91Èȱ¬

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has told the UK Covid inquiry he will not appearing before it "on medical advice".

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Mr Murphy had been advised by his doctor to rest before scheduled medical tests.

The Sinn Féin minister also had to miss a scheduled appearance in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday.

Ms O'Neill said Mr Murphy had advised the Speaker on Friday of his planned absence.

"He has also informed the Covid inquiry that he will not be able to attend a hearing, scheduled for this week, also on medical advice," she said.

Ms O'Neill said she wished Mr Murphy a "full and speedy recovery".

"It is essential that, while under medical supervision he follows fully the medical advice he has been given and takes the time to rest and recover," she added.

Mr Murphy was due to appear before the inquiry on Wednesday, in his capacity as minister of finance during the pandemic.

The inquiry is holding three weeks of hearings in Belfast, examining political decision making in Northern Ireland.

On Tuesday, a senior civil servant was challenged on whether the department for health was in a position to lead a cross-departmental response.