Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will have urgent discussions with the Department of Health and Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland on ensuring a robust plan to deal with Strep A cases.

I am aware of the recent outbreak of strep A among children in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

This is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Department of Health and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland to respond to.

In the absence of an Executive, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has passed legislation that clarifies the powers for Northern Ireland Departments to maintain delivery of public services, including health services.