§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what measures have been introduced by Northern Ireland government departments to support the child care initiative; [128292]
(2) what measures have been introduced by the Northern Ireland Office to support the child care initiative. [131524]
§ Mr. PearsonThe Government have a significant role as an employer in Northern Ireland and recognise the importance of maintaining and reviewing the measures in place to help civil servants balance their work and family responsibilities. Child care was one of the issues closely examined in the recent NICS dependant care review. This major review was carried out by an Interdepartmental Working Group and consultation with Central Trade Union Side is now due to begin. A number of key recommendations impacting on child care issues have been made and will be taken forward by DFP. At present there are various child care arrangements in place within individual Departments and Agencies.