To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce an under-fives initiative in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

The report of an interdepartmental review of policy and services for the under-fives is expected later this year. As part of its work, the group conducting the review has commissioned research aimed at quantifying the demand for provision for the under-fives and at improving the information available on the needs and preferences of parents and children. Work is also well advanced on the preparation of a draft children (NI) order. This, among other things, will provide a clearer legislative framework for the development of services for the under-fives and will strengthen procedures for the regulation of day care services, bringing them broadly into line with those introduced in the Children Act 1989.