40.—Section 7 of the Education Act 1998 is amended by inserting the following subsections after subsection (4):

“(5) In carrying out his or her functions in respect of the provision, planning and co-ordination of support services, the Minister may, following consultation with the Minister for Health and Children, request the assistance of a relevant health board.

(6) A health board of which a request under subsection (5) is made shall comply with the request.”.