Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has pressed the Economy Minister for clarity around when the Covid-19 Business Support Scheme will open to further recipients.

To date the roll out of financial aid has been slow, with as yet no access for those to support businesses in the direct supply chain of others required to close or cease trading over four weeks into the latest restrictions.

Stewart Dickson MLA added: “It is absolutely shocking that so many people remain excluded from seeking financial aid – on this occasion those in a supply chain, who will be finding things especially tough as the weeks roll on.

“I’m glad to hear the Minister expects this scheme to open to them later this week and I hope she is true to her word, yet we must continue to seek answers for all those still excluded.

“It seems the Minister has yet to exhaust all avenues. As yet she has not made a bid on the remaining barnett consequentials and I would urge her to consider accessing this money, so she can follow through on her promise of providing as much support as possible for those in need. Sadly this has been lacking to date.”