Debate contribution: Universal, Affordable Child-centred Childcare

Debate contribution by Mr Mark Durkan on 18 November 2024.

MLA

Mr Mark Durkan

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

18 November 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Opposition Business

Heading

Universal, Affordable Child-centred Childcare

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4656608

Read the official Assembly record

Text

The cost of childcare is not just a personal issue for parents but an economic and societal issue that hinders progress across the region. From looking at the places that do childcare well, such as the Nordic countries, we see how affordable childcare systems create thriving economies, higher workforce participation, gender equality and all-round more prosperous communities. The Executive have failed families and childcare providers, many of which have been pushed to breaking point, with some forced to close their doors in recent years because of unsustainable pressures. The recent £25 million investment, while welcome, is just 6% of the £400 million needed for a comprehensive childcare strategy. Fair play to the Minister for doing something with what he had, but, in reference to our motion, if the Minister had more, would he not do more? The Northern Ireland childcare subsidy scheme itself has been a wee bit clunky for parents and providers to navigate. Sadly, it reflects the Executive's half-hearted and half-baked approach to childcare support. We have heard about the high costs of childcare, with some parents spending more on it than they do on their housing costs. Families find themselves in the absurd predicament of working just to hand over a monthly wage for childcare. We should also look at the costs of not providing affordable childcare. The burden is often disproportionately carried by single mothers, many of whom face having to leave their jobs in order to care for their children. The result is a loss of skilled workers from the workforce, ultimately stifling economic activity. At the same time, an already overburdened welfare system faces additional pressure. Children miss out on opportunities, while the absence of early intervention increases the risk of future health and education challenges, all of which will drive up costs.

Certainly.

Yes, but urgency is required. We hope that tabling the motion and, hopefully, the Assembly passing it will increase the urgency with which the Executive deal with the issue, which has dragged on for far too long. It is only recently and only under the Member's Minister that any action has finally been taken. Childcare providers have been forced to balance rising costs with limited financial support. I have concerns that the National Insurance increases could have a detrimental impact on staffing levels and on the sustainability of providers, who already struggle. They, too, must be supported in the childcare strategy. As I said, we have waited far too long for the implementation of a comprehensive childcare strategy. Promises have been made, but delivery remains elusive. Families continue to struggle with escalating costs that are among the highest in Europe. It is no coincidence that we are also among the worst-performing regions in economic productivity. Universal and affordable childcare is the key to unlocking future prosperity. Let us begin there and give children, families and society the foundation that they need and deserve.

483 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:31 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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