https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/ An independent tracker of the questions asked by Paula Bradshaw, Alliance Party MLA for South Belfast, in the Northern Ireland Assembly – with answers, search, filters and downloads. en-gb Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:47:05 GMT https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504804/ 504804-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any current plans for additional drug rehabilitation provision within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust area. Awaiting answer; due by 27 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504803/ 504803-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the cost and value of any work undertaken by Innovation and Consultancy Services to identify any factors contributing to hate in Northern Ireland. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504802/ 504802-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any engagement they have had with the voluntary and community sector regarding the absence of an agreed Budget and the resulting uncertainty for organisations operating at risk. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504801/ 504801-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on their Departments preparations for a review of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, including when any potential changes to the Act are likely to be brought before the Assembly. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504800/ 504800-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any progress on how refugee integration is being monitored. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504512/ 504512-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any update on the planned improvements to pedestrian access at Lough View Integrated Primary School under his Department’s Minor Works Scheme, including the current status of the plans and the anticipated timescale for their implementation. Awaiting answer; due by 23 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504404/ 504404-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the drafting of a new arts policy. Awaiting answer; due by 2 November 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/501260/ 501260-answered Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities following his statement in September 2026 that an arts policy would be published soon, to detail the date on which he plans to publish the arts strategy. Answer (12 October 2026): I refer the Member to AQW 52977/22-27. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/500463/ 500463-answered Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps being taken to address staffing levels in Emergency Departments, particularly overnight when fewer doctors are available. Answer (9 October 2026): Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have arrangements in place to provide 24-hour medical cover within Emergency Departments (EDs), with staffing models and rotas reviewed to reflect service demand, clinical need and patient safety. This includes access to senior clinical decisionmakers and consultant support during out-of-hours and overnight periods. HSC Trusts continue to take a range of measures to strengthen the ED staffing and improve the resilience of overnight services. These include ongoing recruitment to consultant, specialty doctor, clinical fellow and other medical posts… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/500462/ 500462-answered Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps being taken in Emergency Departments to prevent blood results and other important patient information from being lost. Answer (9 October 2026): The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that blood results and other clinically significant patient information are appropriately recorded, reviewed and acted upon within Emergency Departments. All Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have systems and processes in place to support the safe management and tracking of diagnostic results and other key patient information. The implementation of the encompass electronic health and care record, powered by Epic, has strengthened these arrangements by reducing reliance on paper-based processes and providing an electronic and auditable… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/500461/ 500461-answered Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any changes being considered to ensure that patients waiting for service in Emergency Departments receive clear and timely communication. Answer (9 October 2026): Ensuring that patients attending Emergency Departments (ED) receive clear, timely and compassionate communication while they wait for assessment and treatment is an important aspect of patient care. Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have a range of arrangements in place to keep patients and, where appropriate, their relatives and carers informed about waiting times, service pressures and the reasons for delays. Trusts are also considering several improvements to further strengthen communication and transparency for patients. In Belfast HSC Trust, patients receive verbal updates from… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/500460/ 500460-answered Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any long-term plans in place to improve Emergency Department capacity and reduce prolonged waits. Answer (9 October 2026): My Department recognises the significant and sustained pressures facing Emergency Departments (EDs) and that prolonged waits for assessment, admission and discharge are not acceptable. Improving patient flow and ensuring timely access to urgent and emergency care remain key priorities. Analysis undertaken through Getting It Right First Time Summary Emergency Department Indicator Table (GIRFT SEDIT) indicates that EDs have sufficient core capacity relative to the level of demand presenting at hospital. The assessment takes account of a range of capacity measures, including resuscitation and… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/503177/ 503177-tabled Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister with reference to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's