News

What is the point of legislative scrutiny if the Government refuses to change bad plans? Government inaction is leaving residents in new developments waiting years for common areas to be taken over by local authorities, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “It can take years and even decades for public spaces in newer […]

The Government is continuing to ignore practical solutions to the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “People across Ireland are suffering the consequences of a chronic lack of affordable housing. “Rents are at record levels, houses prices are higher than their Celtic Tiger […]

The next Taoiseach should be elected by the people of Ireland, not Fine Gael, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “A new Fine Gael leader will not change the fact that the writing is on the wall for this Government. “Throughout their 14 years in office, Fine Gael have failed to […]

Tonight’s RTÉ Prime Time special will shed important light on the lived experiences of Ireland’s locked out generation, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Too often, the housing crisis is viewed through the bleak figures and statistics we have unfortunately become so accustomed to. However, […]

A taskforce examining the safety of politicians echoes calls by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore to remove the requirement for election candidates to publish their home address on nomination and ballot papers. Deputy Whitmore, who has proposed these measures in her Electoral (Home Address of Candidates) Bill 2024, said: “According to media reports, the Taskforce […]

The Government’s disastrous handling of the international protection accommodation crisis will come under increased scrutiny when a Social Democrats’ motion is debated in the Dáil next week (Thursday, March 21). Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, the party’s spokesperson on integration, said: “In recent weeks, we have seen growing numbers of international protection applicants forced to sleep in […]

The Minister for Integration must immediately respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis facing migrants living in tents on the streets of Dublin, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “The disgraceful scene outside the International Protection office on Mount Street – where around 150 tents now line the pavement – is a […]

Social Democrats councillor for Limerick City West, Elisa O’Donovan, has today announced she will be the party’s candidate for Mayor of Limerick. O’Donovan made the announcement standing on the banks of the River Deel in Rathkeale, close to where she grew up. O’Donovan, who was the first Social Democrats representative elected in Munster in 2019, […]

Rory Hearne, the highly respected housing campaigner, author and academic, has been officially selected as the Social Democrats’ Midlands-North-West candidate in the European Elections. Rory is Associate Professor in Social Policy at Maynooth University and author of the best-selling book, ‘Gaffs’, which set out a roadmap to solving the housing crisis. Considered to be one […]

Arts Minister Catherine Martin should stand in solidarity with Irish artists who have cancelled appearances at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas due to the event’s association with the US military and arms industry, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “It is heartening to see a growing number of […]