The money was followed by the announcement of 50m for the earlyyears sector over the next two years.
Yet Rooker, who also holds the portfolios for finance, agriculture andthe environment in Northern Ireland, insists it was a joint effort. "Wedid it as a team," he says firmly. "Peter Hain, Northern Ireland'ssecretary of state, wanted a focus on children, which is why he wanted achildren's minister in the first place."
The money will support childcare, Sure Start, extended school activitiesand efforts to improve children's health. But Rooker claims itsimplications extend further. The investment, squeezed from otherdepartments, will end the difference between funding for children'sservices in Northern Ireland and England, he claims.
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