To ask the Minister of Health what engagement he has had with the Northern Ireland Childminding Association in relation to the review of Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care.

My Department engages regularly with the Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA) on the Department’s Minimum Standards and any issues facing childminders in relation to registration and inspection. NICMA, along with Unite the Union’s Childminders branch, will be invited to participate in the forthcoming review of the Minimum Standards to represent the views and experiences of their members.