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Autism centre 'is back on track' Autism centre 'is back on track'
(18 minutes later)
An all-Ireland centre for children with autism is back on track after the Irish government ended a pause in funding.An all-Ireland centre for children with autism is back on track after the Irish government ended a pause in funding.
Irish prime minister Brian Cowen said his government would return to backing the Middletown Centre of Excellence.Irish prime minister Brian Cowen said his government would return to backing the Middletown Centre of Excellence.
In May, the centre's future was in doubt, when the Dail withdrew finances citing economic pressure.In May, the centre's future was in doubt, when the Dail withdrew finances citing economic pressure.
The decision was announced at a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council, which involved Mr Cowen, and NI's First and Deputy First Ministers in Limavady.The decision was announced at a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council, which involved Mr Cowen, and NI's First and Deputy First Ministers in Limavady.
Education departments in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic have been equally financing the Middletown project.Education departments in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic have been equally financing the Middletown project.
The centre was approved in 2002 but has only opened in a limited way.The centre was approved in 2002 but has only opened in a limited way.
It is understood that £6m has already been spent on the centre.It is understood that £6m has already been spent on the centre.
It currently carries out research and training for professionals who work within the autism field, but the eventual aim had been to take children in.It currently carries out research and training for professionals who work within the autism field, but the eventual aim had been to take children in.
The next stage of building a residential block for assessment and therapy, and employing extra staff, was at jeopardy because of the shortage of funds.The next stage of building a residential block for assessment and therapy, and employing extra staff, was at jeopardy because of the shortage of funds.
At the meeting on Monday, plans to progress a new road project from Aughnacloy to Londonderry and on to Donegal were also agreed.At the meeting on Monday, plans to progress a new road project from Aughnacloy to Londonderry and on to Donegal were also agreed.
The economy and ways in which the North and South could cooperate more to the advantage of both parties, were also discussed. Peter Robinson, Martin McGuinness and Mr Cowen also discussed the economy and ways in which the North and South could cooperate.
Brian Cowen said resolute leadership was needed
The devolution of justice was not on the agenda.
The DUP and Sinn Fein are divided over the timing of the devolution of law and order powers to the assembly.
Mr McGuinness has accused Mr Robinson of delaying a deal and has called for agreement by Christmas to avoid a crisis.
Speaking prior to the meeting, Mr Cowen said it should be an opportunity to build for the future.
"The scale of the economic challenge facing everyone on this island is now fully recognised by all," he said.
"Meeting that challenge has called for resolute leadership in taking difficult decisions, as we build towards economic recovery.
"Resolute leadership has also been at the heart of the peace process and the transformation in relationships on this island in recent years."
His government last week unveiled a tough budget aimed at rescuing the Irish Republic's crisis-hit economy.
But the NSMC's agenda includes a series of programmes organised to encourage economic development on both sides of the border.
"The North/South Ministerial Council has its 10th anniversary this month and today's meeting is an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved in those ten years," he said.
"But, more importantly, it is a time to work together to make the most of our transformed relationship to help all of our people through this recession, to build a successful smart economy on this island and to provide better, more joined up and more cost-effective public services."