Written questions by Fenton-Glynn.

What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving childcare provision in Northern Ireland.

This Labour government’s mission is to break down the barriers to opportunity for every child, at every stage across the UK.Earlier this month, the Minister for Early Education and I met with NI Education Minister Givan in Belfast to discuss childcare and areas of shared learning between the two governments.The NI Education Minister recently announced £55m for measures which will include an extension of the Childcare Subsidy Scheme to cover school-age children in Northern Ireland, which I welcome.

What steps he is taking with the Northern Ireland Executive to help tackle violence against women and girls.

Last year, seven women were killed in Northern Ireland and rates of violence against women are higher in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK. In January, I was pleased to welcome the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls to Northern Ireland to meet Executive Ministers and the Police Service, and to visit the excellent Foyle Family Justice Centre. We discussed ways we can work together and share best practice to tackle violence against women and girls.

How many social media accounts his Department operates; and how much his Department spent on social media (a) subscriptions and (b) advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years.

The Government communicates across a range of media channels in order to reach its target audience effectively. Channels are selected based on whether they will reach the intended audience on a specific issue to have the most impact.Social media is an essential part of government communications and is used to inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests.The Northern Ireland Office operates four social media accounts. In the last three years, no budget has been spent on subscriptions to social media sites. In 2023, the department spent £9,866.43 on display advertisements across social media platforms. This was part of a broader marketing campaign to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.