Debate contribution: Early Learning and Childcare Strategy
Debate contribution by Mr Paul Givan on .
- MLA
- Mr Paul Givan
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 22 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Early Learning and Childcare Strategy
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5638358
Read the official Assembly record
Text
This is an area that, rightly, the Executive have prioritised. It is a Programme for Government commitment, and it is one of the projects that I believe the Executive can rightly be proud of delivering. My Department has been responsible for moving at pace, and there are many strands to it that have been very successfully implemented. The early learning and childcare strategy that was consulted on indicated that, for the first year of its operation — this year — approximately £75 million would be required to allow us to move forward with a number of schemes. However, the Sinn Féin Budget only allocated £55 million this year, £65 million next year and £75 million the following year. That is the height of Sinn Féin's Finance Minister's ambition in the draft Budget, which I continue to oppose. I listened to the First Minister talk about childcare being a priority, yet, when it comes to decisions in the Executive, Sinn Féin takes money away and makes a real-terms cut in that area. By way of an Executive paper, I have provided a figure for the funding that is needed: it is £75 million. I have also sought the funding through urgent procedure, because there are real-world consequences for many early learning and childcare providers if it is not provided. It is a ring-fenced pot of funding that does not sit in my Department; it sits separately. Unless the funding is provided, there will be a reduction, and that would be an indictment of the Executive. We are at a critical point. There should be an Executive meeting on Thursday, and I will continue to make the point. However, I appeal to Sinn Féin Members and the Sinn Féin members of the Education Committee to engage with their Finance Minister and First Minister to help me to help your constituents. I believe that they want to provide me with the support that is needed, but the request has been there for weeks, and we have not seen any movement.
337 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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