News

Figures released today by the Department of Housing show that 3,962 children spent Christmas living in homeless emergency accommodation. Commenting, Social Democrats housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan said: “This is 520 more than December 2022 and a shocking 49 per cent increase since this Government has taken office. “Growing up without a home can have devastating impacts on […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed today’s decision by the International Court of Justice, calling it a landmark ruling that must be a turning point to end the violence. “Today’s landmark ruling by the ICJ is a clear win for South Africa and must be a turning point in this horrific conflict. “Significantly, the […]

The revelation that Ryanair has bought up 25 homes in an estate in Swords, Co. Dublin, is another kick in the teeth for first-time buyers, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “It is already hard enough for people looking to get a place of their own when rents are at the highest ever […]

The fourth National Biodiversity Plan, which was published today, has been described as a missed opportunity by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, said: “A biodiversity crisis was declared in 2019, yet the actionable targets in this latest plan are few and far between. “It […]

Figures published today show that the Government is failing to get to grips with rising child poverty levels, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “The 2023 State of the Nation’s Children (SONC) report paints a bleak picture of child poverty in Ireland and shows […]

The Government must not evade its obligation under the Genocide Convention to act to prevent a genocide in Gaza, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The level of death and devastation in Gaza is unparalleled and unprecedented in modern times. Civilians are being killed and maimed in their tens of thousands, while the western […]

New figures showing there are over 100,000 empty homes around the country highlight the Government’s failure to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “An analysis of data in the GeoDirectory report reveals there were over 81,000 vacant […]

The Social Democrats will introduce a Dáil motion next week (Wednesday, January 24) calling on the Irish Government to support South Africa’s case against Israel under the Genocide Convention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Party leader Holly Cairns said: “We cannot stand idly by while the daily slaughter of innocent civilians in Gaza […]

The Minister for Justice must immediately outline her long-term policing plan for Dublin now that the garda overtime budget for the city has been exhausted, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said: “The €10 million in garda overtime announced for the capital last summer was always going to […]

The Government has been strongly criticised for not supporting an amendment by Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan to effectively ban the bulk purchase of homes by investment funds. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Last night, I submitted an amendment calling for a 100 per cent stamp duty rate on the bulk […]