Dimitri O'Donnell

RTÉ News

Judge 'concerned' no progress on Athlone IPAS legislation

A High Court judge has said she is "quite concerned" that the Government has made no progress on draft legislation to address an error made by the State in the planning process for an IPAS centre in Athlone, which was designed to house up to 1,000 asylum seekers.

Leinster • 21 Jul 25

Recruitment campaign to hire 300 prison officers begins

A recruitment campaign aimed at hiring 300 new prison officers in full-time positions is under way.

Ireland • 04 Jul 25

Overall, UNHCR estimates a global reduction in staffing costs of around 30%

UNHCR's Ireland office to lose several positions

UNHCR's Ireland office is to lose several positions in Dublin while other roles are being downgraded. It follows a wider review of positions within the UN refugee agency, which has been impacted by the global cuts being imposed across the sector.

Ireland • 02 Jul 25

31 enforcement actions over mental health safeguards

Thirty-one enforcement actions were issued last year to safeguard mental health patients and residents in 20 centres nationwide.

Health • 27 Jun 25

Winning €250m EuroMillions ticket purchased in Munster

The National Lottery has confirmed that the winning ticket in the EuroMillions draw was sold in Munster.

Ireland • 19 Jun 25

Number of children feeling low doubles over 25 years

Fewer Irish children are reporting high life satisfaction and feeling happy with their lives, compared to a study measuring the same indicators among their counterparts in 1998.

Ireland • 03 Jun 25

The first lung transplant took place at the Mater Hospital in Dublin 20 years ago (file image)

Call for people to consider 'life-saving' organ donation

Lung transplant patients have encouraged the public to consider the "life-saving" gift of organ donation on the 20th anniversary of the first ever lung transplant that took place at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

Health • 16 May 25

There was one prosecution relating to the importation or distribution of the weight loss product Saxenda

Spike in sales of illegal weight loss drugs last year

There was a marked increased in the detection of illegal weight loss type medicines, as more than a million units of illegal medicines overall were seized by the Health Products Regulatory Authority last year.

Health • 30 Apr 25

There have been 42% fewer International Protection applications in the first three months of 2025 compared to the first three months of last year

Minister rejects claim new asylum process would be cruel

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has rejected criticism that a speeded-up asylum process would be cruel and lacking compassion.

Ireland • 29 Apr 25

Paternity benefit is paid to fathers for two weeks and must be taken within six months of the birth of a child (Stock image)

Only half of fathers taking paternity leave, report says

Only half of fathers are taking their paternity leave entitlements, according to research published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Economic and Social Research Institute.

Ireland • 04 Apr 25