Mr Robin Walker responded by thanking Jim Shannon for initiating this debate and highlighting St Patrick’s significance across communities in Northern Ireland. He acknowledged that celebrations were muted due to the coronavirus outbreak, but noted efforts to combat the virus efficiently at both national and local levels. The Minister highlighted recent financial support measures announced by the Chancellor, including £30 billion of fiscal stimulus aimed at supporting the UK economy during the pandemic. This will include over £260 million for the Northern Ireland Executive in addition to previously announced Barnett consequentials amounting to more than £210 million. Walker also mentioned additional measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, which would further benefit the NI Executive with an anticipated total of £900 million in funding from the Chancellor's announcements on COVID-19. The Minister discussed the importance of maintaining relationships with stakeholders such as Irish America and highlighted Northern Ireland’s tourism sector, praising its contributions to growth, employment and prosperity despite current challenges posed by social distancing measures and reduced international travel due to the pandemic.