To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how her Department is working with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to develop a specific rural health strategy that ensures equitable access to health services for older and isolated people.

I am not aware of a specific rural health strategy being led by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS). However, under my Department’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework there are a number of initiatives being taken forward in conjunction with DHSSPS and the Public Health Agency that support the needs of rural dwellers in accessing healthcare services.

You will also be aware that it is my intention to progress a Rural Needs Bill within the current Assembly mandate. The proposed Bill will introduce a statutory duty on all Departments and local councils to consider the needs of rural dwellers when developing and implementing government policies and strategies and delivering public services including the provision of health services in rural areas.