Debate contribution: Childcare Strategy

Debate contribution by Mr Gary Middleton on 3 November 2025.

MLA: Mr Gary Middleton
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 3 November 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Childcare Strategy
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5213755

Text

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. It is unfortunate that Sinn Féin Members in particular have sought to refight some of the battles that they have already lost. That having been said, we need to focus on the issues that matter to people in my constituency and across Northern Ireland, which include childcare. As a father of two young children and with a wife who also works full-time, I am acutely aware of the pressures that many families face when it comes to balancing work and childcare. It is about finding not just a place but the right place, one that is affordable and accessible and meets the needs of the child. Like Mr Burrows, I pay tribute to all those involved in the childcare sector, be it statutory or non-statutory. They have an important role in the education of our young children. I also thank the Education Minister for his commitment and delivery on the issue. The delivery of the childcare subsidy scheme and its subsequent extension was a welcome step. The policy is making a difference to people across Northern Ireland. Thanks to that initiative, many working parents have seen a reduction of up to 30% in childcare bills. That is having a positive impact on family budgets across Northern Ireland. As my colleague Mr Brooks stated, as of September, 15,000 children and families were benefiting from that support.
Now that the scheme is extended, it will benefit even more families, not only in the Foyle constituency but across Northern Ireland. I welcome the Minister's commitment to expanding preschool education, aiming for 22·5 hours per week for all children in their immediate preschool year. As my colleague Mr Brooks stated, it is a significant investment, made by a DUP Minister.
Of course, we recognise that there is more to do. Families still feel the squeeze, and the sector continues to face challenges, particularly with recruitment and retention. That is why we see that there is a need for and support an early learning and childcare strategy. Let us be clear, however, that a strategy alone will not be enough. We need the Finance Minister to put the money where his mouth is and back the Education Minister's plans. It is not good enough for Sinn Féin to come in and blame the UK Government or whoever; the reality is that there is a budget there, and the Sinn Féin Finance Minister needs to ensure that he backs the Minister's plans. This party is committed to supporting hard-working parents and ensuring that those who, for too long, have paid over the odds no longer need to do so. Let us keep building on the progress that has been made, set aside party politics and support the Education Minister in his role.

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

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