More than 3,500 council-owned houses are currently vacant across Ireland, according to new figures revealed by Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD this week. Following Freedom of Information requests sent to all local authorities, the figures released also revealed that nationally there are 98,171 people on housing waiting lists, 54,468 households or people in receipt of…
A Derry-based priest has decried the British government’s decision to push ahead with a bill which would close the door on future civil cases and inquests into Troubles offences. The Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill also includes a form of limited immunity for some perpetrators of crimes committed if they collaborate with a truth recovery…
Ireland’s ambassador to Poland, Patrick Haughey has described as “poignant” and “impressive” the ceremony over the weekend that saw the Polish Ulma family beatified after they were murdered at the hands of Nazi Germany for sheltering jews during World War Two. In an unprecedented move, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma along with their seven children, one…
The Church has a role to play in combating the rise in support for extreme parties in Europe, according to the Vatican’s ambassador to the EU, Irishman Archbishop Noel Treanor. Speaking at a conference in Berlin on Monday, he said the Church had a responsibility to counter extremism, populism and all forms of xenophobia. Archbishop…
One of Ireland’s foremost historians has been warmly remembered by many, with President Higgins leading the tributes to former Professor of History at University College Cork, Dermot Keogh. President Higgins described Prof. Keogh as “one of our finest historians,” bringing in particular a “valuable insight into the history of Ireland’s connection with South America”. The…
The Catholic Police Guild (CPG) of Northern Ireland has advised their members to bring guns to Mass for their protection following queries to the group. The House of Commons’ Northern Ireland affairs committee met with members of PSNI representative bodies following a data breach involving the personal information of more than 10,000 officers and support…
The Children’s Grief Centre in Co. Limerick intends to double the number of grieving children it can help with the opening of a new centre in Limerick city. The centre, which was started 14 years ago by Sr Helen Culhane, provides a support service for children who have been bereaved and for those whose parents…
Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone was left star-struck by his meeting with Pope Francis September 8, after the Pope told Mr Stallone that he “grew up with” Mr Stallone’s Rocky and Rambo films. The film star travelled to the Vatican, September 8, with his wife, daughters and brother, Frank Stallone. Footage of their appearance was posted…
Social workers regularly witness the ‘heart-breaking reality’ that parents are forced to look for ways to care for children with complex needs outside of the home, according to a representative group. The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) welcomed a report last week from the Ombudsman for Children entitled ‘Nowhere to Turn: Children with disabilities…
The Daughters of Charity will stay serving the poor in Tigray despite the risk of death, Chai Brady hears An Ethiopian sister awarded by Trócaire for her devotion to the poor and marginalised has said the Daughters of Charity never abandoned their people, and never will, in conflict- ridden Tigray. Sr Medhin Tesfay DC, who is…
Chai Brady