https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/ An independent tracker of the questions asked by Nick Mathison, Alliance Party MLA for Strangford, in the Northern Ireland Assembly – with answers, search, filters and downloads. en-gb Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:46:56 GMT https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/504258/ 504258-tabled Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 51564/22-27, to detail the amount of funding spent to date on the implementation of Leading Together for Excellence: A TransformED NI Strategy for Teacher Professional Learning. Awaiting answer; due by 29 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/504257/ 504257-tabled Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 53269/22-27, to detail any criteria used to identify stakeholders who participated in the June 2026 workshop. Awaiting answer; due by 29 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/504256/ 504256-tabled Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 53269/22-27, whether the non-statutory preschool sector was involved in the June 2026 workshop. Awaiting answer; due by 29 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/504255/ 504255-tabled Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 53269/22-27, to detail any opportunities there were for the wider early years sector to contribute to the June 2026 workshop. Awaiting answer; due by 29 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/504064/ 504064-tabled Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the current average wait time for an MOT appointment at the Newtownards test centre. Awaiting answer; due by 28 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/504063/ 504063-tabled Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps she is taking to address the ongoing backlog for MOT appointments. Awaiting answer; due by 28 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/502180/ 502180-answered Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any ways in which his Department will ensure that professional autonomy of teachers is protected with the implementation of Curriculum 2028. Answer (13 October 2026): The proposed Northern Ireland Curriculum 2028 provides a common minimum entitlement for all learners by setting out the knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils should develop. This is intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in what is taught across schools. Within this framework, teachers will continue to exercise professional judgement in planning and delivering learning to meet the needs of their pupils. While the curriculum is clearer about what pupils are entitled to learn, schools and teachers will retain flexibility in how learning is organised and delivered.… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/502179/ 502179-answered Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any ways in which curriculum and assessment will remain appropriately connected through the implementation of Curriculum 2028. Answer (13 October 2026): Curriculum, assessment and qualifications reform are being progressed as interconnected strands of the TransformED programme, led by my Department’s senior management in conjunction with the relevant education partners. This will help ensure coherence between what pupils are expected to learn, how learning is assessed, and how achievement is recognised. As Curriculum 2028 is implemented, assessment arrangements will continue to be considered alongside curriculum reform to support progression in learning and alignment between curriculum, assessment and qualifications. High-quality guidance… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/504026/ 504026-answered Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her response to the petition submitted to the Speaker on 28 September 2026 calling for improved road safety measures in Darragh Cross. Answer (13 October 2026): I recognise the strength of feeling reflected in this petition and the genuine concerns of residents in Darragh Cross about vehicle speeds, pedestrian accessibility and safety in the village. Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and I fully appreciate the importance of ensuring that local people - particularly children, older people and those with disabilities - can move around their community as safely as possible. The Department has previously assessed both the speed limit and pedestrian crossing provision in accordance with its established, evidence-based policies. Those… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/503724/ 503724-tabled Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any vacant or unused Education Authority buildings that are currently being heated. Awaiting answer; due by 27 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/502562/ 502562-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the publication date of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. Answer (8 October 2026): The Early Learning and Childcare Strategy is currently being finalised, taking account of the responses received through the public consultation. I intend to bring the revised Strategy to Executive colleagues in the coming weeks. Publication and implementation of the proposed actions will be subject to Executive approval and the availability of the necessary funding. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/501224/ 501224-answered Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps pre-school settings can take to engage with modelling work to inform stakeholder workshops on alternative Pupil Allocation Number allocation models. Answer (7 October 2026): The EA completed its review of pre-school admissions and Pupil Allocation Numbers (PAN) processes in June 2025 and the report is available on the EA website here. Implementation of the actions contained in the Review is ongoing and as part of this work the EA held a workshop with pre-school education stakeholders in June 2026 to review and consider alternative models for the allocation of Pupil Allocation Numbers. Any setting wishing to engage with the EA about pre-school provision can make contact directly via psep@eani.org.uk. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497945/ 497945-answered Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 46227/22-27, for an update on the review of the accessible parking bays within Newtownards town centre. Answer (7 October 2026): Officials are currently undertaking a review of the accessible parking bays within Newtownards town centre including the road markings outside Boots chemist. The review will be completed in the coming months and an update of the legislation will then be progressed as required. