"They need to hear from Church leaders like me," Archbishop Martin says, saying also that it is “no wonder" so many victims of abuse find it difficult to forgive or to trust the Church.

The Republic of Ireland imposed Level Five restrictions because of the coronavirus at the end of December 2020. These restrictions will be in place until at least March 5. Religious services may be held only online; places of worship may remain open for private prayer. Only ‘essential retail’ can open. Religious services are also banned in Level Four.

The Dying with Dignity 2020 bill has received opposition from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, as well as the Council for Life and the Consultative Group on Bioethics at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Newly appointed Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell has called for a reorganisation of parishes as priest numbers decline.

Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Dr Eamon Martin apologised "unreservedly" for the treatment of unwed mothers in homes but points a finger at the failure of state inspectors

Priests in the Archdiocese of Dublin have had to agree a 25 per cent cut in their personal allowance

The figures published in the first annual abortion report bear out the fears of Irish pro-life advocates.

A total of 6,666 abortions were performed in Ireland in the first year following the repeal of the country’s pro-life Eighth Amendment