AQO 2649/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 23/10/2025
Answered On Date: 20/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how they will ensure a cross-departmental and strategic approach to the Programme for Government 2024-2027 commitment to improve pathways to appropriate opportunities and improve protections for young people with special educational needs when they leave school.

Answer:

The provision of Better Support for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs is a Programme for Government priority for the Executive.

The Department for Education, Department for the Economy, Department of Health and the Department for Communities are working together to ensure pathways are available and young people with special educational needs are supported in the last years of school to prepare for the transition to adult life.