Sinn Féin Catherine Kelly MLA welcomed the allocation of £12m to the Department of Education for emergency childcare provision.
The party’s spokesperson on Children and Young People said:
“Emergency childcare provides vital support for our key workers, many of whom are parents.
“Sinn Fein has supported the call for more support for childcare providers and recognises the contribution the private as well as public sector can make to meet the different needs of children and their parents, during in this difficult time.
“I welcome Conor Murphy’s decision to allocate additional financial support to the Department of Education and await further detail on what the support package entails.”
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has commended West Belfast based company Huhtamaki for repurposing their factory to make visors for frontline workers.
Speaking, the West Belfast MP said:
“I want to commend the owners and staff at
Huhtamaki for showing true leadership in the face of a global health pandemic.
“Huhtamaki, a Finnish company, has traditionally produced packaging for food outlets but have come forward and agreed to repurpose their factory in West Belfast to produce a visors for our frontline health workers.
“The number of visors that they expect to produce is of a significant quantity and will be a great contribution to protecting our healthcare workers and the fightback against COVID19.
“I will continue to work with Finance Minister Conor Murphy, Health Minister Robin Swann and Huhtamaki in the time ahead to ensure that this project is taking forward in an efficient manner.
“I would appeal to all other factories that can
repurpose and contribute to the fightback, while guaranteeing the safety of
workers, to email:
[email protected]
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Linda Dillon MLA has called on the Executive to introduce additional emergency accommodation provisions for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Linda Dillon said:
“Amid the ongoing restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic I am greatly concerned at the rise in calls and online requests for help to domestic abuse helplines.
“While in lockdown or self-isolation, women and children are more likely to be spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators, potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse, cutting off escape routes, and making it more difficult for victims to seek help.
“We are seeing a global upward trend of domestic abuse cases and the north is no different with evidence that domestic abuse cases are up almost 30%.
“There is a real risk of existing domestic abuse refuges and emergency accommodation being overwhelmed.
“I am therefore writing to the Minister for Communities about bringing in additional emergency accommodation provisions for victims of domestic abuse.
“It is critical at this dangerous time that we are able to stand by domestic abuse victims and keep people safe. I’d like to praise those key frontline workers who are working tirelessly to protect victims of domestic abuse.
“To anyone who is currently suffering domestic abuse please remember that you are not alone and that help is available. There is a 24-hour domestic & sexual abuse helpline that you can call on 0808 802 1414.”
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that the decision to delay the leaving cert is not a great surprise, but that preparation must begin now to ensure a written leaving cert can safely be delivered on a new date.
Deputy Ó Laoghaire said;
“When you consider that the first exam was due to begin in less than eight weeks, we have felt that it was increasingly clear over recent weeks, that to deliver a written leaving cert in June, seemed very unlikely. As important as the State exams clearly are the interests of public health have to be the first priority.
“What I, advocates for students, their families, and teachers have been seeking is clarity, and while we know a bit more, we do not have the full clarity that students would like. We now do not have an actual date for a leaving cert, which is unprecedented.
“For students, the ongoing stress and anxiety continues, and it has been unbearable at a time when anxiety is already high. It has been deeply unfair on them.
“I urge students and teachers to try take a break now, that the finish line has been moved. I also absolutely urge the Department of Education to provide resources and a helpline for students who need counselling and support.
“What needs to happen now is major preparation, and it needs the whole Education Sector to be involved.
“Even to try and deliver a written leaving cert safely in July or August, it cannot be the normal leaving cert, because it seems unlikely we will be fully back to normal as a society by then. Schools need to be deep cleaned, from now.
“We will now need a much greater number venues, of invigilators, specific provisions for scribes, and so on.
“Any and all of these contingency plans should be published, and students should have the opportunity to know and prepare for what they will be dealing with this summer.
“There must be provision for students in vulnerable categories to take these exams alone if necessary.
“There are many other questions still outstanding. We need to know how prepared is the SEC for delayed marking, and how this will affect third level admissions, as well as internationally. We need to know whether the papers will be different format, and if so, what they will look like, how practical subjects such as Construction Studies will proceed.
“Crucially, we need to know how the Minister will redress the fact that regrettably the last few weeks have deepened the education divide, between those who suffer education disadvantage and those in a better position, and I include the digital divide in that.
