Committee for Health
Minutes of proceedings Thursday 17 September 2026
Committee for Health minutes of proceedings 17 September 2026.pdf (284.3 kb)
Meeting Location: Room 29, Parliament Buildings
Present:
Phillip McGuigan MLA (Chairperson)
Alan Chambers MLA
Diane Dodds MLA
Órlaithí Flynn MLA
Colin McGrath MLA
Alan Robinson MLA
Present by Video or Teleconference:
Danny Donnelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Linda Dillon MLA
Nuala McAllister MLA
Apologies:
None.
In Attendance:
Keith McBride (Clerk)
Michael Doran (Senior Assistant Clerk)
Roisin Donnelly (Senior Assistant Clerk)
Aidan Kennedy (Clerical Supervisor)
Caroline Devlin (Clerical Officer)
The meeting commenced at 2.01 pm in closed session.
1. Apologies
As above.
2. Closed Session – Advice from Legal Services on the Adult Protection Bill
Htaik Win, Legal Advisor, Northern Ireland Assembly joined the meeting at 2.02pm.
Nuala McAlister MLA joined the meeting at 2.05pm
Diane Dodds MLA joined the meeting at 2.27pm
Alan Chambers MLA joined the meeting at 2.34pm
Ms Win advised the Committee on the assessment process for determining capacity, including the guidance relating to individuals who may fluctuate in and out of capacity. The advice also addressed the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling for the Adult Protection Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department of Health seeking clarification on the effect of the Attorney General’s Reference decision on Clause 17, in line with the legal adviser’s advice.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to request the Assembly’s Bill Team to draft a potential amendment in relation to Recommendation 105.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek further understanding of Deprivation of Liberty and capacity in this context and to request a briefing session from the Department of Health.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to outline its concerns regarding delays in the introduction of legislation and to seek reassurance from the Department on outstanding legislation and when it will be introduced.
The Committee agreed to move to open session at 2.50pm.
3. Chairperson’s Business
The Chairperson highlighted correspondence from an individual regarding access to Enhertu breast‑cancer treatment in Northern Ireland, noting that it is now available in England.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write urgently to the Department of Health to seek information on the actions the Department is taking in relation to this matter.
4. Draft Minutes
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meetings held on 20 August, 2 July and 30 June 2026.
5. Matters Arising
The Committee considered the Committee Clinic report following its clinic on 10 September, at which it met with a number of organisations. The report outlined a series of actions arising from those discussions.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to the actions outlined in the report, and agreed to forward the report to the Department for comment.
6. SR 2026/0000 The Tobacco Retailer (Fixed Penalty) (Amount) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2026.
Alan Chambers MLA declared an interest as a tobacco retailer.
The Committee considered SR 2026/0000 The Tobacco Retailer (Fixed Penalty) (Amount) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2026 that will amend existing legislation to update fixed penalty offences and the amount of fines payable to align with changes brought in by the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.
Agreed: The Committee has considered SR 2026/0000 The Tobacco Retailer (Fixed Penalty) (Amount) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2026 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, recommends that the rule be approved by the Assembly.
7. SR 2026/150 The New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) Order (NI) 2026
The Committee considered SR 2026/150 The New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) Order (NI) 2026 that will amend the existing New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (NI) 2007 to complete and improve the delivery of the “Matthews remedy” for retained (part‑time) firefighters.
Agreed: The Committee has considered SR 2026/150 The New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) Order (NI) 2026 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.
8. SL1 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026
The Committee noted that the Department of Health is proposing to make a statutory rule that will increase charges recovered from those who pay compensation in cases where an injured person receives treatment in a hospital or from ambulance services. The increase is tied to inflation and occurs annually.
The Committee considered a request by the Minister of Health that the Committee consider the SL1 within a shortened timeframe due to the Rule needing to be in place at the start of October.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to consider the proposed Statutory Rule within a shortened timeframe. Any responses received to the Committee’s call for views will be considered when the Committee considers the subsequent SR.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Department to make the Statutory Rule.
