Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

Department of Health - Written Statement to the Assembly by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA – Publication of Autism Strategy 2023-2028 Progress Report 24/25

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Published at 2pm on Thursday 31 July 2025

Mr Nesbitt (The Minister of Health): In recent months departments and arm’s length bodies have contributed to a report, being collated by the Department of Health, which monitors the progress achieved in implementing departmental actions to achieve the strategic outcomes of the Autism Strategy 2023-2028. A copy of this report has been provided for your information. I intend to publish this report on the Department of Health website to demonstrate the progress which has been made and the commitment across all government departments in delivering against the responsibilities of the Autism Act (NI) 2011 and the Autism (Amendment) Act (NI) 2022).

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all contributors for their engagement in the work to support the Strategy. I appreciate that these are challenging times for us all and that difficult decisions are being taken to address the financial constraints being experienced, therefore, we must be innovative in how we continue to demonstrate our commitment to fulfilling our legislative responsibilities in meeting the requirements of the Act.