"There needs to be a plan to tackle that over the coming weeks, and tuition has to be a key part of that.
"The fees for the exams cost €116 per child, at a time when families who do not qualify for the waiver are out of work, and really struggling. It should be deferred, and some form of expanded waiver considered for a later date.
"Fees for the Junior Cert should be cancelled, and fees for the Leaving Cert should be deferred."
"In the course of a conference call yesterday, the Chief Executive of the HSE told me that he had no interest in not declaring the numbers, so there is no reason for these to be withheld."
Sinn Féin MLA and Infrastructure spokesperson Cathal Boylan has welcomed the automatic renewal of taxi vehicle licenses as all tests have been suspended as a result of Covid-19.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said:
“Since late March all MOT vehicle tests have been suspended, however taxis could not avail of an exemption for tests like other vehicles.
“Now a ‘automatic renewal licence’ is available for taxis where the existing licence falls for renewal 31 days before or the six months after April 10th. It is free of charge and happens automatically without a need for booking a test.
"Of course, conditions will be attached to this automatic renewal licence such as the need for the taxi to be maintained as roadworthy.
“This is a welcome move as taxi drivers are looking assurances that they can continue to operate legally and safely during this crisis.
“Additionally, there are other measures that could assist the sector at this time such as guidance on how drivers can operate safely, to which i have raised with the relevant ministers.
"Taxi drivers are among those hardest hit during this crisis and while the financial support for the self employed is welcomed, Sinn Féin have been pressing for the financial support to be available quicker.
“Taxi drivers provide an essential service to members of the community and cannot be left behind.
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said the persistent COVID-19 testing issues which have again seen testing sites collecting only a limited amount of samples need to be addressed.
She has also once again implored on the government to be transparent about the testing situation.
Speaking this afternoon, Teachta O’Reilly said: “The reports that yet again testing for COVID-19 at two of the State’s largest testing facilities has ground to a halt is concerning and indicative of persistent problems across the testing system.
“At the end of March, similar issues arose with testing sites suspending testing due to a lack of testing kits.
“The most recent reports that testing has slowed to a trickle at the Croke Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh testing facilities is concerning given that people are waiting to be tested.
“The latest delays come amid official claims that daily sampling is being ramped up.
“However, as has often been the case in recent weeks, the reality on the ground is different from what the government has been saying.
"The World Health Organisation have been clear in their advice that states must "test, test, test". If we are failing to do that, then we cannot get on top in the battle against this virus.
“In order to test as many people as possible and find out the true scale of the virus is across the State, then we must have enough testing kits.
“For some weeks now I have been calling on the government to secure a reliable domestic supply of COVID-19 testing kits.
“Across Ireland, we have some of the foremost medical device companies in the world as well as some fantastic and ingenuitive domestic medical companies.
"The government and the HSE must liaise with these companies and deliver a domestic supply line of testing kits. We cannot continue to leave hostages to fortune and rely on imports from other countries.
“Abbott and Randox, both based in Ireland, are just two companies producing effective COVID-19 testing kits.
"I would implore the government to reach out to all possible medical devices companies in Ireland - big and small - and work with them to guarantee a domestic supply of testing kits. Without them, we are blind in this battle.
“Finally, I would call on the government to be up front and transparent about the testing situation.
"It is insulting to try and keep the public, the media, and opposition politicians in the dark about these matters. If there are issues, admit it, explain what they are, and let’s work together to figure out how we can overcome them.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection John Brady has called for urgent clarity from Minster Regina Doherty as to why people have been withdrawn from the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment payment scheme despite already meeting the criteria and being in receipt of payments.
Deputy Brady said:
"Sinn Féin TDs have been inundated with calls and emails from concerned people who have been told their Covid-19 PUP payment is being withdrawn.
"The Department has written to them and has told them that they have reviewed their applications and have stopped their payments, stating that they do not meet the eligibility criteria.
"This has caused great concern for those who lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. This is a step in the wrong direction from the Department.
“These people have paid tax and PRSI for years for very little in return. Now, when they need help to survive, the government cannot turn their back on them.
"There has also been talk of the Department looking for a reimbursement for payments already made, which is deeply worrying.
