Member's statement: Encephalitis
Member's statement by Mr Daniel McCrossan on .
- MLA
- Mr Daniel McCrossan
- Party at the time
- Social Democratic and Labour Party
- Date
- 26 February 2024
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Encephalitis
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4230519
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I would like to raise awareness of the significance of encephalitis, following World Encephalitis Day last Thursday. Encephalitis is a serious condition that impacts on individuals and families across the UK and Ireland and, indeed, globally. Raising awareness about the disease is crucial in promoting and understanding the needs of those affected. Encephalitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the brain, often leading to symptoms such as confusion, seizures and, in severe cases, coma or even death. The disease can have a profound impact on those affected and their families, making it emotional and challenging in all circumstances. In the UK and Ireland alone, encephalitis impacts on thousands of people each year, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and support for that terrible condition. I will take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of a family in my constituency. Sonia Hargan and Jackie O'Kane — two sisters — and their families have been instrumental in raising awareness about encephalitis on behalf of their late mother, Bridie Hargan, who passed away in recent weeks. Bridie was a native of Douglas Bridge and a huge part of the local community, and she battled against this terrible disease for a significant period. She spent months on end in hospital and in care. The sisters' dedication to the cause, despite the untimely loss of their mother to the disease, is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to all those affected.
It is through the efforts of people like Sonia and Jackie and their families that we are able to shed light on the impact of encephalitis and work towards greater understanding and support for those affected. Today, I amplify their voices and the voices of all those affected to raise awareness and provide crucial support to individuals and families who face the challenges of encephalitis.
As we reflect on World Encephalitis Day and the important work being done to support the cause, let us all commit to spreading the necessary awareness, offering compassion and advocating for those affected by this debilitating disease. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals who are battling encephalitis, and we must ensure greater awareness of, and support for, all those affected. I thank all those who have dedicated their time, energy and resources to raising awareness of this important cause. Your efforts are making a difference, and we stand with you in solidarity as we continue to support this important cause. Together, we can make a positive impact. It is worth noting that encephalitis can affect anyone at any age and at any time in their life. In helping this particular family, I have seen its worst possible effects, which, unfortunately and ultimately, resulted in the loss of Bridie Hargan.
457 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.02 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.02 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.01 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.01 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.01 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.13 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.02 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 0.58 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.42 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
| Parades, bonfires and commemorations | 0.00 |
| Irish language, Ulster-Scots and language policy | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 09:38 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
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