Debate contribution: Schools: Allergy Safety
Debate contribution by Mr Paul Givan on .
- MLA
- Mr Paul Givan
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 6 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Schools: Allergy Safety
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5776884
Read the official Assembly record
Text
It is vital that effective arrangements are in place to support children and young people with medical needs, including severe allergies, anaphylaxis and special dietary requirements, so that they can participate fully and safely in education. My Department is aware of developments elsewhere in the United Kingdom, including the introduction of Benedict's law and Owen's law and the measures being considered to strengthen support for children with severe allergies. My officials have reviewed the new guidance that was published in England in July in order to identify gaps in existing guidance here in Northern Ireland. Engagement has also taken place with stakeholder groups to understand their views on the appropriate way forward. There has also been detailed discussion with the Department of Health, the Education Authority and counterparts in other parts of the UK on the issue. It is clear that more could be done to ensure that allergies are managed safely and consistently in all schools across Northern Ireland. Having listened to the evidence, specifically from the families of children who are directly affected, I can confirm that I plan to take action. It is my intention to launch a public consultation before the end of this calendar year that will seek the views of all interested parties on the development of stand-alone allergy guidance for Northern Ireland schools. That will explore what needs to be done to strengthen current allergy management arrangements, as well as consider administrative and legislative options to achieve that. The objective will be to ensure that schools have access to clear guidelines for the best practice in allergy management, ensuring that the well-being of all our children and young people is protected.
278 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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