To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any cross-departmental work that her Department is involved in to address childcare barriers, that prevent low-income parents from progressing in work, given evidence that childcare is a primary constraint on progression.

I recognise the link between the availability of quality and affordable childcare and parents ability to work or study. My Department continues to engage with DE and other key Departments, including the Department for Communities who have responsibility for the benefits system, on the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy through various working groups on this important matter.

While the Department of Education leads on childcare policy, my Department offers a range of skills pathways and upskilling opportunities, is developing enhanced business support; and is provides parents who wish to study across our range of skills and education provision with financial support to help towards the cost of childcare.