Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said childcare must be affordable for families and said the Assembly must be restored now to prioritise cutting childcare costs.

Cathy Mason said:

“We need to see urgent progress on delivering affordable, accessible and quality childcare for families.

“The price of childcare is rising and has become simply unaffordable for many parents and families, with some reportedly paying upwards of £550 per month.

“At a time when household costs are through the roof, this is only adding more pressure on families who are already struggling with their bills, while childcare providers also deal with rising costs. 

“We need the Assembly restored without delay and all parties working together to prioritise cutting childcare costs for families. Parents, children and childcare providers cannot wait.”