The Assembly's most significant business on Monday was a statement from Justice Minister Naomi Long about the case of Gary Anderson, a convicted murderer who absconded while on compassionate temporary release. Long provided updated information following the publication of a court judgment that revealed the Northern Ireland Prison Service might have been offered an opportunity to reconsider its decision to refuse release. She announced a fully independent review of the handling of the case and came under intense questioning from MLAs, with some accusing her of misleading the House last week, which she strongly denied.

Earlier in the day, Members' Statements covered a range of issues. John O'Dowd returned to the subject of the proposed Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road, warning against reopening old wounds. He highlighted a statement of solidarity from 11 residents' groups across Northern Ireland. The issue was later raised again during topical questions to the First Minister, who expressed support for the residents.

Stephen Wilson raised a serious sewage overflow incident in Newry, criticising the Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister and Northern Ireland Water for failing to address repeated problems. Nuala McAllister highlighted inequalities in cancer care, specifically the availability of the breast cancer drug Enhertu, which is available in England but not Northern Ireland.

Jonathan Burrows focused on the release of Gary Anderson, speaking before the Minister's statement. He criticised procedural failures that led to Anderson being released with a civilian chaperone. Matthew O'Toole criticised the DUP for inviting Reform UK's Danny Kruger to their conference, warning about the potential impact of a proposed policy requiring travel authorisation for non-UK or Irish nationals arriving in Dublin airport and travelling north.

The Assembly also heard an update from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons on the British-Irish Council summit, which focused on early years and family support. Lyons highlighted the Executive's draft early learning and childcare strategy and stressed the need for cross-departmental collaboration. He faced questions on affordability and access to childcare.

During the Executive Office Question Time, First Minister Michelle O'Neill answered questions on the Executive's budget, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and violence against women and girls. She defended the Executive's approach to budget negotiations with the UK Government, arguing that Northern Ireland is underfunded relative to need. She also praised the success of the fleadh and outlined ongoing campaigns to address coercive control.

O'Neill faced heated exchanges over her attendance at events commemorating IRA hunger strikers, with DUP and TUV MLAs accusing her of hypocrisy in championing ending violence against women while glorifying terrorism. She responded that she was focused on the future and not playing games with victims' feelings.

In Health Question Time, Minister Colin Butler addressed questions on facial palsy services, neurology waiting times, hip surgery waiting times, and the South West Acute Hospital. He acknowledged that waiting times remain unacceptable but pointed to recent reductions and announced increased investment in orthopaedic capacity. He also answered questions on the potential use of the Shared Island Fund for Daisy Hill Hospital, clarifying that it is not designed for long-term recurrent funding.

The Assembly also approved extensions for Committee Stage of the Harbours Bill and the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill, with committee chairs outlining the need for additional time to scrutinise the legislation properly.