Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

Concern over 'poor take up' of Mother and Baby scheme

Concern has been raised over "the poor take up" of the Mother and Baby Institutions redress scheme which the Special Advocate for Survivors has described as "exclusionary, poorly advertised, and re-traumatising" for many applicants.

Ireland • 05 Feb

Poverty and social exclusion key issues for Travellers

Poverty and social exclusion remain key issues for the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland according to a survey, which also shows high levels of discrimination towards Travellers.

Ireland • 04 Feb

David Ryan holding a picture of his late brother Mark Ryan before meeting the Pope at the Vatican

Pope Leo apologises to Irish abuse survivor after meeting

Abuse survivor David Ryan, who featured in the RTÉ documentary 'Blackrock Boys', has said he received an apology from Pope Leo XIV during a meeting with the pontiff in the Vatican.

Ireland • 03 Feb

Pope to hold private audience with Irish abuse survivor

Pope Leo XIV will hold a private audience with abuse survivor David Ryan who featured in the RTÉ Radio documentary Blackrock Boys.

Ireland • 29 Jan

Early exposure increases risk of problem gambling - study

Problem gambling in adulthood is more likely among those exposed to gambling as children, according to a new study.

Ireland • 27 Jan

Pope Leo appoints Bishop Ger Nash to role in Ossory

Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Bishop of Ferns as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory.

Ireland • 25 Jan

The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland will reopen on 12 February

Clonskeagh mosque to reopen next month

The Clonskeagh mosque will reopen next month, following nine months of closure.

Dublin • 23 Jan

A view of the main entrance and train track at the former Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp in Poland

9% of adults in Ireland believe Holocaust a myth - survey

Almost 10% of young adults in Ireland believe the Holocaust was a myth and did not happen, according to a survey on Holocaust awareness.

Ireland • 21 Jan

6% increase in assistance sought from SVP in 2025

There was a 6% increase in assistance sought from the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul last year, compared to 2024.

Ireland • 21 Jan

Murder victim's brother criticises barring, safety orders

The brother of a 24-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed by her former partner in 2021 addressed an Oireachtas committee that examined changes to the law on domestic violence.

Politics • 21 Jan