First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack

MLAS will later this morning debate the Welfare Reform Bill despite the First Minister remaining in hospital.

The SDLP and Sinn Fein have both lodged “petitions of concern” to block the final stage of the bill put being forward before by the DUP.

A total of 107 MLAs will be in the chamber while DUP leader Peter Robinson is still being treated at the cardiac unit in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

He was first admitted to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald yesterday morning around 9 am from his Co Down home complaining of “chest pains”.

However, the 66-year-old was later transferred to the RVH where he underwent a “procedure”, said the Belfast Trust.

It is understood he suffered a “mild heart attack”.

His condition has now “stabilised”.

This morning, new Finance Minister Arlene Foster told BBC Good Morning Ulster radio programme that she does not yet know whether she or anyone else in the DUP will be required to act as First Minister while her party leader remains in hospital.

Ms Foster said: “As I understand it he (Peter Robinson) has stabilised but still remains in hospital.”

Justice Minister and Alliance leader David Ford said the Assembly was “facing the worst financial crisis” in the past five years.