Nuala McAlister left the meeting at 2.57pm
Colin McGrath left the meeting at 2.59pm
Diane Dodds left the meeting at 2.59pm
9. Written Briefing from the Department – Dental Services Overview
The Committee considered a written briefing from the Department of Health on the Dental Services Overview.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the correspondence to the British Dental Association for comment.
10. Written Briefing from the Department – Community Pharmacy
The Committee considered a written briefing from the Department of Health on Community Pharmacy.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to send the briefing to Community Pharmacy NI for comment.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek information on what actions are being taken to support pharmacies and ensure patient access following concerns regarding pharmacy closures and the unavailability of certain medicines.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek an update on any agreement between the Department and the sector on issues around medicines supply and clawback.
Colin McGrath MLA rejoined the meeting at 3.04pm
11. Oral Briefing from Diabetes UK (Northern Ireland)
Tina McCrossan, National Director of Diabetes UK in Northern Ireland joined the meeting at 3.04pm.
Ms McCrossan briefed the Committee on Diabetes UK’s Manifesto for 2027, outlining the key priorities and proposed actions.
A question and answer session followed.
The Chairperson thanked the witness for her attendance.
Diane Dodds MLA rejoined the meeting at 3.10pm
Nuala McAlister MLA rejoined the meeting at 3.14pm
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek the report from Diabetes UK on how the figure of £1 million a day is composed, to support the argument on identifying potential savings.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department of Health regarding the Draperstown project, asking whether the Department has examined the successes of the model and whether it could be implemented as part of the neighbourhood model, including support for local pharmacies.
12. Correspondence
i. The Committee noted a response from the Department of Health to the Education Committee regarding the Primary Children Looked After Advisory Service.
ii. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health regarding NI Covid Bereaved Families for Justice on Ursula’s Law.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to NI Covid Bereaved Families for Justice for information.
iii. The Committee noted a response from the Department of Health regarding the implementation of the Period Products (Free Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
iv. The Committee noted a response from the Department of Health to the Committee for Communities regarding the consistency and effectiveness of CRIAs and EQIAs.
v. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding a consultation on options to restrict or stop the prescribing of low-priority medicines in primary care in NI.
vi. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health in relation to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Oral Brief State of Emergency Medicine in NI report.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to request an update from the Department since the Chief Medical Officer’s letter in July 2025.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine for information.
vii. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health regarding correspondence from Newington Day Centre with a request for support on funding.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to Newington Day Centre for information.
viii. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health following the Committee for Health’s oral briefing from Mesh Ireland in July 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to Mesh Ireland for information.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department seeking a full breakdown of mesh removals, noting that the Department has stated there were 42 removals and has not provided a breakdown of full and partial removal procedures. The Committee requested clarity on why this breakdown cannot be provided, and asked the Department to confirm whether patients are being informed when they are not receiving a full removal.
ix. The Committee noted a response from the Department of Health to the Committee of the Executive Office regarding the Regional Trauma Network.
x. The Committee noted a response from the Department of Health to the Education Committee regarding concerns raised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy.
xi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding NI Hospital Statistics Urgent and Emergency Care 2025-26.
xii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding a consultation on potential changes to the terms of service for chemists.
xiii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 - Code of Practice - July 2026.
xiv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust regarding the Tobacco and Vapes Act and the UK-wide consultation on packaging, device appearance and retail display requirements.
xv. The Committee noted a response from the Department of Health regarding remediation costs in relation to June 2026 Monitoring and Budget priorities.
xvi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the UK Supreme Court overturning of Cheshire West and Deprivation of Liberty under the Mental Capacity Act.
xvii. The Committee noted a response from the Department of Health regarding the restructuring of staff within the Department of Health and its Strategic Planning and Performance Group.
xviii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the Breastfeeding Action Plan 2026-29.
xix. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding discussions and actions from the Quality and Safety Summit 2026.
