The Minister said, “The role of Economy Minister in Northern Ireland is always crucial, and never more so than as we emerge from a devastating pandemic. “I am acutely conscious of the challenges being faced by businesses every day and I am determined to do all I can to help the economy not only recover but grow to new levels. “My predecessors over the last 18 months have delivered more than £500million of support to businesses of all kinds and set out the way ahead in the short term through the £287million Economic Recovery Action Plan (ERAP). “I thank them for their work during this difficult period and for laying sound foundations for future success.