Reports to date, to detail any lessons their Department is taking forward in relation to identified shortcomings in institutional preparedness for response to emergencies. Awaiting answer; due by 23 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/504725/ 504725-tabled Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the Small Business Research Initiative grants that were allocated through the Strategic Framework to End Violence against Women and Girls. Past due date; due by 19 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/497997/ 497997-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any confirmation she can give that drivers, currently displaying R plates, will be treated in the same manner as drivers who have passed their tests from 1 October 2026. Answer (8 October 2026): Those who have passed their test under the GDL system will have been subjected to a longer and more robust learning period, the 6-month mandatory minimum learning period with the logbook app, and they will have learnt to drive at speeds above 45mph. Whereas those who have passed their test before the introduction of the GDL system, will not have learnt to drive above 45mph and will not have went through the longer, more robust, learning process. The 45mph limit has been considered appropriate for ‘R’ drivers in these conditions for decades. The GDL system will introduce a new, separate, ‘R’… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/497996/ 497996-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the percentage of pothole repairs that needed to be reworked within the last (i)12 months; and (ii) 24 months. Answer (8 October 2026): My Department does not hold the information in the format requested. I recognise the importance of maintaining and improving our road network, and a considerable volume of work has already been done in terms of repairs and resurfacing. We all want our roads to be better and to achieve that, we must be ambitious and innovative in equal measure, using the resources we have in a more targeted and effective way. The new Road Maintenance Strategy was published on 27 July 2026 and sets out how we can get there. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/497995/ 497995-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the percentage of pothole repairs inspected during the 2025-26 financial year, that were deemed unacceptable and required further repair. Answer (8 October 2026): My Department does not hold the information in the format requested. I recognise the importance of maintaining and improving our road network, and a considerable volume of work has already been done in terms of repairs and resurfacing. We all want our roads to be better and to achieve that, we must be ambitious and innovative in equal measure, using the resources we have in a more targeted and effective way. The new Road Maintenance Strategy was published on 27 July 2026 and sets out how we can get there. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/497994/ 497994-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the percentage of pothole repairs that were inspected in the 2025-26 financial year. Answer (8 October 2026): My Department does not hold the information in the format requested. I recognise the importance of maintaining and improving our road network, and a considerable volume of work has already been done in terms of repairs and resurfacing. We all want our roads to be better and to achieve that, we must be ambitious and innovative in equal measure, using the resources we have in a more targeted and effective way. The new Road Maintenance Strategy was published on 27 July 2026 and sets out how we can get there. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/497993/ 497993-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any monitoring her Department undertakes on the quality of repairs to potholes, in comparison with repairs in neighbouring jurisdictions. Answer (8 October 2026): My Department does not hold the information in the format requested. I recognise the importance of maintaining and improving our road network, and a considerable volume of work has already been done in terms of repairs and resurfacing. We all want our roads to be better and to achieve that, we must be ambitious and innovative in equal measure, using the resources we have in a more targeted and effective way. The new Road Maintenance Strategy was published on 27 July 2026 and sets out how we can get there. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/502892/ 502892-tabled Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the judgment on the A5 Western Transport Corridor, for an update on the progress of the Lagan pedestrian and cycle bridge. Past due date; due by 15 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/502891/ 502891-tabled Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister with reference to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's Reports to date, to detail any discussions their Department has had with the Government of Ireland on improved communication for future pandemics. Awaiting answer; due by 22 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/502890/ 502890-tabled Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister with reference to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's Module 4 Report, to detail any lessons the Executive Office is taking forward on attitudes to vaccination, given Northern Ireland's lower vaccine take-up rate. Awaiting answer; due by 22 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/502889/ 502889-tabled Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister with reference to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's Module 4 Report, to detail any specific lessons the Executive Office has drawn from the report to strengthen future pandemic preparedness. Awaiting answer; due by 22 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/501761/ 501761-answered Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education (I) for an update on the development of the new five hundred pupil, 3-19 special school in South Belfast, including whether a preferred site has now been identified; and (ii) to detail the current status of any business case. Answer (7 October 2026): The procurement of an integrated consultancy team (ICT) for the proposed new 500-pupil, 3-19 special school in the South Belfast area is currently underway, with appointment expected by May 2027. A preferred site has not yet been identified. This will be determined through the feasibility and business case process. The feasibility will commence following the appointment of the ICT and this will inform development of the business case. