Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak is a print and online reporter who joined the Irish Times in January 2014. She is interested in social affairs, particularly immigrant communities living in Ireland, human rights and cultural affairs.

Before joining the Irish Times she worked as a reporter for TIME Magazine and a researcher with the Guardian newspaper. She speaks Spanish, French and Irish. She has an MSc in Media, Communication and Development from the London School of Economics and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College.

Jastine Valdez: the 24-year-old is believed to have been abducted and murdered by Mark Hennessy
Nearly nine out of 10 murdered women knew their killer

Ireland’s femicide rate on par with those of England, Scotland and Wales

A study of 1,877 people carried out through 33 clinical trials has found resistance training is comparable to “frontline treatments” such as antidepressants and behavioural therapies for people suffering from depression. Image: iStock
Weightlifting could be as effective as taking antidepressants

Research finds resistance training useful in warding off depression and mental health problems

Ljiljana Matkovic at the Clondalkin Intercultural Centre: “The only difficulty I had when I came here was meeting friends but then I found people at the centre who wanted to help me.” Photograph Nick Bradshaw
‘Croatian and Irish women are very similar. I am Irish with them’

New to the Parish: Ljiljana Matkovic arrived from Croatia in 2015

Orla O’Connor, the director of the National Women’s Council has said ‘we need to ask what is going wrong in our society that these horrific crimes are happening’. File photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Women’s Council calls for review of femicides

Four women have died violently in Ireland so far this year

Jastine Valdez: the 24-year-old student was abducted on Saturday evening
Jastine Valdez was an only child who moved with her family from Philippines

‘We would not expect this type of violence in Ireland, it’s a European country’

Pamela Treacy: “The people taking part in the marathon are running it for really positive reasons and they all have unique stories. I find it very special.”
My mini-marathon: ‘I want to be around as long as possible’

When Pamela Treacy’s husband got Hodgkin’s lymphoma, they learned the value of fitness

Tian Yu Lloyd at Holles Street hospital. Photograph Nick Bradshaw
Yes or No? Immigrant communities add their voices to the abortion debate

‘Many of those who do not have the right to vote are involved in campaigning for both sides. Even though they can’t vote it will s(...)

Asim Mumtaz with his wife Sidra and their children, Eshall (5), Azlaan (3) and Sofia aged five months. Photograph: Tom Honan
‘People complain about the HSE but compared to Pakistan it’s brilliant’

New to the Parish: Asim Mumtaz arrived from Pakistan in 2000

Gardaí are investigating the death of a man on a farm near Feakle, Co Clare. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.
Investigations begin into death of man on Co Clare farm

Man in his 70s fatally injured in incident over night on Monday near Feakle, Co Clare

The number of women who died after receiving incorrect smear test results has risen to 18. Photograph: Getty/File
Number of deaths in cervical screening controversy rises to 18

Nearly 4,000 women still waiting for callback from CervicalCheck helpline

Naoimh Tuohy: ‘It’s such an energetic, brilliant event with all these women running together’
‘We run for hope’

Naoimh Tuohy ran the VHI mini-marathon in aid of Crumlin’s Children Hospital’s after her son Arlo was diagnosed with a potentially(...)

The latest Red Cross campaign follows advocacy group Uplift’s 2015 “pledge a bed” push which resulted in more than 830 offers of accommodation, goods and services
New campaign calls on Irish households to pledge a bed to Syrian refugee

Advertisement calls for nation to ‘put an empty space to better use’

The State’s health system will be unable to cope with the demand for additional surgical procedures if access to abortion is legalised, a group of anti-abortion doctors, nurses and midwives has said. Photograph: Aidan Crawley
Health service unable to cope with demand if abortion legalised, medics claim

GP says referendum campaign has led to ‘fundamental divisions’ within profession

Emma Mhic Mhathúna (37), the mother of five from Ballydavid, Dingle, Co Kerry, who has a terminal cancer diagnosis and was one of the women who were wrongly told they had normal smear tests through the CervicalCheck screening programme. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Women with incorrect smear tests should not ‘suffer in silence’

‘We forgive but we never forget, and this is something we’re never going to forget’

(left to right) Dr Rhona Mahony, Health Minister Simon Harris and Medical Student Shubhangi Karmaker pictured with fellow physicians at the launch of Doctors for Yes national Summit in Dublin today. Photograph: PA
Abortion: Over 1,000 doctors call for Yes vote in referendum

‘This is not a vote of Yes or No . . . it’s whether we want to make healthcare safe and regulated’

