To ask the Minister for the Economy why he did not make a bid to the Minister of Finance for support for businesses in the hospitality industry which are not currently eligible for support under the Omicron Hospitality Payment Scheme, but have been affected by the Omicron COVID-19 variant and associated restrictions.

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 be 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 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.