xx. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health Workforce Statistics in relation to the new Statistical Interactive Dashboard.
xxi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health's Muckamore Abbey Review Team regarding the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Report (June 2026).
xxii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the Mental Health Workforce Review Implementation and Delivery Framework Report.
xxiii. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health regarding Men’s Shed funding.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to Ballymoney Men’s Shed for information.
xxiii. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health regarding Encompass within the Transformation Agenda.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to request further update once review work has been completed.
xxiv. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health providing an update on respite services/short breaks for children with disabilities.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to National Autistic Society for information.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to Belfast Trust and the South Eastern Trust to request information on what meetings took place with parents, the purpose of those meetings, and what actions were taken as a result.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department seeking information on children on child protection plans and the number of children on the child protection register who have complex needs.
xxv. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health in relation to concerns raised by the National Autistic Society’s Forgotten Voices campaign.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to National Autistic Society and Calebs Cause for information.
xxvi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding SR 2026 No.153 Crime and Policing (2026 Act) (Commencement No. 1) Order.
xxvii. The Committee noted the correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the UK-wide consultation on proposals to update the statutory fees charged by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
xxviii. The Committee noted the correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the Quarterly Direct Payments Statistics for June 2026.
xxix. The Committee noted the correspondence from the Department of Health regarding Trust Savings Plans and Communication Plans, these will be considered further when considering the budget.
xxx. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the Annual Progress Report for 2025–26 to the Equality Commission.
xxxi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the consultation on fees payable by registrants to the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.
xxxii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Economy regarding the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill.
xxxiii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Finance regarding 2026-27 Public Expenditure Outturn and Forecast Outturn – May (R2) Position.
xxxiv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Communities regarding the Charities (Amendment) Bill.
xxxv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Communities regarding Help with Health Costs.
xxxvi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Justice regarding PIPs Correspondence in relation to Right Care Right Person.
xxxvii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Justice regarding the Department of Justice response on Neurology Recall.
xxxviii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Justice regarding the Misuse of Scramblers and E-Scooters.
xl. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Justice regarding the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.
xli. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee of Communities regarding the Housing (Amendment) Bill.
xlii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Communities regarding the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill.
xliii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee regarding the EU Breakfast Directive.
xliv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee with a Committee Memo on Breakfast Directive.
xlv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Finance with a copy letter from the Department of Finance regarding Section 59/Section 7 Authorisation Letters.
xlvi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee regarding correspondence in relation to the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.
xlvii. The Committee considered a response from the Minister for Health in the Republic Of Ireland in relation to cross-border collaboration arrangements in palliative care.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Hospice Sector for information.
xlviii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Finance with the Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 in relation to the Health and Social Care Pension Scheme.
xlix. The Committee noted correspondence from Community for Behaviour Analysis regarding a response to the Muckamore Inquiry.
l. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Finance regarding the Department of Health’s Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
li. The Committee considered correspondence from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health requesting an update on Safe Staffing legislation.
Agreed: The Committee The Committee agreed to forward a copy of the briefing paper to Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health.
lii. The Committee noted correspondence from Criminal Justice Inspection NI regarding its Corporate and Business Plan 2026-27.
liii. The Committee considered correspondence from NI Fiscal Council in relation to an invite to their annual conference on 25 September 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would RSVP individually.
liv. The Committee noted correspondence from Foyle Search and Rescue in relation to feedback on the Mental Health Champion Report.
lv. The Committee noted correspondence from Access Research Knowledge in relation to their publication titled Positive Childhood Experiences in Northern Ireland.
lvi. The Committee considered correspondence from Queens University Belfast and the NI Healthcare Chaplains Association regarding an invitation to the launch and knowledge exchange event for their study ‘Spiritual and religious healthcare chaplaincy in Northern Ireland: Exploring the healthcare chaplain role and service user experience.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would RSVP individually.
lvii. The Committee considered correspondence from PIPS Suicide Prevention regarding a copy letter to the Coroner and the Policing Board on outstanding governance concerns relating to Right Care Right Person.
