Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Executive agrees £25 million health workers recognition payment

Finance Minister Conor Murphy yesterday said the Northern Ireland Executive had agreed new funding packages worth £74 million including a £25 million towards the health workers recognition payment. Picture by Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye
Finance Minister Conor Murphy yesterday said the Northern Ireland Executive had agreed new funding packages worth £74 million including a £25 million towards the health workers recognition payment. Picture by Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye Finance Minister Conor Murphy yesterday said the Northern Ireland Executive had agreed new funding packages worth £74 million including a £25 million towards the health workers recognition payment. Picture by Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye

THE Executive yesterday agreed new funding packages worth £74 million including £25 million towards the health workers recognition payment.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy said the Executive had agreed the healthcare worker payment to "offset the impact of National Insurance and tax deductions to the £500 recognition payment".

Mr Murphy said the payment would "ensure our dedicated health and social care workers, who have been at the forefront of the Covid-19 response, will benefit more fully from the recognition payment".

A further £20 million was also allocated to the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme to continue financial assistance to businesses through the extended restrictions.

So far, more than £180 million has been issued to over 13,800 businesses through this scheme.

In addition, half-a-million pounds was agreed to provide a retrospective payment to soft play facilities.

Mr Murphy said he was also providing £10 million to enable the Belfast Harbour Commissioners to access borrowing for investment projects which will generate significant employment opportunities and enhance capability to attract foreign direct investment.

He also allocated £2.5 million for the A6 Derry to Dungiven and £16 million to address the NI Water Pension shortfall.