A blog from the Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service

Latest Articles

Browse all the articles published on the Research Matters blog, with the most recent articles appearing at the top.

Outcomes-based budgeting

What is ‘outcomes-based budgeting’, and what are the key benefits and limitations of using it?

An image of two hands: there may be testing times ahead for the Third Sector

Testing times ahead for the Third Sector

The Third Sector makes a substantial, but at times unrecognised, contribution to society in Northern Ireland. It is a key provider of health/social care; housing/housing

Modernising equality legislation

Following decades of piecemeal development, governments are increasingly seeking to address the common problem of fragmented, uneven and incoherent equality legislation.

Outpatient appointments: why are we waiting?

Despite recent investment, waiting lists are at an all-time high. Consultant-led outpatient appointments provide an opportunity for patients to receive consultation, investigation and minor treatment.

Image of a planned urban landscape: Local development planning is now with local councils

Planning in a new environment

The planning system has undergone much change recently, so what are the new structures and how has the balance of responsibility shifted between central and