“These are the same people the State will be relying on to go back to work to get the country up and running again after this crisis.
"Minister Doherty would be better served giving families a break rather than pressing them into financial hardship during this period of great anxiety.
“I will be writing to Minister Doherty seeking answers. Has the criteria for payments changed? Is the Government going to introduce penalties if people don't reimburse the payment? Will they consider reversing their decision to withdraw payments for people to have already been receiving these payments to date?"
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has written to Ministers Deirdre Hargey and Nicola Mallon requesting a meeting to discuss the contribution that the Belfast Black Taxis can make to the fightback against COVID19.
Speaking, the West Belfast MP said:
“I have requested a meeting with the Ministers for Communities and Infrastructure to discuss the role that the Belfast Black Taxis can continue to play in assisting the community fightback against COVID19.
“The design of the black taxis lends itself to social distancing with suitable mechanisms such as the Perspex partition and back of the cab.
“From conversations I have had with the management, they are open to redeployment.
“The redeployment would be a significant assistance to the community response, as well as protecting employment and livelihoods at this time of great uncertainty.
“I will also request that Ministers extend free travel to those that are 60+ to the black taxis with the drivers being retrospectively reimbursed.
“The community ethos of the Black Taxis runs core to the heart of the organisation and has done for decades. It provides our community with first class transportation and must be supported.
“I will be urging the Ministers to give this an immediate focus as part of their approach to the COIVD-19 response and transportation planning.”
Sinn Féin MLA and Minister in the Executive Office, Declan Kearney has appealed for the public to continue exercising strict adherence to the Covid-19 advice, especially during the coming days and weeks as we face into an expected surge.
The South Antrim MLA said:
“I have been heartened by the overall response of the public to the emergency measures put in place to help stop the spread of Coronavirus infection and ease the pressure on our health service. Those who have complied with these measures thus far are to be commended for their assistance in effectively tackling this pandemic.
“However, as recent observations have indicated, there remain those in society who have yet to be convinced of the importance of social distancing and who, by their actions are placing the wider community at serious risk.
“Compliance with the regulations must be urgently maximised because we are facing into a predicted surge in Covid-19 cases. This is now potentially the most dangerous period since the pandemic began to spread within our community. It will bring significant, increased pressures upon our doctors, nurses, health care workers, and emergency services. How we meet that challenge in the coming days and weeks will determine how soon we can overcome the Coronavirus pandemic - save lives and maintain public health.
“I am therefore appealing to the public to renew their commitment and continue to follow all advice in relation to the measures required to help the fight against Covid-19.
“We owe it to ourselves, our families and wider community to act responsibly and sustain the solidarity we have built up over recent weeks. I am asking everyone to stay at home, to stay safe, and give our health service the best possible chance to maintain its resilience in the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin MLA Liz has called on the Infrastructure Minister to consider a freeze on water bills for non-domestic customers who are currently affected by the economic impact of Covid-19.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:
“The few past weeks I have been contacted by a number of constituents in my area enquiring if there are any plans to freeze water rates for businesses and organisations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
“Businesses, farms, charities and community groups are among those who pay non-domestic water charges but the economic effects of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on peoples ability to make payments.
“Sinn Féin has written to NI Water to inquire into the flexibilities currently available to customers and I have written to the Infrastructure Minister to urge her to consider freezing water bills for non-domestic properties affected by Covid-19 to help provide some breathing space for those hardest hit at this time.
“We need to provide flexibility for those struggling to make payments during this unprecedented period."
Sinn Féin education spokesperson and deputy chair of the education committee Karen Mullan has welcomed Finance Minister Conor Murphy's announcement of £400,000 to provide additional food support to vulnerable young people.
The Foyle MLA said:
"The COVID-19 public health crisis has highlighted the extent at which food insecurity exists here in the north. Sinn Féin ministers have responded quickly and decisively with solutions to address this issue.
"Today's announcement is hugely significant and it follows on from Minister Deirdre Hargey's decision to provide a payment to families of children who would typically avail of a free school meal.
"I look forward to working with the Education Authority's Youth Service on the back of this announcement to ensure that vulnerable young people in the north have food security during this unprecedented crisis."
