To ask the Minister for the Economy what action her Department is taking to ensure that the application process for the COVID-19 Restrictions Business Support Scheme is simplified, so not to exclude businesses that would otherwise qualify for support.

The Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme has been developed to support as many viable business as possible that have been impacted by the Executive’s decision to impose the additional restrictions that initially came into effect on 16 October 2020 and are not eligible for support under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.

I fully understand the need to make the application process as accessible as possible to ensure it reaches all eligible businesses and individuals. I can assure you that the Department has taken on board all initial feedback, will continue to monitor future feedback and will review the application process and its associated guidance, as appropriate, to ensure it is as streamlined and comprehensible as possible.