To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any assessment her Department has made of the impact of rising childcare costs on workforce participation, particularly amongst women.

I recognise the relationship between the availability of childcare provision and the ability for parents to participate in education and employment, and thus support and grow the economy. I hear the issues being raised by parents in terms of costs and it’s important that we understand the extent of the issue.

With this in mind, my department commissioned research examining key determinants of the gender employment gap, the findings of which supports the evidence that women with children suffer labour market penalties. I also look forward to the first results of the NISRA childcare survey, expected in May.

The survey collected information on the cost of childcare and the impact of childcare on employment and training decisions.

My officials are also assisting the Department of Education with market research on the childcare sector. This research, currently being carried out by Innovation and Consultancy Services (ICS), will determine the key issues impacting the financial sustainability of providers within the childcare sector.