Sinn Féin MLA and Infrastructure spokesperson Cathal Boylan has stressed the need to ensure the logistics sectors ability to successfully operate over the course of Covid 19, in order to keep supply lines of vital goods secure.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:
“The logistics sector has been playing a vital role during the coronavirus outbreak as ferries, HGV’s airports and ports are ensuring that the supply lines of essential goods are secure and shops are adequately stocked for the public.
“There has been calls within the sector for the British government to provide support at this time.
“I have written to the British Chancellor of the Exchequer to urge the British Government to ensure that the logistics sector receives the support needed so that supply chains of essential goods continues to be secure for the north of Ireland.
“It is imperative that the logistics sector receives the support needed so that supply chains of essential goods continues to be secure for the duration of this outbreak."
Pearse Doherty TD - Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson
The past two months have been a testing time for all of us.
To contain COVID-19, we have had to upend our daily lives while avoiding friends and loved ones in order to keep each other safe.
For our heroic frontline workers, it has meant putting their own health and that of their families at a heightened risk.
For others, it has meant job loss, financial insecurity and unprecedented levels of anxiety.
The necessary public health measures deployed have an immediate impact on jobs and incomes.
We have essentially shut down entire sectors of our economy, with tens of thousands of workers being laid off and households throughout the country seeing their finances decimated.
Figures published this week reveal the extent of the damage, with more than 700,000 people now receiving income support as a result of the COVID-19 containment measures.
To put that into context, 356,000 were classified as unemployed back in February 2012 when the economy was deep in recession.
Figures published last week by the CSO and Parliamentary Budget Office provided a glimpse into the reality faced by those most affected by the economic fallout from this crisis, with those working in retail, hospitality and recreation most likely to have lost their jobs.
Workers in these sectors are more likely to be low-paid and financially insecure.
This crisis has also shown us that workers who have often been overlooked and undervalued are those we rely on the most - like our hauliers and our retail workers who distribute and sell our food, or the nurses who provide care to our loved ones and most vulnerable in society.
So while we are all in this together, it is clear that some are more exposed to the sharp edge of this disruption than others.
In the face of this immediate challenge, the government must act fast and do whatever it takes to protect these workers and their families.
On March 23rd, I wrote to the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe outlining proposals to support household incomes, protect workers and prepare for a sustainable recovery.
Among the measures proposed was an Income Support Scheme to ensure that workers would receive pay and maintain employment whether they were in self-isolation, suffering from illness or had been temporarily laid off.
It would have involved the State subsidising 100 percent of workers’ wages, up to a maximum of €525 per week and applied retrospectively from the March 9th.
Crucially, this scheme would have included the self-employed and those working in the perilous gig economy.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme announced by the Government on March 24th fell short of these proposals.
While Sinn Féin welcomed the fact that the government acted to support workers’ incomes, we have also raised serious flaws in the scheme that require immediate reform.
An effective wage subsidy scheme should achieve three core objectives.
The first is to support the income of workers and households. Over 700,000 people now find themselves unemployed because of a crisis that was not of their making. They require urgent and adequate income support.
The second is to provide liquidity to business by covering a portion of their wage bill. Supplemented by other supports through either loans or grants, this would ensure that as many viable businesses survive this crisis as possible.
The third is to maintain the relationship between workers and their employers, so that when this public health emergency ends, workers can return to normal employment rather than languish in long-term unemployment.
If these objectives are not achieved, the consequences will be dire, with a deeper recession and long-term unemployment inevitable.
The current wage subsidy is set to fail on all three fronts, with low-paid workers the most exposed.
Under the scheme, the government will provide 70 percent of workers’ salaries up to a cap of €410 per week, with employers obliged to pay no more than 1 cent on top of that.
This has massive consequences for those on low and modest pay.
For any full-time worker who had been earning less than €500 in weekly take-home pay, they are set to receive less than €350 per week under the wage subsidy scheme.
For a full-time worker on the minimum wage, this wage subsidy will fall almost €100 below the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
From this, two things are sure to follow.
Firstly, low-paid workers will face a sharp cut to their income despite having bills to pay and families to feed. Without sufficient income to get by, they could be forced to borrow and build up further private household debt.
Secondly, employers and employees will question the benefits of a wage subsidy scheme that penalizes low-paid workers who would be better off were they to be laid off and in receipt of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Far from gaming the system to get ahead, as Leo Varadkar suggested last week, these are low-paid workers facing sharp pay cuts and increased financial strain under a scheme that penalises the low paid.
