Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

HIQA finds illicit substance use by children at centre

An inspection of residential centre in the southwest operated by Tusla, found regular illicit substance use on the premises by some of the children residing there.

Ireland • 07 May

Archbishop McDowell warns on 'so-called Christian Right'

The Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell has warned of the dangers posed by "the so-called Christian Right".

Ireland • 07 May

a photograph of two adults and two children reading books

Couple's story highlights concern over surrogacy loophole

Cathy and Keith Wheatley first spoke out about their concern regarding the legal loophole which left their children in a precarious position in 2021.

Ireland • 06 May

Parents of surrogate children in call over new law

Parents of children born through surrogacy are calling on the Government to commence the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 without delay.

Ireland • 06 May

Far-right narrative not the majority view - report

A report by the Hope and Courage Collective, which works to build resilience in communities against rising far-right hate and disinformation, has found a widening gap between public attitudes and political discourse.

Ireland • 30 Apr

Meta criticised over measures aimed at under-13s

The European Commission has issued a preliminary finding against US tech giant Meta for allegedly failing to prevent minors under 13 from using Instagram and Facebook.

Europe • 29 Apr

The Government has approved proposals to amend the Institutional Burials Act 2022 to include first cousins as eligible family members

First cousins to be eligible for Tuam DNA identification

First cousins of children believed to be buried at the site of the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam, will soon be able to participate in the Identification Programme pending a change to legislation.

Connacht • 28 Apr

Inspectors find governance failures in Scouting Ireland

Inspectors appointed by the Charities Regulator have uncovered numerous structure and governance failures in Scouting Ireland and related charities.

Ireland • 27 Apr

Call for advisory council over gender-based violence

Over 40 organisations have called for the establishment of a survivor-led advisory council to shape Government decisions on gender-based violence.

Ireland • 27 Apr

Bishops' concern over International Protection Act

Irish Catholic Bishops have raised "serious concerns" over the International Protection Act 2026, which was signed into law by President Catherine Connolly earlier this week.

Ireland • 25 Apr