Body of Evidence: Why your body starts storing fat in your 50s — and how it affects your brain
In the first of her series on health and science, Dr Catherine Conlon looks at what research says about body fat, longevity and brain health.
11 May 2026
Teacher misconduct: attend a professional conduct panel hearing or meeting
Forthcoming professional conduct panel hearings and meetings and how to attend a hearing as an observer.
11 May 2026
Canada overhauls immigration consultant regulations
Canada’s minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, introduced the changes on May 6, which she said would “protect [immigration] applicants from fraud and misconduct” and strengthen the integrity of the system. The new regulations will take effect on July 15. They include strengthening the discipline process for consultants who break the rules and expanding the public register from April 2027 making it easier to verify consultants’ credentials and harder for unlicensed consultants to go undetected. A formal framework will be established to provide compensation to victims of dishonest acts, and the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) regulatory authority will also be subject to increased federal oversight. The changes have been welcomed by stakeholders for giving “more teeth” to the regulator to address dishonest consultants and provide compensation to their victims, but doubts have been raised about how far they will go in practice. “Many regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCICs) support the spirit of the regulations but feel they are more about optics than substance, given the Carney government’s repeated slogan about ‘taking control’ of the Canadian immigration system,” RCIC Matthew McDonald told The PIE News. Under Canadian law, anyone who accepts payment for preparing an immigration application or providing immigration advice must be licensed by the government, but a much larger proportion of consultants are working outside the country and are not subject to the same regulations. The Canadian government and education sector have long turned a blind eye to the many global education agents who will continue to work as unauthorised practitioners Matthew McDonald, regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) While hopeful the changes will provide a greater sense of justice to anyone harmed, McDonald said the rules would not prevent the “significant victimisation” that occurs at the hands of unauthorised practitioners (UAPs). Though the regulations are not specifically aimed at education agents, they will alter the environment they operate in, with the expanded public register acting as a verifying tool as to whether an agent is working through a legitimately licensed consultant. It aims to make due diligence more straightforward for those who follow the rules, but experts have highlighted gaps in the college’s regulatory powers. “The new regulations might address licensed rule-breakers, but they do nothing to address the conflict of interest inherent to the work of education agents who are also UAPs. And they are globally much larger in number.” “The Canadian government and education sector have long turned a blind eye to the many global education agents who will continue to work as unauthorised practitioners. These regulations do nothing to change that wilful ignorance,” said McDonald. Others are more hopeful the rules will improve the quality and reputation of the Canadian sector, with Carina Dipti Mathur, founder of Canada Immigration and Visa (CIV) education consultancy in Singapore, hailing the changes a “major turning point” for the industry. But she raised concerns about the large proportion of overseas education agencies that are still solely focused on recruitment without proper immigration and compliance support. “From my experience across Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, I would estimate that only around 10% of agencies involved in Canada recruitment are directly connected to licensed RCIC structures or immigration lawyers. “The new regulations will likely push more agencies to either partner properly with licensed professionals or step away from providing immigration advice altogether,” she said. Under the new rules, the CICC itself will also be held to greater public accountability, subject to higher reporting requirements to the federal government. Minister Diab will now have the power to intervene at the college’s board level to ensure against governance failure. McDonald called these measures “a step in the right direction” to build trust in the regulator among RCICs – many of whom he said were “unimpressed with the college’s level of transparency and speed of communication”. As for further consequences, the changes could see some practitioners choosing to leave the profession, depending on how the implementation costs are passed along to consultants. “RCICs may also need to increase their own fees to cover the additional expenses associated with building the compensation fund. That won’t help with issues of accessibility,” added McDonald. The post Canada overhauls immigration consultant regulations appeared first on The PIE News .
11 May 2026
PTSB seeks court approval for €1.6bn sale process to Bawag
PTSB is seeking approval from the High Court for the proposed €1.6 billion sale of the bank to Austrian banking group Bawag. Illustration: Paul Scott
11 May 2026
White House shooting suspect pleads not guilty to attempted assassination of Trump
Cole Allen (31) has been charged with attempting to assassinate US president Donald Trump at a White House press gala last month.
