News

Chronic underfunding of the National Cancer Strategy is compromising patient care, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “It is clear that implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is no longer a priority for this Government. “When the Irish Cancer Society appeared before the Health Committee in April, their message was received loud and […]

New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that house prices have become increasingly out of reach for ordinary workers, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “House prices increased by 7.9 per cent in the 12 months to April 2024. “The median price of […]

The medical card scheme for dental treatments in Ireland is close to collapse, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “Figures reported today reveal there are 252 fewer dentists signed up to the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) compared to last year. There are also major disparities in the number of participating dentists depending […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has paid tribute to the party’s three candidates in the European Elections. Deputy Cairns said: “I could not be prouder of the exceptional campaigns run by Rory Hearne, Susan Doyle and Sinéad Gibney in Midlands-North-West, Ireland South and Dublin respectively. “This was the first time the party contested all three […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has hailed the party’s impressive local election results – and said the party is well placed for any coming general election. Deputy Cairns said: “The Social Democrats are on course to nearly double the number of councillors we elected in 2019, from 19 to at least 35. “The party has […]

There needs to be EU-wide discussions on the most effective measures to tackle the issue of vacant homes and dereliction, according to Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats’ European Election candidate in Midlands-North-West. Mr Hearne, a prominent housing campaigner, author and academic, made his comments after viewing derelict buildings in Leixlip, Co Kildare, with Cllr Nuala […]

The Government is completely removed from the reality of the financial pressures faced by schools across the country, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “The results of a poll carried out by the Catholic Primary School Management Association are extremely concerning. A survey of 1,440 […]

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has expressed concern after new figures show that Government funding for housing adaptation grants have not kept pace with the rise in Ireland’s ageing population. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “The funding allocation announced by the Department of Local Government shows that 13,000 grants will […]

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has responded to figures published today showing that the number of people living in homeless accommodation has risen above 14,000 for the first time. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “There are now 14,009 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded in the […]

Failed Government housing policy is having a major impact on the physical and mental health of families, according to Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats’ Midlands-North-West candidate in the European Elections. Mr Hearne, who is a housing campaigner, author and lecturer, said: “Today’s ESRI report lays bare the human cost of the housing crisis. The study […]