The Assembly began with members' statements covering community transport funding, Baby Loss Awareness Week, home heating oil regulation, parade disputes, mental health investment, intimidation of a councillor, National Cadets Week, flood awareness, the Omagh bombing inquiry, and road conditions.

Opposition business opened with an SDLP motion marking 20 years since the St Andrews Agreement. Party leader Matthew O'Toole argued that while the agreement restored devolution, it embedded reforms that undermine effective decision-making and trust. He highlighted the absence of a Budget and Programme for Government as symptoms of institutional stasis, and called for reform to prevent parties from collapsing institutions. An Alliance amendment calling for a shared future framework was defeated, but the main motion passed.

Deirdre Hargey of Sinn Féin defended power-sharing but stressed the need for full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, while DUP members accused the Opposition of rewriting history and undermining cross-community safeguards. The UUP's Steve Aiken blamed St Andrews for undermining the centre ground, and TUV's Timothy Gaston called for unionist parties to withdraw from the Executive. The debate saw tense exchanges, with SDLP's Daniel McCrossan accusing the DUP of being led by unelected figures and DUP members referencing the Garvaghy Road dispute.

A second SDLP motion on building political consensus passed without amendment. O'Toole called for a new political consensus on health transformation, waste water infrastructure, and the school estate, urging parties to accept difficult decisions. Sinn Féin's Hargey and Alliance's Paula Bradshaw supported the motion but raised concerns about genuine commitment. Diane Forsythe of the DUP criticised the Budget for not aligning with Programme for Government priorities and reiterated the need for fair funding from Westminster.

During Infrastructure questions, Minister Liz Kimmins faced queries on potholes, flood defences, and public transport. She announced that 31 of 40 schools with part-time 20mph zones were complete, and discussed Translink's yLink card consultation, emphasising her commitment to affordable fares. She also provided updates on the A5 road project following a favourable Court of Appeal ruling and addressed concerns about flood forecasting and taxi licensing.

The final debate, tabled by the SDLP's Sinéad McLaughlin, marked Black History Month and called for racial equality legislation. McLaughlin expressed deep concern over record race hate incidents and criticised the Executive Office for failing to introduce promised legislation. Sinn Féin's Emma Sheerin supported the motion and suggested the blockage lay elsewhere, while the junior Minister indicated the Executive Office would respond. The motion passed without division, underscoring the Assembly's call for action on racism and discrimination.

The day highlighted ongoing political tensions but also a shared recognition of the need for institutional reform and delivery on key policy areas including racial equality and public services.