AQW 50184/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 01/07/2026
Answered On Date: 07/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps her Department plan to take to reduce the number of disabled young people, not in education, employment or training, as highlighted in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report, Disability and poverty in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

I recognise that disabled learners can face additional barriers to participating in education, employment and training. Reducing the number of disabled young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) requires input from a range of Departments. My Department is working in partnership with the Department for Communities and the Department of Health to deliver the Work and Wellbeing Transformation Project which aims to align skills, employment and health service to support employment outcomes for those with ill health and disabilities, including young people.

I recently consulted on the Review of Approach to Widening Participation in Higher Education, which recognised that those experiencing the greatest disadvantage in our society often face significant barriers to accessing, participating in and succeeding in higher education. The consultation proposes that disabled learners and those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) should be recognised as priority groups within the Educational and Learning Needs category of a refreshed widening participation framework. It emphasises the need for tailored support, flexible progression pathways, inclusive learning environments, and improved educational and employment outcomes.

In addition, my Department is progressing a range of actions aimed at improving post-school outcomes for disabled young people and reducing the risk of those with Special Educational Needs becoming disengaged from education, employment or training. This includes work to strengthen transition planning, careers support, further education provision, data sharing and the evidence base used to inform future policy development.