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How the Data Protection Commission goes about its tasks is already opaque Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy has criticised a Government amendment to a Justice Bill that would create confidential processes for data protection investigations. “I share the concerns expressed today by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) in relation to the amendment proposed […]

The worst thing, for RTÉ and its staff, would be for a drip-feed of information to characterise the inquiry into this debacle Dee Forbes’ resignation statement raises further serious questions, and it is important she attends the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday to answer them, according to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy. Deputy Murphy, who […]

Today’s bombshell revelations involve a serious breach of trust Senior RTÉ management must appear before the Public Accounts Committee before the summer recess to explain its secret payments to Ryan Tubridy, according to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy. Deputy Murphy, who is vice-chair of the PAC, has written to the PAC to request the appearance […]

A 2020 Children’s Ombudsman report found more than 120 children housed in hostels with no care staff after 5pm A report detailing the sexual exploitation of young girls in State care is shocking but not surprising, according to Social Democrats Children Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore was speaking following the release of a new study, […]

Government must now fast-track safeguarding legislation for vulnerable adults  The catastrophic failure to investigate sexual assault complaints in a HSE nursing home must mark a turning point in how the State safeguards vulnerable adults, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “The report by the National Independent Review Panel (NIRP), which was set up […]

The Taoiseach should clarify if he spoke with Roderic O’Gorman before he made his comments or if his latest budget kite-flying is another Fine Gael solo run The Taoiseach must clarify if the government is resiling from its commitment to cut childcare fees by 50% over two years, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer […]

Insufficient data in climate plan was highlighted in recent EPA report The Government’s refusal to amend its Climate Action Plan in the wake of a stark report by the Environmental Protection Agency is inexplicable, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate action and biodiversity, said: “The […]

Levels of polluting nitrogen and phosphorus in Irish rivers and lakes were found to be unacceptably high Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for an immediate Government response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s bleak assessment of the condition of Irish watercourses. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate action and biodiversity, said: […]

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 […]

Enterprise Minister should meet with Tara mine management in Sweden next week  The shock decision to temporarily lay off 650 workers at Tara Mines is a huge blow to the workers, their families, and the wider community in Meath, according to Social Democrats Enterprise Spokesperson Catherine Murphy. “This decision came out of the blue last […]

Throughout his career, Christy stayed true to his Finglas roots The death of Aslan singer Christy Dignam has been described as a sad day for the Finglas community, by local Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall. “I would like to express my deepest condolences to Christy’s family, friends, bandmates and legion of music fans. “Throughout his […]

There should be a pause on data centre connections until a strategic analysis has been carried out by the Government  The regulation and management of data centres in Ireland should be overseen by a single entity, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy and climate action, […]

Figures show there is a real risk that data centres will exceed 30 per cent of all energy usage by 2030  The Government is continuing to turn a blind eye to a surge in energy consumption by data centres, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, […]

HSE has failed to reduce unacceptably long waiting lists The sharp rise in the numbers of children awaiting an assessment of need has been described as utterly unacceptable by Social Democrats health spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “The latest figures provided to me by the HSE are truly shocking. In the first quarter of this year, 4,206 […]