11 May 2026
Violent abuser who raped, urinated on and poured bleach over partner fails in appeal
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his ex-partner, subjected his victim to a prolonged barrage of degrading attacks, pleading guilty to 32 counts of assault causing harm.
11 May 2026
Transparency data: Investigation outcome report: DRL Services Ltd
A investigation outcome report into DRL Services Ltd.
11 May 2026
Transparency data: Investigation outcome report: DRL Services Ltd
A investigation outcome report into DRL Services Ltd.
11 May 2026
Transparency data: Investigation outcome report: DRL Services Ltd
A investigation outcome report into DRL Services Ltd.
11 May 2026
Transparency data: Investigation outcome report: DRL Services Ltd
A investigation outcome report into DRL Services Ltd.
11 May 2026
‘I don’t have to prove to anybody how Irish I am’: Dublin Rose taken aback by racial abuse
Saud Mooge says racial abuse 'is nothing that I haven’t heard before' but she is surprised at the volume of hate directed at her since she was announced as the Dublin representative in the Rose of Tralee competition. Photograph: Rose of Tralee
11 May 2026
‘Alan is gone’: Inquest hears desperate attempts to save boy (8) from drowning on Sligo beach
Alan Singh (8) drowned after suddenly getting out of his depth while playing at Lissadell beach in Co Sligo
11 May 2026
The 5 at 5: Monday
Five minutes, five stories, five o’clock…
11 May 2026
Guidance: Common basic data set (CBDS): database
The latest common basic data set (CBDS) and version control log for use by software suppliers developing management information systems.
11 May 2026
Guidance: Common basic data set (CBDS): database
The latest common basic data set (CBDS) and version control log for use by software suppliers developing management information systems.
11 May 2026
Guidance: Common basic data set (CBDS): database
The latest common basic data set (CBDS) and version control log for use by software suppliers developing management information systems.
11 May 2026
Guidance: Common basic data set (CBDS): database
The latest common basic data set (CBDS) and version control log for use by software suppliers developing management information systems.
11 May 2026
Rathfarnham land searched as part of inquiry into unsolved murder of property investor
Liam Murray's death remains unsolved 17 years after he was murdered. Photograph: An Garda Síochána/PA
11 May 2026
Cork couple sentenced for role in criminal scheme with convicted money launderer
Defence counsel said the money was used by the couple to pay the mortgage and other bills. File Photograph: The Irish Times
11 May 2026
Energy providers in Ireland are not making ‘excessive profit’, regulator says
Ireland has the highest household electricity prices in the European Union, according to new research from statistical agency Eurostat.
11 May 2026
Guns bought on dark web ‘one of the big challenges’ for An Garda Síochána
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan at the announcement of a Garda recruitment campaign in Dublin on Monday. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
11 May 2026
Sentencing date for Alison and Bill Chawke adjourned to next month
Alison and Bill Chawke have pleaded guilty to assaulting two men at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. File photographs: Brendan Gleeson
11 May 2026
Slane bypass: former attorney general seeks High Court’s permission to appeal
Meath County Council was previously granted permission for an N2 bypass at Slane. Photograph: Alan Betson
11 May 2026
Man (32) messaged young girls on Instagram for nude pictures, court hears
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the offender was jailed for 18 months. File photograph: Getty Images
11 May 2026
Man recorded eight videos of himself sexually assaulting sleeping woman
Details of the videos were given during a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court
11 May 2026
New Wordle game show to be presented by Today host Savannah Guthrie
Filming for the show will begin this summer.
11 May 2026
Ministers scrap physics and languages bursaries for foreign trainees
Experts warn this is 'not a time for scaling back' recruitment tactics, and criticise surprise mid-year change The post Ministers scrap physics and languages bursaries for foreign trainees first appeared on Schools Week .
11 May 2026
Decision: Teacher misconduct panel outcome: Mr John Field
Professional conduct panel outcome, including decision and reasons.
11 May 2026
Guidance: Disability Confident service providers
This document gives the contact details of service providers who may be able to help businesses become Disability Confident employers.
