AQW 6165/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 12/02/2024
Answered On Date: 22/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) the impact on the economy due to parents being unable to work due to the absence of sufficient and affordable childcare; and (ii) the work of his Department in any expansion of free childcare.

Answer:

The Early Years and Childcare Strategy which is being developed by the Department of Education is an Executive priority. I recognise that there is a need for high quality affordable childcare to enable parents to work and my department will support the development of this strategy.