The economic impact of a failed wage subsidy scheme cannot be overstated. The longer the relationship between worker and employer is broken, the more likely it is to remain permanently severed. That means higher unemployment in the long-term and a deeper recession.
Instead of vilifying low-paid workers who are worse off under a flawed wage subsidy scheme, the best course of action is to fix it.
But that requires immediate action both to protect the incomes of those affected by this crisis and to ensure that the damage is not lasting.
Last week I called on the government and the Minister for Finance to introduce a minimum payment to the wage subsidy scheme of €350 per week, paid through the employer.
This would strengthen income supports for low-paid workers and encourage more employers to sign up for the scheme.
The government isn't listening.
Failure to act will threaten the security of low-income households and dent the prospects of a fair recovery that puts the interests of workers and families first.
Low-paid workers cannot be the losers bearing the brunt of this crisis.
And Sinn Féin will work on their behalf to ensure that they are the winners of the recovery.
ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Central Bank to audit the processing of claims by the insurance industry for businesses that have closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite guidelines issued by the Central Bank on the 27th March, insurers are still refusing to pay claims or offer breaks and rebates to businesses that have closed and are struggling to survive.
He said:
"At a time of national emergency, when thousands of businesses are suffering and tens of thousands of jobs are being lost, insurers are still refusing to pay out valid claims or offer payment breaks to closed business.
"A number of insurers, including FBD, have refused indemnity by claiming that businesses closed voluntarily. This is not only deeply cynical, but implies that the only way businesses could access cover is by remaining open until a customer or worker contracts Covid-19. Thankfully, businesses that closed have a greater regard for public health than insurers do for their customers.
"On the 27th March, the Central Bank called on insurers to bring forward consumer-focused solutions in the form of payment breaks, rebates and claims. It is clear from contacting hundreds of businesses throughout the State that these solutions are not being offered to customers.
"A recent survey by PALI found that less than 10% of play centres have been offered a payment break or rebate from their insurers despite closing down.
"The Central Bank also made clear that where policies were covered for business closure as a result of government direction, insurers must accept claims and pay them promptly. Again, it is clear that this is not happening.
"The insurance companies are not meeting the expectations set out by the Central Bank, and they need to now enforce these expectations.
"I have written to the Central Bank requesting an audit be carried out of claims that have been made by businesses as a result of business interruption and the processing of these claims by the insurance industry.
"This examination would ensure that insurers who fail to abide by the Consumer Protection Code are liable for sanction, while also encouraging insurers to put the interests of their customers first."
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has emphasised the need for state-of-the-art oxygenation machines that may be required for the most critically ill Covid-19 patients to be purchased by the health service as a matter of urgency.
Martina Anderson said she is already aware of local patients that may require treatment from an ECMO extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine.
The Foyle MLA said:
“When I raised this matter on behalf of a local patient, the Health Trust told me that patients from here requiring ECMO treatment would be flown to a specialist centre in Britain.
“Under current COVID-19 restrictions and the mounting pressures on health services I am deeply sceptical that authorities will be able to safely fly a critically-Ill patient to England. The Health Trusts and the Health Department need to recognise the reality of the situation and ensure that treatment and procurement decisions reflect the circumstances we are now all facing.
“ECMO machines are manufactured in Galway. The Dublin Government and the northern Executive this week agreed a memorandum of understanding on an all-island response to the Coronavirus threat.
“A good start would be for Health Minister Robin Swann to ensure that ECMO treatment is available for patients here in the North.”
Closure of Debenhams store in BlanchardstoSinn Féin TD for Dublin West Paul Donnelly has described the closure of the Debenhams store in Blanchardstown as a 'big loss for workers'.
He said:
"Although there has been concerns about the viability of Debenhams over the past number of months due to the company going into administration, it has still come as a shock to their many hard working staff across the State.
"The current crisis is worrying enough for those whose stores have been forced to close, but for many currently out of work their jobs will most likely be there for them when this crisis is over. Regrettably for Debenhams staff, this will not be the case.
