Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy what plans are in place to ensure that additional resources allocated to economic recovery.
Minister for the Economy: In June of this year I published ‘Rebuilding a Stronger Economy’, a framework to build a more competitive, inclusive and greener economy that delivers higher paying jobs, a highly skilled workforce and a more regionally balanced economy. Guided by the “Rebuilding” framework, and having secured over £92 million in additional funding for this financial year through the various financial exercises, my Department has identified and in many cases is now delivering a range of schemes to assist individuals, businesses and the economy adapt to and recover from the combined challenges of Covid-19 and EU Exit.
These schemes will provide assistance across the economy in areas such as Innovation; Apprenticeships & Skills; Supply Chain / Product Resilience and Diversification; Access to Finance for early stage businesses; and Business and Financial Planning. Looking forward, as part of the Spending Review process, I will continue to work with the Minister for Finance and his officials to secure the additional resources necessary to assist economic recovery. If we are serious about rebuilding our economy, we need to invest in the key drivers of economic growth by enhancing our skills base, embedding innovation in our economy and growing our external sales. I remain committed to working with Executive colleagues to identify and deliver the support necessary to assist our businesses and citizens through this most difficult time.
ENDS
Your MLA 