News

The Summer School provides a timely opportunity to discuss the challenges we collectively face and the solutions we can offer A diverse range of expert and interesting guests, discussing some of the biggest challenges we face as a society, will join the Social Democrats’ Summer School this weekend. On the programme, organised by The Left […]

It is extraordinary that €51m has already been spent on this project – before any final decision that it will proceed at the Elm Park site Spending on the new National Maternity Hospital will be examined as part of an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), according to Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall. […]

We’d like you to join us and some excellent guests at the SocDems Summer School, presented by The Left Bank, which runs online from Friday 27th and Saturday 28th August as we discuss what kind of Ireland we want coming out of the pandemic. It’s online and free – and we’d be delighted if you would […]

The Minister claims to be concerned by climate change, and coastal erosion, but actions speak louder than words Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is failing coastal communities impacted by coastal erosion, according to Social Democrats Cllr. Paul Mulville. “In September 2020, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien announced the creation of the National Coastal Change Management Strategy Steering […]

The Minister must explain why he is taking the unprecedented step of judicially reviewing a case that he actually won. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue must explain why he is attempting to set aside parts of a conviction imposed on one of his officials for animal neglect and animal welfare breaches, according to Social Democrats Agriculture […]

It is unacceptable that a postcode lottery still exists around the country The relaxation of restrictions for partners of pregnant women at the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) is a positive step that should be followed by other hospitals nationwide, according to Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns. “The NMH has said it will allow unrestricted visiting […]

Our antiquated electricity grid cannot sustain the uncontrolled proliferation of data centres The government must introduce a moratorium on the construction of new data centres if it wants to reach its emission reduction targets, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. “The growth of data centres in Ireland, and the consequent increased demand on […]

The government must move from climate rhetoric to climate action Today’s landmark report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a stark reminder that time is running out to avert a climate catastrophe, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. “The IPCC report is a stark reminder that time is running out […]

Has Nphet been consulted about the proposed revision to the guidelines? The government has sacrificed its own public health guidelines in an effort to save Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s political skin, according to Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall. “The government spent weeks in negotiations with the hospitality industry, about the rules that should apply to their […]

This decision is a huge blow to the delivery of safe cycling infrastructure in the South city Dublin City Council should appeal the High Court decision on the Strand Road cycle lane, according to Social Democrats councillors on Dublin City Council. Councillor Catherine Stocker said: “This decision is a huge blow to the delivery of […]

Instead of a myopic focus on deficit reduction, the government must focus on deficits in infrastructure The EU Fiscal rules are an anachronistic relic from an austerity era and must be reformed if Ireland’s economy is to rebound as we emerge from the pandemic, according to Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “The Summer Economic […]

Serious questions must now be asked about the  real intent driving these changes The government’s last-minute amendments to the Climate Action Bill have compromised the legislation, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. On Friday, the government introduced a series of amendments to the Bill in the Seanad which will be voted on in […]

Even government ministers are confused – and it is their plan The government is rushing through legislation to reopen hospitality in a complete information vacuum, according to Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall. “The Health Committee had a briefing this morning and members were more confused afterwards than they had been before. This is no reflection […]

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 […]