The Stormont Assembly is set to resume sittings on Monday, with executive parties facing a budget deadlock and a pressing legislative agenda. Talks are ongoing with Treasury officials to resolve the budget impasse, which has persisted for 36 days beyond the legal deadline.
Think tank Pivotal reported last week that several departments are facing substantial overspends this year, including an estimated £800m deficit in health and £250m in education. Health Minister Robbie Butler is expected to face pressure as the 10-year anniversary of the Bengoa report, a major health reform review, approaches next month. Pay pressures in the health and education departments also raise the prospect of strike action.
Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots has warned ministers that time is running out to pass remaining legislation before the assembly dissolves in March ahead of the election. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald's "Good Jobs" Bill, aiming to reform employment laws, has not yet secured executive agreement. Other significant policies, including the redevelopment of Casement Park and the A5 road project, are also stalled due to financial and legal disputes.
Paul Boggs was named Sinn Féin's new West Tyrone MLA on Tuesday, bringing the number of co-opted MLAs since the last assembly election to 14.