Junior Ministers had a number of discussions with representatives from the sector who were concerned about their future.
Jeffrey Donaldson said: “Having responsibility for children and young people, Junior Minister Kelly and I have liaised with the Department of Health on this issue and requested that additional funds were sought to guarantee the existence of such a worthwhile service.
“We are committed to working with children’s groups to assist them to continue to exist beyond this six months period. This extended funding arrangement will afford the after-school projects time to find alternative funding.”
Gerry Kelly said: “The welfare of our children is a key priority for the Executive and to improve their quality of life as well as their life experiences.
“When the cost of living is increasing, it is vital that government endeavours to help those parents on low incomes avail of schemes such as these so that parents are not forced to seek childcare outside of their communities which could prove even costlier.”
Notes to Editors:
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