Health Minister Robin Swann says 'partial leaking' of coronavirus restrictions recommendation 'unfortunate' and 'unfair'

Mr. Swann said he had wished to discuss the recommendation with Executive colleagues at a meeting this morning prior to details of the proposed extension being made public.

"In regards to the recommendations we are making to the Executive, the Executive meets later this morning. We'll make those recommendations to the Executive. That's where we'll have that conversation.

"That's always been the way I've worked since I've come in as minister. Any recommendations we make will be to the Executive first so that they have the discussions," Mr. Swann told the committee on Thursday.

He said the 'parital leaking' of the proposed extension was 'unfortunate.'

"I note that one of our media outlets is already trailing that. That's unfortunate. When a paper we put in to the Executive last night is already in the media this morning I don't think is a good way to work.

"I don't think it's fair to those who are now uncertain as to what the Executive will decide or what it may decide because of the partial leaking of a document that was presented to Executive colleagues last night," he commented.