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Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has welcomed the withdrawal of a 'cease and desist order' that had threatened incredABLE’s adult short break services. The order has been removed pending new guidelines from the Department of Health, meaning the service for adults with learning difficulties and autism can continue. Liz Kimmins MLA has also welcomed the decision, describing it as great news for participants and their families.
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Dáire Hughes MP said: “The decision to withdraw the ‘cease and desist order’ for incredABLE adult short break services is very welcome. This is the correct decision.
“For decades incredABLE have provided an excellent service to adults with learning difficulties and autism across the Southern Trust area. Their adult short break services are community orientated and innovative. They provide fantastic opportunities for participants to spend time with their peers and to develop socially and personally. Additionally these short breaks are a vital lifeline for families, providing much needed respite, especially in the absence of any similar statutory provision.”
The order had come about because incredABLE was told it must register for regulation, but no appropriate mechanism existed to allow it to do so.
Hughes said: “In recent weeks we have met with incredABLE, attended their public meeting, corresponded with the Health Minister and local representatives, along with our health team, met with RQIA. We made it clear to them that practical, rights-based solutions were needed to address this issue and to protect this service. It is most welcome now that the ‘cease and desist’ order has been revoked and that this service can continue.
“Having spoken with the incredABLE team we know that they are not opposed to registration and regulation, they are simply seeking a means to do so that allows them to operate this vital, innovative and community-based programme.
“The ‘cease and desist’ order has been removed pending new guidelines from the Department of Health. It is essential that the Department engages constructively with all stakeholders, including incredABLE, when designing these guidelines.”
Liz Kimmins MLA added: “This is great news for participants and their families. We know just how vital these short breaks are personal development and respite opportunities. Today’s news will be a great relief for so many families across the Southern Trust area.
“I’d like to thank the team at incredABLE for their resolve in finding a solution to this issue and wish them all the very best as they continue to provide this excellent service for our community.
“We will continue to work with incredABLE and officials to ensure future regulations are fit for purpose and meet the needs of our community.”
