To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on support to the indigenous brewing sector, particularly with regard to shifts in supply chains, as indoor hospitality re-opens.

The re-opening of indoor hospitality is very welcomed and is a move that will benefit indigenous breweries right across NI. COVID has presented challenges for businesses and the Executive has made available a number of financial measures to mitigate the impact as far as possible.

My department, through Invest NI, continues to provide one-to-one support to those in the sector. Support is available to help these businesses market their products outside Northern Ireland and invest in new equipment, skills and innovation. Invest NI is also providing a range of non-financial support in the form of advice and guidance on a broad range of business-related issues, including supply-chains.

My department, again through Invest NI, recently launched the COVID-19 Supply Chain Resilience and Development Framework. The scheme, which closed on the 28th May, will provide advice, guidance and financial assistance to help Northern Irish manufacturers address challenges and build more robust supply chains. While breweries were eligible to apply for the scheme it is my understanding that none chose to do so.