EDUCATION minister Michelle McIveen has announced further measures to support childcare providers.
The Covid-19 Childcare Temporary Closure Fund will be extended until March 31 to help those forced to close temporarily.
Ms McIlveen said her department had provided almost £40 million to the childcare sector to help alleviate the pressures faced during the pandemic.
"I am aware of the ongoing challenges facing providers in the childcare sector and I want to thank them for their ongoing commitment to providing these vital services," she said.
"It will provide a financial contribution to providers as a result of the Covid-19 related closures, and importantly, will continue to support parents, and carers by requiring childcare providers to suspend/return their fees while their provision is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 related incidents."
She also said she was "committed to keeping the need for a further phase of sustainability funding under review".
"Scoping work on this is underway and my officials are meeting with key childcare stakeholders to assess the current situation and consider an appropriate response," she added.
Applications are open with eligible daycare, school-aged childcare settings, childminders, crèches and playgroups who have had to temporarily close their provision in line with the eligibility requirements of the fund able to apply.
