A new study has reportedly found that Ireland’s suicide rate may be significantly higher than previously accepted.

More than 25 hospitals around the country could reportedly lose their laboratory services under a new cost-cutting plan from the HSE.

The number of men accused of rape in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in just two years, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal today.

Last weekend in the north west of England, father-of-three Garry Newlove was attacked and killed outside his home as he approached a group of youths. The callous nature of this murder and the circumstances surrounding it led local police chief Peter Fahy to call for the government to increase the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.

International experts on suicide are to gather in Killarney this month for a major five-day summit.

Ulster’s main political parties have criticised the Government’s delay in abolishing 50% remission for serious sex offenders and violent criminals. The Belfast Telegraph has revealed that almost 80 sex offenders have been released from jail half-way through their sentences since the Government stated it would replace the policy.

Northern Ireland people owe the Child Support Agency almost £30m, with nearly 7,500 parents failing to make payments. Figures obtained by the BBC suggest at least one in three parents who should be paying child support are not.

Details of £50m capital investment into the health infrastructure in have been revealed. The plans were confirmed at a Board meeting of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, where the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey met with the Trust Board members.

The number of children being treated for drug or alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has more than trebled in the past two years.

A £77 million plan to regenerate low-cost housing in Northern Ireland has been launched by the Social Development Minister.