The road to sign language legislation
2nd April 2025
Sign Language (Northern Ireland) Bill 2025 A Sign Language Bill was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 10 February 2025. This blog post provides
Latest Articles
Browse all the articles published on the Research Matters blog, with the most recent articles appearing at the top.
‘With, not for’: The voices of survivors in national strategies to eliminate violence against women and girls
7th March 2025
This blog article is part of a series from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025. In Northern Ireland, new
Mind the Gap: exploring women’s health inequalities in Northern Ireland
6th March 2025
As part of a series of blog posts from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025, we have put together
Closing the gap: the state of gender pay equality in Northern Ireland
5th March 2025
This blog article is part of a series from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025. On average, men earn
Spotlight on access to justice in Northern Ireland
21st February 2025
This blog article focuses on legal aid available for criminal matters, highlighting ongoing challenges like industrial action by criminal barristers in the Crown Court. It
European Commission Work Programme 2025: Enhanced engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders
6th February 2025
On 11 February 2025, the European Commission (the Commission) will present its Work Programme (CWP) for the year ahead during the European Parliament’s plenary session.
Wind in a bottle: how can Northern Ireland maximise its wind energy potential?
22nd January 2025
Legislative background International agreements In the past three decades, governments around the world have set out to decarbonise electricity and heat generation, industrial processes, and
‘Great Expectations’: School Governors in Northern Ireland
7th January 2025
The purpose of this blog article is threefold. First, we consider the important role which school governors play in the education system in Northern Ireland.
Can a human security approach improve policies on violence against women in Northern Ireland?
18th December 2024
On 26 November, the Assembly discussed 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign against gender-based violence which highlights how violence against women endangers our societies
Parental pressures in education
18th December 2024
This blog article will consider two main issues. First, it will examine the financial pressures facing parents in supporting their children through the school system.
Moving beyond the ‘usual suspects’ in academic engagement
11th December 2024
Engagement with the academic community can be helpful for fostering informed discussions and decisions within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Academic research is typically robust and
Effective Knowledge Exchange activities in the Northern Ireland Assembly – facilitating access and use of academic research findings and expertise
10th December 2024
The Assembly’s Research and Information Service (RaISe) partners with academia and other academic institutions under its ‘Programme of Academic Engagement’. Knowledge Exchange (KE) activities play
Navigating the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill: balancing regulatory alignment, devolution, and global trade ambitions
9th December 2024
Understanding the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill: key issues and implications On 4 September 2024, the UK Government introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology (PRM)
Addressing the complexities of ADHD care: challenges and opportunities
4th December 2024
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can significantly impact daily functioning. The
Forest Schools: inside nature’s classroom
25th November 2024
Northern Ireland faces a dual challenge of declining biodiversity and diminishing childhood engagement with nature. Forest Schools have emerged as a potential innovative solution, with
From custody to community: mental health and criminal justice in Northern Ireland
10th October 2024
Every year, World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of mental health services globally. In Northern Ireland (NI), the intersection
Tourism update: 2024
3rd October 2024
Introduction Tourism in Northern Ireland accounted for £2.3 billion or 5% of the region’s Gross Value Added in 2019. The sector supported 70,200 jobs in
Algal Blooms and Lough Neagh
27th June 2024
In recent years, algal blooms have drawn large-scale notoriety and attention. We take a look at their global impact on areas of natural beauty.
Zebra mussels: the invasive alien species in Irish Loughs
3rd April 2024
We take a look at the economic and environmental impact of zebra mussels, an invasive aquatic species, across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Visualisation of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland
7th October 2022
This dashboard has been prepared by the Assembly Research and Information Service to visualise data describing the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.
How has COVID-19 emergency funding for individual artists been distributed in Northern Ireland?
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a snapshot of £11.1 million in emergency funding provided to over 2824 individual artists in Northern Ireland.
The impact of COVID-19 on Northern Ireland
7th October 2022
This visualisation based on analysis published by Ulster Bank, Danske Bank, NISRA, PSNI and Google Mobility Reports, looks at the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland.
Snapshot of COVID-19 Funding: Department for Communities
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a series of interactive graphs which offer a snapshot of funding to address key challenges arising from the effects of the COVID-19.
Executive Budget 2021-22
7th October 2022
This Interactive Timeline illustrates the complexity of the situation surrounding the formation of the draft Executive Budget 2021-22.
How has COVID-19 Emergency Funding for the arts and culture Sectors in Northern Ireland been distributed?
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a snapshot of emergency funding provided to the arts and culture sectors in Northern Ireland.
A snapshot of COVID-19 funding (updated November 2020)
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a series of interactive graphs compiled by RaISe, offering a snapshot of funding allocated to address key challenges arising from the effects of the pandemic.
Foodbank distribution in Northern Ireland
7th October 2022
Foodbanks are an increasingly useful resource for many. This interactive mapping application provides the location and contact details of all currently operational foodbanks, as of December 2020.
A snapshot of COVID-19 funding
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a series of interactive graphs compiled by RaISe, offering a snapshot of government funding allocated to address key challenges arising from the effects of the pandemic.
Spring Statement 2022: Blossoming prospects for NI?
25th March 2022
By Nathan Mulholland and Eileen Regan On 23 March 2022, the United Kingdom (UK) Chancellor delivered his 2022 Spring Statement, which this article considers from
The misuse of prescription drugs in Northern Ireland
15th March 2022
by Max Larkinson & James Bamford Earlier this year the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) published a report on Addiction Services in Northern Ireland (NI), highlighting