A €13.5 million investment from the Irish Government's Shared Island Fund has been allocated to strengthen the early years workforce on both sides of the border. The funding will target the upskilling of early educators and improve resources for children with additional needs.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason, the party's spokesperson on childcare and early years, said the investment would help provide a better start in life for all children across the island. She emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to early childhood development.

The funding aims to enhance professional development for those working in early years settings and to expand support services for children with special educational requirements. It is part of the Shared Island Initiative, which seeks to deepen cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Mason also used the announcement to urge the DUP Education Minister to bring forward a comprehensive childcare strategy for Northern Ireland. She said such a strategy should deliver high-quality care, affordability for parents, sustainability for providers, and proper recognition for childcare workers.

No further details on the specific mechanisms or distribution timeline for the funding have been released.