To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will provide support to businesses that have thus far received little or no assistance from COVID-19 Business Support Schemes.

I acknowledge many businesses have not been able to receive support despite extensive local support measures brought forward by the Executive, such as the Business Support Schemes and the business rates relief, as well as the UK-wide schemes including the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

The Northern Ireland economy has been hit hard by the pandemic and significant investment will be required to rebuild and renew the economy. In considering further interventions, it will be for the Executive to determine how future funding, including that which may be available from grant related underspends, would be allocated to support economic recovery moving forward.