People taking part in Darkness Into Light in Skerries, Co Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
Darkness into Light: More than 200,000 take part worldwide

‘I find a serious sense of healing in it and a connectedness to those who have gone’

Kathy Foulds at the spot where her friend Petra Riedel was killed in a crash in Cork in April 2012. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
The cycling fatalities: ‘Never cycle in Ireland’

Three tragic deaths show how a split second can change everything for a vulnerable cyclist

The woman has written a letter to Minister for Health Simon Harris asking him to examine the system of prioritising women on gynaecological waiting lists based on smear tests. Photograph: Aidan Crawley
Woman with two incorrect smear tests calls for reassessment of waiting lists

Woman put on 15-month waiting list because of clear test despite ‘serious symptoms’

Priority will be given to people who are able to provide accommodation for their family members given the high demand on limited housing supplies across Ireland. Photographer: Michaela Rehle/Bloomberg
Refugee reunification scheme opens to bring family members to Ireland

Relatives from top 10 countries, including Syria and Afghanistan, are eligible

“I answered the phone and she said I’m sorry to have to tell you this but your wife was identified as one of the women, one of the 17 women,” said Paul. File photograph: Getty Images
Cervical cancer death: ‘I’ve so much anger, I don’t know where to direct it’

Husband just informed his wife was one of 17 women given inaccurate test results who later died

“She fought a tremendous battle...She was putting up one hell of a fight for her life.” File photograph: Getty Images
‘The HSE took a gamble with my wife’s life’

Husband of woman who died of cervical cancer in 2011 discover smear tests were incorrect

Speaking to a packed out church, family friend Eimear McGrath remembered “Michael the warrior” who had the special gift of brightening other people’s lives and a huge “generosity of spirit”.
Tributes paid to ‘tiny but tough’ Michael Stokes

Hundreds of mourners gathered to celebrate the life of teenager who appeared on RTÉ’s Room to Improve

Athula Kuruppu Arachchi: “Running your own business is very hard, you have to sacrifice so much. You’re not getting any margin at the beginning.” Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
‘I knew from the news people didn’t like to go to Ireland because of the war’

New to the Parish: Chef and entrepreneur Athula Kuruppu Arachchi arrived from Sri Lanka in 2005

Eimear Grennan: ‘Why did something like this happen twice?’ Photograph: Eimear Grennan
Women should not be ‘treated like cattle going through a chute’

Eimear Grennan experienced complications during birth of both her sons at Portiuncla

Some 54 taxi drivers were prosecuted for driving without a valid licence in 2017 and 28 drivers were prosecuted for not holding a valid vehicle licence. Photograph: Eric Luke
More than third of taxi drivers prosecuted in 2017 had no licence

Number of licensed taxis down almost 25% from peak of 27,429 in 2008

Warren and Lorraine Reilly from Loughrea who lost two children while attending Portiuncla Hospital. Photograph: Andrew Downes
‘When things went wrong they simply weren’t capable’

Warren Reilly, whose two daughters died in Portiuncula hospital, says report must be acted upon

Vitor Ferreira, from Portugal, works with Collen Construction, in health and safety. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
The Minister asked ‘Where are you from?’ I said ‘Portugal’. He said ‘You’re Irish now’

Vitor Ferreira arrived from Portugal in 2002

Male voters have an important role to play in the abortion referendum, trade unions were told
Men ‘must not be complacent’ about referendum vote

Current legislation is forcing lower-paid women into backstreet abortions, unions’ event is told

Lord Kilclooney claimed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar ‘constantly antagonises Unionist feelings and is damaging the improved North/South relations’.
Lord Kilclooney accused of racism after calling Taoiseach ‘typical Indian’

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile calls on Seanad to raise matter with House of Lords

Mothers who ate high levels of oily fish and fresh legumes reached menopause at a later date, according to a British study
Rich diet of fish and legumes could delay menopause, scientists say

Vegetarians tend to go through the menopause earlier than meat eaters, study finds

“Anxiety symptoms are commonly experienced in the years preceding a dementia diagnosis and have been associated with cognitive impairment,” write researchers from the University of Southampton and University College London. Illustration: iStock
Mid-life anxiety could lead to dementia, researchers find

Abnormal levels of stress in middle-age can speed up brain cell ageing, says study

Peter Ward, SC, Ailbhe Smyth, Co- Director of Together for Yes, Grainne Gilmore, BL and Liam Herrick, ICCL, attending a Lawyers for Yes press conference. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times.
Eighth Amendment has created ‘legal paralysis,’ Lawyers for Yes says

