Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

The report says that over €1.84 billion has been spent on providing emergency accommodation since 2013

Almost €361m spent on emergency accommodation in 2024

The vast majority of public spending on homelessness continues to be directed toward emergency accommodation, with little investment in prevention and long-term solutions, according to a report from Focus Ireland and Trinity College Dublin.

Ireland • 25 Mar

A review of the Sexual Offences Act 2017 was built into the law to assess its effect on sex workers after three years (Stock image)

Minister to publish review of sex work legislation

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan will seek approval from the Cabinet to publish a review of legislation which criminalises payment for sexual activity with a prostitute or a trafficked person.

Politics • 25 Mar

In particular the bishops highlighted the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Syria and Sudan

Bishops call for prayers for peace on feast of St Patrick

Irish Catholic bishops have encouraged people to use the feast of St Patrick to unite in prayer for peace.

Ireland • 17 Mar

The judge raised 'serious concerns' over governance, oversight and communication within Tusla

Judge raises serious concerns over governance at Tusla

A Dublin District Court Judge has described the performance of the Child and Family Agency Tusla in its duties and obligations to 250 children as "shocking and appalling".

Courts • 14 Mar

The Department of Children and Integration said further information would be given to residents and providers as soon as possible

Over 200 Ukrainian refugees receive relocation letters

Over 200 Ukrainian refugees have been issued with letters from the Department of Children and Integration for a second time in three weeks, stating that they must leave their accommodation.

Ireland • 13 Mar

The latest IHREC and ESRI findings show households with a disabled member have a lower standard of living than those without

Homes with disabled member at high risk of poverty - ESRI

Households with a disabled member face significant financial burdens and are at very high risk of poverty, according to a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Ireland • 13 Mar

We Are Church International has appealed to the entire church community and leadership at all levels to engage in reform

'Still much to be done' on reform in the Catholic Church

A coalition of national church reform groups has used the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis' election to stress the urgent need for reform initiated by the current pontiff and confirmed by the World Synod.

World • 13 Mar

Brian's story comes amid calls for urgent action to address mental health difficulties among those experiencing homelessness

Call to address mental health difficulties among homeless

There have been calls for urgent action to address mental health difficulties among those experiencing homelessness.

Health • 13 Mar

Bishops were told of the dangers inherent in some legally available vapes

Bishops to introduce awareness campaign on vaping dangers

An awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of vaping will be introduced in dioceses around the country due to an increased number of contacts to the Irish Catholic Bishops Drugs Initiative about the issue.

Health • 12 Mar

The survey found that 45% of women who train regularly take precautions such as not exercising at night or not exercising alone

41% of women harassed, intimidated while exercising

The prevalence and impact of sexual harassment on women when exercising and taking part in sport in Ireland has been highlighted in findings published this morning.

Ireland • 10 Mar