Ailbhe Conneely

Dublin

Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent at RTÉ

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent @rtenews.

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Articles

McGregor requests 'democratic process' before election

6 days ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

Conor McGregor has said he will continue to request "a democratic process" plays out in advance of a Presidential Election, adding that if the people of Ireland wanted him to run "that's what I'm here for". The former martial arts fighter was speaking on the Tucker Carlson Podcast, during which he was asked about his bid to run for President of Ireland.
Many arguably still falling through cracks

1 week ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

"Grace never had a hope."That was the view of one social worker in response to the final report of the Farrelly Commission into the 'Grace' foster home abuse case this afternoon. After eight years of investigation, the Commission identified significant failures in Grace's care, highlighting systemic issues and a lack of oversight that led to prolonged neglect. The almost 2,000-page document published today features the word "abuse" 342 times and the word "bruising" 72 times.
Over 60 parishioners to become lay leaders in Co Mayo

1 week ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

Over 60 parishioners will be commissioned as Catholic Church lay leaders at a ceremony in Co Mayo marking Easter Holy Week later today. 42 women and 22 men from the Diocese of Killala have spent two years studying at the Newman Institute in Ballina to enable them to work alongside priests and co-lead various rites including funerals. Seeds for the course were first planted back in 2015, when priests of the diocese decided to plan for the future by asking parishioners what they wanted.
64 parishioners to become church lay leaders in Mayo

1 week ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

Over 60 parishioners will be commissioned as Catholic Church lay leaders at a ceremony in Co Mayo marking Easter Holy Week later today. The 42 women and 22 men from the Diocese of Killala have spent two years studying at the Newman Institute in Ballina to enable them to work alongside priests and co-lead various rites, including funerals. Seeds for the course were first planted back in 2015, when priests of the diocese decided to plan for the future by asking parishioners what they wanted.
Numbers seeking asylum in Ireland fell for third month

1 week ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

The number of people applying for international protection in Ireland fell for a third consecutive month in March. A total of 847 people sought asylum last month, representing a decrease of 42% compared to the same period last year. Total applications made between January and March 2025 stood at 3,021 compared to 5,162 during the first three months of 2024. Weekly arrival figures have been falling since October.
IHREC express concern on legislation to strip citizenship

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

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Irish housing no excuse for IPA accommodation failure

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

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. The opinion relates to High Court actions by two applicants against the Irish authorities, alleging breaches of their rights under the Reception Conditions Directive and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
81% of teachers never had anti-racism training -survey

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

More than four in five (81%) of teachers say they have never attended intercultural or anti-racism training – according to findings released by the Yellow Flag Programme. The programme has supported 136 schools nationwide in achieving standards on interculturalism and anti-racism reaching. Online surveys with teachers (426), parents/guardians (1,145), primary and post-primary students (1,921) formed part of its review work during the 2023-2025 programme cycle.
People unlikely to report sexual violence

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

People are unlikely to report sexual violence to gardaí or to others out of fear of not being believed, according to a new survey. Eight in ten respondents to an online survey commissioned by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre viewed this was the primary barrier to accessing support. The survey of 1,042 carried out by IPSOS B&A and funded by Community Foundation Ireland, centred on public perceptions about sexual assault in Ireland.
Two religious bodies respond on lack of payment to scheme

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Ailbhe Conneely

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. A report by negotiator Sheila Nunan, who was tasked with leading a process of negotiation with religious bodies with historical involvement in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions, was published earlier this afternoon.