To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what discussions there have been with the UK Government to take into account the disruption COVID-19 is having across Northern Ireland and the need to extend the deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme.

The EU Settlement Scheme is a UK Government scheme. Our officials have however been working with their counterparts since the launch of the scheme and proactive engagement will continue as we enter the last few months

We very much want our valued EU citizens to apply to the scheme and be able to remain here. To encourage uptake, we have supplemented the Home Office’s communication campaign. Since September 2020, digital advertising has been running to encourage EU citizens to apply to the scheme. To date, across all digital channels there have been over 6 million impressions (number of times the advert appears on screen) and 47,500 clicks to nidirect.com for more information. In the coming weeks there will be increased activity including TV, digital radio and out-of-home advertising.

Our officials have also raised the challenges around ensuring all those eligible apply by the deadline and requested consideration of an extension to the scheme, particularly given the impact of covid.

In the absence of an extension we have highlighted the need for flexibility post 30th June and are awaiting confirmation from the Home Office of its approach for those who have not applied by the closing date of the Scheme.