To ask the Minister for the Economy what his Department is doing to support hospitality businesses not currently eligible for the Omicron Hospitality Payment.

Whilst the Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme agreed by the Executive before Christmas was warmly welcomed, there was huge disappointment and frustration that hotels were excluded.

I always maintained that hotels should have been included as they faced the same challenges as those businesses which were eligible for support. I wrote to the Finance Minister on two occasions urging him to extend the scheme to the hotel sector.

I am delighted that the Executive has now agreed to extend the scheme to the hotel sector thereby providing much needed support to this vital industry.

This payment will be between £10,000 and £20,000 dependent on the rateable value of the property.