Murphy allocates £226.5 million including £175 million to protect frontline workers

Date published: 10 February 2021

Outlining the funding, the Finance Minister said: “These allocations includes £175 million to purchase additional PPE. This will bolster supplies and ensure the continued protection of frontline health workers leading the fight against COVID-19.

“Over £15.2 million of capital allocations will fund the purchase of medical equipment across cardiology, urology and radiology specialisms, and help procure licenses for digital health technology.

“£27.3 million is for the additional student support announced last week, £9 million is being allocated to the Forest Service and £42,000 of capital funding for the Commission for Victims and Survivors.”

Commenting on unallocated funding, Minister Murphy added: “I continue to discuss funding flexibility with Treasury and expect to carry forward any further funding provided into 2021-22. However, Treasury have advised this will not include flexibility in relation to the funding received before Christmas. It is therefore important this £200 million is now made available for reallocation.

“I continue to urge Executive Ministers to bring forwards proposals to use available funding, particularly for those who to date haven’t received support.”