11 May 2026
Garda trainee recruitment drive gets under way, with applications closing in three weeks
Gardaí are also encouraging those with musical experience to apply, as the Garda Band is looking for new members.
11 May 2026
Ex-Cork City FC player George O’Callaghan to be sentenced for theft of €23,000 from fitness centre
George O'Callaghan of Brighton and Hove Albion during a Coca-Cola League One match against Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road in November 2007 in London, England. Photograph: Christopher Lee/Getty
11 May 2026
Research: List of upcoming releases of management information and ad hoc analyses
List of upcoming releases of DWP management information and ad hoc analyses.
11 May 2026
Gardaí investigating 2009 murder of Liam Murray begin searching land in Rathfarnham
Liam Murray was shot dead at his home in 2009.
11 May 2026
Irish student takes European prize at world's largest teen environmental competition
Eighteen-year-old Arya Satheesh’s development of a biodegradable plastic, Eco Purge, nabbed her the European win at The Earth Prize 2026.
11 May 2026
Decision: Teacher misconduct panel outcome: Ms Maxine Stafford
Professional conduct panel outcome, including decision and reasons.
11 May 2026
Ireland leads push for EU-wide sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in occupied West Bank
Helen McEntee has said that the EU “cannot continue to be bystanders” as Ireland seeks sanctions against violent settlers.
11 May 2026
Emerging Futures 9: visa uncertainty reshapes student demand globally
The latest Emerging Futures survey, based on more than 5,800 prospective and current international students across 118 countries and regions, found that 78% of students are now comparing multiple destinations before deciding where to study, up from 66% in October 2024. Visa considerations are increasingly shaping those decisions much earlier in the process. Among students who abandoned international study plans altogether, 26% cited difficulty obtaining a visa, up from 20% in the previous survey, while 27% said visa costs were a major barrier. Source: IDP Emerging Futures 9 Simon Emmett, chief partner officer, IDP , said visa uncertainty had traditionally been something students confronted late in the counselling process, but that had changed. “Visa uncertainty used to be an aspect of the process prospective students grappled with in the final stages of a counselling process, now we’re hearing from students that it’s one of the first things they check,” he told The PIE . “If a student can’t get a clear picture of what it’s going to cost them to apply, many will simply move on to a country where they can,” Emmett added. He said this did not necessarily mean students had become more risk-averse, but rather more informed about the risks associated with applying abroad. Students surveyed are screening countries the way a consumer screens a product. Today, unclear or unstable visa settings are failing that test early Simon Emmett, IDP “Students surveyed are screening countries the way a consumer screens a product. Today, unclear or unstable visa settings are failing that test early.” While traditional destinations – Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States – remain highly trusted for career outcomes, students are spending longer weighing their options and are quicker to deprioritise countries earlier in the search. According to Emmett, IDP is seeing some decline in early-stage consideration for the United Kingdom, the United States and New Zealand. At the same time, he said Australia was strengthening, while Canada appeared to be stabilising after a period of volatility. The research also found that nearly half of students are actively considering alternative destinations, with countries such as Germany, France and China becoming increasingly competitive. “The traditional destinations aren’t going anywhere, that much is clear. Students still overwhelmingly trust them to deliver on career outcomes, trust that’s been hard won,” Emmett said. “But we are seeing students considering more options over a longer period, and becoming quicker to deprioritise a country.” He said countries that treated international education as a long-term strategic priority would be best placed to benefit as competition intensifies. The report also suggests transparency is becoming a competitive advantage in its own right. “Governments and institutions that are doing the work to communicate processing timelines clearly, including stable financial guidelines, are the ones students feel confident choosing. Transparency is quickly becoming a unique selling point and a competitive advantage in market,” explained Emmett. “This is a complex decision, and students are relying more than ever on in-person support to navigate it,” he said. “When you take the time to really understand a student’s goals, what they want from their degree, where they want to end up, you can match them to the right course and institution.” The research also points to continued interest in transnational education (TNE) as students look for lower-risk pathways into international qualifications and employment opportunities. However, quality perceptions remain a significant barrier. Source: IDP Emerging Futures 9 More than half of respondents – 54% – said they still questioned whether transnational education offered the same quality as studying at a main campus. The post Emerging Futures 9: visa uncertainty reshapes student demand globally appeared first on The PIE News .
