To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the cross-departmental task and finish group which aims to bring forward recommendations to the Executive in relation to childcare provision; and (ii) when he expects these recommendations to be made to the Executive.

The Task and Finish Group was established to bring a cross-departmental perspective to the development of an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. The Group includes representatives from the following departments: Economy, Health, Finance, Communities and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Specialist advice is also provided by economists and statisticians.

The Group’s initial focus has been on the identification and design of interim measures which could be introduced in 2024/25 to ease current pressures on parents and providers. I hope to bring recommendations to the Executive in the coming days.