Joe Little

Religious & Social Affairs Correspondent

Tuesday's confirmation by Katherine Zappone that at least 126 infants were mis-registered as the offspring of the parents who adopted them has yet again, prompted a communal rolling of eyes to heaven

Adoption: Long battle against stigma moves up a gear

In 1987, the then Minister responsible for Women's Affairs, Nuala Fennell gingerly steered legislation through an initially jaundiced Oireachtas abolishing the status of illegitimacy.

Analysis and Comment • 02 Jun 18

Katherine Zappone has said she plans to publish the report

Report on review of adoption records due by October

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has said the independent reviewer overseeing the targeted sampling of adoption records to uncover incorrect birth registrations, will report to her by the first week in October.

Adoption • 01 Jun 18

126 people were illegally registered as the natural children of parents to whom they were handed over by St Patrick's Guild

Group disagrees with Varadkar assertion on DNA testing

The Coalition of Mother and Baby Home Survivors has rejected the Taoiseach's assertion that it is too early to consider free DNA tests for the victims of false birth registrations.

Ireland • 31 May 18

Eamon Martin said he will give thanks in prayer to those who took part in the No campaign in the referendum

Archbishop says he is deeply saddened over referendum

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, has said he is deeply saddened that Ireland has "obliterated the right to life of all unborn children" from the Constitution.

Eighth Amendment • 28 May 18

Dr Martin was speaking as he arrived to address an interfaith meeting in Dublin organised by the Muslim Sisters of Éire

Church cannot compromise position on abortion - Martin

Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has expressed surprise at the outcome of the referendum, and reiterated that his church cannot compromise on its opposition to abortion.

Eighth Amendment • 26 May 18

The English words 'Yes' and 'No' are written on the template in Braille

Templates allow blind people to vote unassisted

Around 50,000 blind and vision-impaired people on the electoral register are being given their first opportunity to cast their votes in secret in tomorrow's referendum on the Eighth Amendment.

Eighth Amendment • 24 May 18

A HIQA inspection found in August 2016 that some residents were spending large parts of the day in bed

Concerns over temporary improvements at Clare centre

A HSE-owned residential centre with a capacity to accommodate 120 older people in Co Clare has been ordered to notify HIQA if it takes in more than 100 residents.

Munster • 24 May 18

The diocese and the priest are co-operating fully with the ongoing investigation

Priest steps aside due to historic abuse investigation

A Catholic priest has voluntarily stepped aside from his duties in the Northern Ireland diocese of Dromore while police investigate a historical allegation of abuse against him.

Ulster • 21 May 18

Archbishop Eamon Martin warns that any repeal of the Eighth Amendment would pave the way for a very liberal abortion regime

Archbishop warns against 'liberal' abortion regime

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has said that to be against abortion is not simply "a Catholic thing".

Eighth Amendment • 19 May 18

A five-year strategy was launched by St Patrick's Mental Health Services today

State accused of inadequate support for mental health

The country's largest independent mental health service has said the State is not adequately supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties.

Health • 17 May 18