Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

Rise in abuse claims made against Catholic Church members

There has been a significant increase in the number of new allegations notified to the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Ireland • 10 Jun

The Child Poverty Monitor said the number of children in consistent poverty rose to 8.5% in 2024 (Stock image)

Surge in children living in consistent poverty - watchdog

The number of children living in consistent poverty rose by 45,107 in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Children's Rights Alliance.

Ireland • 10 Jun

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri spoke to those protesting outside Croke Park

Protests as Muslim community marks Eid al-Adha in Dublin

Over 700 members of the Muslim community have gathered at Croke Park in Dublin to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

Ireland • 06 Jun

New support for LGBTQ+ in mental health services launched

A guidance document and a training resource to support mental health services staff working with LGBTQIA+ service users will be published this morning.

Ireland • 06 Jun

Contact with non-resident fathers becomes less frequent as children made the transition to school (Stock image)

14% of young children not living with fathers - ESRI

14% of children in Ireland between nine months and five years do not live with their fathers full-time, according to research published by the Economic and Social Research Institute.

Health • 04 Jun

15,580 homeless last month, including 4,775 children

The number of people accessing emergency accommodation rose again last month. According to the Department of Housing, 15,580 people were homeless in April.

Ireland • 30 May

Forty-nine beds have not been available for homeless people at the treatment facility since it opened six months ago

Empty beds due to lack of funding at recovery centre

Dublin Simon Community has expressed concern that a new 100-bed residential recovery centre is unable to operate at full capacity due to lack of funding.

Dublin • 30 May

Highest rate of contacts to rape crisis centre in 2024

Disclosures of sexual violence to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre last year reached the highest rate in the organisation's 46-year history, according to its latest annual report.

Ireland • 29 May

The study by the Economic and Social Research Institute used Census data from 2016 and 2022

ESRI: Large drop in unemployment rate in deprived areas

The most significant drop in unemployment rates in recent years occurred in more deprived areas, according to new research.

Ireland • 27 May

Pets of people fleeing domestic violence offered shelter

Pets are rarely considered as a barrier for those seeking to escape from domestic violence, but behind closed doors, they are often used by abusers to control their partners and their children.

Ireland • 27 May