Speaking to the media on Wednesday, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she is “very mindful of Fiona’s determination, her courage, her not giving up attitude”.
“She really do epitomise everything of a mother,” O’Neill said.
She said she knows Fiona Donohoe will “want to reflect on what’s next”, but added: “I do welcome the fact that Liz Kimmins, as the infrastructure minister, did not miss a beat in terms of being out immediately after the ruling.
“She’ll accept everything that’s said and make sure lessons are learned within that department. Likewise, we need to see the PSNI do that as well.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said her thoughts are with Noah’s mother and wider family.
“This has been a very long journey, it was a very lengthy inquest as well … that of course takes its toll. It’s a very, very challenging thing for any family to go through,” Little-Pengelly said.
“Fiona and the family came into the inquest with a lot of questions. It’s an absolute tragedy,” she said.
“We’ve come out of that process and a lot of those questions have not been able to be answered and I think that will be frustrating, that will have an impact on Fiona and the wider family and friends of Noah.”