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Budget highlights Government’s lack of ambition for struggling families

Today’s budget highlights the Government’s lack of ambition for families, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “After months of uncertainty over promised cuts to childcare costs, it is welcome that the further 25 per cent reduction is now confirmed. However, it has emerged that […]

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Unlocking the Future: Social Democrats launch Alternative Budget 2024

Housing, children and climate take centre stage Read the full Alternative Budget here Housing, children and climate action are the main focus of the Social Democrats’ Alternative Budget, ‘Unlocking the Future’, which is published today. The party’s key priorities for 2024 include: Deliver 10,000 affordable homes next year – a near doubling of the Government’s […]

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Taoiseach Must Clarify U-Turn On 50% Cut To Childcare Fees

The Taoiseach should clarify if he spoke with Roderic O’Gorman before he made his comments or if his latest budget kite-flying is another Fine Gael solo run The Taoiseach must clarify if the government is resiling from its commitment to cut childcare fees by 50% over two years, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer […]

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Further State investment needed to address Early Years recruitment crisis

Low pay is the driving factor behind high staff turnover levels Further State investment in childcare will be required to tackle the growing recruitment crisis in the Early Years sector, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on Children, said: “The results of SIPTU’s Early Years (Childcare) Survey […]

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Minimum pay rates for childcare workers should be seen as a floor, not a ceiling

The introduction of minimum rates of pay for Early Years workers is a welcome first step in improving employment conditions within the childcare sector, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, the party’s spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, said: “I welcome confirmation from the Minister for Children that the first-ever Employment Regulation […]

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Children’s Minister Has Betrayed Survivors Of Mother And Baby Homes

It is truly despicable that survivors have found out, via the media, that this review has been scrapped Children’s Minister Roderick O’Gorman has again betrayed and failed survivors of mother and baby homes, according to Social Democrats Social Justice Spokesperson Holly Cairns. “In response to the considerable anger and distress caused by the manner in […]

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Special Oireachtas Committee To Tackle Child Poverty Must Be Established

Child poverty has lifelong consequences – limiting children’s education, their aspirations, their wellbeing and their potential. A special Oireachtas Committee to tackle worsening child poverty rates must be established, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore made her remarks as the Children’s Rights Alliance launched its Child Poverty Monitor – a new […]

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Early Childhood Care and Education Providers Need Clarity About Funding

Continued indecision, combined with soaring costs, is threatening the viability of hundreds of ECCE providers The government must provide clarity to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector about the level of core funding they will receive in the autumn, according to Social Democrats Children Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. “Many ECCE-only providers are finishing up […]

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The Government Is Failing Our Most Vulnerable Children

Childhood is short and the government has limited time to intervene The Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card for 2022 makes clear that the government is continuing to fail our most vulnerable children, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. “The government has received an ‘E’ grade on child homelessness, due to persistent increases in […]

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Reports Confirm Worst Fears About The Impact Of The Pandemic On Children

The government must act now to prevent any further damage Two separate reports have today confirmed our worst fears about the impact of the pandemic on marginalised children, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore was commenting following the publication of the Annual Report of Ireland’s Special Rapporteur on Child Protection and […]

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Failure to Appoint Expert To Review Abortion Law Deeply Concerning

The Minister has yet to appoint an independent expert, finalise terms of reference or provide a time-frame for the review The failure of the Minister for Health to appoint an independent expert to review the State’s abortion law is deeply concerning, according to Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns. “Under section 7 of the Health (Regulation […]

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Government Must Act To Make Childcare More Affordable

We will soon find out how serious the Government is about reforming childcare in this country The government must act to make childcare more affordable, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore was reacting to the launch of a new campaign, ‘A New Deal for Early Years’, from SIPTU and a coalition of […]

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