Joe Little

Religious & Social Affairs Correspondent

Discussions have taken place between Saint John of God School at Islandbridge and the department

Initial talks over services at special needs school

The charity which runs a special needs school in Dublin, where much-needed speech and language and occupational therapies have not been delivered to children for some time, has confirmed that it met officials at the Department of Education today.

Education • 15 May 18

The centre, in west Dublin, is run by Stewarts Care

HIQA concerns over nutritional care at Dublin centre

HIQA has revealed that records at a residential centre for people with disabilities show that one resident was fed only 2% of his or her recommended nutritional and fluid intake on a particular day reviewed by the watchdog.

Dublin • 15 May 18

The figures show that between February and March this year, the number of children waiting over 12 months for an appointment increased from 350 to 386

Rise in number waiting over one year for CAMHS services

Official figures show that the number of children and young people waiting over a year to see the state's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) increased by 10% between February and March.

News • 14 May 18

Michael Jackson (left) and Richard Clarke are at the Church of Ireland's General Synod in Armagh

Abortion up to 12 weeks 'unsustainable' - CoI leader

The leader of the Church of Ireland, Archbishop Richard Clarke, has said he would find it ethically unsustainable to have unrestricted access to abortion up to twelve weeks' gestation.

Ireland • 10 May 18

Dr Gabriel Scally said his review will be independent of the Government and the HSE

Cervical Check inquiry - Who is Dr Gabriel Scally?

Dr Gabriel Scally who has been appointed by the Government to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the cervical cancer controversy is no stranger to the health service here.

CervicalCheck • 08 May 18

The ACP said that while ministering, they constantly encounter complex situations that are more often grey than black and white

ACP calls for end to referendum campaigning during mass

The leaders of the Association of Catholic Priests have called on parishes to cease what they call the "inappropriate and insensitive" practice of allowing campaigners in the referendum on the Eighth Amendment to speak from pulpits during mass.

News • 05 May 18

Two serious reportable events at St Otteran's Hospital in Waterford were noted

'Critical' shortcomings in mental health centres

The Mental Health Commission has found what it calls "critical and high risk" shortcomings in seven approved treatment centres here.

Health • 03 May 18

HIQA identified serious risks in three cases in the Kildare-based fostering service

HIQA identifies failures in private fostering company

The Health Information and Quality Authority has found the "key role" of head of service in a private fostering company was filled by a succession of four people over a 14-month period.

Ireland • 02 May 18

Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon says the digital age of consent should not rise to 16

Ombudsman concerned over rise in digital age of consent

The Ombudsman for Children has said he is very concerned by indications that key legislators may be about to try to increase the digital age of consent from 13 to 16 years of age.

News • 01 May 18

The event is for up to 800 women who spent time in Magdalene Laundries

Reception to be held for former Magdalene residents

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins are to host a reception this summer for up to 800 women who spent time in Magdalene Laundries.

Ireland • 25 Apr 18