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We cannot afford to re-elect the outgoing government if we want to meaningfully tackle the crises in housing, health, childcare and disability services, according to Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan. “Since this campaign began, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been acting as if they had the election all sewn up. However, their arrogance […]

Measures to tackle low pay and precarious employment; the introduction of a statutory right to union recognition; and a commission to set out a pathway to a four-day working week are among the priorities set out in the Social Democrats’ workers’ rights policy, which was launched in Cork today. The policy was launched by Cllr […]

The Social Democrats today published proposals to address chronic underinvestment by successive governments in mental health services in Ireland. The party’s mental health policy was launched by Cllr Liam Quaide, Cork East general election candidate and clinical psychologist. The document outlines how, in government, the Social Democrats will set a pathway towards allocating 10 per […]

The Social Democrats today highlighted 40 measures in their election manifesto to reduce the cost of living in Ireland. Party candidates Gary Gannon (Dublin Central), Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid-West) and Sinéad Gibney (Dublin-Rathdown) set out proposals across several areas, including childcare, health, transport, education, energy and housing, that will meaningfully bring down the cost […]

The outgoing government has serious questions to answer following the resignation of the interim chief executive of CHI, which could result in further delays to the opening of the National Children’s Hospital, according to Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats. Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “I am deeply concerned at reports […]

The Social Democrats today published a range of proposals to support families, including improved paid leave arrangements for parents; a right to flexible work options; and building a public model of early childhood care and education. The policy will be launched by children’s spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore and Cllr Jen Cummins, the party’s general election candidate […]

Maintaining Ireland’s neutrality, improving pay and conditions for serving personnel, and enhancing supports for veterans are among the key areas prioritised in the Social Democrats’ Defence and Security policy, which was published today. The policy was launched in Newbridge by Cllr Chris Pender, the party’s Kildare South candidate, and justice spokesperson Catherine Murphy. In government, […]

The Soc Dems have made the appointment of a senior minister for disability a dealbreaker for government formation talks Disabled people, their families and workers in the sector have all been failed by the outgoing government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “A woman who met Simon Harris on the campaign trail was upset […]

The Social Democrats today published their manifesto for young people, which commits to increased investment in areas such as youth work, education, mental health, sport and recreation, and transport. The policy was launched by Cllr Aidan Farrelly, the party’s candidate in Kildare North, and justice spokesperson Catherine Murphy. The strategy outlines how, in government, the […]

Statement from Soc Dems deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan on Simon Harris’ attack, in today’s Irish Times, on the Soc Dems’ tax plan. “Simon Harris is clutching at straws and is clearly struggling to explain how Fine Gael can propose large tax cuts and massive spending increases during this election campaign. “This is an especially difficult […]