Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

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 25

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 25

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 25

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 25

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 25

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 25

Paula Fagan and Brian Sheehan celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ireland voting in favour of allowing same-sex marriage

Challenges for LGBTQ+ community 10 years after referendum

RTÉ Social Affairs Correspondent Ailbhe Conneely looks back at the marriage equality referendum campaign and examines challenges the LGBTQ+ community continues to face.

Analysis and Comment • 22 May 25

Figures compiled by the Labour party also show a 170% increase in those waiting over a year for psychology support in the same period

Almost 200% rise in number of children awaiting therapy

The number of children waiting over one year for initial speech and language therapy has risen by almost 200% in the last three years.

Ireland • 20 May 25

From one Pope to another - what changes will be made?

As one pontificate ends and another begins, what is the next chapter for the Catholic Church?

Analysis and Comment • 10 May 25

The balcony on the Saint Peter's Basilica is prepared following the election of Pope Leo

What do we know about Pope Leo?

The announcement that US Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected Pope came as a surprise to many, writes Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent Ailbhe Conneely from Rome.

Analysis and Comment • 09 May 25