Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

Cocaine main substance for treatment at Coolmine centre

Cocaine continued to be the leading substance for treatment at Coolmine's drug and alcohol treatment centre in Dublin during the first half of this year.

Dublin • 06 Aug 25

St Newman's new 'doctor' title welcomed by Irish Bishops

The President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference has welcomed news of Pope Leo XIV's decision to declare Saint John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Universal Church.

Ireland • 01 Aug 25

ECJ rejects Govt's claim over asylum seeker obligations

The European Court of Justice has rejected the Government's claim that an influx of international protection applicants impacted its obligation to cover asylum seekers' basic needs.

Ireland • 01 Aug 25

Decline in restrictive practices at mental health centres

There has been a significant decline in the use of restrictive practices - such as seclusion and physical restraint - across Irish mental health services in the past seven years.

Health • 31 Jul 25

It is the highest figure for alcohol treatment in over ten years, according to the Health Research Board

Over 8,000 treatment cases for problem alcohol use

There were 8,745 treatment cases for problem alcohol use in Ireland last year, according to the Health Research Board.

Health • 31 Jul 25

Lone parent families at 'highest risk of poverty' - ESRI

Lone parent families, large families and households with a working-age disabled adult face the highest risks of persistent at risk of poverty and deprivation, according to the ESRI.

Ireland • 31 Jul 25

Court rules in State's favour over asylum seekers' rights

The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of the State after it challenged a High Court ruling regarding the rights of International Protection applicants to have their basic needs, including accommodation, met by the State.

Ireland • 30 Jul 25

Nearly 500 concerns raised about Irish charities in 2024

Nearly 500 concerns were raised about registered Irish charities last year, marking a decrease on the number of concerns raised in 2023, according to the latest Charities Regulator annual report.

Ireland • 30 Jul 25

The number of people aged 85 and over in Ireland is set to more than double by 2043

Deepening fragmentation in nursing home sector - report

Ireland's nursing home care sector faces deepening fragmentation, widening inequities, and unsustainable pressure on residents, families, and staff, according to a paper published by Nursing Homes Ireland.

Ireland • 30 Jul 25

The Rutland Centre's report also said there was a 'surge' in multi-addiction cases last year

Rise in number of women seeking cocaine treatment

Women represent one of the fastest growing groups seeking treatment for cocaine, according to rehabilitation facility the Rutland Centre.

Health • 28 Jul 25