"I have written to Empower CEO Adeline O'Brien to request that a special task group be set up to support the workers of Debenhams in Blanchardstown to link them in with new job opportunities and also any new job opportunities when this crisis is over as companies ramp up their operations again.
"This is going to be an extremely stressful time for workers and their families, and I can assure them that I am here to support all workers who need any help in accessing supports.
"I will also be working with my fellow Sinn Féin colleagues in the Dáil in areas where workers will be affected by the closure of Debenhams."
Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams who was among those who negotiated the Good Friday Agreement on 10 April 1998, marked the anniversary in a comment this morning on his Twitter page @GerryAdamsSF
Mr. Adams criticised the current failure of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to learn the lesson of that time – the need to recognise the rights of others.
Gerry Adams said:
“This is the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
“I remember it well, the weeks leading into that Agreement and then especially the overnight session. Then after we came to a conclusion going off to our respective constituencies . And then weeks later the people North and South on this island voting for that agreement.
“It’s also worth remembering that the unionist parties, and things have changed massively with the unionist parties since then, but that the unionist parties went through all of that process without recognising the rights of the Sinn Féin voters, without talking to the Sinn Féin representatives.
“Here we are all these years, decades later, and the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are doing exactly the same thing. Refusing to recognise the rights of the Sinn Fein electorate.
Refusing to engage with Sinn Féin leadership in the formation for government talks.
“So, so much for the lessons of history.
“Having said that the Agreement has served all of us well. There are aspects of it, important dimensions of it, that both governments have failed to honour, but most especially the British government.
“We want to bring the Agreement to its complete fruition.
“For now it’s worth looking forward as well as looking backwards.
“So thanks to everyone who played any role in putting together the Good Friday Agreement, from this island, from our neighbouring island, from across the world and from the USA in particular.
“And to all of those people who have kept the peace process alive since then.
“Let’s keep on the road we are on.
“Let’s keep building peace and let’s make sure that all of the elements of the Good Friday Agreement are honoured in the time ahead and not undermined as Brexit threatens to do; not subvert it as Brexit threatens to do.
“Go n-éirí an t-ádh libhse.
“Go raibh maith agaibh.
“Happy Easter.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has called for a dedicated meeting with officials from the Departments of Housing, Finance and Social Protection, along with Ministers and opposition spokespeople to put in place mechanisms to address the rent arrears burden post-crisis.
He said:
“During a briefing for opposition spokespersons with the Department of Housing this week I called for a dedicated meeting to be held with all relevant government departments, their Ministers and opposition spokespeople to put in place measures to deal with the rent arrears burden that will emerge post-crisis.
“The Department of Housing officials said that they are looking at the issue and the ESRI is conducting research on it, but it is clear that more needs to be done to protect tenants and landlords from rent arrears.
“While I welcome the publication of a new shorter rent supplement payment form, it is causing confusion and the Department of Social protection is not promoting it.
“The banks are also failing to play their part, leaving landlords who want to assist their tenants in a very difficult position in terms of mortgage payments.
“We need a whole of government approach to this issue especially as it could affect tens of thousands of workers and result in millions of euro of debt if action isn’t taken now and a proper plan put in place.
“I have written to the Ministers for Finance, Housing and Social Protection urging them to convene such a meeting so we can start work on this issue without delay.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the financial services industry including the insurance sector must play their part in supporting businesses recover from the impact of COVID19.
The party's economy spokesperson said:
"I recently wrote to the Finance Minister, as well as the Economy Minister, the British Chancellor and the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to insurance companies refusing to pay out to businesses impacted by COVID19 and specifically those insured against pandemics or business interruption.
"I welcome the response from the Finance Minister that he has raised this issue with both the Treasury and stakeholders in the insurance industry.
"The Treasury has confirmed that for those businesses that do have a policy for insurance that covers pandemics, that the government's action to shut businesses is sufficient to allow them to make an insurance claim against their policy.
"While the Executive has no powers in relation to the insurance sector, significant steps have been taken by the Executive to support businesses including through the rating system with the three month rates holiday and also the Small Business Support Grant Scheme which offers £370 million in cash grants to SME businesses.
"I welcome assurances from the Minister that the Executive will continue to look at additional measures to support businesses during this difficult time and that he will continue to call on Treasury and the financial services industry to play their full part in helping businesses recover from the devastating impacts of COVID19."
