The Northern Ireland Executive has reported delivery of more than 237,000 additional outpatient, diagnostic and inpatient procedures.

The total exceeds the Programme for Government target of treating an additional 70,000 patients by 2027.

Four-year waits for some major procedures have fallen sharply.

The Executive also reported higher than projected uptake of its childcare subsidy scheme.

More than double the expected number of children received support under the 15 per cent subsidy.

Childcare fees rose by around 17 per cent during the same period.

The Programme for Government report also noted ongoing challenges in housing delivery and public service reform.