11 May 2026
Wicklow man who sexually abused two young cousins he was babysitting jailed for nine years
The abuse took place when the children were aged six up to 13 years old.
11 May 2026
Leading with heart: Rozina’s career pathway from courtrooms to classrooms
Rozina Butt Our education system is strongest when every teacher, leader and student can see themselves represented — and can thrive. This series shares the lived experiences of teachers and leaders from underrepresented groups across schools and further education. Their stories are motivating and deeply human: they celebrate successes, confront challenges, and offer practical insight drawn from real journeys through the profession. By amplifying these voices, we aim to inspire those already working in education, support the sharing of meaningful best practice, and encourage others to join a profession that needs — and values — them. The DfE is committed to building a diverse, representative workforce where everyone belongs. These case studies show what that can look like in action. My career began in the high-pressure world of law, where I thrived as a partner in a firm. But life had other plans. A combination of personal circumstances, a growing passion for education, and an unwavering sense of duty led me to make a bold transition — from legal briefs to lesson plans, from courtroom strategy to safeguarding young lives. The turning point While raising five children, I became a school governor and found myself mentoring girls from similar backgrounds, offering guidance and representation they rarely saw. Many children aspired to succeed, and seeing a female lawyer in a hijab — articulate and relatable — gave them a powerful example of what was possible. When one of my children was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, I made the difficult decision to step away from law. In 2018, I became a Teaching Assistant and quickly progressed to Higher Level Teaching Assistant, supporting teachers of Religious Education and History – subjects that aligned with my background. My rapid rise and relentless driv e Despite not aspiring to teach formally, I pursued qualified teaching status to become a designated safeguarding lead. It was a tough journey, especially while juggling teaching, Head of Year responsibilities, and motherhood. With structure and adaptability, I managed it all — often torn between my responsibilities to my own children and my pupils. My resilience was rooted in a deep sense of service. In 2019, I applied for and secured a Head of Year position. I thrived in pastoral care, guiding my year group through academic and personal challenges until they graduated in 2024. But the role was emotionally taxing. Rather than repeating the role, I sought new opportunities for growth. Navigating the ECT experience As an older ECT, I brought life experience and maturity to the role. Colleagues sought me out for unofficial mentoring, yet I often felt overlooked. My articulate nature led others to assume I knew the ins and outs of teaching, but I battled a lack of formal recognition. As I settled into my role, new challenges emerged – not in the classroom, but in how my leadership was perceived. Leadership aspirations and barriers My journey was praised by my headteacher, but I wasn’t formally recognised as part of Senior Leadership. This stung. As a British female Muslim, it was heart-wrenching to be told that I was “good but not good enough”, especially when I felt I was overlooked for positions because I was not the right cultural fit. I also sensed a snobbery toward pastoral and safeguarding roles — as if they were less valuable than traditional teaching. My lack of familiarity with formal pedagogy sometimes worked against me, despite my clear impact. In June 2025, I took on a new challenge: teaching RE and serving as Deputy DSL in a school rated ‘Requires Improvement’. The contrast was stark — low attendance, disengaged pupils, and a stretched safeguarding team. However, I saw potential and purpose. Representation and responsibility As the first hijabi Head of Year in my previous school, I knew the power of representation. Pupils told me, “If you go, who will stick up for us?” — even those I didn’t teach directly. My presence mattered. I wasn’t chasing glory or money; I was driven by a commitment to lead and serve. Wellbeing and reflection For four years, I threw myself into my work, often at the expense of my health and family life. Working weekends, managing five children, and navigating a demanding job took its toll. In the past year, I made a conscious decision to prioritise my wellbeing — a shift that’s made a significant difference. My legacy and impact My year group achieved the best results in Bedfordshire. Many students went on to A-levels and university. I received recognition from the trust but still felt the sting of being overlooked. Despite this, I remain committed to education — not for accolades, but for the satisfaction of seeing young people thrive. What’s next I’m excited about this next chapter in my teaching career – working as a DDSL and as an RE teacher – whilst also considering what my next big challenge will be.
