Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed a “hugely significant day for Northern Ireland” with the announcement that the first Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for widespread use.
The approval for the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine has been issued by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). A number of other vaccines are at various stages of...
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Mallon opens five million pound financial assistance scheme for Private Coach and Bus Operators
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has opened a £5m financial assistance scheme for Private Coach and Bus Operators.
Eligible private coach and bus operators will receive £8,000 for the first vehicle and £4,450 for each additional vehicle in their fleet or their actual loss for the period April to September, if the loss is lower.
The scheme payment...
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Murphy announces £300 million support package
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced a £300 million support package including over £200 million for businesses and £98 million of COVID-19 funding to support the most vulnerable.
Making the announcement, Conor Murphy said: “Our businesses are facing huge challenges and are under immense pressure.
“Today we’ve agreed a significant business support package worth £213 million.
“This includes...
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Minister Mallon clamps down on drink driving
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that a change to legislation which will prevent suspected drink drivers from trying to evade prosecution by delaying testing, comes into effect from today.
Minister Nichola Mallon said:
“One of my priorities is to improve and promote road safety. From today, a change in law will abolish a driver’s right to...
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Murphy welcomes £400 million uplift for Executive and support for workers
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has welcomed the announcement from the Chancellor which provides a £400 million Barnett guarantee uplift for the Executive and confirmation the Furlough scheme will be extended until March 2021 and the self-employed scheme up to April 2021.
Responding to the announcement, Conor Murphy said: “I welcome this £400 million uplift which will...
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Murphy welcomes extension of Furlough Scheme
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has welcomed the extension of the Furlough Scheme and has called for Treasury to extend it beyond November.
The Job Support Scheme planned to come into force today (1 November) will now be postponed with the Furlough Scheme being extended for a month. This will see employees receiving 80% of their current...
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Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced a £19m Support Fund for Taxi Drivers and Private Coach and Bus Operators.
The support fund recognises the exceptional circumstances that these businesses have faced from the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and is to assist with unavoidable overheads and loss of income during this time.
Speaking after the Executive meeting where the support fund was agreed, Minister Mallon said:
“Covid-19 has presented many challenges and worries and has been...
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Murphy welcomes changes to Job Support Scheme
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has welcomed changes to the Job Support Scheme and increased help for the self-employed.
Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement, Conor Murphy said: “For many employers their biggest concern has been wage costs. I have been pressing the Chancellor and Treasury to review the Job Support Scheme and welcome the changes to the...
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Murphy announces financial support for businesses subject to restrictions
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced a new financial support scheme for businesses subject to restrictions across all 11 council areas.
Making the announcement, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy said: “I recognise the profound impact the new restrictions will have on businesses forced to temporarily limit their operations.
“Following the additional funding the Executive received of £200m I...
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Dodds announces two new schemes to support business recovery
Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced two new schemes to support Northern Ireland businesses plan for recovery.
The schemes - one administered by Tourism Northern Ireland and the other by Invest Northern Ireland - have been developed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assess the impacts of Covid-19 and develop a strategic recovery plan for...
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