The Alliance Party has officially tabled a petition to recall the Assembly in an effort to protect summer schemes at special schools.

The move follows an announcement by the Education Authority that the schemes are being cancelled. The Authority cited concerns regarding the availability of healthcare provision for the children involved. The timing of the decision has drawn particular criticism as it was released just as the Assembly began its Easter recess.

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson, speaking after the petition was submitted, described the suspension of the schemes as "nothing short of disgraceful." He noted that the timing of the announcement "only adds insult to injury" for the families affected. Mr Tennyson expressed concern that vulnerable children are once again being impacted by "failure and inaction," leaving parents to search for non-existent alternatives. He criticised the responses from the Education and Health Ministers as being "woefully inadequate."

Explaining the party's decision to seek a recall, Mr Tennyson stated: "The Ministers responsible must return to the chamber, answer to the families affected, and explain how they intend to fix this. The buck passing needs to stop. Both Ministers need to get around the table immediately, take responsibility and act."

The recall seeks to have the matter debated on the floor of the Assembly to ensure the Ministers address the concerns of the affected families directly.