Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will hold discussions with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland on taking steps to help support businesses affected by flooding in Newry, Mourne and Down District.

The floods that occurred have been devastating for those that have suffered the destruction of their homes and businesses. Both Lord Caine and I have separately visited affected areas over the past few days.

In the absence of the Executive, which could have acted swiftly, the UK Government will make available up to £15m of support through the reallocation of existing Northern Ireland funding. This will help with clean-up costs and support businesses to resume trading.

We will continue to work closely with the NI Civil Service and local councils to ensure that support gets to those who need it as quickly as possible.