To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has any plans to identify and financially support anyone who has not been eligible for COVID-19-related grants to date.

The Northern Ireland 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 lifeline support to

over 30,000 businesses and individuals, and is currently delivering millions of

pounds to thousands more.

Whilst the Executive and my own Department continue to receive calls for

specific targeted support, it is not possible to design and fund schemes for every

sector of business, employment group or indeed individual across our society.

Ultimately however, it will be for the Executive collectively to determine how

any new or additional Covid related funding should be allocated.