Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has welcomed the £25 million investment by finance minister Caoimhe Archibald that puts the wheels in motion to deliver high quality and affordable childcare.

The party’s childcare and early years spokesperson said:

“Funding the initial actions proposed by the cross-departmental working group on childcare shows Sinn Féin’s commitment to working with all parties to deliver high quality, affordable childcare.

“This is a positive first step taken by the finance minister that reaffirms the Executive’s commitment on childcare, but this commitment must be a priority for the education minister and his department.

“We need the education minister to bring forward his plans for a bespoke childcare scheme that meets the needs of all children and young people.

“Delivering high quality, affordable childcare is absolutely essential in ensuring our young people get the very best start in life.”