News

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 […]

Home ownership rates are set to collapse further with just 6 per cent of apartments built in Dublin available to buy, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Last year, apartments accounted for more than 35 per cent of all new homes built. With apartments playing […]

Today’s referendum result is a direct consequence of a rushed and confused campaign by the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “The defeat of both the family and care referendums is the result of a rushed and confused campaign by the Government. “The Government delayed publishing the wording of both […]

Prominent human rights advocate Sinéad Gibney has been formally selected as the Social Democrats’ Dublin candidate in the 2024 European Elections. Sinéad has a distinguished background in human rights, equality advocacy and leadership in business and the public sector. Her career has spanned roles with Google, Trinity College and the Irish Human Rights and Equality […]

The high number of people living in poverty in Ireland highlights the prevailing level of income inequality in this country, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on social welfare, said: “The at risk of poverty rate, as measured by the Central Statistics Office, was 10.6 per cent […]

Media Minister Catherine Martin must come before the Dáil and answer questions following the release of a damning statement by former RTE Chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh, according to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy. Deputy Murphy, who is the deputy chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “Ms Ní Raghallaigh’s damning statement raises a number of […]

Ejecting vulnerable asylum seekers from emergency accommodation, back to living in tents on the streets, is inhumane, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “The State’s treatment of vulnerable asylum seekers is shameful and inhumane. “Ireland is a rich country. There is absolutely no justification for forcing people to sleep in sub-zero […]

It is absolutely disgusting that more than 1,000 vulnerable asylum applicants are living in tents on the streets – during sub-zero weather – while nearly 5,000 asylum and refugee beds are vacant, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “It is absolutely disgusting that there are literally thousands of empty beds throughout […]

The Government must consider all possible measures to vindicate the rights of former staff of The Body Shop after the sudden closure of the company’s Irish branches, according to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy. Deputy Murphy, who is the party’s spokesperson on enterprise, trade and employment, said: “It is completely unacceptable for employees of The […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore will introduce a Bill tomorrow to remove the requirement for election candidates to publish their home address on nomination and ballot papers. Deputy Whitmore said: “Loss of privacy and safety is a legitimate concern for election candidates. The need for my Electoral (Home Address of Candidates) Bill 2024 is a […]