In a statement, DUP leader Peter Robinson said Mr Dodds hoped to be discharged on Thursday.

BBC: DUP MP Nigel Dodds in hospital after taking ill

But the DUP's executive ministers Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds stayed away, instead meeting two Protestant victims' groups in south Armagh.

BBC: Paisley: Embryo all-Ireland government

DUP's two ministers, Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds, say they will have no dealings inside the executive with the Sinn Fein pair.

ECONOMIST: Enemies and colleagues

But British and Irish officials will be concentrating on the set piece speeches from the DUP leader Peter Robinson and his deputy Nigel Dodds, to try to assess what the party's next move might be on devolving justice.

BBC: DUP meet for annual conference

He was welcomed into the DUP at a news conference at Stormont, attended by party leader, Peter Robinson and DUP deputy leader, Nigel Dodds.

BBC: Fred Cobain leaves UUP and joins DUP