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497494/ 497494-answered Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether staff representing the Education Authority at the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service have the authority to change draft statements. Answer (7 October 2026): The Education Authority (EA) has advised that EA staff at Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service meetings have the authority to agree amendments to draft statements. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497497/ 497497-answered Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the amount her Department has spent on (i) consultant's fees; (ii) reports; (iii) design schemes; and (iv) business cases, in relation to the stability of the road at Portaferry Road, Newtownards, since 2012. Answer (6 October 2026): Following works undertaken in 2012 at Portaferry Road, Newtownards, a separate Technical Approval Scheme was not completed in relation to the carriageway resurfacing work. Based on the information currently available, it is estimated that expenditure on consultant fees, reports, design work and business case development at a specific location on Portaferry Road since 2012 amounts to approximately £61k. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497496/ 497496-answered Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any Technical Approval Scheme completed, in relation to the carriageway at Portaferry Road, Newtownards, following the road realignment completed in 2012. Answer (6 October 2026): Following works undertaken in 2012 at Portaferry Road, Newtownards, a separate Technical Approval Scheme was not completed in relation to the carriageway resurfacing work. Based on the information currently available, it is estimated that expenditure on consultant fees, reports, design work and business case development at a specific location on Portaferry Road since 2012 amounts to approximately £61k. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/496274/ 496274-answered Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 49362/22-27, to detail any steps he will take to address the lack of data recorded in relation to the number of patients with functional neurological disorder. Answer (6 October 2026): Precise numbers of patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) are not currently available due to limitations in existing coding and data collection arrangements. My Department's Regional Review of Neurology Services recognised the need to improve the collection and use of neurology data. Specifically, the Review recommends that data capture within neurology should be broadened and developed across Health and Social Care Trusts, including enhanced recording and coding of diagnoses, interventions and clinical activity. The Review also notes that improved data collection will support… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/502178/ 502178-tabled Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any ways in which Curriculum 2028 will protect (i) play-based; and (ii) developmentally appropriate pedagogy in practice. Awaiting answer; due by 20 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/502177/ 502177-tabled Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any evidence that has demonstrated that a a subject-framework structure is the most appropriate response for Foundation Stage of Curriculum 2028. Awaiting answer; due by 20 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/502176/ 502176-tabled Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any ways in which primary-principal engagement undertaken during the 2024/25 continuation of the NI Curriculum refresh informed the development of Curriculum 2028 Awaiting answer; due by 20 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/501942/ 501942-tabled Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how the revised draft Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan address the financial pressures faced by families with disabled or seriously ill children in trying to access (i) treatment; and (ii) essential items. Past due date; due by 19 October 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/499494/ 499494-answered Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any interim measures being put in place to ensure special schools are (i) legally protected; and (ii) adequately trained to manage complex behavioural profiles, whilst awaiting approval for an Education Authority business case for additional Positive Behaviour Handling Training Team Teach Tutors. Answer (2 October 2026): The Education Authority (EA) has advised that it has redirected internal trainers who are accredited to support coordination of a number of sessions of training and included special schools. A number of special schools have availed of this training. Where appropriate and subject to resource availability, bespoke sessions have been arranged for individual schools. Some schools have themselves arranged and availed of Team Teach’s blended learning training to ensure staff receive accredited training. The Educational Psychology Service has also developed training specifically for special school… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497231/ 497231-answered Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any international evidence that has informed the decision to move towards developing beginner fluency in a single core modern language. Answer (2 October 2026): The draft Modern Languages framework sets out the knowledge, skills and progression that pupils should acquire in a modern language. Its emphasis on establishing a secure foundation in a modern language is intended to ensure that pupils develop core knowledge of phonics, vocabulary and grammar and can use this knowledge to communicate with increasing confidence and independence. International research on language learning highlights the importance of sustained exposure, repeated practice and the cumulative acquisition of knowledge over time. Research also indicates that learners benefit from… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/500852/ 500852-answered Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail why updated school uniform guidelines state that school uniform policies are to provide the option for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year, including for PE and games, rather than stating school uniform policies must provide this option, which reflects language used in other guidelines. Answer (1 October 2026): The words "are to" mean the same as "must" in the context of the Guidelines. All grant-aided and independent primary and post-primary schools must provide the option in their uniform policies for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year, including for PE and games from the 2027-2028 schoolyear onwards. