Diana Armstrong
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, thank you for your comments on the passing of Tom Frawley, which were befitting of a man of his stature. I, too, send my sympathy to his family.”
“Much is said about working towards regional balance in our economy. What assessment has been made of the geographical spread of PEACE PLUS funding? Can you provide assurances that rural communities are not being left behind in favour of urban centres, which have much more capacity to apply for that funding?”
“I mark a truly remarkable milestone in my home town of Enniskillen: the 350th anniversary of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest Presbyterian communities in Ireland, with roots stretching back to the 1640s and the arrival of the Scottish settlers in Fermanagh during the plantation of Ulster.”
“The uproar that followed shook the General Assembly for a generation. The congregation was reproved, petitioned and visited by commission after commission, but they refused to move. It took until 1896 for the matter to be settled, and, now, music is accepted in all churches.”
“Nessie's warmth, shown towards a young teacher who had arrived knowing nobody, made all the difference. That is what community means. It is a story of continuity for generations of families, whose generosity and faith have shaped the church that we see today. It has always been my church.”
“It is a reminder that the roots of global stories can often be traced right back to a small community in Fermanagh. <BR /> <BR />Three hundred-and-fifty years is a long time, but what endures is not bricks and mortar: it is the warmth, the welcome and the service to others that has defined that congregation across the centuries.”
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“While I do not doubt that many of our dentists still work incredibly hard to help as many patients as possible, it is a simple matter of fact that, as more and more dental practitioners pivot towards private work, many people experience real and significant difficulties in accessing NHS dental services. Unfortunately, in an area as large and rural as ours, people are often left with little choice but to travel long distances. <BR /> <BR />Fortunately, despite the unprecedented funding challenges facing the health service locally, the Minister and his predecessor decided to prioritise funding for high-priority unregistered patients in need of urgent dental care.”
“I thank my constituency colleague Deborah Erskine for securing the Adjournment debate and the Minister for attending this evening. <BR /> <BR />At the outset, I wish to say that I do not believe that any of us for one moment underestimates the scale of the problem facing dentistry in Northern Ireland. It is clear from reports in the media just last week that NHS dentistry is a problem across every corner of the UK. There is an undoubted challenge in our constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. <BR /> <BR />The model of dentistry has changed remarkably in recent years.”
“Minister, will you expand on your assessment of the financial impact on farmers who have to continue feeding, milking and looking after their herds for an indeterminate time after a positive test for TB?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Minister, do you believe that policing has been overly politicised in the past, as per the report? What action will you take to rectify that from a DOJ point of view?”
“Many smaller farmers would have been looking into a grim future had that proposal gone ahead, and I acknowledge the fact that the Minister listened to the Committee's recommendations on that point. <BR /> <BR />I hope that Members agree that we must get this right to ensure that statutory regulations from any Department are properly scrutinised before coming to the House at such a late stage and are not rushed at the expense of the public.”
“More time is needed to look at those concerns, especially support for young farmers and succession planning, but, with the risk of further delay and where payments are concerned, we owe it to the farming community to provide some stability and vote the regulation through, although we must look beyond immediate solutions and prioritise the enduring stability of our family farms, ensuring that we equip farmers with the tools and opportunities to safeguard our farming heritage. <BR /> <BR />As an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, I note and welcome the fact that the minimum for eligible land remains at three hectares, not five, as initially proposed. Proposed changes such as that caused much anxiety in the farming community, especially across my constituency.”
“I rise with some hesitation to support the regulation and to make some brief remarks. Although there are positive developments in the proposed regulations, there are also issues that require further scrutiny by the AERA Committee, as Committee members outlined, to ensure that our agriculture policy reflects the future needs of the industry and, as Members have rightly stated, the viability of our family farms, which are so hard-pressed. I thank the AERA Committee, which is led by my colleague Robbie Butler MLA, and the previous Chairman, Lord Elliott, a former Member of this House, for their continued work to make the valued case for our farming community and to hold the Department to account on the matter. <BR /> <BR />As Members have stated, concerns with the regulation are masked within it.”
“I am aware of some householders in Fermanagh and South Tyrone who are still without telecommunications. My question is similar to Mr McGuigan's supplementary: what, if any, extra moneys will be made available in subsequent rounds for further damage that becomes apparent during the slow restoration of services by utility companies?”
