Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said affordable and sustainable childcare must be a priority in a new Executive.

Speaking after the publication of a childcare survey undertaken by Employers for Childcare, the party’s childcare spokesperson said:

“This survey once again highlights the difficulties faced by parents and families who are struggling to meet childcare costs. 

“Good-quality and affordable childcare is key to growing the economy and supports the delivery of a strategy that helps both parents and providers. 

“We need an Executive restored now and parties working together to deliver a new childcare strategy which delivers quality care for children. It must be affordable to enable parents to work and sustainable to ensure providers can stay open. 

“One party’s boycott is delaying the delivery of a new childcare strategy which would support children, families and providers. Public patience has run out. It’s time to form an Executive and get on with delivering for people here.”