The official report into the handling by Church and State authorities of allegations of child abuse in the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin has exposed many years of systematic cover-up.

In the face of growing pressure for inclusive schooling in Ireland and outrage over the latest child abuse scandals involving Catholic orders, bishops in Ireland are defiantly seeking to maintain their grip on schooling in the country.

The rejection by Irish voters of a treaty to reform the European Union has exposed serious deficiencies in the workings of the 27-nation body, says the head of a grouping of European Protestant churches.

Amid growing concern about depression and suicide in Britain and Ireland, especially among the young, The Salvation Army has announced that it will be holding a two-day International Conference on Suicide Prevention next month.