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.

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 options for a future commissioned service, subject to available funding. The assessment considered demand, service models, workforce requirements and implementation costs.

The final Needs Assessment was published on 12 February 2026 and noted that any decisions on future commissioning would need to be considered in the context of overall affordability. Since its publication, officials have undertaken an options appraisal process and are progressing further work on a small number of shortlisted options to inform future decisions on ADHD support, should funding become available.