Debate contribution: Mental Health Data
Debate contribution by Mr Alan Robinson on .
- MLA
- Mr Alan Robinson
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 16 February 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Private Members' Business
- Heading
- Mental Health Data
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5391995
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I am content to support the motion today. The Northern Ireland Audit Office report on mental health services in Northern Ireland published in May 2023 highlighted how good data underpins effective services. The report identified weaknesses in the data landscape across healthcare. As far back as 2018, the Commissioner for Children and Young People's 'Still Waiting' report identified gaps in operational data, particularly in relation to young people and children. In 2021, the Office for Statistics Regulation reviewed mental health statistics in Northern Ireland and reached a similar conclusion: that there is limited data, leading to information gaps, that does not provide a complete picture of mental healthcare. In particular, there is an incomplete picture of data relating to outcomes and the effectiveness of treatments. It is difficult to fully assess whether our services are improving people's mental health, and, without outcome measures, you cannot properly evaluate what works. Without that evaluation, it is difficult to be assured that services represent value for money. Trying to manage reform without being able to see clearly is incredibly difficult and provides only a partial understanding of important aspects of mental health. Nor can it offer the opportunity to determine value for money for services. The Office for Statistics Regulation said that Northern Ireland needs a standardised dataset across all mental health settings, supported by clear regional guidance. It also suggested that the Department should consider developing a dedicated mental health data strategy. Across Northern Ireland, we have the highest rates of mental health problems and demand for mental health services. Staff are under serious and unrelenting pressure. Health surveys indicate that around one fifth of adults show probable mental health problems, with one in eight children and young people meeting the criteria for depression and anxiety. It is, therefore, vital that the health service here has the best tools to plan for the future and the very best data-driven evidence to support public services and understand how effective they are.
328 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.02 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- Assessed as legitimate policy scrutiny (0.93).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.02 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.02 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.01 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.01 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.93 | Yes |
| Overall judgement | 0.02 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 0.90 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.09 |
| Sexism, misogyny, ageism and other equality groups | 0.01 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
| Parades, bonfires and commemorations | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 14:56 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
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