To ask the Minister of Finance what plans he has to offer financial support, similar to the £40 million Omicron Hospitality Payment fund, to food and beverage producers whose businesses have suffered losses as a result of the downturn in hospitality trade.

The Executive targeted support to the hospitality sector through the Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme as it was presented with evidence that this sector has been severely affected by changes in consumer behaviour arising from the Omicron wave of the pandemic and the associated public health messaging. The Executive also recognised the particular challenges faced by businesses in the hospitality sector at what would traditionally be their busiest time of year.

While the Department of Finance has stepped up to deliver the Omicron Hospitality Payment Scheme to a range of businesses within the hospitality sector, responsibility for further business support rests with the Department for the Economy. As Minister of Finance, I have encouraged the Minster for the Economy, and all my Ministerial colleagues, to consider whether there is a need for financial support for businesses in the sectors for which they have policy responsibility.