A leading priest has criticised as “morally reprehensible” government reluctance to allow long-term direct provision users access to rent supports because of concerns that a more inviting system could draw asylum seekers to Ireland. Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said there were no cheaper alternatives to the current arrangements and that changes to the system…

When the international legal right to freedom of religion is compromised, other human rights abuses usually follow, Baroness Nuala O’Loan has warned. Referring to the right – contained in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – The Irish Catholic columnist quoted St John Paul II’s description of the right to freedom of…

The proportion of Irish marriages taking place in churches is less important than focusing on helping couples prepare for marriage, according to Bishop Denis Nulty. Dr Nulty, who is president of the Catholic marriage guidance agency Accord, was commenting on the annual report of the Registrar General, which revealed that while 2014 saw 22,033 weddings…

Pope Francis’ South American homecoming overflowed with memorable ideas and images, writes Greg Daly

Claims that human right treaties allow a right to abortion are completely without foundation the Pro-Life Campaign (PLC) has told the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Speaking in Geneva on Tuesday at a discussion about the right to life section of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Cora Sherlock of the PLC pointed…

Chaplaincies at universities need to equip students with the ability to help one another access support, a Derry-based chaplain has said. Fr Brendan Collins, who works part-time at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus said that young Catholics are well-placed to reach out to their fellow students who may be struggling. Responding to figures showing…

“The minimum wage has to move towards minimum living wages level”