Agreed: The Committee agreed for forward to the Department for comment.
lviii. The Committee noted correspondence from PIPS Suicide Prevention regarding a copy letter to the Policing Board on outstanding governance concerns relating to Right Care Right Person.
lix. The Committee noted a response from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to PIPS Suicide Prevention in relation Right Care Right Person and the review of the Emergency Response Protocol.
lx. The Committee noted correspondence from Neurology Justice Collective, ahead of the informal briefing on 22nd September in relation to Neurology Recall litigation, streamlining and access to justice concerns.
lxi. The Committee considered correspondence from Belfast Health and Social Care Trust regarding follow-up questions on the Belfast Trust Maternity Hospital received in July 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule this correspondence to next week’s meeting to allow for further discussion.
lxii. The Committee considered a response from the Department for Communities regarding support for young adults with complex needs.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to Caleb’s Cause for information.
lxiii. The Committee considered correspondence from the Chief Nursing Officer Group regarding the Chief Nursing Officer Conference on 21 October 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would RSVP individually.
lxiv. The Committee considered correspondence from the Young Lives vs Cancer regarding registering their interest in the work of the Committee.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add Young Lives vs Cancer Add to Committee Clinic list in case of cancellation from another organisation.
lxv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Competition and Markets Authority regarding its Private Dentistry Market Study.
lxvi. The Committee noted correspondence from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council regarding Save our Acute Services (SOAS) concerns regarding RQIA recommendations.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
lxvii. The Committee noted a response from Doctors in Distress to the Chief Medical Officer regarding Establishing Practitioner Health in NI.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
lxviii. The Committee noted correspondence from Strategic Investment Board Limited regarding the Investing Activity Report for the Department of Health for July 2026.
lxix. The Committee considered correspondence from the Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI regarding a request to engage with the Committee for Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI to the Committee Clinic list in case of cancellation from another organisation.
lxx. The Committee considered correspondence from a group of registered nurses and independent nurse prescribers regarding a policy proposal and supporting evidence paper in relation to perimenopause and menopause.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to ask what consideration has been given to including this issue in the Women’s Health Action Plan, and to request a timeline for publication of the plan,
lxxi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Nursing and Midwifery Council regarding Annual Registration Data Reports covering the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
lxxii. The Committee noted correspondence from Mid Ulster District Council regarding a request to engage with the Committee in relation to Smartphone Free Childhood NI.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add Mid Ulster District Council to the Committee Clinic list in case of cancellation from another organisation.
lxxiii. The Committee considered correspondence from Independent Health & Care Providers in relation to the Brokerage Model operating within the Northern, South Eastern and Southern Trusts.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to Northern, Southern and South Eastern Trusts for comment.
lxxiv. The Committee considered correspondence from the Regional Molecular Diagnostic Service regarding a request to engage with the Committee.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add the Regional Molecular Diagnostic Service to the Committee Clinic list in case of cancellation from another organisation.
lxxv. The Committee noted correspondence from South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in response to Independent Health & Care Providers regarding concerns about the current approach to homecare brokerage within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
lxxvi. The Committee considered correspondence from Lumifide regarding postnatal care in Northern Ireland and concerns about inconsistencies in access to the six-week maternal postnatal check.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
lxxvii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust with a copy of a response to an individual who had raised concerns about an earlier response from the Trust Board.
lxxviii. The Committee considered correspondence from the NI Indian Nurses Forum in relation to an invite to their career development conference on 29 September 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would RSVP individually.
lxxix. The Committee considered correspondence from Save Our SWAH Services in relation to concerns around consultations.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
lxxx. The Committee noted correspondence from the NI Confederation for Health & Social Care in relation to an invite to their conference on 7 and 8 October 2026.
lxxxi. The Committee considered correspondence from Breast Cancer Now in relation to an invite to their Wear It Pink event on Friday 23 October 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add to Committee Clinic list.
