To ask the Minister of Education, as part of legislation to increase the compulsory school age to 18, whether he has considered extending the compulsory school age for children with special education needs to 19.

I do not propose to increase compulsory school age to 18.

Work is on-going within the Department to bring forward legislation within this Assembly mandate to require young people to continue their education or training until they are age 18. My officials are engaging with stakeholders currently on the wide range of issues associated with this proposed legislation including the impact on young people with special educational needs.