Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

An employee pumps gasoline into the vehicle of a customer at a gas station in Hanoi on March 9, 2026. Vietnam is considering a plan to scrap tariffs on fuel imports, the government said, as the US-Israeli war with Iran disrupts oil supplies and pushes pri

Call on Govt to extend fuel allowance over energy prices

A representative body for one-parent families in Ireland has called on the Government to extend the fuel allowance for a number of weeks due to the increase in energy prices.

Ireland • 16 hrs

The study highlights overcrowding in emergency accommodation and lack of oversight (file pic)

State operating 'two-tier' asylum accommodation - report

The State has created a "two-tier" asylum accommodation system resulting in significant gaps in oversight and regulation, according to research published today.

Ireland • 04 Mar

Irish Catholics among Europe's 'more practising'

Irish Catholics rank towards the higher end of European countries on measures of weekly Mass attendance and daily prayer, according to research commissioned by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference.

Ireland • 04 Mar

Presbyterian Church failings 'unacceptable' - PCI head

The Moderator Designate of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has profusely apologised for safeguarding failures within the church and has committed to examining redress.

Ireland • 03 Mar

According to its latest annual overview report, 44% of the centres were overcrowded in 2025 (stock image)

Overcrowding at IPAS centres increased by 19% - HIQA

Overcrowding at International Protection Accommodation Service centres inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority increased by 19% last year.

Ireland • 03 Mar

Parents James Reardon and Ruth McSkane face €10,000 in hearing aid costs

Deaf couple facing €10,000 bill for hearing aids

A Deaf couple, both in employment, say they are being penalised for working and "moving away" from the disability allowance.

Health • 03 Mar

Rise in households at risk of homelessness, says charity

Households at risk of homelessness that contacted housing charity Threshold for the first time increased by more than 21% year-on-year, according to its final quarter figures of 2025.

Ireland • 03 Mar

'Deep concern' over number of anti-Semitic incidents

The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland has expressed "deep concern" about the number of anti-Semitic incidents recorded here over a six-month period up to January this year.

Ireland • 02 Mar

Silhouette of man sitting alone by window dark room , head in their hands, feelings of sadness,depression,hopelessness ,Mental Distress Consept.

Mother of man with schizophrenia fears for her son's life

The mother of a young man diagnosed with schizophrenia has expressed concern about her son, whose life she believes is at risk, due to his discharge from mental health services.

Health • 01 Mar

A protest in Dublin for the introduction of an emergency disability payment (Pic: Ailbhe Conneely)

Around 400 people attend disability rights protest

Up to 400 people have attended a protest in Dublin on the cost of disability.

Ireland • 28 Feb