Menu
22/09/2021
Ministers Welcome Progress Of New Autism Bill
A new Bill to improve support for people with autism has passed the second stage in the Assembly.
South Antrim DUP representative and Chair of the all-party group on Autism, Pam Cameron, who proposed the Autism Private Members' Bill, has thanked MLA's for their support.
Speaking following the debate Mrs Cameron said: "I'm delighted that the Assembly has unanimously passed the second reading of my Autism Private Members' Bill.
"There is a clear need for this legislation to bring about positive reform of Autism services in Northern Ireland and build upon the foundations of the original Autism Act 2011.
"This Bill aims to address many of the issues our Autism community are facing, including waiting lists for diagnosis, timely access to services, lack of awareness and understanding of Autism, fair regional access to services, underinvestment and proper implementation of the Autism strategy. Through this legislation we also hope to be able to appoint an Autism Reviewer to scrutinise departments, commission independent research, review best practice and continue to advocate for the needs of autistic individuals to ensure we are drivers for change and improvement and do not continue to fail our autistic colleagues, friends and family.
"I wish to put on record my gratitude to MLAs across all parties for their support on the principles of the Bill as it passes this important stage in the legislative process. The Autism (amendment) Bill will now move on to the committee stage in October to go through more detailed scrutiny and to deal with many of the specifics of the legislation.
"I also want to thank Autism NI for their continued expert advice and support."
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan also welcomed the progress of the Bill: "I welcome progress on the Autism amendment Bill in the Assembly today.
"This legislation will help improve services for children and adults with autism right across our society.
"We are working to see delivery of a long-term autism strategy which is shaped by families, carers and people with autism to tackle waiting lists and ensure proper support is in place at all stages of life.
"Sinn Féin will meet with the Department of Health on Wednesday to discuss efforts to deliver on that and to discuss the interim autism strategy that they launched earlier this year."
South Antrim DUP representative and Chair of the all-party group on Autism, Pam Cameron, who proposed the Autism Private Members' Bill, has thanked MLA's for their support.
Speaking following the debate Mrs Cameron said: "I'm delighted that the Assembly has unanimously passed the second reading of my Autism Private Members' Bill.
"There is a clear need for this legislation to bring about positive reform of Autism services in Northern Ireland and build upon the foundations of the original Autism Act 2011.
"This Bill aims to address many of the issues our Autism community are facing, including waiting lists for diagnosis, timely access to services, lack of awareness and understanding of Autism, fair regional access to services, underinvestment and proper implementation of the Autism strategy. Through this legislation we also hope to be able to appoint an Autism Reviewer to scrutinise departments, commission independent research, review best practice and continue to advocate for the needs of autistic individuals to ensure we are drivers for change and improvement and do not continue to fail our autistic colleagues, friends and family.
"I wish to put on record my gratitude to MLAs across all parties for their support on the principles of the Bill as it passes this important stage in the legislative process. The Autism (amendment) Bill will now move on to the committee stage in October to go through more detailed scrutiny and to deal with many of the specifics of the legislation.
"I also want to thank Autism NI for their continued expert advice and support."
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan also welcomed the progress of the Bill: "I welcome progress on the Autism amendment Bill in the Assembly today.
"This legislation will help improve services for children and adults with autism right across our society.
"We are working to see delivery of a long-term autism strategy which is shaped by families, carers and people with autism to tackle waiting lists and ensure proper support is in place at all stages of life.
"Sinn Féin will meet with the Department of Health on Wednesday to discuss efforts to deliver on that and to discuss the interim autism strategy that they launched earlier this year."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 March 2022
SDLP Welcomes Passing Of New Autism Bill
The SDLP have welcomed the passing of the Autism (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, stating that the new legislation would make a real difference to people with autism and their families.
SDLP Welcomes Passing Of New Autism Bill
The SDLP have welcomed the passing of the Autism (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, stating that the new legislation would make a real difference to people with autism and their families.
22 November 2024
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
29 September 2023
Autism NI Calls For Specialist Autism Mental Health Service
Autism NI has highlight the urgent need of a specialist autism mental health service in Northern Ireland, in a special event at Stormont. According to recent figures, autistic adults are nine times more likely to die from suicide and autistic children twenty times more likely to self-harm.
Autism NI Calls For Specialist Autism Mental Health Service
Autism NI has highlight the urgent need of a specialist autism mental health service in Northern Ireland, in a special event at Stormont. According to recent figures, autistic adults are nine times more likely to die from suicide and autistic children twenty times more likely to self-harm.
24 March 2023
Autism NI Prepares To Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week
Autism NI has urged people to get behind the message 'Be Kind To Different Minds', ahead of World Autism Acceptance Week from Monday 27th March until Sunday 2nd April 2023. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved and show their support for our vibrant autism community.
Autism NI Prepares To Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week
Autism NI has urged people to get behind the message 'Be Kind To Different Minds', ahead of World Autism Acceptance Week from Monday 27th March until Sunday 2nd April 2023. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved and show their support for our vibrant autism community.
23 January 2023
Energy Minister Addresses Support Scheme Roundtable
The Consumer Council has hosted Energy and Climate Minister, Graham Stuart, and advice organisations from across NI for an Energy Bill Support Scheme roundtable event.
Energy Minister Addresses Support Scheme Roundtable
The Consumer Council has hosted Energy and Climate Minister, Graham Stuart, and advice organisations from across NI for an Energy Bill Support Scheme roundtable event.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