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/499757/ 499757-answered Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the role of language courses in her Department's Further Education Fit for the Future planning. Answer (6 October 2026): Over the past six months, initial activity of the Fit for the Future Programme has focused on the Further Education curriculum offer and considering how it can best meet the future needs of learners, employers and wider economy. I recognise that language skills can support progression and participation in education and future employment. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/500374/ 500374-answered Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy for an assessment of the ability of the Further Education: Fit for the Future Programme to support the development of the arts sector. Answer (5 October 2026): Dr Archibald: I recognise the important contribution that the arts and creative sectors make to our society, culture and economy and the significant role that is played by further education colleges in arts and creative education. Learners who attend our further education colleges can study traditional disciplines, such as fine art, ceramics, textiles, photography, music and performing arts, alongside those in rapidly developing areas, such as film and TV, animation, visual effects, games development, virtual production and digital content. The offer extends from level 2 traineeships and… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/499756/ 499756-answered Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy, given Northern Ireland's continued access to the European Single Market for goods and that German is the most spoken first language in the European Economic Area, to detail her Department's position on reducing German language courses. Answer (5 October 2026): The decision by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to withdraw its GCSE and A level German qualifications is a matter for the Department of Education and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. My department’s responsibility is to support demand-led skills provision through the further education sector and wider employment and skills programmes. My department will continue to work with the Department of Education, further education colleges and industry to help ensure that skills required by employers remain available where there is demonstrated… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/499755/ 499755-answered Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any consideration her Department is giving to providing additional language learning resource, to make up for the withdrawal of courses both in further education and at A-Level. Answer (5 October 2026): Under Article 13 of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, college Governing Bodies (GBs) are responsible for securing the efficient and effective management of their institutions and for ensuring the provision of suitable and efficient Further Education (FE). Decisions on the courses offered by FE colleges, including the provision or withdrawal of particular language courses, are therefore operational matters for individual colleges and their GBs. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/499754/ 499754-answered Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has provided any advice on the efficiency, or otherwise, of consolidating or reducing the number of language courses in further education colleges including the impact on staff. Answer (5 October 2026): My Department has not provided any advice on the efficiency of consolidating or reducing the number of language courses within Further Education (FE) courses. College Governing Bodies (GB) are responsible for ensuring the provision of suitable and efficient FE. Therefore, decisions on the range and delivery of courses, including language courses, and any associated staffing implications are operational matters for individual colleges and their GBs, taken in the context of local educational and workforce needs. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/501760/ 501760-tabled Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on the progress her Department has made on the development of the Belfast to Carryduff Greenway, including the section connected to the St Ita’s site and with reference to the current timeline for any planned (a) papers; (b) proposals; and (c) decisions, relating to the Greenway; and (ii) to detail any progress made in ensuring that the redevelopment of the Carryduff Household Recycling Centre site is incorporated into the surrounding public realm plan. Past due date; due by 16 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/501759/ 501759-tabled Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the planned works on Bankmore Street, Belfast, in relation to future Glider provision, including (i) whether the delivery programme has now been developed; and (ii) the anticipated timeframe for works to commence. Past due date; due by 16 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/501758/ 501758-tabled Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the delivery of Phase 2 of the Belfast Rapid Transit project. Past due date; due by 16 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/501757/ 501757-tabled Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the latest envisaged cost of Phase 2 of the Belfast Rapid Transit project. Past due date; due by 16 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/498208/ 498208-answered Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on how the Executive Information Service cooperates with press offices in other Departments. Answer (1 October 2026): The Executive Information Service provides media relations and communications support across all departments, with all press officers working as part of this professional communications network. Co-operation takes place on a regular basis through established communications channels, information sharing and routine engagement to support effective communication of Executive priorities and policies. