To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) the COVID-19 support available for self-employed musicians who have seen their business reduced or ceased as a result of lockdown measures; and (ii) the circumstances under which musicians are able to perform under current COVID-19 guidelines.

The Executive and the UK Government have introduced a wide range of support schemes and other financial packages to support businesses, individual and employers across every sector and industry.

The UK Government introduced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) for all self-employed individuals who saw their business reduced or ceased due to the introduction of health regulations. Many thousands of people throughout Northern Ireland have availed of this support.

My Department has also introduced two support schemes for those not eligible for SEISS. The Newly Self-Employed Support Scheme, which closed to new applications on 19 February, and the Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme, which has been extended to 4 March.

Some self-employed musicians may also have been eligible for Part B of the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme. This is for businesses in the supply chain of those businesses forced to close of cease trading or reliant upon such a business being open and fully operational in order to trade.

Outside of my Department, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland opened a new funding programme to support artists and performers with grants of up to £5,000 during the COVID-19 crisis. This programme has now closed.

The health protection regulations are the responsibility of the Department of Health and guidance on what these mean for businesses and individuals are provided on the NI Direct website. The current regulations are in place until 1st April but will be reviewed on 18 March.