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/500098/ 500098-answered Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether extensive processing instruction will be included as a pedagogy as part of implementation guidance on the new modern languages framework. Answer (1 October 2026): I refer the Member to the answer given to AQW 51076, 51232 and 51233/22-27 answered on 22 September and published in the weekly answer booklet, week ending 25 September 2026. Further curriculum guidance, including pedagogical principles, will be published in due course. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/500097/ 500097-answered Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether international evidence on the effectiveness of Extensive Processing Instruction as an approach to teaching modern languages will inform implementation guidance on the new modern languages framework. Answer (1 October 2026): I refer the Member to the answer given to AQW 51076, 51232 and 51233/22-27 answered on 22 September and published in the weekly answer booklet, week ending 25 September 2026. Further curriculum guidance, including pedagogical principles, will be published in due course. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/500096/ 500096-answered Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether adopting an Extensive Processing Instruction approach will inform implementation guidance on the new modern languages framework. Answer (1 October 2026): I refer the Member to the answer given to AQW 51076, 51232 and 51233/22-27 answered on 22 September and published in the weekly answer booklet, week ending 25 September 2026. Further curriculum guidance, including pedagogical principles, will be published in due course. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497495/ 497495-answered Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of cases that went to the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service; and (ii) the number of these cases that proceeded to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal, in the last three academic years. Answer (30 September 2026): The Education Authority (EA) has advised: the number of cases referred to the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service in each of the last three academic years was: 2023-2024: 210 2024-2025: 225 2025-2026: 226 (ii)this information is not readily available with a manual review of individual case records required to identify this information. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/499003/ 499003-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the People and Place Review, including when a final strategy will be published. Answer (29 September 2026): Mr Lyons: I continue to see at first hand the excellent work delivered by community-sector partners through the neighbourhood renewal programme. In the past year, I have committed more than £21 million to the programme, and that is making a tangible difference to people living in our most deprived communities. That funding has enabled support for over 2,660 local community organisations and more than 340,000 volunteer hours in communities, helped over 2,266 people into employment through targeted training and employability initiatives and assisted community groups in securing in excess of £27… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/501130/ 501130-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the publication of Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan. Answer (29 September 2026): The Climate Action Plan is with my Executive colleagues for consideration. Subject to approval, my department will publish the plan at the earliest opportunity. Publication will provide a clear, coordinated roadmap for how Northern Ireland will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet its first carbon budget and make progress towards the statutory target of net zero by 2050. It brings together policies and proposals from across government, giving departments, businesses, farmers, communities and households greater clarity about the actions required and the direction of travel. The plan will… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/500426/ 500426-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail when the new Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order for Curriculum 2028 will be brought forward. Answer (28 September 2026): A timeframe for bringing forward the legislation required to implement Curriculum 2028 has not yet been determined. The timing will be informed by the outcome of the public consultation on the proposed curriculum framework, which closes on 30 September 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/499706/ 499706-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any engagement his Department has had with the National Museums NI network in the drafting of the draft 2028 curriculum to ensure that the curriculum relevantly connects with our local museums. Answer (28 September 2026): My department has not had direct engagement with National Museums Northern Ireland in drafting the proposed Curriculum 2028 subject frameworks. The frameworks were developed by local academics, curriculum specialists and practising teachers. National Museums Northern Ireland contributed to the wider evidence base during the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and, like all stakeholders, has had the opportunity to provide views through the current public consultation. All consultation responses will be carefully considered before final recommendations on the curriculum… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/498414/ 498414-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail how article 21(5) of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 is implemented when one parent requests whole or part excusal and the other parent objects to this request. Answer (28 September 2026): Article 21(5) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 provides that where a parent requests that a pupil be wholly or partly excused from attendance at religious education, collective worship, or both, the pupil shall be excused in accordance with that request until it is withdrawn. The legislation does not specify how schools should proceed where one parent requests withdrawal and another parent objects. In such circumstances, schools are expected to consider the particular circumstances of the case, taking account of their legal obligations and any relevant parental… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497948/ 497948-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether any consideration has been given to encouraging more schools to accept external, home educated candidates for external