To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has any plans to introduce further financial support for businesses allowed to open as essential retail and services, but have lost income due to current restrictions related to COVID-19.

The Executive and the UK Government have introduced a wide range of business support schemes to help ease the extraordinary burden that has been placed on entire communities and our local economy, due to the ongoing global pandemic.

To date, my Department has provided over £370 million of support to over 30,000 businesses and individuals, and is currently delivering millions of pounds to thousands more through the recent schemes that have been developed and implemented. The combination of these schemes have provided support to all sectors and occupations throughout Northern Ireland.

I am on record as stating that whilst the ‘stay at home message’ has been absolutely necessary, it has had a damaging impact on our town and city centres and our local high streets. Beyond the current restriction period, I believe that the best way to support these businesses is to negate the cycle of severe restrictions which will inevitably cost jobs and businesses.

With the roll-out of a vaccination programme, there is cause for optimism as we look towards a return to some form of social and economic normality, and government support can them be targeted at helping businesses to be able to operate safely, with as little interruption as possible.

Whilst the Executive and my own Department continue to receive calls for specific targeted support, it is simply not possible to design and fund schemes for every type of business or employment across our society.