Some strands of history are inescapable, they live with us forever — and so they should. Just as we can’t choose our family we cannot choose our past, it is our undeniable, irreversible path to our present.

WHAT thoughts went through Ann Lovett’s mind as she awaited the birth of her secret baby 30 years ago will never be known, but a major research project over the next three years will try to better understand what drives expectant mothers to conceal their pregnancies.

The Department of Education says it is prepared for the anticipated surge in pupil numbers which could require thousands of teachers, classrooms and new schools over the next decade.

Ireland’s population could surpass pre-Famine levels by 2046.

Ireland’s rapidly ageing population is leading to a financial time bomb, with warnings that no plan is in place to cope with the dramatic rise in those aged over 65.