“I ask that the Minister continue to give his fullest support to protecting farming families so that the legacy of generational farming can be protected. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion and thank the Members who tabled it.”
“<BR /> <BR />We must understand that the family farm tax does not affect merely the financial bottom line; it strikes at the heart of our rural communities, and, as the Member for Mid Ulster said so clearly and emphatically, it really affects our rural communities. Family farms are more than just businesses; they are a way of life and a tradition that is passed down through generations. In them are embodied the values of hard work, resilience and stewardship of the land, which we must value and protect. To jeopardise the future of family farms is to jeopardise the essence of our rural heritage. <BR /> <BR />Upon taking post, the Minister assured my predecessor, Lord Elliott, that he would balance environmental policies with farming practices.”
“I am greatly pleased that my colleague Robin Swann presented the UFU's family farm tax petition to the House of Commons and that, like other unionist MPs, he has spoken at every opportunity to highlight the matter, whereas, disappointingly, other NI MPs' voices are not heard. <BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, the family farm tax has intensified discussion on two principal issues: the major issue of succession planning; and the issue of land values. As we know, the increasing land values that will push farmers into that threshold of tax will lead us to the largest crisis in family farming in generations and decimate food production in Northern Ireland. Again, no farmers would mean no food and a bleak future.”
“The situation that farm families face is intolerable, and the inheritance issue has served only to highlight the many difficulties facing the sector, including the substantial bureaucracy and economic uncertainty in the agri-food sector. That uncertainty has led to united lobbying in opposition of the changes, spearheaded by the Ulster Farmers' Union, which has actively demonstrated the anger in our farming community with tractor rallies. It continues to lobby at Westminster, which is the only place where the issue can be addressed, and it must be addressed. <BR /> <BR />At Westminster, the Ulster Unionist Party continues to highlight the genuine concerns that the family farm tax raises for our rural communities through Robin Swann MP and Lord Elliott.”
“We can look forward to what happens in supply chains: when our farmers do not produce food, there is a knock-on effect on retailers, butchers, logistics and many others. There may even be a knock-on impact into the future. Think of our colleges of agriculture and what this will mean for the future sustainability of the very institutions that educate the farmers of the future. We really feel that there is an onus on us to represent those people. <BR /> <BR />Since the Government's autumn Budget, we have seen resilient and stark opposition to many elements of their tax-driven agenda and the push to balance the books at the expense of those who do so much to feed the nation and maintain the land.”
“Like my fellow Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, I declare an interest: I come from a farm family. Like other Members, I welcome Sinn Féin's motion and the opportunity to return to a topic that is of great urgency and profound significance for our rural communities and farm families. I have listened to and heard the many statistics, so there is no need for me to go over them again. <BR /> <BR />The debate gives the House an opportunity to reaffirm its opposition to the disastrous family farm tax, which will rob the young farmers of the future and, as we have heard, threaten the United Kingdom's food security. No farmers would mean no food and a bleak future for us all. In fact, the tax has many ramifications.”
“<BR /> <BR />I call the Minister for the Economy and the Minister of Finance to work jointly to engage with HM Treasury and put the case for the harmonisation of hospitality VAT directly to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In addition, a delegation comprising Ministers and industry stakeholders should meet the Chancellor so that this important sector of the tourism industry can survive and play its role in the Northern Ireland economy and the future vision of tourism. Hospitality and tourism, and all those who work in the sector, need urgent assistance to ensure the survival of the many hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland. I ask Members to support my call, and I commend the motion to the House.”
“It would feed through to higher expenditure in other sectors of the economy, which, in turn, would generate further tax receipts through the tourism multiplier. <BR /> <BR />Many hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland have been pleading for help to weather the storm of increased National Insurance contributions and the rise of the national living wage in April 2025. Now is the time for the respective Departments to explore every possible avenue to identify support mechanisms to ensure the delivery of interim financial support. Some £60 million of Barnett consequentials will be coming to the Executive in April 2025 as a result of rate support given to GB hospitality. It would be good to see whether the same support could be given to the hospitality sector here in Northern Ireland.”
