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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 March 2026. It was answered by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Mental Health Services: Young People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving access to mental health support for adolescents in Northern Ireland.

Answer

Health is a devolved matter, and responsibility for improving access to mental health services in Northern Ireland, including for adolescents, sits with the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Government works closely with the devolved administrations on shared health challenges, including mental health. Ministers meet regularly with their counterparts through intergovernmental forums such as the Interministerial Group for Health and Social Care.

At the Interministerial Group for Health and Social Care in April 2025, ministers discussed common priorities across the four governments on mental health, including the importance of early support for children and young people delivered in schools and community settings. The Government remains committed to continuing to work with the Northern Ireland Executive and the other devolved administrations to share learning and approaches to improving mental health support.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
117277
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Northern Ireland Mental health services Young people
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk