To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any work he is undertaking with the Minister for the Economy to tackle economic inactivity amongst women in Northern Ireland.

My department has received £145,000 of funding from the Department for Economy (DfE) to deliver a range of provision in support of the Childcare sector through our Labour Market Partnerships (LMPs).

It is recognised that lack of affordable childcare can be a barrier for people with dependants who are considering returning to work or increasing their working hours.

This funding allows participants to engage in Childcare Employment Academies, aiming to assist them to gain new qualifications, and move into employment/self-employment or higher paid employment.