Oonagh Smyth

Prime Time

Strategic housing developments were introduced in 2016 to fast-track development

SHDs - the housing 'quick fix' that's broken

Strategic Housing Developments were meant to help solve the housing crisis by fast-tracking the building of tens of thousands of new homes. But it hasn't worked out like that.

Prime Time • 07 Jul 21

David Barry, a former scout leader, was jailed for five years for a series of sexual assaults on boys

Jailed ex-scout leader was hiding in plain sight

There were complaints about David Barry, a former scout leader who was sentenced on Thursday for a series of sexual assaults, going back decades.

Prime Time • 25 Jun 21

Before going on sick leave 14 months ago, Tom McHugh worked on Block A at Portlaoise Prison

The Prison Officer who won't be silenced

Tom McHugh became concerned that his life was at risk because he was being actively undermined by other prison officers, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 07 May 21

Christina McNally, 77, from Lusk, Co Dublin, received her first vaccine dose at the weekend

The joy of vaccination: 'The energy was electric'

Amid all the negative headlines about the vaccine roll-out, one undeniably positive aspect is the joy of vaccination that many elderly people are experiencing, writes Prime Time's Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 24 Mar 21

Dr Maaz Seerat, working in Ireland since 2015, has been unable to secure a consultant post

Exit strategy: Why are foreign doctors leaving Ireland?

Despite hundreds of vacant posts in the health system and historically high waiting lists, many doctors from outside the EU feel forced to leave Ireland, reports Prime Time's Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 19 Mar 21

Collective mourning is a central part of Irish culture

Covid-19 funeral restrictions: Saying goodbye is harder

Current public health restrictions have severely diminished the traditions and rituals that we use to say goodbye to our loved ones, reports Prime Time's Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 03 Mar 21

Covid-19 visiting restrictions mean that being admitted to hospital has taken on a new dimension

Covid-19: Ambulance staff on the 'intense' frontline

The third wave of Covid-19 has put paramedics across the country under a level of pressure that they've never experienced before, reports Prime Time's Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 05 Feb 21