To ask the Minister for Communities if he plans to extend emergency flood payments to businesses impacted by flooding, including coastal flooding, particularly where building/contents insurance can no longer provide cover.

The current scheme of emergency financial assistance to district councils covers council costs incurred when responding to the needs of householders across Northern Ireland in the event of any flooding following Rainfall or Tidal Surge. In addition it also includes an immediate payment of £1,000 to householders as practical assistance; to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to help make homes habitable as quickly as possible. It is not a compensation payment and is available to households with or without insurance.

On the 10 March 2016, the Executive agreed that a one-off extension to the existing Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme be established for non-domestic properties, including small businesses and farm businesses to cover the period 7 November 2015 until 31 January 2016. The estimated number of successful claimants is projected to be between 350 – 400.

I do not intend, at this time, to seek any extension of the Scheme of Emergency Financial assistance beyond that which currently exists.