“As someone who is passionate about the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland, I know that we can deliver growth and safeguards for the sector by lowering taxes. Our neighbours have demonstrated that that is possible with careful government support packages through Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. A VAT reduction will bolster the industry and promote employment. Reducing hospitality VAT to ROI's expected levels would help to generate higher employment levels with increased wages and training across Northern Ireland. A level playing field for hospitality VAT with our nearest neighbours would also create the opportunity for hospitality providers to invest in the industry, improve overall quality and pass down savings to customers.”
“Clearly, as a result of that detrimental differential, our hospitality providers will be hit hardest, leading to job losses, reduced trading hours and potential closures. <BR /> <BR />It is important to note that this industry is cross-cutting. It provides opportunities to showcase Northern Ireland's agri-food sector, with locally procured products served in restaurants and hotels. Tourism, of which the hospitality sector represents 40%-plus of the region's direct tourism jobs, contributes significantly to the economy as the fourth-largest private sector in the Province, attracting £1·2 billion expenditure to March 2024. Therefore, that differential affects many parts of the Assembly's Programme for Government and, subsequently, our economy.”
“That has particular significance when scale is applied in the form of wedding or conference bookings. Once again in my constituency, a hotel such as the Killyhevlin faces the prospect of competing with another hotel just 23 miles away across the border, which would be able to offer a VAT saving of 11%. Its price offering will be a much more attractive proposition for cost-conscious customers. Based on 150 wedding guests, the saving on meals alone could be as much as £1,500, and for conferences hosting 300-plus delegates, the saving could be £3,000 to £4,000. In the current economic climate, you cannot blame customers for looking for the most price-competitive proposition.”
“In principle, I would support that, but, given the tax direction of this Labour Government, who have betrayed farmers and the elderly, the case for Northern Ireland is much stronger than UK-wide. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that many of you heard Michael Cadden, who owns the Lusty Beg Island Resort and Spa in my constituency, tell BBC Northern Ireland last week that the reduced VAT rate in Ireland will make it harder to attract people over the border. He said that the disadvantage would have a greater impact on border counties as, post Good Friday Agreement, Ireland is marketed as one island for tourism but has to compete on a different base price. He added:”
“In the UK, VAT was temporarily reduced to 5% on most tourist and hospitality-related activities from July 2020 to September 2021. That was replaced by a 12·5% rate until March 2022, and increased to the standard 20% from April 2022, which now applies. That reduction in VAT spearheaded hospitality growth in the UK and helped to stabilise the sector following the pandemic. As my good friend the Member for Strangford Mr Nesbitt has told the House, derogation of VAT was applied before to another jurisdiction — the Isle of Man — to help to resolve a construction crisis, with much added benefits to its economy. <BR /> <BR />That was then, and this is now, and we must argue the special case that exists in Northern Ireland. I know that there will be Members who would be more than happy to advocate for a UK-wide reduction in VAT on hospitality.”
“<BR /> <BR />A big part of the tourist experience is eating out at the many hospitality outlets at our tourist attractions. It is vital that those businesses are recognised not only for the role that they play in attracting revenue to the economy but for the role that they play in providing essential flexible employment and the opportunity, for young people especially, to learn lifelong skills in public-facing roles. Unless action is taken to reduce hospitality VAT now, the ramifications for growth and job creation will be hard felt, with some businesses having to close their doors for good, and the knock-on effect on the local supply chain will be devastating. <BR /> <BR />There is precedent in the request for VAT reduction.”
“<BR /> <BR />Figures supplied by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) for 2023, broken down by council areas, show that tourism in border areas is a significant driver for the local economy. For example, in my home patch of Fermanagh and Omagh, with attractions such as the Cuilcagh boardwalk trail, the Marble Arch Caves and the beautiful lakelands, it records 1·2 million night stays with a spend of £83 million. For Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the majestic Mountains of Mourne, there were 1·6 million night stays resulting in a spend of over £79 million, and for Derry City and Strabane District Council, with the famous Derry walls and 'Derry Girls' acclaim, there were 820,000 night stays with a spend of £63 million.”
“That will present a huge threat to the confidence of operators in the hospitality and tourism industry in Northern Ireland. It has the potential to undo all the gains that the sector and related industries have made in bolstering our economy by £1·9 billion to date. The feeling in the industry is that that is just the final nail in the coffin for those who are already struggling with higher input and operating costs. That leads many to question how the tourism strategy and its objectives can be achieved in the long term when, in the immediate situation, businesses are facing increases in wages and running costs and now a more competitive VAT rate, in some cases only five miles from where they are located, across the border in the Republic.”
