The Northern Ireland Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday after the Alliance Party submitted a recall petition backed by Sinn Féin, SDLP and TUV. The petition secured the required 30 signatures. The move addresses the Education Authority's cancellation of summer schemes at special schools.

The Education Authority cancelled the schemes due to lack of on-site nursing cover from the Department of Health. The authority based the decision on safety for children with special educational needs. It reported repeated discussions with health officials over months failed to secure the provision.

Education Minister Paul Givan directed the Education Authority to review options with the Department of Health. He met the authority's chief executive on Friday. Givan stated the authority can deliver the schemes if clinical and nursing support is provided.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt instructed his permanent secretary to identify suitable provision. Nesbitt's department permanent secretary Mike Farrar called the cancellation highly regrettable. Farrar noted schemes ran previously without on-site nurses at all sites.

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson said vulnerable children face consequences from departmental inaction and parents lack options. Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason stated the cancellation creates distress for parents and children dependent on the schemes. TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said the schemes offer support for children with complex needs.

DUP MLA Cheryl Brownlee said families depend on the schemes for respite. The SDLP submitted a separate petition for an Executive meeting. The announcement occurred as the Assembly began Easter recess.