To ask the Minister of Health whether he has determined, in conjunction with the Minister for the Economy, the qualification requirements and student numbers needed to fill the mental health care gap in every Health and Social Care Trust to ensure sufficient places are available in further and higher education to meet need.

The Mental Health Workforce Review 2022-2032 was delivered in response to Action 32 of the Mental Health Strategy (MHS). The purpose of the review was to consider the existing workforce and new models of working, with a view to providing a future workforce profile that will meet the needs of the population into the future. It makes several recommendations relating to pathways into the workforce which includes improving undergraduate access to mental health training.

Work is ongoing to progress Recommendation 1, to fully cost the future workforce profile and, Recommendation 2, to establish a task and finish group to oversee the prioritisation of service developments and recruitment. It is expected this work will be completed by June.

I have not held any specific discussions with the Minister for the Economy on this matter.