12 week access to abortion is ‘far from liberal’ and is in fact ‘highly restrictive’

Saw Doctors musician Tony Lambert collects his £852,643 win from the National Lottery headquarters in Dublin in 1993. Photograph: RTE Archives
Former Saw Doctors musician Tony Lambert dies in Thailand

Band mate Leo Moran pays tribute to ‘a truly magnificent man of music’

A GoFundme page set up to help cover Mr Cox’s s medical bills and accommodation for his family had raised more than € 72,600 as of Monday morning. Photograph: Facebook
Irish Liverpool fan to be brought out of induced coma

Sean Cox was seriously injured when he was attacked at last week’s Champions League semi-final

Nick Henderson from the Irish Refugee Council said the charity had often worked with asylum-seeking women who were pregnant as a result of rape which occurred in their home country.
Migrant women ‘disproportionately affected’ by Eighth Amendment

Refugee support groups call for Repeal of the Eighth to protect rights of migrant women

Alison McCormack said she was ‘appalled’ by the news of Vicky Phelan’s misdiagnosis.
Woman with misdiagnosed cancer calls for review of all misdiagnoses

Solicitor for Alison McCormack calls for review of pathologist’s cases at St James’s Hospital

Padraig O’Reilly, from Clonakilty, (right) was recognised on Saturday by the Irish Red Cross for his more than 20 years of work supporting local communities. Photograph: Claire Nash
Storm Emma efforts help Cork man win ‘volunteer of the year’ award

Annual Irish Red Cross ceremony recognises contribution to communities across the State

A family photograph of Limerick artist Liam McCarthy (52) prior to his falling ill while visiting friends in Turkey. Photograph: Elaine McCarthy.
Family of Irish man in coma in Turkey appeal for help

Sister says Limerick artist Liam McCarthy (52) paralysed from eyes down after stroke

A ‘technical glitch’ has affected a Cervical Check helpline established to help women gather information about their screening results.
‘Technical glitch’ affects women’s efforts to contact CervicalCheck

Concerns raised that cancers potentially missed during screening process

Glen provided supports worth €11,500 to its co-founder Kieran Rose when he stood unsuccessfully for the Seanad in 2016. File photograph: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
Over €50,000 spent using charity’s credit cards ‘inadequately accounted’ for

Charities Regulator says ‘vibrant’ charity had ‘overall absence of proper financial procedures’

Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy with resident Betty O’Brien at the sod-turning ceremony for New Dolphin Park. Photograph: Marc O’Sullivan
‘Cost rental’ scheme key part of housing strategy, says Minister

Eoghan Murphy has not yet identified potential sites for more affordable rental option

Harry McCann, founder of the Digital Youth Forum, says younger children will continue to go online even if a ban is implemented. Photograph: Alan Betson
Raising digital age of consent to 16 will place children at risk - Youth Council

Education not restrictions needed to protect young people online, says Harry McCann

Síomha Ní hAinféin from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Co Kerry was the overall winner of this year’s NewsBrands Ireland Press Pass Awards. Photograph: Andres Poveda
State must abolish 9% VAT rate to protect integrity of journalism, says Newsbrands

Sixteen journalism students from across Ireland awarded at annual awards

Japanese chef Takashi Miyazaki at his new restaurant ichigo ichie in Cork city. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
In Offaly people were like ‘who is this guy, what is he doing here?’

Takashi Miyazaki arrived in Ireland from Japan in 2008

In 2015 retired High Court judge Bryan McMahon recommended that newly arrived asyum-seekers should received a decision on their appliction within 12 months. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
Asylum seekers waiting up to two years for decision, says UN

Delays in asylum process ‘hampering integration prospects’, conference told

The research was carried out by tracking the average number of genetic eighth cousins or closer an Irish person has based on shared ancestors born in the last 200 years. File photograph: Getty Images
Every Irish person has more than 14,000 living relatives, research finds

Genomics database reveals people in Ulster have more cousins than those in Connacht

The HSE advises that women do not consume more than 200mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy. Photograph: Katie Collins/PA Wire
Too much caffeine in pregnancy 'can cause childhood obesity'

Norwegian report finds children at higher risk of weight gain if mothers consume caffeine

A spokeswoman for Lufthansa said the crack in the windshield “did not impact the safety of our passengers at any time”. File photograph: Wikimedia Commons
Lufthansa flight makes emergency call before Dublin landing

Cracked cockpit windshield triggers alert from aircraft with 149 passengers aboard

