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The Centre for Co-operative Studies is delighted to share details of a landmark event in Belfast, hosted by the UK Society for Co-operative Studies and the Society for Co-operative Studies Ireland. This gathering marks a pivotal moment for the co-operative movement across these islands, as we look ahead to 2025, the International Year of Co-operatives, under the theme ‘Co-operatives Build a Better World’.

This event presents a unique opportunity to explore how co-operative knowledge and insights from Ireland and Britain can shape a better future. Delegates are invited to reflect on the vital role of co-operatives in fostering a stronger, more equitable economy, particularly in light of recent political developments and ongoing discussions about Ireland’s constitutional future.

In a world designed to keep us busy and distracted perhaps the true work of humanity is building solidarity. Dr Noreen Byrne suggests some antidotes to the forces that suppress the human spirit and prevent us from connecting with others and with our own innate wisdom.

An article by Carol Power and Caroline Crowley highlights Ireland's growing home care crisis, driven by an ageing population and a shortage of care workers due to poor pay, conditions, and high stress in for-profit systems. Co-operative care models, like Dublin's Great Care Co-op, present a promising alternative, offering worker-led, high-quality care and reinvesting surpluses into services rather than profit. For these co-operatives to help solve Ireland's care challenges, the State must support their development while ensuring they remain independent.

Maintaining choice in how Irish consumers can pay for goods and services is fundamental to an inclusive society

With just six of the 20 league clubs now owned by supporters, fears are growing of an 'arms race' in private spending

We are much further removed from becoming a cashless society than some might like to think