News

There are now more than 6,000 older people approved for homecare left languishing on waiting lists  The Government’s announcement of increased pay rates for those working in State-funded home support services has been described as deeply cynical by Social Democrats health spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “The Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, indicated […]

The Social Democrats reject fearmongering The Social Democrats Dun Laoghaire branch is proud to join with dozens of local community groups and other political parties in launching our ‘Dún Laoghaire Welcomes’ campaign. Social Democrats Councillor Dave Quinn said: “I want to express my warm welcome to all those people who are seeking asylum and who […]

The government excels at climate rhetoric, but this is not matched with climate action Social Democrats Spokesperson for Climate, Jennifer Whitmore TD, has described the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency’s report as disappointing, but not surprising. Deputy Whitmore was commenting today after the EPA published its 2022 Greenhouse Gas Inventory report. “Emissions have come […]

We deserve to have a functioning fire service – one that respects retained firefighters and the valuable work they do The Government must outline what steps it will take to avert strike action by retained firefighters if Labour Court proposals to settle the dispute are rejected by SIPTU members, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer […]

The outcome of today’s European Parliament vote is welcome – but the devil will be in the detail of the law’s final text  Today’s passing of the Nature Restoration Law by the European Parliament will be meaningless if the final text of the legislation is watered down any further, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer […]

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 […]

Parents are sick and tired of forking out huge sums of money on schoolbooks that will have to be recycled Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Government to address the high cost of schoolbooks for parents of secondary school students. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “I know […]

From an animal welfare and biodiversity perspective, I am strongly opposed to hare coursing Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Minister for Heritage not to issue any licences for the upcoming coursing season after raising concerns about the welfare of pregnant hares. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate action […]

Long term planning must be a central function of government – and this has sadly been lacking. The summer economic statement has again highlighted the government’s failure to sufficiently plan for the country’s future needs, according to Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “The headline figures reflect a healthy fiscal position – but they mask […]

With housing continuing to dominate the political agenda, Deputy O’Callaghan will play a key role in proposing workable solutions to the crisis Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the appointment of Dublin Bay North TD Cian O’Callaghan as the party’s deputy leader. Deputy Cairns said: “I am so happy to announce that Cian will […]

More than a dozen issues of serious concern are outlined in Inland Fisheries Ireland’s annual report and financial statements for 2021 Inland Fisheries Ireland must address serious issues of concern when representatives from the State body appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) next week, according to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy. Deputy Murphy, who […]

State has failed to provide legal protection for 217 out of 423 sites identified as requiring formal designation as Special Areas of Conservation  The Government’s green credentials lie in tatters after Ireland was found guilty by the European Court of Justice of multiple breaches of laws to protect nature, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer […]

Dereliction, heavily littered streets and poor lighting are making our capital city feel unsafe Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called for a multi-agency response to unacceptable levels of violent assaults in Dublin city centre. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said: “Last weekend’s unprovoked attack on Ukrainian actor Oleksandr Hrekov on Eden Quay is […]

Government parties must present a united front before law is discussed at plenary session of European Parliament next month The Government must be unequivocal in its support for Nature Restoration Law following today’s rejection of the proposed legislation by the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is […]