South Down MLA Karen McKevitt (SDLP) has expressed delight that the Health and Social Care Board has decided to extend the consultation on a regional day opportunities model for learning disability until the 10 January.
Ms McKevitt has raised the issue directly with the Minister, asking specifically for an extension so that the wider public can participate in discussion.
Mrs McKevitt said: “I believe that the target audience, those who will be most affected by the changes, have not been reached. Given that the initial consultation was so short, there was a real risk that people with genuine concerns would not be heard.
“There is a further narrow window now, over the Christmas period, for people to engage with the consultation and I would urge all of those with an interest to do so.”
The debate on Monday focused on Learning Disability services but the SDLP amendment, which received cross-party support, urged adequate funding to be available for such services.
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