AQW 26756/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Finance
To ask the Minister of Finance whether enhancing the Pathway Fund from the £50 million budget allocated for the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy in 2025-26 requires approval from his Department.
Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 8 May 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Priority
- Tabled
- 8 May 2025
- Answer due by
- 13 May 2025
- Answered
- 10 June 202533 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Finance
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
The stabilisation and expansion of the Pathway Fund requires expenditure approval from my Department. A business case supporting this request was submitted to the Department of Finance on 7 May 2025. This was part of a wider business case seeking expenditure approval for the full package of Early Learning and Childcare interim measures in 2025-26.
The business case is currently being reviewed by my officials as a matter of priority.