Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

A total of 847 people sought asylum last month, representing a fall in more than 50% compared to the same period last year

Numbers seeking asylum in Ireland down 40% on last year

The number of people applying for international protection in Ireland has fallen by more than 40% over the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.

Ireland • 11 Apr

IHREC said that the Government's approach and the new law 'raises serious rule of law concerns'

IHREC express concern on legislation to strip citizenship

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has expressed grave concern over a decision by the Minister for Justice to sign an order commencing legislation allowing for naturalised Irish citizenship to be revoked in serious cases.

Ireland • 11 Apr

The ECJ's Advocate General said a member state's failure to meet the basic needs of international protection applicants infringes EU law

Ireland cannot avoid responsibility for IPA housing - ECJ

Ireland as an EU Member State cannot avoid responsibility for providing adequate reception conditions even in cases where there is a large influx of people seeking international protection, according to the European Court of Justice's Advocate General.

Courts • 10 Apr

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said the survey has confirmed what it hears from survivors regularly (Stock image)

People unlikely to report sexual violence - survey

People are unlikely to report sexual violence to gardaí or to others out of fear of not being believed, according to a new survey.

Ireland • 09 Apr

Two out of eight religious bodies have offered a financial contribution towards the cost of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme

Two religious bodies respond on lack of payment to scheme

Two out of five of the religious bodies which did not offer any form of payment or contribution during the negotiations regarding the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme have responded to queries as to why they did not offer payment.

Ireland • 08 Apr

The Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse described the contributions as "completely inadequate"

'Deep disappointment' over offers to Mother & Baby scheme

The Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse has expressed "deep disappointment" after two out of eight religious bodies offered financial contributions towards the cost of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.

Ireland • 08 Apr

Minister Norma Foley said she's 'deeply disappointed' by the overall response of the religious bodies

Two religious bodies make financial offers to scheme

Two out of eight religious bodies have offered a financial contribution towards the cost of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.

Politics • 08 Apr

A newly formed committee has called on the public to share their views on the matter through an online survey

Survey to help form child maintenance guidelines

A public survey has been launched to help inform the development of guidelines regarding the payment of child maintenance.

Ireland • 07 Apr

Paternity benefit is paid to fathers for two weeks and must be taken within six months of the birth of a child (Stock image)

Only half of fathers taking paternity leave, report says

Only half of fathers are taking their paternity leave entitlements, according to research published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Economic and Social Research Institute.

Ireland • 04 Apr

In 2023, the refuge and outreach service provided support to 407 people experiencing domestic abuse - 354 of whom were women and 53 were men (Stock image)

Wicklow organisation set up to tackle domestic abuse

A volunteer led community-based organisation has been established in Co Wicklow to help tackle domestic abuse in the county.

Leinster • 04 Apr