A screen shot of #OurFuture website which is targeting younger voters
Anti-abortion campaign urges students ‘not to vote blind’

#OurFuture says it will argue case for protecting Eighth Amendment in ‘concise, fact-based way’

The highest number of delays was in Dublin’s Mater hospital where some 1,405 people over 75 had to wait more than 24 hours for admission between January and March. File photograph: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Almost 15,000 over-75s wait 24 hours in emergency departments

‘Disgraceful’ figures for first three months of the year already above total for 2017

Darragh Hynes from Ratoath raised money for the St Francis Hospice in Dublin by holding a culture night in the village theatre. Photograph: Foróige
17-year-old Meath student receives Foróige award for support of hospice

Darragh Hynes the first individual to win the annual citizenship award

Liga Skromane, who was living in Swords, Co Dublin, with her partner Andrew Jordan, went missing in India last month. Photographs: Andrew Jordan
Body of Latvian woman missing in India found

Liga Skromane who was living in Ireland for five years disappeared during trip in Kerala

Gardaí were called to the scene of an altercation early on Sunday. Photograph: Google Street
Man in 20s stabbed in Temple Bar on Sunday morning

Man in late 40s arrested after attack at Temple Bar square

It is understood the majority of assaults recorded by NIMS were minor in nature and only a small number resulted in serious injuries.
Patient assaults on psychiatric health staff on the rise

By the numbers: a total of 1,478 attacks by patients on staff in mental units in 2017

The Transportation Strategic Policy Committee will hear that smartphone-users are at a higher risk of stepping into traffic or walking into stationary objects. Photograph: Getty Images
People warned of staring at their phones while walking

Councillor says careless smartphone-users creating serious safety risks for others

“In terms of the increase of fast-food outlets, Ireland came second to the United States in a list of 26 developed countries.” Photograph: Getty images
Irish children being ‘manipulated’ by marketing of junk food

Irish Heart Foundation calls for ban on junk food marketing to children under 16 years

New To The Parish author Sorcha Pollak, centre, with James and Ellen Baker; Maisa al-Hariri Azeez Yusuff; Chandrika Narayanan Moham; and George Labbad, all of whom tell their story of moving to Ireland. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Why am I so interested in refugees? I am descended from emigrants

New To The Parish: After over 100 articles in this series, Sorcha Pollak revisited 14 stories for her book

The organisation is calling for the establishment of an Oireachtas committee to examine the barriers faced by victims of domestic abuse and to ensure women have “a safe and quick transition from abuse to freedom”.
‘Overstretched legal system’ leaving domestic abuse survivors at risk

‘My four-year-old daughter said “stop daddy, mummy can’t breathe’”

An Garda Síochána has confirmed it is investigating the ‘sudden death of an infant in Birr, Co Offaly’. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Baby’s body found in the boot of a car in Co Offaly

Gardaí are investigating following the discovery of child’s remains in a vehicle

Sunny weather is on the way, according to Met Éireann. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Sunshine on the way with temperatures to hit 20 degrees

Despite warm weather, farmers will continue to face fodder shortages, warns IFA

A man has been questioned at Bray Garda station (above) in relation to an incident in Kilcoole Co Wicklow over the weekend in which a girl (17) was seriously injured.
Man arrested following Co Wicklow hit-and-run

Man in his 40s questioned about collision in which teenage girl seriously injured

Vekash Khokhar at the Backstage Theatre, Longford. The space has become a lifeline for him. Photograph: Lorraine Teevan
‘I love spending the day in the nursing home. It’s bringing me back to life’

New to the Parish: Vekash Manzoor Khokhar arrived from Pakistan in 2015

Aaron Doyle (8) was among Glasnevin Na Fianna members who visited en mass the public information session hosted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland about the proposed Metrolink project. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Na Fianna meets NTA to discuss implications of metro link

Protection of sports grounds ‘critical for future of community’, says chairman

Efrem Gidey from Eritrea, a fifth-year student at Le Chéile Secondary School in Tyrellstown, Dublin, was praised for his “courage and dedication”. Photograph: Kevin McFeely
Eritrean student honoured for all-Ireland cross-country win

Efrem Gidey wins senior schools title just months after arriving in Ireland from Calais

The development of Dun Laoghaire Baths will take nearly two years to complete and will include a small café, public toilets, an artist studio space, new lifeguard facilities, an up-grade to the existing maritime gardens and a new jetty. File photograph: Cyril Byrne
Construction at Dun Laoghaire baths due to begin in coming weeks

