He was speaking after handing the petition over to the Speaker in the Assembly today.
The DUP MLA said, “Although I am extremely proud that the Children’s Hospice is based in my constituency, its work and its impact is felt by families across Northern Ireland. People right across Northern Ireland felt shock at the proposed reduction in these vital services.
The petition I launched less than two weeks ago afforded the public the opportunity to express their clear rejection of these proposals. I have been heartened by the support that it has received since then. I want to thank all those who have signed, as well as the families and campaigners who have raised this issue, and all those whose work in the Hospice is so invaluable.
The test of the Assembly and Executive isn’t simply of its existence, but of delivery and there can be no more worthy cause than this. There is an opportunity to deliver for Northern Ireland and I hope this petition can be a catalyst for the funding model we all want to see. I would urge the Health Minister to bring forward a bid for funding which the Finance Minister has said she would welcome.”