Joe Little

Religious & Social Affairs Correspondent

One of the pre-conditions for applicants was 'a requirement to carry out elective abortions if appointed'

Bishops critical of pre-conditions for hospital jobs

The country's Catholic bishops have accused the National Maternity Hospital of denying doctors their right to freedom of conscience by requiring applicants for consultant posts to carry out elective abortions if appointed.

Ireland • 13 Mar 19

The research also shows that most relatives say they were not given enough information on what to do in a crisis involving their loved ones

42% of mental health users have 'poor experiences'

Two out of every five people using the State's mental health services have reported poor experiences.

Health • 13 Mar 19

HIQA has said that inspections last year found advances in both the safety and quality of life for many residents

HIQA notes improvements at residential care unit

The health and social services watchdog has found sustained improvement in the conditions at one of the republic's largest residential campuses for people with disabilities.

Health • 11 Mar 19

Bishop Farrell outlined aspects of his unpublished draft plan in a letter to be circulated at weekend masses

Bishop warns number of priests under 75 will halve

The number of diocesan priests under the retirement age of 75 will be at least halved in the next ten years and the number of Sunday masses will have to be reduced, according to Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell.

Ireland • 11 Mar 19

A review was carried out into fostering services in Dublin South Central

Tusla must optimise use of fostering staff - HIQA

Independent watchdog HIQA has said it is essential the State child and family agency Tusla optimises the use of staff in its fostering services to prevent duplication of effort and inconsistency in practice.

Ireland • 06 Mar 19

July's annual inspection of the 44-bed Department of Psychiatry at UHW was unannounced

High risk rating for Waterford mental health facility

The Mental Health Commission has found the inpatient mental health facility at University Hospital Waterford has been critically non-compliant with regulations relating to the maintenance of records and the use of seclusion.

Ireland • 06 Mar 19

Portlick Scout Campsite near Athlone (Pic: Philip Gillen)

Overnight scout camp to go ahead despite Tusla advice

Scouting leaders in the midlands have said that an overnight camp for 400 children scheduled for this weekend will go ahead as planned, despite Tusla advice.

Ireland • 28 Feb 19

Katherine Zappone said she will be meeting the chief social worker in her department to consider the next steps

Scouting Ireland seeks 'urgent engagement' with Tusla

Scouting Ireland says Tusla has never before raised at meetings what it calls the "most serious allegation" that "the actions of key (Scouting Ireland) personnel holding a role in safeguarding may have been compromised".

Ireland • 27 Feb 19

Summit must force church to confront 'enemy within'

Religious and Social Affairs Correspondent Joe Little has been monitoring the Vatican's four-day child protection summit

Analysis and Comment • 24 Feb 19

Pope Francis called the meeting in September

Silence on Catholic Church abuse scandal 'no-go' option

An organiser of this week's summit of Catholic Church leaders on clerical child sexual abuse has warned that silence about the scandal is a "no-go" option.

World • 18 Feb 19