Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent steps he has taken to support (a) the Northern Ireland Executive and (b) local businesses in (i) recovering from recent flooding in Downpatrick and (ii) instituting preventative flood defences across Northern Ireland.

Whilst this is a devolved matter, the UK Government is working closely with the Northern Ireland Civil Service to make up to £15 million of existing funding available to support with clean-up costs, and other support to help businesses get back to trading.

We will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Civil Service and local councils to get support to those who need it as quickly as possible. However, the best way to ensure that affected areas are prepared for the future is a matter for a restored Executive.