Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said ‘important progress’ has been made in bringing down childcare costs in the north.

While recognising there is more work to do, the party’s childcare spokesperson said:

“Since the Executive has been restored, important progress has been made in cutting childcare costs and keeping money in the pockets of workers and families.

“Thousands of parents have benefited from the childcare subsidy scheme which reduced bills by 15%, and just before Christmas Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald doubled the budget for childcare.

“This is enabling parents and in particular women to stay in, or return to work.

“While there is more to do, the Executive is continuing to work as a whole to support childcare providers and workers, and tackle costs for families.

“The focus should be on continuing to work together to ensure no parent has to choose between work and their child’s future.

“I would also call on the education minister to deliver the childcare strategy which will help support families, childminders and childcare providers. ”