examinations. Answer (23 September 2026): The legislative position in Northern Ireland is that parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an education, at school or otherwise. Where parents choose to educate their children outside the formal, publicly funded school system, responsibility for that education, including any associated costs and examination arrangements, rests with the parent. My department has not undertaken an assessment of the financial impact of home education on families and I have not considered introducing a grant scheme to support examination fees for home educated children. Decisions on… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497947/ 497947-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether any assessment has been made of the financial impact of home education. Answer (23 September 2026): The legislative position in Northern Ireland is that parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an education, at school or otherwise. Where parents choose to educate their children outside the formal, publicly funded school system, responsibility for that education, including any associated costs and examination arrangements, rests with the parent. My department has not undertaken an assessment of the financial impact of home education on families and I have not considered introducing a grant scheme to support examination fees for home educated children. Decisions on… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497946/ 497946-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether he has given any consideration to introducing a small grant scheme for home educated pupils to pay for external examinations. Answer (23 September 2026): The legislative position in Northern Ireland is that parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an education, at school or otherwise. Where parents choose to educate their children outside the formal, publicly funded school system, responsibility for that education, including any associated costs and examination arrangements, rests with the parent. My department has not undertaken an assessment of the financial impact of home education on families and I have not considered introducing a grant scheme to support examination fees for home educated children. Decisions on… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/499669/ 499669-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will review the decision to refuse the installation of street lighting at the bus stops on both sides of the A24 at the junction of Drumaness Road. Answer (23 September 2026): I am aware of the petition that was submitted by the Member to the Speaker on 5 May and fully understand the concerns of the signatories in relation to this matter. My Department’s policy for the provision of street lighting is detailed in Policy and Procedures Guide E072. In rural areas, my Department uses two main criteria when considering the provision of street lighting relating to the density of development along a road, including public buildings with significant night-time use, or where lighting is likely to help at sites that have a significant history of night-time… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497498/ 497498-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any consideration that has been given to including cardiopulmonary resuscitation training as part of the practical driving licence test. Answer (23 September 2026): There are currently no plans to introduce cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training as part of the practical driving test. However, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in Britain are conducting an optional CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) trial at the end of all car theory tests. Candidates are invited to answer five multiple choice questions, and their responses do not affect their test result. The DVA and DVSA will review the trial data to determine whether the questions are fit for purpose before any decision is taken on… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/496817/ 496817-answered Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail the reason why the project partnership between his Department and the Public Health Agency across seven special schools, which aims to provide creative therapies, such as music, play, art and drama as a pilot, has been paused. Answer (22 September 2026): The work referenced in the AQW, is part of a joint initiative between the Departments of Education and Health. The Engaging the Voices of Children and Young People with Complex and Profound Disabilities pilot project was part of a wider programme of work aimed at supporting the voices of vulnerable children and young people to be heard. The primary purpose of the specific project referenced, was not the provision of creative therapies such as music, play, art and drama, rather, the project was designed to test an approach to engaging with children and young people with complex and profound… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/496648/ 496648-answered Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any consideration he has given to the Education Authority proposal that special school staff are given additional Staff Development Days to facilitate relevant training, where deemed necessary, to ensure staff are confident that they can meet the needs of pupils placed in their school. Answer (22 September 2026): Staff Development Days are currently granted on the basis that they should only be used for school improvement and professional development activities including self-evaluation, strategic planning and review and staff development activity. The Education Authority (EA) Special Schools’ Service has been exploring special schools’ training needs and gaps. Further work is commencing with schools and other EA services to support a training framework for professional development. The outcome of this will indicate if additional Staff Development days are required. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/496271/ 496271-answered Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of current therapist vacancies that are open, in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Answer (22 September 2026): Current vacancies are set out below: Belfast Trust and South Eastern Trust Profession Vacancies (WTE) B5 Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner 1.00 B6 Mental Health Practitioner 5.00 B6 Nurse 1.00 B7 Family Therapist 1.00 Consultant Psychiatrist 1.00 8c Clinical Psychologist 0.80 All identified vacant posts are being managed via robust recruitment processes with BSO input. Northern Trust Profession Vacancies (WTE) B4 Social Services 0.30 B5 Social Services 1.00 B6 Social Services 5.35 B8a Administration 1.00 B8a Clinical Psychologist 0.15 Consultant 1.13 Specialty Registrar Full M241 2.00 B7… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/499041/ 499041-answered Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) whether he will consider extending the Pathway Fund beyond September 2026; and (ii) any communications sent regarding ongoing funding to groups in receipt of Pathway Fund grants. Answer (21 September 2026): I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 51974/22-27, published in the weekly answer booklet for week ending 18th September 2026. