Mr. Stephen Douthart:

I am the new CEO of Middletown Centre for Autism. I thank the Chairperson and members of the joint committee for this invitation to attend. I am joined by two colleagues from the centre’s executive team: Dr. Fiona McCaffrey, head of research and development, and Ms Jill McCanney, interim head of learning and support. In the interest of tight timelines, I will skip some text to allow for us all to speak. I will draw members' attention to those parts. We welcome the opportunity to speak to the committee on this important Private Member's Bill.

The centre, established in 2007, operates under the Good Friday Agreement's education policy initiatives. It serves autistic children, parents, families and education professionals across Northern Ireland and Ireland, focusing on children who require additional input to first tier services. We collaborate with statutory and voluntary providers to enhance autism services in the education sectors of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We are a non-statutory service provider established as a company limited by guarantee.

Our board of directors is nominated by both departments of education in Ireland and Northern Ireland and funded equally, with the chair rotating between the respective Ministers of education every three years. Our operations adhere to set parameters outlined in our management statement and financial memorandum.

Please note that we cannot express opinions on the merits or objectives of the policies of either Department. While our role is very much about supporting children, parents and professionals, we are not mandated to provide advocacy. We offer advice and guidance to the Departments on where we see that our services can be most effective.

On the passing of the Bill, the centre will engage with the Department of Education. I have listed these matters. Please see bullet points Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, in the text provided. I will skip these and allow members to pick them up. I will move on to the following paragraph, in the interest of time.

Middletown welcomes any new provision that would improve access to assessments and any consequential support services or any provision, whether legislative or administrative, that would improve the lives of autistic children or young autistic people. Middletown will continue to play its part in the provision of supports for autistic children in line with the requirements of the sponsoring Departments whether or not that is supported by a new strategy. Middletown also stands ready to embrace any new role it may receive should the Bill pass into law. We will support the work of the Government in any way we can to ensure the interests and welfare of autistic children are best served. I will now hand over to my colleague, Dr. Fiona McCaffrey.