News

The latest Daft.ie report highlights the sheer folly of the government’s intention to make changes to Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Today’s Daft report paints the bleakest picture yet of the cost of renting a home in Ireland. The figures […]

Housing Minister James Browne’s admission that the government is considering a State-led saving scheme to help finance the delivery of homes – an initiative previously proposed by the Social Democrats – has been welcomed by Rory Hearne TD. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “I have today written to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste […]

The government’s reaction to the school attendance crisis is déjà vu disguised as innovation, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who’s the party’s education spokesperson, said: “Let’s be clear: this crisis didn’t come out of nowhere – for years, the School Completion Programme ran effective, community-based attendance monitoring and promotion in DEIS […]

The latest house commencement data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) paints a picture of failed government policy in freefall, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “The figures released by the CSO today do not bode well for expected housing delivery in the […]

OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran must clarify comments he made today which failed to distance Castletown House community groups from illegal activity, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who represents Kildare North, said: “In an interview on Morning Ireland today, the Minister was asked for an update about his engagement with community […]

It’s time for the government to finally act on their promise to address the assessment of need crisis, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “According to the Disability Act 2005, an assessment of need must be completed within six months of the date the application is received. “Yet, in the […]

It is hugely welcome that a deal to roll out free HRT has finally been agreed – but the Minister must reimburse women who have spent hundreds of euro on HRT already this year, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice Deputy Rice, who’s the party’s health spokesperson, said: “A firm commitment was given, by […]

The latest Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen protections for renters, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Confirmation that rents are up 5.5 per cent nationally for new tenancies will come as little surprise to those at the coalface of […]

The absence of spending safeguards identified in an audit into the Leinster House bike shed controversy must never be repeated, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who sits on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said: “It is shocking, but not surprising, that the audit published today by Deloitte confirms there was no […]

It is absolutely appalling that Irish Peacekeepers are being threatened and intimidated by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), according to Social Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The latest incident of the Israeli Defence Forces firing on UN peacekeeping positions, and shining laser lights on Irish troops, is outrageous. “Irish peacekeepers have […]