Vaccines have changed our world. They have been successfully deployed against a wide range of diseases including smallpox, polio, measles and flu. They have saved many millions of lives.

So the confirmation of the UK’s first regulatory approval for a Covid-19 vaccine is hugely significant.

The decision by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has only been taken after rigorous assessment of both safety and effectiveness.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced a new Covid-19 support scheme for the newly self-employed.

A report detailing the percentage of electricity consumption in Northern Ireland generated from renewable sources has been published today.

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced that the £25M Sports Sustainability Fund is to open tomorrow.

Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed a “hugely significant day for Northern Ireland” with the announcement that the first Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for widespread use.