lxxxii. The Committee noted correspondence from Patient and Client Council in relation to their thought paper ‘Advocacy: A Call to Action’.
lxxxiii. The Committee noted correspondence from Strategic Investment Board Limited in relation to their August 2026 Investing Activity Report for the Department of Health .
lxxxiv. The Committee noted correspondence from Transparent Regulated Adult-Use Controlled Data in relation to their Proposed Scientific Trial.
lxxxv. The Committee noted correspondence from PICA Awareness Day NI in relation to their awareness day on 2 September 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would RSVP individually.
lxxxvi. The Committee considered correspondence from Marie Curie in relation to an invite to their manifesto launch on 7 September 2026.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would RSVP individually.
lxxxvii. The Committee considered correspondence from an individual regarding a copy letter to the Department of Health in relation to adult ADHD services.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
lxxxviii. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding a complaint to NI Hospice, the Belfast and South Eastern Trust.
lxxxixThe Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the abandonment of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care.
xc. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding a delay in commenting Part 5 of the Mental Capacity Act Northern Ireland 2016.
xci. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding a request for consideration of safeguarding and accountability in faith organisations in Northern Ireland.
xcii. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding a complaint to South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
xciii. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding a copy email to GP regarding failure in treatment.
xciv. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual with a request for Committee scrutiny in relation to the decision not to establish a regional children and families authority.
xcv. The Committee considered correspondence from an individual with a request to meet the Committee in relation to failings in care in Altnagelvin.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add the individual to the Committee Clinic list.
xcvi. The Committee noted correspondence regarding the impact of proposed Indefinite Leave to Remain changes on care workers.
xcvii. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the continuity of care following GP deregistration.
xcviii. The Committee considered correspondence from an individual with a copy of a complaint to the Department of Health in relation to adult ADHD Services in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to be copied into a response from the Department.
xcix. The Committee considered correspondence from an individual with a cope of Action for Muckamore briefing to the Department of Health Minister on Adult Safeguarding Data.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to be copied into a response from the Department.
c. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding an appeal concerning a retrospective review of incidents at Muckamore.
ci. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding Western Trust Job Evaluations.
cii. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual in relation to a formal complaint against the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
ciii. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual in relation to a complaint regarding the resignation of the Minister for Health.
civ. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual in relation to concerns regarding Emergency Department conditions and patient safety at the Ulster Hospital.
cv. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding ADHD services.
cvi. The Committee noted a number of items of correspondence from an individual regarding Children’s Social Care.
cvii. The Committee noted a number of items of correspondence from an individual regarding a governance review request.
cviii. The Committee noted a response from the Northern Trust regarding surgical activity, length of stay and robotic surgery.
cix. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Communities regarding the Retention and Disposal Schedule in relation to the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry.
cx. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Communities regarding Men’s Sheds in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to Ballymoney Men’s Shed for information.
cxi. The Committee considered a response from the Department of Health regarding Right Care Right Person.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the matter to NIAS for information.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to ask the Department and the Minister whether they consider there to be sufficient workforce capacity within the system at present to support the planned implementation in October.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to PSNI and Justice Committee regarding its approach and request assurance that the go‑live date is achievable.
cxii. The Committee noted a copy of a response from the Department of Health to the Committee for Justice regarding Right Care Right Person.
cxiii. The Committee noted a response from the Northern Trust regarding surgical activity, length of stay and robotic surgery.
cxiv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding a publication in relation to Northern Ireland Waiting Time Statistics: Outpatient, Diagnostic and Inpatient Waiting Times (Quarter Ending June 2026).
cxv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding a Ministerial Written Statement relating to the publication of the Hospital Network Consultation.
cxvi. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding a Ministerial Written Statement in relation to the RQIA Neurology Deceased Patients Review.
cxvii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for the Economy regarding the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland’s Annual Report and Accounts 2025–26, specifically in relation to Health and the number of hospital patient fatalities recorded in the report.
