A witness who used offensive language towards Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Timothy Gaston during a Stormont committee session will be invited back to reflect on her comments.

Fidelma Fearon, from Minority Ethnic Support Armagh, made the remark after completing her evidence to the Executive Committee on race relations on 27 May. She was heard on microphone saying she was fortunate not to have confronted Gaston more forcefully, using a derogatory term.

Gaston, who was attending the meeting via video link, immediately challenged the comment. The evidence session was then brought to a close.

At a committee meeting on Wednesday, members reviewed the incident. They were informed that a letter of apology had been received from Fearon’s employer. Gaston said he did not accept the letter as it had not been signed by Fearon herself.

DUP MLA Phillip Brett proposed inviting Fearon back to apologise. He said people were entitled to their views but not to attack elected members with abusive language.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín opposed the plan, calling it “over the top”. She raised concerns about the committee’s atmosphere, stating it was gaining a reputation as “toxic”. She also noted she had not heard the comment at the time but would have challenged it.

The committee ultimately agreed to invite Fearon back to reflect on the remarks, rather than to deliver an apology. Committee chair Paula Bradshaw (Alliance) said the language was inappropriate and fell below the standard of respect the committee expects.

Minority Ethnic Support Armagh declined to comment when contacted.