Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

Daughter's future care causing anxiety for ageing parents

In her latest report on disability services, our Social Affairs Correspondent Ailbhe Conneely examines the impact the lack of planned residential places is having on families.

Ireland • 01 Oct 25

Low earners can spend up to 33% of income on healthy food

Families on low incomes need to spend up to one third (33%) of their weekly income to afford a healthy food basket that meets nutritional needs, according to the latest food basket report from Safefood.

Health • 30 Sep 25

Parent of neurodivergent children speaks of difficulties

The Ombudsman for Children has called for maternity hospitals to record the number of disabled children born annually. As part of a series examining disability services in Ireland, our Social Affairs Correspondent Ailbhe Conneely reports on the difficulties for parents of disabled children.

Health • 30 Sep 25

The latest Local Authority Performance Indicator Report showed that the lowest vacancy rates were recorded in Laois, Wexford and Westmeath

Social housing vacancy rate decreased in 2024

The average social housing vacancy rate decreased last year from 2.81% in 2023 to 2.75%, with 4,251 units vacant at the end of 2024.

Business • 30 Sep 25

The campaign will provide information to those seeking support (stock pic)

Awareness campaign to assist sexual violence survivors

An information and awareness campaign directed at victims and survivors of sexual violence is due to be launched today.

Ireland • 29 Sep 25

Number recorded homeless rises to more than 16,350

A total of 16,353 people in the State have been recorded as homeless, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.

Ireland • 26 Sep 25

A person wearing hospital scrubs holds the hand of an elderly person in a care home setting

Response to scabies at nursing home 'lacked coordination'

A poorly coordinated response to an outbreak of scabies at a Kilkenny nursing home led to non-compliance in infection control, according to an inspection report by the Health Information and Quality Authority.

Health • 25 Sep 25

Tanya Ward to head Tusla's wellbeing check steering group

Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance Tanya Ward has been appointed as Independent Chair of the Steering Group for Tusla's wellbeing check on children whose cases were closed during the Covid-19 lockdown period.

Ireland • 23 Sep 25

The Consent Matters project aims to tackle sexual violence and harassment (file pic)

Waterford initiative promotes positive culture of consent

An initiative to create a safe, respectful and positive culture of consent across Waterford has been launched.

Munster • 22 Sep 25

Concerns raised as abuse survivors begin hunger strike

The Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse has expressed concern over a hunger strike by Survivors of Industrial Schools and Reformatory Institutions, which commenced at midnight last night.

Ireland • 22 Sep 25