Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

Wakes not permitted in Catholic churches, says Bishop

The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise has clarified diocesan guidance that wakes, with an open coffin, are not permitted in churches.

Ireland • 24 Feb

Tuam Archbishop Francis Duffy appointed Bishop of Killala

Pope Leo has appointed Archbishop Francis Duffy, to minister simultaneously as Archbishop of Tuam and as Bishop of Killala.

Regional • 23 Feb

HIQA finds 'sub-standard' care at southeast nursing home

Sub-standard care at a nursing home in the southeast of the country was found to impact residents' safety, well-being and quality of life, according to an inspection report by the Health Information and Quality Authority.

Ireland • 23 Feb

Govt launches consultation on disability support payment

A public consultation on the Cost of Disability has been launched by the Minister for Social Protection.

Ireland • 20 Feb

Asylum seekers who became homeless awarded damages

The High Court has awarded damages to two men who became homeless in Dublin after applying for international protection in 2023.

Courts • 20 Feb

The Belfast headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

PSNI receives 101 referrals in Presbyterian Church probe

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has received 101 referrals as part of its ongoing investigation into safeguarding concerns within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Ireland • 19 Feb

Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell (L) and Sheikh Dr Umar Al Qadri RTÉ

'A beautiful coincidence' as Lent and Ramadan coincide

Today marks a unique moment in the Christan and Islam calendars, with the beginning of Lent and Ramadan.

Ireland • 18 Feb

The study found a higher level of support for Government spending on older people and childcare for working families

34% back higher taxes for better services - ESRI

Just over a third of people would agree with higher taxes if it would mean better services, a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute has found.

Business • 18 Feb

Interior of a catholic church, beautifully decorated with flowers for a wedding ceremony

16% rise in attendance at Catholic marriage programmes

There was a 16% increase in the number of couples that attended marriage preparation programmes run by Accord for the Catholic Church last year.

Ireland • 13 Feb

IPAs working in 2024 earned about €544 per week - CSO

International Protection Applicants (IPAs) who had jobs in 2024 earned about €544 per week, compared to typical workers who earned around €712 per week.

Ireland • 13 Feb