Unhelpful and unnecessary criticism of autism working group

Ulster Unionist health spokesperson, John McCallister MLA, has described a motion criticising the work of the Regional Autistic Spectrum Disorders Network Group as "a wholly unnecessary distraction from genuine efforts to deliver on Northern Ireland's autism strategy".

Noting that the DUP insisted on bringing the motion forward despite being told that the Health Minister would not be available to participate in the debate, the UUP MLA said that the group has been working "tirelessly" to ensure that the Minister's strategy to develop services for people affected by Autism is appropriately delivered.

"The Minister for Health initiated an independent review of ASD services, chaired by Lord Maginnis, which informed an ASD Action Plan to drive improvements in the service.

"Part of that action plan involved the formation of the multidisciplinary, multiagency Regional ASD Network Group, which provides a regional perspective on the development of autism services and indeed oversees the implementation of the plan.

"Given that the group is chaired by Dr. Stephen Bergin, a public health expert with a vast amount of experience in the field of autism, this motion smacks of political point scoring," the South Down MLA said.

"Involving service users, parents, carers and the voluntary sector, the work of the group has proven invaluable and must not be undermined.

"Given that the Health Minister has invested £1.5million in autism services to date, and plans further investment in the near future, there is no question of his commitment to improving services.

"If those proposing this motion are similarly dedicated, Then why vote on three occasions to subject the health budget to further cuts? The direct link between their approved cuts and the service consequences cannot continue to be ignored."