The Economy Minister had stepped down temporarily from the Executive earlier this month on medical grounds. He was replaced by Deirdre Hargey who took on the role on an interim basis.

Mr Murphy’s health concerns also meant he was unable to provide evidence to the Covid Inquiry, which was sitting in Belfast at the time.

Revealing to UTV News, Mr Murphy said he suffered a transient ischaemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke while travelling.

“I had an incident while travelling with a temporary interruption in my brain which led to a loss of power down one side of my body,” he told UTV News.

In the following days he went to his GP, who recommended scans and time off work.

“You need to head the warning, and get advice and the tests to see what the nature is. But I am fortunate it’s had no lasting effects and I can return to work,” he added.

The Economy Minister also confirmed he is looking at “lifestyle adjustments” following the incident.

He also said he expected the “cynical” commentary after his ill-health prevented him from taking part in the Northern Ireland part of the Covid Inquiry where Michelle O’Neill was questioned and later apologised about her attendance at the funeral of Bobby Storey.

Mr Murphy also attended the funeral.

“I can think of a better way than the episode I went through,” he said about his absence.

“But I get people are cynical, that’s the nature of politics here.”

Mr Murphy also said the Inquiry “has his statement” and they reserve the right to call him again, but refused to probed on his own feelings about his attendance at the funeral which took place in the midst of the Covid pandemic, claiming he has had discussions with his solicitors over the matter.

“I reserve the right to answer questions under the Inquiry.”

When asked if he would apologise like the First Minister, the Sinn Fein representative said he listened to Ms O’Neil’s remarks and he knows what he “would say about it.”

“The clear advise is to reserve any commentary for the Inquiry itself.”

Meanwhile, First Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed the Newry and Armagh MLA’s return to the Executive.

“I am really delighted to welcome back Conor Murphy as he takes up the reins again as Economy Minister today, and I know he is looking forward to getting back to his desk,” she said.

“Conor is one of the most experienced ministers in the Executive and it’s great to have him back after a break on the advice of his doctors.

“He is focussed on getting back to creating jobs and promoting the benefits of our all-island economy and our unique dual market access to the European and British economies.

“Conor set out his economic vision for the department when he took up office in February.

“He will continue the work of reforming Invest NI, the expansion of Magee, and the promotion of news skills initiatives and the Tourism Action Plan.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to Deirdre Hargey who stepped up without a moment’s hesitation into the role of Economy Minister when Conor was forced to step aside.

“Deirdre once again proved to be an able minister who did a great job and I’m really grateful for the work she has done for all over the last number of weeks.

“There is much work to do, and I wish Conor all the very best as he gets down to working with others to deliver on the Executive’s economic priorities to build a better future for all.”

Mr Murphy’s return comes as Stormont prepares to debate and vote on the budget proposed by the Executive in April.

The UUP has already indicated it intends to vote against the budget if funding for the Department of Health (DoH) – held by their MLA Robin Swann – is not increased.

Mr Swann resigned after voting against the budget and is to be replaced by colleague Mike Nesbitt.

A Stormont insider said: “The UUP is keeping the health ministry, but seemingly signalling that it will overspend if it doesn’t get improved funding from the Executive. That is unprecedented at Stormont. It’s potentially a very big moment.”

Mr Swann had received £300m less than he had requested in the spending plan. Health trusts were then asked to draw up cost-saving plans.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has indicated his party also intend to vote against the budget.

“We don’t think it meets the needs of the community, the health service, and all the things we’ve been stripped of, largely because of this Tory government, but also because of mismanagement at Stormont,” he told BBC Radio Ulster.

“Look at what’s happening at every hospital and GP surgery across Northern Ireland, that’s a major, major problem and I’m not convinced the work was properly done to get a sustainable financial settlement for NI.”