Northern Ireland Executive announces enhanced discretionary support fund as part of package of measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak

Deputy First Minister also says a range of further measures will be brought forward over the coming days, and that daily updates will be provided

The Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland has announced that an enhanced discretionary support fund is to be launched as part of a package of measures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Speaking after yesterday’s Civil Contingencies Group meeting, which brought together representatives from across public services - including Executive departments, health and social care, local government, and blue light responders - Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that an enhanced discretionary support fund will be launched that will give grants to people for ‘essential needs’.

NB - among the other measures announced by Ms O’Neill were - 

• the launch of a community support fund to deliver essential support to people who need it;
• the launch of a communities response plan for food distribution, tackling food poverty, free school meals, those self-isolating, and connecting with communities on the ground;
• exploring support for people in the private/social rented sector; and
• exploring support for people in crisis and emergency accommodation.

In addition, Ms O’ Neill confirmed that there will be 'a range of measures coming forward and over the coming days there will be daily updates detailing them.’

For more details see Full statements from First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill on Covid–19 response from ni.gov.uk