“Those are the disastrous fallout from the Chancellor's Budget, with the planned rise in employers' National Insurance rates and the national living wage; the introduction of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA); and, most recently, the Irish Government's announcement of their intention to lower VAT on hospitality in the Republic of Ireland from the current 13·5% to 9%. That VAT differential is the final straw for many in the hospitality trade who operate in close proximity to the border region, and it is on that topic that I wish to address the House. <BR /> <BR />The planned reduction in hospitality VAT in the Republic of Ireland will mean a substantial differential of 11% between ROI and UK VAT rates in hospitality.”
“<BR /> <BR />In January 2025, the former Economy Minister Conor Murphy launched a 10-year tourism vision and action plan that commits to boosting tourism's subregional impact with a target of doubling the value of tourism to £2 billion per annum. Over recent years, however, the industry has experienced significant setbacks, including the COVID pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the cost-of-doing-business crisis. Hospitality and tourism have always shown admirable resilience, but there are three looming threats to the survival of the industry in Northern Ireland.”
“I rise today not just to pay tribute to one of Northern Ireland's best business sectors but to make the case for a fairer playing field for all those men and women who pull the pints, serve our world-class food and make this place the most welcoming in the world. The hospitality and tourism sector is a vital component of the outward-facing image of Northern Ireland. It is pivotal in demonstrating all that is good about our country — the stunning landscapes, the warm welcomes, storytelling, food, music and culture. Those things entice people to travel to different parts of Northern Ireland for recreation and pleasure. The enthusiasm and energy of destination providers, many of which are small family-run businesses, have really embraced the "Giant Spirit" that Tourism NI and other stakeholders in the sector promote.”
“Those issues need to be addressed by statutory agencies to provide safe streets and protect vulnerable people. <BR /> <BR />From an outsider's perspective, I welcome the steps that are being taken to address night-time travel, such as the ambition in Translink's recently announced business case to extend, for a year of weekends, late night-services, including to provincial towns such as mine, Enniskillen. That means that those who live outside Belfast can spend the evening enjoying the hospitality and entertainment attractions and still have a service that enables them to travel home. That is really good news. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for North Belfast and my fellow Economy Committee member for securing the Adjournment debate and supporting growth and expansion to create a 24-hour economy in Belfast.”
“The expansion of Belfast's night-time economy represents an important element of sustainable growth. The importance of the night-time economy is growing. A vibrant evening and night-time economy can enhance the attractiveness of the city for the local community, visitors and tourists. It can contribute to economic growth through the creation of jobs. Nationally, it is the fifth biggest industry, accounting for at least 8% of the UK's employment, with annual revenue of £66 billion, according to the Night Time Industries Association. <BR /> <BR />At present in Belfast, however, there are recurring issues: the availability of safe night-time public transport, as referred to by Members; dereliction; homelessness; and evidence of drug use on the streets.”
“<BR /> <BR />The transformation of the city since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement is astonishing when we think about what Belfast was like in the 1970s and 1980s: derelict, with no tourists and no investment, it was drab and dreary. Then the peace process came, with the Good Friday Agreement. Our former party leader David Trimble was First Minister. From the window of the Waterfront Hall, he pointed and said, "Look at all those cranes. That's progress". He did not mean the yellow Harland and Wolff cranes. Today, we see a city transformed, with sleek new buildings that house world-leading cybersecurity, fintech and many more industries, an expanding hotel sector and the world-famous Titanic building, among others. <BR /> <BR />When Belfast thrives, Northern Ireland thrives.”
“I hope that the Member does not mind me making a few brief remarks. As he will understand, I am a strong advocate for the hospitality sector and someone who is not unfamiliar with the Belfast night-time economy. Not wishing to fall foul of your direction, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will focus my remarks on the Belfast night-time economy. <BR /> <BR />Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital city, its first city and one that we want all our people to be proud of. I commend all the MLAs here who represent Belfast for their obvious passion and ambition for the city, which they have clearly set out. I have enjoyed listening to the debate.”
“That could include the measures that I have outlined as well as learning from successful models used worldwide. Regardless of the approach, one thing is abundantly clear: the scale of the housing crisis demands immediate, evidence-based action to deliver meaningful and lasting solutions.”
