News

Social Democrats councillors on Dublin City Council have added their names to a cross-party statement of solidarity with Lord Mayor Hazel Chu after she was subjected to racially motivated harassment outside the Mansion House. Cllr Mary Callaghan, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, stated: “I would like to offer Lord Mayor Hazel Chu my strong and […]

Social Democrats TD and party spokesperson for Children, Jennifer Whitmore, has expressed concern that staff working in childcare, whose employers could be availing of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), are instead being forced to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). Deputy Whitmore said: “In a response to a parliamentary question, the Minister for Finance told me […]

Cork South-West TD Holly Cairns has called on the Government to put crucial supports in place for the coastal and island fishing communities that have been impacted by Brexit. Holly, who is the party’s spokesperson for the Marine, said: “We are all aware of the considerable concerns of the fishing sector, which will see a […]

Speaking in the Dáil this evening, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon called on the Minister for Education to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions over the reopening of schools for children with additional needs and continue to seek a pathway to a solution with all stakeholders. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson for Education, […]

Co-leader of the Social Democrats, Catherine Murphy TD, has expressed serious concern at the high number of international passengers arriving in Ireland who are failing to provide a contact address, as required. In reply to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy Murphy, the Minister for Transport confirmed that, between December 11 and January 3, 118,414 passengers […]

Following today’s publication of NPHET’s latest letter to the Government, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has repeated her call for the implementation of stricter rules on international travel. Deputy Shortall said: “NPHET today, in its most severe warning to date, has made it very clear that the recent measures introduced by Government, […]

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow and party spokesperson for Climate Action and Biodiversity, Jennifer Whitmore, has welcomed the announcement by Minister Ryan that increased funding will be granted to environmental NGOs. However, she says much more is required to adequately address the scale of climate change and biodiversity loss. Deputy Whitmore commented: “I am delighted […]

Social Democrats spokesperson for International Affairs, Cian O’Callaghan TD, has described the inauguration of Joe Biden as US President as the beginning of a new era of hope and renewal for the people of America. Deputy O’Callaghan stated: “Today represents a significant turning point for the people of America after four years of divisive politics […]

Speaking in the Dáil today in relation to the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, Social Democrats spokesperson for Children, Jennifer Whitmore TD, said: “The responsibility to redress the grievances of survivors now lies with the State. The process of redress, if done right, will take time to fully reconcile […]

Speaking in the Dáil today in support of proper pay and conditions for student nurses and midwives, Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, said: “The treatment of student nurses, midwives, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, radiographers and others is a glaring example of this Government’s utter indifference towards young people. “The Taoiseach […]

Reacting to the Government’s Affordable Housing Bill 2020, Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD said: “Relying on the private sector for the provision of affordable housing is a broken model. Shared equity loans are more of the same old, failed, developer-led policymaking. We need a change of direction. “A review of the UK shared […]

Responding to remarks today from the Taoiseach that the Leaving Certificate needs to be reformed, Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, commented: “The needs of the 2021 students must be the impetus for lasting change when it comes to the Leaving Certificate examinations. “The Department of Education needs to hear the calls from […]

The Social Democrats Housing spokesperson, Cian O’Callaghan TD, is calling on the Government to take proactive steps to address the issue of Brexit-related construction cost increases. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “We need action on the part of Government to address Brexit-related increases in construction costs. Steel, for example, which is imported via Northern Ireland, is now […]

– Minister must set out return to school plan Education Minister Norma Foley needs to immediately reconvene talks and deliver a return to school plan for students with additional needs, according to Social Democrats Education spokesperson Gary Gannon. Commenting, Deputy Gannon said: “There is a need to identify exactly what measures must be put in […]