Redevelopment of site will include cafe and jetty but will not retain swimming facility

The Sligo-based coastguard helicopter took of from its base in Strandhill. Photograph: Collins
Fisherman dies after fishing vessels capsizes off Mayo coast

Trio airlifted by coastguard helicopter after vessel capsizes on Tuesday

The video was first released in 1996 and features the single Dreams by the Cranberries with sweeping shots Irish landmarks.
Director’s cut of famous 1996 Irish tourism ad released online

Dolores O’Riordan’s vocals from Dreams single used as backdrop to advertisement

Mary O’Reilly outside her house in Baldoyle, Co Dublin, with Syrian refugee Wassim Kharita. Photograph: CJ Nash
Woman happy to give empty room in her house to Syrian refugee

‘Originally my friends thought I was a bit mad to take him in but now they admire me’

Junior members of Na Fianna GAA club visit the public information session hosted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland about the proposed Metrolink project. Photograph Nick Bradshaw
Na Fianna GAA club warns about impact of MetroLink construction

Locals say safety and well-being of children has been overlooked

A poster urging a No vote in the upcoming referendum on the Eighth Amendment. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Putting posters on electricity poles strictly prohibited, says ESB

Company warns referendum campaigners of potential for electric shocks and dangerous falls

Gardaí and Irish Rail are investigating an incident in which two people were allegedly attacked on a Dublin to Westport train service on Thursday night. File photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times.
Inquiries into alleged assaults on teen, driver on Dublin-Mayo train

Incident happened on Irish Rail service in Claremorris at about 8.45pm on Thursday

Minister of State for Justice and Equality David Stanton said the Department of Justice remained ‘committed to admitting the full cohort pledged under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme’. Photograph: Tom Honan.
Stanton committed to welcoming 4,000 refugees despite 2017 failure

Total of 262 women, men and children have arrived in Ireland from Greece this year

Samira Kaissi and her daughter Sara (11): “I have no friends here and I don’t really socialise with people from work. But it still feels right and I’m seriously considering buying a house.” Photograph Nick Bradshaw
‘The job opportunity was amazing, how bad could Ireland be?’

New to the parish: Samira and Sara Kaissi arrived from Lebanon in 2017

Sheila and Paddy Donohoe from Dublin: “You have to give people dignity . . . as they say, trust women.” Photograph: Enda O’Dowd
Long experience informs shifting views in abortion debate

Members of older generation share thoughts on Eighth Amendment

Reports emerged over the weekend that system back-up tapes containing data on staff at Independent News and Media (INM) may have been removed from the company and accessed by external groups. Photograph: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie
Is your personal data safe at work?

Alleged breach raises serious questions about freedom of the press, says legal expert

Photograph: The Fumbally Exchange
Fumbally Exchange struggles to find new home after sale of building

Founder George Boyle says creative energy being siphoned out of Dublin by boom prices

Migrant workers are particularly at risk of exploitation, according to a report from the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. Photograph: Armin Weigel/EPA
Significant rise of human trafficking into labour market, warn experts

Migrant fishermen, domestic and care workers in Ireland at risk of exploitation, says report

Brian Conlon, owner of Slatterys Pub on Capel Street, pulling the first pint shortly after 7am on a Good Friday- the first since 1922.Photograph: Alan Betson/ The Irish Times
Drinking on Good Friday: ‘We’re making history’

For the first time in more than 90 years pub doors open on Good Friday

Judy Li: “No matter how bad life treats you there is always hope, always help and always a solution. Stay calm, be patient and always be positive.” Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
‘As foreigners in Ireland we are so touched by the people around us’

Judy Li arrived from China in 2004. Her husband died in 2015 and she is grateful for the support she has received

Rare old times: a girl stares into the camera at the fish market by Spanish Arch in Galway in the 1890s. Photograph: Getty
Snapshot of Ireland a century ago: an online photographic archive

Easter Rising, ‘Lusitania’, Spanish Arch and Puck Fair feature in Ancestry collection

Caique Trindade De Oliveira (24)
Body of missing Brazilian man found in Clondalkin

Caique Trindade De Oliveira was last seen on March 6th

(L-R) Sarah Benson of Ruhama and Denise Charlton of the Sexual Exploitation Research Project, UCD, outside Leinster House today. Photograph: Gareth Chaney Collins
‘Garda training needed’ to end purchase of sex

Many are unaware that purchase of sex in Ireland is illegal under new law, says Ruhama

