements. This work is continuing, and I expect cross-Departmental collaboration, rather than transferring functions, will be essential to deliver improvements.

I expect to receive advice from my officials in the Spring, at which point I will outline my intended next steps.