To ask the Minister for the Economy what preparations have been undertaken to provide support to businesses in areas of heightened COVID-19 restrictions.

I met with businesses in the North West last Friday and heard about the impacts these new restrictions will have on their businesses. These businesses want, and need, to be open and trading.

The Executive recognises that these restrictions will have an adverse impact on businesses and the local economy. A support package to provide assistance to businesses within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area has been announced by the Finance Minister on 7th October and will be operational within days.

It is important that any further support measures are considered within the ever changing context we are operating in and we must retain maximum flexibility to adapt to the frequent changes in virus spread and public health advice.

I accept that more needs to be done, and I will be making further representations to UK Government on the need for greater support measures for our economy.