To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the role and functions of the Learning Disability Service Framework since 2012.

The Department has developed a suite of Service Frameworks which set out explicit standards for health and social care that are evidence based and measureable. Service Frameworks are an integral part of the Department’s Quality 2020 strategy and the standards aim to ensure that services are safe, effective and person centred.

The Service Framework for the Learning Disability Service was launched in September 2012. Its aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of people with a learning disability, their carers and families, by promoting social inclusion, reducing inequalities in health and social wellbeing and improving the quality of care. The Framework champions the principle that people with a learning disability should access the same HSC services as other people, but recognises that there are occasions when special expertise or support is required.

The Department continues to monitor the Service Framework’s progress and works closely with the project lead to ensure the standards are up to date and relevant.