“We also must build on the success of co-ownership, which has helped thousands of people to access homeownership. <BR /> <BR />The challenges facing first-time buyers demand a bold, evidence-led response. That means delivering more affordable new builds to meet rising demand; expanding co-ownership, ensuring that it remains a viable option for those unable to secure an entire mortgage; exploring an equity-based help-to-buy scheme, reducing upfront mortgage costs; and exploring how lenders might consider rental history so that those who have consistently paid high rents are not unfairly locked out of homeownership. The Minister and the Department must urgently explore every avenue to increase the range of housing options available.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the same time, rental costs have skyrocketed, making it more challenging than ever for prospective homeowners to save for a deposit; yet, despite many paying rents far exceeding what a mortgage would cost, lenders often do not consider those payments when assessing mortgage applications. That is yet another unnecessary barrier that must be addressed. We cannot allow an entire generation to be priced out of homeownership. While the housing supply strategy provides broad ambitions and the Minister's intermediate rent announcement in May 2024 is welcome, the reality is apparent. We must go further and deliver tangible support for first-time buyers. Amendment No 1 rightly emphasises the need to increase housing supply and ensure affordability across all tenures, and that must be done without delay.”
“This critical issue further highlights the deepening housing crisis that is gripping Northern Ireland. Rising house prices, soaring rental costs and increasing mortgage pressures are making homeownership an impossible dream for too many. As a result, we are seeing greater reliance on social housing, as has been mentioned, placing even more strain on an already stretched system. For young people and families across Northern Ireland, the aspiration of owning a home is slipping away. In Belfast, for example, as of June 2024, the house price index reached 159, indicating a 59% increase in house prices since 2015 and a 6·3% rise compared with June 2023. Across Northern Ireland, the lack of affordable housing is forcing people to leave their communities in search of somewhere that they can afford.”
“I welcome the Minister coming to the Chamber today. I wish you well in your new role. I thank my fellow MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone for raising the issue, as I did this morning during Members' statements. <BR /> <BR />When Project Stratum was being finalised with the successful contractor, Fibrus, why were obligations not applied at that time, so that Fibrus would have been part of the Ofcom automatic compensation scheme in the same way as other providers?”
“Minister, how are you and your Department tackling continued fraud and error in the legal aid budget?”
“Where such incidents have occurred, I am aware that there will be a shortage in the procurement of fibre cable and other components that will compound the delays being felt in many homes and businesses. As I understand it, many of the big providers are bringing over engineers from Great Britain to assist in the restoration efforts, which, I trust, will help. However, the lack of communication from certain providers is causing much anxiety for those who are offline. These are unprecedented times, and, whilst I understand the scale of damage to the networks, it is imperative that our rural, isolated residents have connectivity restored. I call on the telecommunications companies to expedite repairs and share information with the greatest urgency.”
“All major telecom providers have sustained severe damage to the networks, and, unfortunately, it could be some time before normal services resume. I have liaised with all major providers, such as BT, Fibrus, Sky, Vodafone and O2, about the concerns of customers who have been left without service, particularly the elderly, vulnerable people who rely on connectivity to keep in touch with their families and to allow their emergency response devices to operate. The problem affects not only the most vulnerable but those who work from home and, indeed, students who need to complete online assignments. <BR /> <BR />Most providers are still assessing the damage to their networks and will likely have to rebuild their infrastructure entirely in certain areas where poles and fibre cable have been wiped out.”
“I note that it is 11 days since storm Éowyn occurred. With power restored to almost all the 283,000 properties affected, I commend Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) for the mammoth task that it has undertaken to restore the electricity network, repairing almost the entire network in one week. My thanks go to everyone involved in the operation to turn the lights back on in the homes of so many families, including mine, which was in the dark for eight days. We can all agree that it has been a difficult and challenging time for many people. <BR /> <BR />As NIE gets the final number of properties connected today, the restoration efforts will enter a new phase and attention will turn to the connectivity issues with broadband and mobile coverage for many affected residents.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. She will be aware, however, that the most recent allocation of £7 million in January monitoring fell short even of the allocation needed to deliver pay parity for our health workers. Does the Minister accept that there is an inconsistency in the Executive's seemingly prioritising tackling waiting lists in the Programme for Government whilst actively deciding not to even partially meet the waiting list initiative bids that were submitted in 2024-25?”
