Taxi drivers have been hit hard because of the Coronavirus pandemic
The Foyle MLA urged the Minister to immediately amend the criteria for Part B of her support scheme to include taxi drivers.
Said Ms McLaughlin: “It is disgraceful that the Economy Minister has chosen to exclude businesses from vital financial support.
“Other Ministers have stepped up to help businesses with overheads, the Economy Minister thinks she can cherry pick who to help and who not too. It is not acceptable.”
“In her latest scheme Diane Dodds has excluded the taxi industry without explanation.
“Despite the fact that she knows all too well that the support from the Department of Infrastructure is for overheads costs, she has decided it is one rule for one sector and another rule for another.”
“There is simply no time for political games or point scoring.
“The Economy Minister has a scheme, she has funding, she has no right to exclude the taxi industry and the committee, the Executive and the Assembly shouldn’t stand for it.
“At the Economy Committee meeting this morning, I sought and secured agreement to write to the Joint First Ministers and the COVID-19 task force urging them to ensure the Economy Minister acts to address this injustice.
“The Committee will also raise it directly with the Minister next week.
“We are just weeks away from Christmas.
“It’s time Minister Dodds stepped up and provided support for all businesses.
“The Economy Minister has a duty to act fairly for all businesses,” added the Foyle MLA.
