To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail a timeline for the development of a proposal for a targeted business support service for childcare providers.

The Childcare Providers Targeted Business Support Research Report was published on 24 September 2025 and can be accessed at Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers Market Research.The Education Minister has agreed that my Department will take the operational lead on the design and delivery of Recommendation 1; namely, the creation of an on-going childcare business advisor role or service. Its longer-term strategic ambitions will be overseen by the Early Learning & Childcare Strategy Task and Finish Group on which my Department is represented. My officials are now working closely with Invest NI to develop a costed plan for the delivery of this service. I recognise the importance of ensuring that the service will be available to voluntary and community providers; childminders; and childcare businesses alike. It is equally important that the service operates on a continuous basis so that we can gain a better understanding of the financial needs of the sector and equip us to adapt our support to meet the evolving needs of childcare providers over time.