Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

a photograph of president catherine connolly

President convenes Council of State to discuss IP bill

President Catherine Connolly has convened a meeting of the Council of State under Article 26 of the Constitution to discuss the constitutionality of the International Protection Bill 2026.

Ireland • 17 Apr

Rise in people leaving Direct Provision becoming homeless

A growing number of people leaving the Direct Provision system are entering homeless services in Dublin, according to the statutory authority responsible for addressing homelessness in the capital.

Ireland • 16 Apr

Draft National Drug Strategy a backwards step, group says

The Government's draft National Drugs Strategy has been described by the Network of Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces as a backwards step.

Health • 16 Apr

The bill is tied to the EU Migration & Asylum Pact which will come into force across the EU in June

Asylum system reform imminent after IP bill passed

The International Protection Bill 2026 has concluded its passage through the Oireachtas.

Ireland • 15 Apr

View of someone sleeping on the pavement, showing the bottom of their shoes, with someone else walking past

124 people died while homeless in 2022 - HRB

124 people died while homeless in 2022, according to figures released by the Health Research Board.

Ireland • 15 Apr

Report warns of unlawful decisions on homeless families

Newly homeless families face unlawful decision-making by local authorities as pressure on emergency accommodation intensifies, according to the Mercy Law Resource Centre.

Ireland • 14 Apr

Pope Leo standing before Microphones with a two flags behind him

Trump-Vatican row intensifies as Pope Leo heads to Africa

As Pope Leo XIV sets out on a 10-day visit to Africa, divisions between the Vatican and the US administration under President Donald Trump have intensified.

Analysis and Comment • 13 Apr