News

Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy once again raised the issue of the Cervical Check 221+ group in the Dáil today. “In public both the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach have given commitments and indeed apologies to these women and their families but behind the scenes these people are fighting an ongoing battle to have […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD today called on the Minister for Health to intervene to compel the HSE to release smear slides to women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy so they can be independently reviewed. “I heard recently the disturbing phrase: Small businesses can’t afford to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, while big business […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD said the government must now take stock of all options for the National Children’s Hospital following today’s offer by building contractor BAM. “Instead of doubling down on a succession of bad decisions, it’s time for the government to produce full costings on all options for the Children’s Hospital including […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD today called on the Taoiseach to correct the Dáil record relating to the actions and duties of the senior civil servant on the board of the National Children’s Hospital. “Now either the official did what he was supposed to do and alerted the Minister or he didn’t. If he […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD has welcomed tonight’s suspension of further strike action by nurses after the intervention of the Labour Court “It is very regrettable that this issue had to come down to the wire before the government as the nurses’ employer engaged constructively with union representatives.” Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD today called on the Minister for Health to intervene to compel the HSE to release smear slides to women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy so they can be independently reviewed. “On this issue in particular but in so many other areas, it is clear that the Minister for Health […]

Social Democrats Spokesperson for Children, Councillor Jennifer Whitmore today called for new public health guidelines for children playing computer games and a review of how some ‘loot boxes’ and in-game purchases target children. “Parents need to be better equipped to engage with their children about their online habits, and clear public health guidelines for the […]

The Social Democrats today called on the government to stand firm on the need for a legally binding agreement to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. “This is about protecting the peace process, honouring the Good Friday Agreement and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of people on both sides of the border. […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD today branded the Social Welfare claim assessment process as a “shambles”. “The numbers speak for themselves, there is something very wrong with a system where so many cases are refused on application, then approved on appeal.” Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD today branded the Social Welfare claim assessment […]

The Social Democrats are a new force for change in Irish politics. We want to restore the public interest to its rightful place at the heart of politics and national life. We are committed to high quality public services for all, and a strong and sustainable economy that works to ensure a fair and equal […]