Over 70 men have now received pioneering robotic Aquablation surgery since May 2025, marking a major leap forward in how prostate conditions are treated across Northern Ireland.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a statement to the Assembly regarding my plans to bring forward a new Executive Disability Strategy for Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health today published the statistical report ‘Life Expectancy in Northern Ireland 2022-24’. The Department of Health are the official producers of life expectancy figures for Northern Ireland. This report presents the latest estimates of life expectancy, healthy life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy. The report explores the extent to which mortality within certain age groups and causes of death contribute to the observed variations in life expectancy over time, in addition to inequality gaps between sexes, deprivation levels, Health and Social Care Trusts and Local Government Districts.

Education Minister, Paul Givan, has launched a new literacy framework for primary schools aimed at strengthening literacy practice across Northern Ireland.

DAERA has announced plans to allow some animal movements in the wake of the recent incursion of Bluetongue virus (BTV), in the context of scientific advice, ongoing surveillance data and consultation in recent days with GB authorities and stakeholders.