Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

Opened front door, staircase in the background

Number of properties available under HAP drops by 25%

There was a decline in the number of rental properties available within the Housing Assistance Payment limit in September, with just 24 properties across the country meeting the criteria.

Ireland • 23 Oct

Catholic Bishops discuss cost of living, Gaza, marriage

The ending of one-off energy payments in Budget 2026 will "disproportionately impact low-income households", according to the Irish Catholic Bishops.

religion • 22 Oct

Picture of Fr. Dermod McCarthy former Head of Religious Affairs in RTÉ

Former RTÉ editor Fr Dermod McCarthy dies aged 83

RTÉ's former head of religious programming, Fr Dermod McCarthy, has died at the age of 83.

Ireland • 22 Oct

Organisation representatives prior to the Joint Committee on Justice and Migration this afternoon

More doctors needed ahead of new IP Bill, committee hears

Ireland will need to begin training doctors now, to fulfill what is proposed in the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025, according to the medical charity Safetynet.

Ireland • 21 Oct

Cabinet to consider introduction of 'Jennie's Law'

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan will seek Cabinet approval tomorrow for the establishment of a Domestic Violence Register.

Ireland • 20 Oct

One in Four's annual report and strategic plan

Online pornography distorting young people's views - Govt

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has warned that online pornography is increasingly being accessed by younger people and "is distorting their perception of human sexuality".

Ireland • 20 Oct

Spiritan survivor calls for swifter redress and apology

Spiritan abuse survivor David Ryan is calling for swifter redress and a State apology.

Ireland • 19 Oct

Trafficking concerns amid Vietnamese IPA rise

There has been a significant rise in the number of Vietnamese nationals applying for international protection in Ireland, according to figures from the Department of Justice.

Ireland • 16 Oct

Dr Margaret Kennedy at the launch of Cothrom

New disability rights and equality organisation launches

A disability rights and equality organisation - which will be "upfront and uncompromising" in calling out matters impacting disabled people - has been launched.

Ireland • 14 Oct

Public consultation launched on standards of CAMHS

A public consultation to help inform the development of national standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services has been launched by the Mental Health Commission.

Health • 14 Oct