To ask the Minister of Finance whether consideration has been given to making a one-off top-up payment to current recipients of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme Grant Scheme in light of the unallocated COVID-19 DEL Resource funding.

The Member will be aware that the amounts paid here under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) are in the range of £800 to £1,600 per week and are much higher than comparable schemes elsewhere. Almost £169 million has now been paid to over 13,000 business by the LRSS. The Executive is considering all options necessary to provide the required support to businesses affected by the current restrictions. I have asked my Executive colleagues to bring forward proposals for support to sectors who may still require additional support, and I will consider if my Department needs to bring forward any further support.