To ask the Minister of Health, given respite and day-care services are not in place, whether he will provide a carer's fund of £500 per carer in recognition of the level of care and support since the outbreak of COVID-19.

I have already placed on record my heart-felt appreciation for the significant role carers play in our community, particularly during the pandemic.

While short break and day care provision has been reduced as a result of the pandemic, the HSC Trusts are offering such provision to service users, where possible. In those instances where service provision is not able to meet the assessed need, the Trusts are instead offering Direct Payments and Carer Grants to facilitate the service user/family to source their own short break provision.

In addition, I have asked my officials to draft an options paper for my consideration, which will include a range of possible additional supports to all health and social care staff. As part of the options to be explored, I have also asked that a payment to carers be included. Whilst any decision would likely need Executive approval due to the impact on the overall Northern Ireland budget, I do believe it would be appropriate to recognise the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of staff and carers.