AQW 33679/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 16/10/2025
Answered On Date: 06/11/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any action he is taking to ensure data relating to adults with special educational needs is collected consistently across all Health and Social Care Trusts.

Answer:

My Department has drafted a Transitions Protocol aligned to the Learning Disability Service Model, which is currently out for public consultation. Within the protocol all HSC Trusts are required to complete a standardised database with regards to people transitioning out of special education, into Adult Learning Disability Services. Collection of this information commenced in April 2025 and will enable planning up to 5 years in advance of a person’s transition.

In addition, implementation of the Learning Disability Service Model will involve the introduction of a new Regional governance framework. Regional data associated with key performance indicators for people with Learning Disabilities will be routinely collated, monitored and analysed for the purpose of planning and performance by my Department.