To ask the Minister of Finance what discussions he has had with the Minister of Health concerning the potential for bids to support independent podiatrists through the pandemic using money to be spent during this financial year.

I have asked all Executive colleagues to consider the potential for bids to support the sectors within their areas of policy responsibility.

I have had no specific discussions however, with the Minister of Health regarding the potential for bids to support independent podiatrists. As independent podiatrists are privately run businesses, policy responsibility in this area rests with the Minister for the Economy.