FactCheckNI: Northern Ireland's First Dedicated Non-Profit Fact-Checking Service
Use the search tool below to explore topics that matter to you in Northern Ireland. FactCheckNI is an independent team of fact-checkers committed to examining key public statements related to Northern Ireland. We analyse the best available evidence and publish fact-check articles to enhance the quality of public debate, knowledge and understanding.
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Gambling in NI: Are 3% of adults addicted to gambling?
15 April 2026
CLAIM: In Northern Ireland, around 3% of all adults meet the threshold for gambling addiction while 14% of people who gamble say they have bet more than they can afford to lose.
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During a 16 March debate on the criminal justice system, Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan claimed that: “Around 3% of adults meet the threshold for
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Health in NI: Do 40% of women wrongly believe cervical smear tests for ovarian cancer?
7 April 2026
CLAIM: 40% of women mistakenly believe cervical screening tests for ovarian cancer.
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During a 16 March debate on a women’s health strategy, DUP MLA Diane Forsythe claimed that: “Target Ovarian Cancer reports that 40% of women mistakenly
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Mental health in NI: Does mental ill health cost us £3.4bn per year?
1 April 2026
CLAIM: Poor mental health costs Northern Ireland £3.4bn every year. Mental health receives around 7% of the health budget – a lower proportion than elsewhere in the UK and Ireland. Around 80% of the actions in the current mental health strategy are paused because of a lack of funding.
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In a 16 February debate in the Assembly around mental health data, Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn claimed: “Mental ill health costs our society £3.4Choose from over 300 fact checks on the topics that matter most to you
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Fact Check Search Engine
We have published over 300 fact check articles on topics relating to life in Northern Ireland since 2016. This is a free resource that anyone can use 24 hours a day.
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Training
We design and deliver bespoke training sessions in fact checking and critical thinking skills to groups, organisations and communities across NI
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Fact Check Toolkit
We've created a simple guide that's perfect for anyone wanting to learn how to tell the difference between fact, fiction, and “fake news.” We encourage everyone to think critically, and in this article, we share tips on how you can check the information you come across, especially online.
Learn moreWhy trust us?
FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated fact checking service, operating with the following commitments