Assembly to debate motion calling on Michelle O'Neill to apologise for attending Storey funeral
The political row over attendance at Bobby Storey's funeral is set to intensify tonight (Tuesday)
MLAs will debate a motion - calling on Sinn Fein ministers to apologise.
Michelle O'Neill and Conor Murphy were among the senior Sinn Fein figures who attended the veteran Republican's funeral in Belfast last week - sparking anger among some politicians and grieving families.
Hundreds lined the route of the cortege in West Belfast.
Police are currently investigating whether any social-distancing breaches occurred.
DUP first minister Arlene Foster has asked her power-sharing partner in government to step aside while officers consider the matter.
Ms O'Neill has apologised "for grieving families experiencing more hurt''.
An Assembly motion has been signed by the DUP, UUP, SDLP and Alliance Party.
It acknowledges the sacrifices made during the coronavirus emergency.
The motion "pays tribute to those who selflessly prioritised the need to keep each other safe above their own personal needs, particularly during times of trauma, loss and grief; expresses disappointment in the actions of those in ministerial office who breached public guidance and failed to share in the sacrifice that we have asked of others; implores members of the public to stay with us and to continue acting in accordance with the regulations in order to keep each other safe and prevent further deaths; recommits to upholding the spirit and the letter of the Covid-19 regulations and the related public health guidance; and calls on the deputy first minister and the minister of finance to apologise for their actions, which have caused immense hurt''.
TUV leader Jim Allister submitted a no confidence motion in the deputy first minister, urging her to resign.
Mrs Foster said the episode damaged her partner in government's credibility in delivering coronavirus safety messages and has halted joint press conferences.