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Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has called for the Minister for Children to brief members of the Opposition on the expected closure of the early childhood sector and creches until January 30. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “The Taoiseach indicated today that the early childcare and education sector […]

Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has today called on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to clarify vital details of the vaccination programme for Covid-19. She asked the Minister to provide clarity in relation to the expected phasing of the delivery of the vaccine and the schedule to which he is working, as well […]

School leaders and communities should not be expected to have to come up with a solution for continuing with education during the Covid-19 crisis. That’s according to Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central and spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon. Speaking ahead of a briefing for Opposition spokespersons by the Minister for Education this afternoon, Deputy […]

Commenting on the return to full Level 5 restrictions, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, said: “Yet again, due to the absence of a coherent strategy to suppress the virus, the country is entering another complete lockdown. This course of action has been inevitable for some time and is now necessary in order […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has called for stronger consultation with the hospitality sector and extra financial supports for affected businesses as the country prepares to enter into another Level 5 lockdown. Holly said: “The very survival of this sector is under threat unless there is substantial State subvention and improved communication […]

Reacting to today’s announcement of renewed restrictions, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, said: “Today’s news will come as a bitter blow to the hospitality industry and other businesses affected by the renewed restrictions and the very many workers who will be laid off. It will also be met with disappointment by families […]

Following news of the new strain of Covid-19 which has appeared in Britain, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has called for immediate and decisive action from the Government, an extension of the UK travel ban, renewed advice to the public in relation to gatherings and a clear decision on the early closure […]

Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Social Protection that funding for the school meals programme will be made available over the Christmas period for any school participating in the scheme that wishes to avail of it. Deputy Gannon said: “It is important to get the message […]

With Ireland now facing the possibility of earlier restrictions to curb the recent increase in cases of Covid-19, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has urged the Government to make any announcements as early as possible. Deputy Shortall said: “Unfortunately, all the indicators are that the case numbers are going in the wrong […]

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has welcomed the Committee for Climate Action’s launch of the pre-legislative report on the Climate Action Bill. The report contains recommendations by members of the Oireachtas Committee which will be considered by the Minister for Climate Action when redrafting the Bill before it’s introduced in the Dáil. Deputy […]

Reacting to the Government’s new affordable housing plan, Social Democrats spokesperson for Housing, Cian O’Callaghan TD, said: “Relying on the private sector for the provision of affordable housing is a broken model. The Shared Equity Scheme is more of the same old, failed, developer-led policymaking. We need a change of direction. “The private sector alone […]

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has warned that the Government is not adequately prepared to deal with the consequences of Brexit. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Brexit spokesperson, said: “Deal or no-deal, Brexit will have a significant impact on Ireland. With just two weeks to go, I am concerned about how prepared the Government […]

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, today questioned why the Government is in such a rush to ratify the CETA trade deal. Speaking in the Dáil, she asked the Tánaiste to explain what the benefits were to pushing ahead with the deal before Christmas. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Climate Action […]

Co-leader of the Social Democrats, Róisín Shortall TD, has raised serious concerns surrounding the awarding of a €14m contract by the HSE to an Irish company that imported ventilators from China that were unfit for use. Speaking during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today, Deputy Shortall said: “I accept that the Government and HSE were […]