To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) who is responsible for ensuring that independent advocacy services are readily available for people who have mental health issues or learning disabilities; and (ii) for his assessment of these services.

(i) The Health and Social Care Board is responsible for identifying the need for advocacy services for children and adults, and commissions some services directly through regional contracts. Health and Social Care Trusts are responsible for commissioning advocacy services to meet the identified needs of their local population.

(ii) The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority published the report on its review of advocacy services in Northern Ireland on 14 January 2016. I have accepted the findings of the report, and my Department is overseeing the completion of an action plan to implement the recommendations.