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Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has welcomed confirmation from the Taoiseach in the Dáil today that all survivors of institutional abuse will be able to access their own personal data. Holly said: “Last week, the Government changed its policy to allow people access to their own information. The natural extension is that […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has cautiously welcomed the Government’s U-turn on the rights of survivors of Mother and Baby Homes to access their personal information but called for the Commission of Investigation report to be released to survivors as soon as possible. Holly said: “Thankfully, after almost two weeks of public […]

Cork South West TD Holly Cairns has called on the Government to lead by example by providing suitable facilities for public service workers who are breastfeeding. Holly said: “I have been contacted by some mothers who had recently returned to work in the public service but the only space made available for them to express […]

The Social Democrats believe it is imperative that proposed legislation to seal the records of the archives of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes for 30 years is not passed into law when it comes before the Dáil this evening. A number of amendments to the Bill have been put forward by […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Further and Higher Education, has called on the Government to immediately address the impact of Level 5 restrictions on third level students. Holly said: “As the lockdown comes into effect this week, college students will face a particular set of challenges, so it is essential for the Government […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Disability Issues, has expressed disappointment that core welfare payments for people with disabilities have not been increased in Budget 2021. Holly said: “We all welcome the €100 million increase in funding to assist people with disabilities, which will help with the reopening of day services and move people […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Agriculture and the Marine, has highlighted concerns about larger fishing vessels operating in-shore on Irish coastal waters. Holly said: “Last week, the High Court overturned a 2019 Policy Directive which excluded trawling by fishing vessels over 18 metres from inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone. “The […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Further and Higher Education, is calling for greater supports for third level students who are encountering difficulties with online learning. Holly said: “This year’s college experience is like no other and is proving to be a very uncertain and trying time for many students. With practically all teaching […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Agriculture, has welcomed the Special Covid Committee’s recommendation that other Dáil committees should examine serious ongoing issues in meat plants. Holly said: “I have been calling for a taskforce to examine conditions for workers in this sector for months so am glad that this report reflects the serious […]

Holly Cairns TD, the Social Democrats spokesperson on Disability Matters, has backed a cross-party motion calling for the full reopening of support services for people with disabilities. Holly said: “This motion highlights underlying issues in the sector and the need for a rights-based approach to ensure sustainable capacity within disability services. “It is fair to […]

The Social Democrats have called on the Minister for Education to provide clarity and certainty to the thousands of affected students who had their Leaving Certificate results downgraded due to errors identified in the predicted grades marking system. Gary Gannon TD, the party’s spokesperson on Education, said: “Following yesterday’s revelations that around 6,500 students received […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has expressed her frustration at the Government for pushing through forestry legislation without proper scrutiny and not accepting amendments. Holly said: “Last night, the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020 was rushed through the Dáil. The whole process has been incredibly frustrating and it […]

The Government’s approach to the calculated grades system has been marked by a lack of transparency and last-minute decisions which has only added to the uncertainty and stress of students this year. That’s according to Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats Spokesperson for Further and Higher Education. Holly said: “The Minister has informed us today that […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has called on the Government to legislate on necessary reforms needed for the Fair Deal scheme to ensure it works for farmers and small business owners. Holly said: “In the financial assessment for the scheme, the value of farm assets is taken into […]