To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of how a comprehensive childcare strategy will reduce levels of child poverty.

Addressing poverty in all its forms is a key priority for me. I am committed to delivering long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty for all in our communities, including our young people, right across Northern Ireland.

I believe that children experiencing poverty, or at risk of experiencing poverty deserve equal access to services and supports, including appropriate childcare and education. Ensuring the availability of appropriate and affordable childcare that meets the needs of parents and children will be a vital aspect of the Executive’s work to address both poverty and gender equality and will be a key aspect of the wider Anti-Poverty Strategy. I am, therefore, very supportive of the broader Childcare Strategy and believe that work on the development of the Anti-Poverty and Childcare Strategies should be closely linked and complementary.

In addition, the Department for Communities also promotes the value of work, and the positive impact it can have on poverty, health and wellbeing, social inclusion, and our economy. Difficulties accessing childcare can present significant barriers for parents, and particularly mothers, on lower incomes in accessing the labour market. For example, lone parents are the most likely family type to experience poverty.

Final decisions on the content and implementation of the Anti-Poverty Strategy will be subject to Executive agreement as it is an Executive Strategy.