§ Mr. DonaldsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to introduce the Sure Start programme in Northern Ireland. [64143]
§ Mr. McFallPresent expenditure plans do not include provision for the introduction of the Sure Start programme in Northern Ireland. However, the Government are already doing a great deal in Northern Ireland to develop improved support systems for families with young children and a consultation exercise early next year on the Northern Ireland Childcare Strategy will seek views from a wide range of interests about how programmes for families with young children might best be further developed here. It will then be for the Northern Ireland Assembly to decide on the way forward.