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/498207/ 498207-answered Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the work of the Executive Economics Unit. Answer (1 October 2026): The Executive Economics Unit (formerly the Executive Insight and Strategy Unit) is a team within The Executive Office (TEO) Finance People and Planning Group. It is staffed by economists from the NICS Economist Profession and provides economic briefing, analysis and advice to TEO Ministers, senior officials and policy areas. It also supports the development of economic appraisals for TEO programmes, projects and policies. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/498205/ 498205-answered Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the value of the work of the Executive Economics Unit is assessed. Answer (1 October 2026): The work carried out by the Executive Economics Unit is summarised in the answer to AQW 51884/22-27. The value of the unit’s work is assessed through the contribution it makes to evidence-based decision-making across The Executive Office. This includes providing impartial, timely, evidence-based briefing, analysis and advice on economic and business-related matters, including advice on the proportionate appraisal of expenditure decisions in line with accepted guidance on delivering value for money. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/499082/ 499082-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on their work arising from the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022. Answer (29 September 2026): The Office of Identity and Cultural Expression remains in its establishment phase. A permanent Chief Executive and Accounting Officer were appointed in June 2026, and work is ongoing to finalise a four-year Corporate Plan, develop an annual Business Plan, and implement a permanent staffing structure. Alongside delivering cultural events and a school’s award to promote awareness of the National and Cultural Identity Principles, the Office has commenced engagement with public authorities on arrangements to monitor and promote compliance with the statutory duty to have due regard to those… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/499081/ 499081-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the date on which they will publish regulations arising from the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill. Answer (29 September 2026): An 8-week public consultation on the Inquiry Rules and Redress Regulations opened on 23 September 2026 and will run until 17 November 2026. Once the consultation responses have been analysed, the legislation will be taken forward through the required Committee and Assembly processes for consideration and approval. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/501147/ 501147-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on all outstanding social inclusion strategies. Answer (29 September 2026): To ensure that progress is made in a sustainable and effective way, I have taken a phased approach to the development of the Executive’s Social Inclusion Strategies. This has allowed three of the strategies to be on track for adoption in this mandate, a very considerable achievement given the foreshortened mandate. The public consultation report on the draft Executive Disability Strategy has been shared with my Executive colleagues, and my officials are re-engaging with their counterparts across all Departments to consider any refinements before it is brought forward for Executive… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/498992/ 498992-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how proposals within the draft Clean Air Strategy will improve air quality in urban areas like South Belfast. Answer (28 September 2026): Mr Muir: The draft clean sir strategy sets out a range of measures that will improve air quality across Northern Ireland, including in urban areas such as South Belfast, where people can be more exposed to pollution from transport, domestic heating and other sources. The strategy is currently out for public consultation, and I encourage everyone with an interest to have their say. Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, because of its strong focus on protecting public health, has welcomed the consultation. I was delighted that so many of our major health charities supported the… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/496709/ 496709-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the current waiting time for adult ADHD assessments in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; (ii) any steps his Department, working with the Trust, is taking to reduce the waiting times; and (iii) whether there are any specific plans or additional investment available to improve access to ADHD assessment and diagnostic services. Answer (28 September 2026): There is currently no commissioned Adult ADHD Service in Northern Ireland and, consequently, my Department is unable to provide data on waiting times for adult ADHD assessments, including within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. My Department recognises that waiting lists for ADHD assessment are lengthy and growing across Northern Ireland. In response, and in the absence of a commissioned Adult ADHD Service, it commissioned a Regional ADHD Needs Assessment in early February 2025. This was to examine demand for ADHD Services across both adult and children's populations and to inform… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/497020/ 497020-answered Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the status of the implementation of the prescribing of fampridine in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including the timescale for providing funding to the Trust for this. Answer (27 September 2026): Fampridine (Fampyra) has been available for prescribing across all HSC Trusts, including the Belfast HSC Trust, on a cost-per-case