It comes following a debate in the Assembly yesterday (18 November) on the need for universal, affordable childcare.

Ms Nicholl has said: “That Alliance’s credentials when it comes to advocating for affordable childcare in Northern Ireland have been called into question is, quite frankly, laughable.

“We have led the way in bringing the issue of childcare to the Assembly floor and the Education Minister’s attention, in engaging with both providers from across the sector and with parents and carers, and in bringing forward actual proposals for an alternative to simply replicating the flawed system elsewhere in the UK.

“Our policy paper ‘Children First’, published in October 2023, spoke of the potential for a bespoke childcare system here, and has evidently succeeded in moving other parties away from championing the failed free hours model used in England.

“Contrary to those insinuating otherwise, we, including our Executive ministers, have also been incredibly active in shaping policy direction regarding the development and agreement of a subsidy scheme paid directly to providers.

“No Alliance representative will be found wanting in terms of speaking up for parents, carers, and families when it comes to the need for affordable, high-quality childcare here in NI, nor will they be shouted down or silenced by others when it comes to correcting any inaccuracy made implying otherwise.”