Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced that the £40m NI Micro-business Hardship Fund will open to applications at 6 pm today (20 May).

Northern Ireland Executive ministers and their officials have over the past 24 hours been involved in a number of initiatives and critical decisions relating to the Coronavirus emergency.

The Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey provided an update on the fight against Covid-19 emergency.

Responding to calls for Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon to make a decision on Casement Park planning application, a Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “As the Department has stated publicly on a number of occasions, DfI is working at pace to progress this application so it can be brought to the Minister for a decision. This is a statutory process which must complete before it comes to the Minister for a decision.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has urged people not to damage the water environment when doing a spot of DIY or gardening at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.