DUP leader Arlene Foster yesterday recalled how she was unable to attend the funerals of fathers of two senior party colleagues.
In April, agriculture minister Edwin Poots lost his father Charles at the height of the coronavirus lockdown.
The 90-year-old founding member of the DUP died peacefully at the Ulster Hospital.
Both the home and funeral were private as the family adhered to coronavirus guidelines strictly limiting numbers.
A funeral service took place at home, with son Samuel, who is a missionary in Brazil, leading the the ceremony online while family members based in Australia and South Africa watched.
Mr Poots died a day after the father of DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson.
Jim Donaldson, who was a father-of-eight, died at his home in Kilkeel and the house and funeral were also strictly private.
Mrs Foster told the assembly's executive committee yesterday she had been unable to attend funerals that she should have attended.
"We need to make sure we give out clear messages as an executive," she said.
"It is still very important that we comply with the guidance and the regulations."