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497759/ 497759-answered Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 47015/22-27, for an update on the report on the Education Authority Primary Children Looked After Advisory Service. Answer (21 September 2026): A draft report on the review of the Education Authority Primary Children Looked After Advisory Service has been received by the Department. Officials are currently working with the Innovation and Consultancy Service to finalise the report. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497758/ 497758-answered Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent on Education Authority moderation of (i) local and regional voluntary youth organisations; and (ii) controlled youth service units, in each of the last five years. Answer (21 September 2026): The Education Authority (EA) has advised that they do not hold the information in the format requested. Moderation and monitoring of EA youth settings and voluntary youth organisations are assurance requirements linked to the EA’s statutory duty to secure adequate provision. The length of moderation visits varies depending on factors such as the level of funding, number of awards, and type of delivery. Moderation is carried out by professionally qualified EA youth work staff across a range of JNC grades, from Senior Youth Worker III to Soulbury JNC Advisor. As each grade contains four pay… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497702/ 497702-answered Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the delivery of a facial palsy service in Northern Ireland. Answer (21 September 2026): Mr Butler (The Minister of Health): I thank the Member for his question. A facial palsy regional planning group was established in September 2023. That group developed an action plan, which included the establishment of a local and regional pathway to assist with assessment and treatment. In addition, a new nidirect web page was developed in order to assist patients who experience facial palsy and its symptoms. That web page signposts patients to helpful information whilst waiting for assessment. Through the development of a local pathway, it was determined that specialist facial therapy… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497233/ 497233-answered Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of appeals of a statement of special educational needs have been (i) lodged; and (ii) conceded before a tribunal hearing, in the last 3 academic years. Answer (21 September 2026): This question was transferred to my office as the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) operates under the Department of Justice. I am advised that information requested is not readily available for the dates specified; however, information has been provided for the last three financial years, in the table below. Financial Year Appeals Lodged Appeals Dealt With Conceded by EA Conceded by EA (%) 2023/24 641 577 429 74.4% 2024/25 701 683 467 68.4% 2025/26 1,046 814 609 74.8% https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/498415/ 498415-answered Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the Education Authority business case for additional Team Teach Tutors, positive behaviour handling training, in special schools. Answer (18 September 2026): The Education Authority's business case for Positive Behaviour Handling Training has been formally submitted to the Department of Education for consideration. Following a review by the department, the Education Authority is addressing the comments and feedback provided. https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/498155/ 498155-answered Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail the average length of time it takes for support to be provided to a school, once a Request for Involvement has been approved. Answer (18 September 2026): The Education Authority has advised that the average length of time for support to be provided to a school, once a Request for Involvement (RFI) has been approved, is as follows: Month & Year of Earliest Support Start Date per RFI Average No. of Working Days for Support to Start Sep 25 79 Oct 25 38 Nov 25 23 Dec 25 24 Jan 26 40 Feb 26 42 Mar 26 38 Apr 26 43 May 26 39 Jun 26 49 Total 42 The average has been calculated from RFI submission date by a Special Educational Needs Coordinator to support start date. September data is inflated due to the large submission of RFIs received in May prior… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497761/ 497761-answered Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether the draft Northern Ireland Curriculum Framework 2028 currently proposes including animal welfare education. Answer (18 September 2026): The draft Northern Ireland Curriculum 2028 does not currently propose the inclusion of a discrete curriculum requirement relating to animal welfare education or responsible pet ownership. The position is similar to the current statutory curriculum, which does not contain specific content requirements on animal welfare. The draft Curriculum provides a common minimum entitlement for all children and young people by defining the essential knowledge, concepts and vocabulary that pupils should learn. It is intended to promote equity, coherence and progression across the education system while… https://askedbynick.nidata.fyi/questions/497230/ 497230-answered Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether any consideration was given to adopting an Extensive Processing Instruction approach as part of the new modern languages framework. Answer (18 September 2026): The proposed modern languages framework is a national curriculum framework rather than a pedagogical approach such as Extensive Processing Instruction. Its purpose is to define the knowledge, vocabulary, grammar, phonics, cultural knowledge and communication competencies that pupils should learn The framework does not mandate any specific pedagogical approach. Instead, it has been designed to support a range of evidence-informed teaching methods, that enable pupils to develop secure knowledge, increasing proficiency and the ability to communicate effectively in the target language. A range…