As Westminster's Allergy Champion, Ms Lockhart regularly engages with families whose daily lives are shaped by the challenges of managing life-threatening allergies and has raised concerns about ensuring children and young people are protected both within the education system and wider society.

In her letter to the Minister, Ms Lockhart highlighted the need for greater awareness, improved training and consideration of measures already introduced elsewhere in the United Kingdom to better support families and reduce risks for children.

Commenting, Carla Lockhart MP said:

"Families living with severe allergies carry an enormous burden every single day. Behind every diagnosis is a child who simply wants to learn, play and participate fully in life, and parents who must remain constantly vigilant to keep them safe.

As Allergy Champion in Westminster, I regularly hear from families who are deeply concerned about the challenges they face and the inconsistencies that can exist in awareness, training and support.

No parent should have to fear that a preventable gap in knowledge or procedure could place their child at risk.

That is why I have written to the Health Minister calling for stronger protections, greater awareness and consideration of measures that have already been introduced elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

This is not about creating unnecessary bureaucracy. It is about ensuring that children living with severe allergies have the opportunity to live, learn and participate safely, while giving families the peace of mind they deserve.

For many families, an allergic reaction is not simply an inconvenience. It can become a medical emergency within minutes. We therefore have a responsibility to ensure that systems, training and support are as robust as possible.

I look forward to engaging further with the Minister on this issue and working constructively to ensure Northern Ireland becomes a safer place for children and young people living with severe allergies."