cxviii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Examiner of Statutory Rules regarding the 71st Report.
cxix. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee of the Executive Office regarding wait times for children who are victims of childhood abuse in accessing support services, following their oral briefing from the NI Survivor Council on their report ‘Nothing About Us’.
cxx. The Committee received correspondence from the Committee for Finance advising that the Department of Finance’s Permanent Secretary has authorised increases to departmental resource and cash limits.
cxxi. The Committee received correspondence from the Committee for Finance noting the volume of Executive and Members Bills reaching Committee Stage and emphasising the need for committees to fully understand the financial implications of these Bills.
cxxii. The Committee received correspondence from the Committee for Finance with the Outturn and forecast Outturn for June and July.
cxxiii. The Committee noted correspondence from the House of Lords NI Scrutiny Committee with a copy letter to the UK Government on Breakfast Directives.
cxxiv. The Committee noted correspondence from the General Medical Council regarding an invitation to the NI Health and Social Care Joint Regulators Forum event at the NICON Conference on 7 October.
cxxv. The Committee considered correspondence from Just Mental regarding a Freedom of Information response from the Department of Health on mental‑health data transparency and a request for Committee scrutiny.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
cxxvi. The Committee noted correspondence from Pivotal regarding its assessment of the NI Executive’s performance during 2026 to date.
cxxvii. The Committee noted correspondence from the NI Fiscal Council regarding the draft agenda for its Annual Conference on 25 September.
cxxviii. The Committee noted correspondence from Hear Our Voices advising that Nonspeaking Awareness Day 2026, scheduled for 30 September, has been cancelled.
cxxix. The Committee considered correspondence from Extern regarding the relocation of its services from Royal Avenue in Belfast.
Agreed: The Committee agreed seek clarity from Extern as to whether there will any be any effect on continuity of service.
cxxx. The Committee considered correspondence from the Centre for Independent Living NI regarding an invitation to the IMPACT Centre for Independent Living NI Network Project.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would RSVP individually.
cxxxi. The Committee noted correspondence from Hear Our Voices regarding the Northern Ireland Communication Access and Inclusion Initiative.
cxxxii. The Committee considered correspondence from NIC‑ICTU making a further request to meet with the Health Committee and asking to be added to the Committee’s list of organisations to meet.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to add NIC‑ICTU to its list of organisations to meet, noting that the timing of any meeting will be considered once there is greater clarity on upcoming legislation.
cxxxii. The Committee noted correspondence from AMR Action UK introducing its new Chief Executive and providing an assessment of treatment resistant infections in Northern Ireland.
cxxxiii. The Committee noted correspondence from Hear Our Voices seeking support for a petition advocating for nonspeaking people in Northern Ireland.
cxxxiv. The Committee noted correspondence from the Sodium Valproate Redress Alliance UK providing a copy of its letter to the First Ministers and calling for coordinated intervention to support affected families.
cxxxv. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the regionalisation of health and social care in Northern Ireland.
cxxxvi. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the Northern Ireland Health Service and the need for concrete action.
cxxxvii. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding communication support, referral processes, and waiting times for children with SEND.
cxxxviii. The Committee received correspondence from an individual advising that PAPYRUS has entered administration and that all volunteer activity has been asked to cease with immediate effect.
cxxxix. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding fees in relation to Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland award ceremonies, events, and meetings.
cxl. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual providing a copy of an email to the Northern Trust regarding safeguarding concerns.
cxli The Committee noted correspondence from an individual making an urgent request for Committee scrutiny of safeguarding concerns relating to the Northern and Belfast Trust.
13. Forward Work Programme
Agreed: The Committee agreed to the draft forward work plan.
14. Any Other Business
There was no other business.
15. Date, Time and Place of the next meeting
The next meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday 24 September at 2.00 pm in Room 29, Parliament Buildings.
The meeting was adjourned at 4.09pm.
Phillip McGuigan MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Health
24 September 2026
