AQW 42379/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any work undertaken alongside the Minister of Health to support the long-term sustainability of the allied health workforce, particularly in relation to SEN transformation.
Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 12 March 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 12 March 2026
- Answer due by
- 30 March 2026
- Answered
- 27 March 202615 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The Minister for Health is responsible for the creation of Allied Health Professional (AHP) posts. However AHPs will play a key role in supporting special educational needs (SEN) transformation.
Working under the auspices of the Joint Health and Education Oversight Group, my department, the Department of Health and the Education Authority are in discussions regarding the deployment of AHPs, including Occupational Therapists, to support children with SEN in education settings.
Work will be undertaken in due course to increase the number of AHPs and protected posts, subject to additional budget being identified.