Gardaí are investigating a robbery in which a man in his 80s was attacked and his home ransacked.
Man in his 80s attacked in Drumcondra robbery

Two men assaulted resident and left scene with cash and mobile phone

Seas Suas, the independent childcare and early education provider, has warned that more parents are turning to “unqualified, unregulated childcare options” because of the falling number of available crèche facilities. Photograph: iStock
Childcare facilities ‘forced’ to reduce intake due to lack of funding

Crèches struggling to fill vacancies to meet childcare needs of babies under two

The blue Audi A4 estate seized in Dublin on Monday. Photograph: Garda Press Office
Audi car and electronic devices seized in Garda raids in Dublin

Searches in the south inner city on Monday are part of investigation into organised crime

A photograph of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay in Co Mayo taken from an Air Corps plane last month as it returned from patrol. Photograph: Cpl Pat O’Meara, Irish Air Corps
Cold snap to return over Easter with frost and possible snow

Easter weekend expected to see ‘unsettled weather’ with cooler temperatures

Another resident from the Sligo centre says rats first appeared in the centre nearly a year ago. Photograph: Getty Images
Direct provision residents in Sligo complain of ‘rat infestation’

Reception and Integration Agency says it is taking complaints ‘very seriously’

Fourteen-year-old Elisha was last seen at about 10.15pm on St Patrick’s night on Dillon Bridge in Carrick-on-Suir, heading towards the Carrickbeg area on the Co Waterford side of the town
Elisha Gault’s mother pays tribute to her ‘beautiful, intelligent baby’

Body of 14-year-old girl found on Sunday in River Suir

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a 50-acre solar farm on a site in Kilbrew, Co Meath. File photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images.
Planning permission for 50-acre solar farm in Co Meath refused

Planners say project would unacceptably impact on area’s archaeological heritage

Multiple sclerosis. A coloured scanning electron micrograph of a microglial cell (orange) ingesting oligodendrocyte cells (pink, branched) in nerve tissue. This process is thought to occur in multiple sclerosis (MS). Photograph. Getty Images
‘Breakthrough’ drug could offer hope for multiple sclerosis patients

If approved Siponimod would become first drug to treat secondary progressive MS

Fadielah Moses feels lucky to work for a reputable homecare agency but says many of her friends are exploited by private agencies. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
‘I needed to heal after my divorce and Ireland helped me to heal’

New to the Parish: Fadielah Moses arrived from South Africa in 2013

Any adult earning €249.55 a week or less, or €13,022 or less annually, is counted as being at risk of poverty.
More than 100,000 people with jobs living in poverty, says report

Social Justice Ireland report says number of ‘working poor’ rising despite economic growth

weather
Temperatures set to rise through week after latest snowfall

Parts of Wicklow remain inaccessible following unseasonably cold conditions

File photograph: One man was rescued from the rocky area and brought to safety
Man rescued from fishing vessel off Co Donegal

Alarm was raised on Sunday morning after boat ran aground on rocks

Tactile ballot paper template. Photograph: National Council for the Blind of Ireland
Tactile ballot templates to facilitate visually impaired in voting

People with sight loss to be able to vote on Eighth Amendment without assistance

NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary said the union was concerned that members working on the Kildare routes for Bus Éireann would not be forced to move “to an inferior employer”.
Union warns of ‘flashpoints’ after Bus Éireann loses routes

Any further moves to open routes to tender would ‘inevitably’ mean industrial unrest

A 55-metre tram on O’Connell Bridge, blocking traffic. File photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons/The Irish Times
Longer Luas trams withdrawn due to fault in system

New 55-metre Luas expected to return to full service in May, says NTA chief

Jo, originally from Malaysia, posts her selfie online on Friday to raise awareness for the undocumented in Ireland. ‘I’m in Ireland for 15 years as a childminder. I want the Irish Government to know I live here, work here and belong here.’
Varadkar urged not to forget ‘undocumented’ living in Ireland

Some of the up to 26,000 undocumented in Ireland issue photos in call for regularisation

Hiqa gave the HSE a final warning late last year to improve conditions at Áras Attracta in Swinford, Co Mayo or face closure. File photograph: Google Street View
Health inspectors withdraw proposal to close Áras Attracta

But Hiqa warns of continued shortfalls at care facility for adults

Chief executive of St Patrick’s Festival Susan Kirby: ‘We work with groups from all over the world.’
Greater Garda presence only a precaution – St Patrick’s Festival CEO

Dublin parade one of the most ‘democratic’ art presentations in the country

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