AQW 49747/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 26/06/2026
Answered On Date: 03/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 47048/22-27, to detail any steps her Department is undertaking with the Department of Education, to ensure Education Maintenance Allowance is appropriately targeted and effective.

Answer:

Officials in my Department are continuing to work with counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to consider Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), including its role supporting participation in education. This joint work is focused on ensuring the scheme continues to provide support to those young people who need it most.

Any potential changes will be considered as part of this ongoing cross-departmental work.