basis since May 2023 for patients who meet the relevant clinical criteria. To support wider and more consistent access to the treatment, the Belfast HSC Trust was asked to develop a regional business case for the additional staffing required to deliver the service across Northern Ireland. The business case was received by my department in November 2025 and is currently being progressed with HSC Trusts. It is not currently possible to provide a definitive… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/496712/ 496712-answered Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any discussions he has had with Executive colleagues in relation to banning or restricting the sale of energy drinks to under 16s, given a similar commitment was made by the UK Government to apply to England. Answer (27 September 2026): Food information legislation requires specific labelling for high caffeine drinks and foods where caffeine has been added for a physiological effect. Based on current scientific opinions on the safety of caffeine, the FSA advises that children, or other people sensitive to caffeine, should only consume caffeine in moderation. It is noted that the UK government have made a commitment to ban or restrict the sale of energy drinks. At this time my Department has no plans to introduce a ban on energy drinks. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/500642/ 500642-tabled Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 51883/22-27, to detail any reasons why the priorities have not yet been placed in a Europe Strategy. Past due date; due by 12 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/500641/ 500641-tabled Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 51883/22-27, to detail the (i) Programme for Government priorities; (ii) aspects of their Departmental plan; and (iii) Executive priorities, are referred to. Past due date; due by 12 October 2026. https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/497806/ 497806-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions being taken to ensure the availability of Enhertu also known as trastuzumab deruxtecan for people with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. Answer (23 September 2026): On 17 September 2026, NICE published updated final draft guidance recommending trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) as an option for the treatment of HER2-low metastatic or unresectable breast cancer in adults. This guidance updates previous NICE recommendations and comes following the recent resumption of commercial discussions between the manufacturer, NICE and NHS England. The conclusion of an agreement which allows NICE to determine that treatment is cost-effective is great news for eligible patients who stand to benefit, and their families. My Department will formally review the final… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/499664/ 499664-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the number of unauthorised flags attached to her Department's property, or appearing on its land, that have been removed since the publication of the report of the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition. Answer (23 September 2026): The proliferation of illegally erected flags, often used to intimidate and mark out territory, is totally unacceptable and my Department will continue to engage with the PSNI and others to identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem, while ensuring the protection of its staff. Where unauthorised flags or attachments pose a risk to road users, my Department will seek to remove that hazard. Where there is no immediate road safety concern, officials will continue to liaise with the PSNI and other stakeholders to determine the most appropriate course of action. These records are… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/496711/ 496711-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any proposals he will be bringing forward this year to adopt screening for spinal muscular atrophy for all new-borns. Answer (23 September 2026): Screening policy across the UK is informed by the recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent committee which advises the four UK Health Departments on all screening matters. The UK NSC does not currently recommend screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in newborns but has instead recommended that an In-Service Evaluation (ISE) is carried out. ISEs are research to test proposed programmes in real-world settings to address evidence gaps and assess practical delivery. Plans have been put in place for these to begin in England and Scotland. Evidence… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/496710/ 496710-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans he has to ensure that screening for spinal muscular atrophy will proceed in line with other parts of the UK. Answer (23 September 2026): Screening policy across the UK is informed by the recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent committee which advises the four UK Health Departments on all screening matters. The UK NSC does not currently recommend screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in newborns but has instead recommended that an In-Service Evaluation (ISE) is carried out. ISEs are research to test proposed programmes in real-world settings to address evidence gaps and assess practical delivery. Plans have been put in place for these to begin in England and Scotland. Evidence… https://askedbypaula.nidata.fyi/questions/498206/ 498206-answered Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) an update on the work of the unit responsible for the Europe Strategy; and (ii) how its work is assessed in the absence of such a Strategy. Answer (21 September 2026): The Europe Strategy unit is part of the Europe Strategy and International Relations Division. It leads and coordinates engagement at official level on EU relations, including the UK-EU Strategic Partnership, supports Ministers at the Inter-Ministerial Group on EU relations, and coordinates input to UK bilateral relationships with key European partners. Its work is assessed against the delivery of Executive priorities, Programme for Government outcomes and the department’s business plan.