To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the regional review of specialist provision for speech and language.

The Education Authority (EA) has advised that the regional review of specialist provision for speech and language is progressing through a structured, multi-agency programme of work. An options paper has been developed and is to be submitted through both the joint EA and Health governance processes for consideration and necessary approvals.

A key emerging issue from the review is the availability and sustainability of the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) workforce capacity. While the review explores opportunities to improve access and outcomes through the reconfiguration of existing provision and pathways, it is clear that the overall capacity of available SLTs will be a critical factor in determining the pace and extent of implementation.

Accordingly, any future model will require careful alignment between:

•Service redesign and more effective use of existing resources; and

•The availability of specialist workforce across health and education partners.

This will ensure that changes to provision are both deliverable and sustainable, and that they lead to improved access, consistency and outcomes for children and young people with speech and language needs.