Edwin Poots returns to Assembly three weeks after receiving surgery following a cancer diagnosis

Mr. Poots also stood down as Minister for Agriculture before going off for his operation.

TUV leader and MLA for North Antrim, Jim Allister, was the first to welcome Mr. Poots back to the Assembly.

Health Minister and UUP MLA for North Antrim, Robin Swann, had some welcoming words of his own for Mr. Poots.

"I'd like to welcome Edwin back - he is a very welcome presence and I am glad to have him at my back," joked Minister Swann.

Mr. Poots smiled and replied laughing: "He's behind you."

DUP MLA for South Antrim, Pam Cameron, said she was not surprised to see Mr. Poots back in the Assembly so soon after surgery and described him as an "incredibly robust man".

Chair of the Health Committee and Sinn Fein MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew also welcomed Mr. Poots back after his time away.

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