“That would allow the project to proceed as quickly as funding becomes available. <BR /> <BR />I add my tribute to the staff of Altnagelvin Area Hospital, who operate in the conditions that we have heard about, and I thank them for the work that they do.”
“The Department of Health, probably like every other Department, likely has a capital plan that is more ambitious than the available funds allow. Given that, difficult decisions will undoubtedly have to be taken, with some individual projects being prioritised over others. As I said, however, the Minister of Health can operate only within the financial envelope that he has available. <BR /> <BR />I am hopeful that, if the project has cross-party support, as, I sense, it does, the Executive collectively will not only prioritise it but make available the funds to deliver it. In the meantime, I appeal to the Minister to keep pressure on the Western Health and Social Care Trust and his departmental officials to maintain momentum in the development of the full business case for the new build.”
“Whilst corridor care is by no means unique to Altnagelvin, no one who has been in the ED will be in any doubt that a new building is required. The current facilities are too outdated, too limited and far too small for the sheer number of patients and staff whom they are meant to accommodate, so I welcome the Department's ongoing commitment to delivering a new emergency department at Altnagelvin. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious that the Minister has been in Altnagelvin emergency department in recent weeks and witnessed first-hand the many physical limitations of the existing facility. Equally, I am mindful that, whilst the Department is supportive, delivering the scheme will require financial wherewithal.”
“I hope that the Member does not mind my adding a few brief remarks to his Adjournment debate. As he will understand, there are deep ties between Altnagelvin and the South West Acute Hospital in my constituency. Not wishing to fall foul of your direction, however, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will focus my remarks on the emergency department at Altnagelvin. <BR /> <BR />Following changes to emergency general surgery, more and more of my constituents have to attend Altnagelvin ED. The winter pressures that have been on display in recent weeks have once again shone a spotlight on the fragility of our emergency departments. Patients sometimes do not receive the care that they deserve, and far too many staff are asked to work in environments that are wholly inadequate.”
“By doing so, we will ensure that every child in Northern Ireland has the opportunity to thrive and every family has the support that it needs to succeed.”
“Thank you. <BR /> <BR />Thank you for your intervention. Yes, it is the responsibility of all Members in the Chamber to show — my colleague across the Chamber also referenced this — that this is not an opportunity to score party political points. We are dealing with a cross-departmental topic that has fundamental consequences. Thank you for that intervention. <BR /> <BR />It is imperative that we provide immediate assistance to childcare providers in financial difficulty sooner rather than later. While I commend the substantial investments and positive steps taken thus far in the development of a childcare scheme, I join others in calling for the publication of the early years childcare strategy so that cross-departmental work can proceed. We must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the ongoing needs of the childcare sector.”
“In agreement with many of the contributors today, I recognise the need to push on with the scoping exercise that is being done in conjunction with the Department for the Economy and Invest NI, because that is essential for the adoption of a sustainable blueprint. Therefore, why was it not finalised by the Department in, as stated, December 2024? <BR /> <BR />It is imperative that we provide immediate assistance —.”
“Figures from Employers for Childcare show that the average cost of full-time childcare in Northern Ireland was more than £10,000 a year for one child. Therefore, there is an urgency to deliver the scheme in order to grow the economic outlook for all across Northern Ireland and help deliver a more equitable society. <BR /> <BR />When I speak to nursery owners, it is evident that the fees are unaffordable for parents, and many daycare nurseries cannot charge the appropriate amount to ensure that they are sustainable. That critical situation cannot last. The failure to instigate the business support scheme to help childcare providers represents another hammer blow at this time, on top of other wage and National Insurance rises that they face.”
“<BR /> <BR />I sense the frustration in the motion that the scoping exercise has not yet yielded the body of work that is required to frame a childcare support scheme that would be a blueprint for the way forward. Analysis shows that the lack of childcare provision and affordability are major stumbling blocks for those who wish to return to work. Economic inactivity in Northern Ireland stands at 26·1%, which is the highest in the UK. In many cases, that is due to parenting or caring responsibilities, which are primarily undertaken by women. Affordable childcare has an important role in facilitating parental employment, which, in return, can reduce child poverty. In 2023, a major review by the Department of Education found that the majority of parents on low and middle incomes consider childcare to be unaffordable.”