To ask the Minister of Education what provisions exist, within post-primary secondary level schools, to support young people who have low to moderate disability needs to pursue paid employment opportunities.

The Department recognises the importance of supporting young people with learning difficulties through the transition from school to adulthood, including paid employment opportunities. As such, statutory transition arrangements are well embedded in our post-primary schools for all pupils with statements of special educational needs (SEN).

The Education Transition Co-ordinators in each Education and Library Board (ELB) support the parent and young person through the transition process and work in conjunction with the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service and other key agencies, providing a co-ordinated approach and ensuring that connections for access to post-school education, careers advice, employment and health and social care sector supports are made.

For young people with SEN who do not have a statement, under the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of SEN, ELBs and schools should seek to provide appropriate help and guidance during the transition period.