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Workers in community and voluntary organisations have been abandoned by the Government

Government must immediately re-engage with Section 39 workers’ unions and end two-tier pay system Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has spoken out in support of Section 39 workers in community and voluntary sector organisations who are to commence indefinite strike action from Tuesday, October 17. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: […]

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Holly Cairns visits Limerick as Cllr Elisa O’Donovan selected to run for Social Democrats in 2024 Local Elections

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the selection of Cllr Elisa O’Donovan as the party’s Limerick City West candidate for the 2024 Local Elections. Deputy Cairns, who took over the leadership of the Social Democrats from co-founders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy earlier this year, visited the city today to meet with members of […]

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Failed Agriculture Policy Lies At The Heart Of RTÉ Cruelty Revelations

We cannot – and should not – tolerate a situation in which hundreds and thousands of calves are being bred to suffer from the moment of birth The shocking maltreatment of bull calves highlighted by RTÉ Investigates tonight is a direct consequence of Government policy to encourage intensification and expansion within the dairy sector, according […]

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Government continues shameful neglect of drivers with disabilities

Ombudsman slams lack of progress on replacement schemes for disabled drivers  The Ombudsman’s sharp criticism of the lack of supports for drivers with disabilities should be a source of deep embarrassment for the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “Commenting on the publication […]

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Haphazard funding of specialist eating disorder services is failing patients

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental illnesses, yet vital services continue to be under-funded by the Government  Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has called on the Minister for Mental Health and the HSE to explain why no funding has been allocated this year for public specialist eating disorder services. “I was greatly alarmed to […]

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Minister must provide clarity on redress scheme talks with church bodies

Key appointment is welcome – but timing of announcement raises questions for the Government The appointment of a person to lead State negotiations with religious bodies in relation to requests for financial contributions to the mother and baby homes redress scheme raises questions for the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “While today’s […]

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Supermarket chains must come clean on their profits

Government must demand scrutiny of supermarkets’ accounts at this week’s Retail Forum meeting The Government must force the major supermarket chains to come clean about the profits they are making off the backs of struggling consumers, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Tomorrow’s meeting of the Retail Forum needs to be much more than […]

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Government continuing to deny disabled people access to transport supports

Lack of Government action on transport schemes is making everyday life harder for disabled people in Ireland Disabled people are being excluded from everyday life in Ireland because of the lack of suitable transport, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on Disability, said: “For people with a […]

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Time for renewed debate on State funding for greyhound racing

Government continues to prop up an industry that is in terminal decline  Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has renewed her call for State funding to the greyhound industry to be phased out after the Government received a detailed report on how revenues from the betting tax are spent. “The report, which was compiled on behalf […]

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Government Must Take Issues Facing Rural Ireland Seriously

Young farmers are an endangered species – we need urgent action  The government needs to take the issues facing rural Ireland seriously and provide sufficient and sustainable funding to help farmers overcome the climate crisis, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns was commenting after meeting members of Macra na Feirme, who gathered […]

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Taoiseach’s comments on review of abortion services are deeply unhelpful

Oireachtas Health Committee is the most appropriate forum to analyse review group’s report on abortion services Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has described comments by the Taoiseach on the review group’s report on abortion services as deeply unhelpful. “The health and wellbeing of women must be front and centre of any recommendations to make legislative […]

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President Biden’s visit is a welcome endorsement of peace process

US President’s visit a reminder of our countries’ close ties and shared history This week’s visit by President Biden continues a long tradition of friendship and partnership between Ireland and the people of the United States of America, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Mr Biden will be the fourth US President to address […]

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Minister dragging his feet on regulation of psychologists

Delay is especially reprehensible in light of the vulnerability of those children and adults requiring psychological services  The Minister for Health is continuing to drag his feet on the long overdue regulation of psychologists, according to Holly Cairns, leader of the Social Democrats. Deputy Cairns, who is a member of the Joint Committee on Children, […]

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