11 May 2026
Babysitter who sexually abused his two young cousins jailed for nine years
Edward McGregor (55) groomed the two girls and subjected them to repeated acts of sexual assault over eight years, the Central Criminal Court heard. Photograph: Noel Bennett/Getty
11 May 2026
A Further Examination Of Gender And Safeguarding In Schools
The post A Further Examination Of Gender And Safeguarding In Schools appeared first on TeachingTimes .
11 May 2026
75 roles at risk at City & Guilds as new owner confirms restructure
It follows CEO and CFO exits and comes amid multiple investigations into the awarding body's controversial sale The post 75 roles at risk at City & Guilds as new owner confirms restructure first appeared on FE Week .
11 May 2026
Starmer vows to prove ‘doubters’ wrong and resists calls to quit after local election drubbing
Describing the election results as ‘tough’, Starmer told an audience in central London: ‘I get it, I feel it, and I take responsibility.’
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: Schools, pupils and their characteristics: Academic year 2025/26
Statistics on pupils in schools in England as collected in the January 2026 school census.
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: Schools, pupils and their characteristics: Academic year 2025/26
Statistics on pupils in schools in England as collected in the January 2026 school census.
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: Schools, pupils and their characteristics: Academic year 2025/26
Statistics on pupils in schools in England as collected in the January 2026 school census.
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: Schools, pupils and their characteristics: Academic year 2025/26
Statistics on pupils in schools in England as collected in the January 2026 school census.
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: School Workforce in England: 2025
Statistics on the school workforce in publicly funded schools in England, as collected in the November 2025 school workforce census.
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: School Workforce in England: 2025
Statistics on the school workforce in publicly funded schools in England, as collected in the November 2025 school workforce census.
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: School Workforce in England: 2025
Statistics on the school workforce in publicly funded schools in England, as collected in the November 2025 school workforce census.
11 May 2026
Accredited official statistics: School Workforce in England: 2025
Statistics on the school workforce in publicly funded schools in England, as collected in the November 2025 school workforce census.
11 May 2026
Surprise in Wicklow after former rector accused of abusing girls in UK before move to Ireland
The late Anglican rector Kesh Govan, who served as a minister in Blessington in Co Wicklow from 2004 to 2007, is alleged to have abused girls in a UK youth club before moving to Ireland
11 May 2026
Surprise in Wicklow after former rector accused of abusing girls in UK before move to Ireland
The late Anglican rector Kesh Govan, who served as a minister in Blessington in Co Wicklow from 2004 to 2007, is alleged to have abused girls in a UK youth club before moving to Ireland
11 May 2026
Form: Student finance application forms and notes for new 2026 to 2027 part-time tuition fee only students
Application forms and guides for new part-time tuition fee only students. Forms included for both academic years 2026 to 2027 and 2025 to 2026.
11 May 2026
Form: Student finance application forms and notes for continuing 2026 to 2027 part-time tuition fee only students
Application forms and guides for continuing part-time tuition fee only students. Forms included for both academic years 2026 to 2027 and 2025 to 2026.
11 May 2026
Form: Guidance for students submitting evidence who qualify for Tuition Fee support only
Certifier checklist and evidence fact sheet to help students submit their evidence when applying for tuition fees only. Forms are for the 2026 to 2027 and 2025 to 2026 academic years.
11 May 2026
Form: Tuition Fee Loan request form for students who qualify for Tuition Fee support only
Tuition Fee Loan request forms available for both academic years 2026 to 2027 and 2025 to 2026.
11 May 2026
Form: Student finance application forms and notes for new part-time students for a course that started after September 2012 and before August 2018
Application forms and guides for new part-time students for a course that started after September 2012 and before August 2018.
11 May 2026
Form: Student finance application forms and notes for continuing part-time students for a course that started after September 2012 and before August 2018
Application forms and guides for continuing part-time students for a course that started after September 2012 and before August 2018.
11 May 2026
Form: Disabled Students' Allowance - expenses
Application form for reimbursement of costs through Disabled Students’ Allowance
11 May 2026