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Health

Did almost 1,500 people die in NI in one year because of long waits in A&E?

27 March 2024

CLAIM: There is strong evidence that in 2022, delays in Northern Ireland’s emergency departments led to the premature deaths of 1,434 people.

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In an interview published on 21 January in the Irish Times, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) Vice Chair in Northern Ireland Dr Russell

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Education

Does a child with a statement have to be placed in their parents’ preferred school?

21 March 2024

CLAIM: Parents/guardians of children with a statement of special educational needs can tell the Education Authority which school they want that child to attend, and that school is required to accept them.

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On 30 January in a post on social media, newspaper columnist Newton Emerson said: “Timely reminder: if your child has a statement, the EA is

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Health

Do 11% of Travellers die by suicide?

11 March 2024

CLAIM: Sinn Féin TD Mark Wark said that 11% of all Travellers will die by suicide – a rate which is seven times higher than the general population.

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On 5 December during a debate in the Dail, Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward said: “Some 11% of all Travellers will die by suicide. This

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Health

Are Northern Ireland’s child vaccination rates for measles too low?

5 March 2024

CLAIM: Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly claimed that almost 89% of children in NI have received their first MMR jab, but fewer return for the second dose – with only 85% fully vaccinated by the time they are five years old. The WHO recommends a 95% vaccination rate to prevent outbreaks.

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On 19 February during a plenary session in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said: “Almost 89% of children in Northern Ireland have

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Peace

Is Belfast City Council’s policy for dual language street signs “extremist and provocative”?

23 February 2024

A column in the News Letter examined changes in Belfast City Council’s processes for erecting dual language street signs. We take a look at how

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Law

Did online child grooming in Northern Ireland increase by 40% last year?

16 February 2024

CLAIM: The Derry Journal reported that cases of online sexual grooming of children in Northern Ireland rose by over 40% between 2022 and 2023.

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On 6 February in a post on social media, the Derry Journal claimed: “The mother of two children who were groomed by someone pretending to

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We have written 160 fact-check reports on public statements since 2016.