To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) the support available for businesses to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period for both a deal and no-deal Brexit scenario; (ii) how she has communicated this to businesses; and (iii) how it will be delivered in time for the deadline.

I have been encouraging businesses to take whatever steps they can to prepare now, as there will be changes to their trading environment at the end of the transition period regardless of the outcome of FTA or Joint Committee negotiations. My Department has already made significant support available to businesses to prepare for EU exit through both Invest NI and InterTradeIreland and I continue to recommend that businesses visit these services and utilise the online Brexit tools, enrol for webinars, and if appropriate apply for EU Exit support vouchers. We have also ensured that the NI Business Info website provides an EU exit information that will help businesses prepare. I have also bid for further funding through DoF to HM Treasury to deliver further support to businesses in this and the next financial year. However, there has been no formal decision on these bids as yet. I continue to publicise these support measures online and through direct engagement with businesses. InvestNI and InterTradeIreland have also launched extensive communications campaigns making use of a range of media to encourage and support businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period. My Department will continue to provide advice, guidance and support to businesses in the months ahead in order that businesses can adjust to the new operating environment. Realistically, given the lack of clarity and time, it will be impossible for every business to be fully prepared by the end of the transition period. This is why it is vital to continue this work in the months ahead.