Scope Articles

Stormont has more power than you think

2 Dec 2021

The NI Fiscal Council released its first reports last week, one of which is a primer on local public finances. It’s useful simply as a guide to how Northern Ireland works. And, if you look closely, you see how important Stormont is.

Schools should look forwards, not back

Lagan College at 40: (l-r) Principal Amanda McNamee, head boy Jude Hinds, head girl Rosa Day, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen, former pupils Richard Sherry and Clare Bailey MLA

1 Dec 2021

These days, Northern Ireland’s schools system is arguably more segregated than the society it serves. This has to change.

It’s not to late to fix childcare in Northern Ireland

Employers for Childcare's Aoife Hamilton with the findings from this year's NI Childcare Survey

24 Nov 2021

The local childcare system fails both parents and providers, with financial pressures approaching breaking point. These failures also hurt the economy. However, there is still time to build something better.

Northern Ireland’s jobs market makes ex-offenders an afterthought

23 Nov 2021

Recent justice reforms made rehabilitation a crucial part of reducing crime. New research says that local businesses are cautious about hiring people with convictions – but are open to change, if they get more support.

Blessed are the peacemakers ...

19 Nov 2021

Catholic social teaching holds the key to sustaining the peace process and empowering marginalised communities in Northern Ireland, according to peace-building expert Dr Maria Power.

Stormont could cut child poverty by a third

Children should have food, warmth and good clothes - and this should be uncontroversial (Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash)

17 Nov 2021

A new report about the direction of child poverty in Northern Ireland shows the difference that can be made by a robust social security system.

Climate change: what it means for Northern Ireland

12 Nov 2021

The enormity of climate change and its potential repercussions must not blind us to two simple questions. How will the need to combat climate change affect policy in Northern Ireland, and how will the necessary changes impact our day-to-day lives?

Governments should think less about GDP – and focus on wellbeing

10 Nov 2021

If wellbeing is going to work as an alternative to GDP, Stormont needs to commit to it. This looks increasingly possible.

There is no single fix for poverty

Launch of the Scaffolding Project's briefing paper

3 Nov 2021

New research highlights the many things that make poverty persist in East Belfast. Problems are not limited to the expense of food or electricity – a lack of digital access is a problem, even in such an urban area.

The Unlikely History of Integrated Schools in Northern Ireland

3 Nov 2021

This week marks the 190th anniversary of the first attempt to introduce integrated education in Northern Ireland. Colm Cavanagh charts a sorry history.

For those in peril of the rising sea

28 Oct 2021

Many of us feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis, helpless at the scale of it, unsure of what we can do, and yet shocked by the complacency of some and terrified by the apocalyptic pronouncements of others.

Why NI’s entire approach to school uniforms should change

28 Oct 2021

Northern Ireland has no limit for the prices of its school uniforms. Costs are far beyond what parents consider reasonable, and should be reduced. A complete reform of what children wear should also be considered.

Not making plans for Nigel: why birth rates matter

21 Oct 2021

At this time of year, every year, the media zooms in on birth statistics.

Can failing children’s services be the spark that ignites NI’s health transformation?