The Assembly session on Monday was dominated by heated exchanges over the Drumcree parade stand-off, with Sinn Féin and the DUP trading accusations over the rule of law and the role of paramilitary groups. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly accused Sinn Féin of "dancing to the beat of the dissident drum" after prominent republicans including Breandán Mac Cionnaith and Colin Duffy appeared alongside the party's leadership on the Garvaghy Road. Sinn Féin members defended their actions, with Linda Dillon stating that residents were "absolutely in control" and that party representatives attended at their invitation.

During Members' statements, Michelle O'Donnell and Diane Dodds gave starkly opposing views on the dispute. Ms O'Donnell read a list of those killed during the long-running Drumcree conflict and condemned the "supremacist march" as "steeped in violence and murder". Mrs Dodds argued that the Orange Order had a lawful right to parade and criticised the First Minister for "flouting the law" and associating with dissident republicans. Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson called for dialogue and mediation, urging all sides to "get the dispute off the streets" and back into a political process.

The Assembly approved regulations to update fixed penalty notices for tobacco and vape offences, implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. Health Minister Mike Butler said the measures would support enforcement of new age-of-sale laws and help protect young people. Health Committee Chair Philip McGuigan highlighted statistics showing that 20% of 11-18 year olds have tried vaping and welcomed the regulations as a step towards reducing smoking-related deaths and hospital admissions.

Members also passed a significant change to Standing Order 42A on legislative consent motions, strengthening the role of the Assembly and its committees in scrutinising Westminster legislation. The new rules require ministers to lay memoranda within 10 working days and allow for indicative memoranda where decisions are pending. Committee Chair Kellie Armstrong said the changes would "enhance the Assembly's ability to carry out its scrutiny and bring more transparency to the process".

In private members' business, MLAs debated a motion calling for a ban on aversive training tools for domestic animals. Ulster Unionist Robbie Butler described shock collars, prong collars and choke chains as "inhumane, cruel and lazy shortcuts" and argued that reward-based training was effective and humane. Alliance proposed an amendment removing exemptions for veterinarians and dog wardens, with John Blair stating there was no justification for using such devices. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said he intended to legislate this mandate, saying "animals should not be trained through pain, fear or intimidation".

During Question Time, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald faced questions on budget pressures in further and higher education, with Ulster University offering voluntary redundancies. The Minister said she had not signed up to the Executive Budget because it would have put institutions in "significant difficulty" and was pressing for a fair funding settlement. She also highlighted growth in student numbers at Magee and Coleraine and the importance of the "Brain Gain" research in challenging the narrative of a brain drain.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly defended the armed forces covenant and criticised Sinn Féin for blocking its adoption, saying veterans faced "objective disadvantage" in areas like housing and education. She also faced accusations from Sinn Féin over the DUP's past links to Ulster Resistance, which she rejected, stating she was "absolutely opposed to terrorism and paramilitarism".

The Assembly also heard from Gareth McCrossan on the A5 road project, ahead of a Court of Appeal hearing, emphasizing the 57 lives lost on the route and calling for accountability if the project is further delayed. Nichola Mallon raised concerns over maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, citing anxieties of expectant mothers facing travel to Craigavon during labour.