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I love my job and have always had a deep passion for my work and tackling the many pressing social, environmental, economic, and governmental issues we still face. However, after more than 30 years in representational politics, now it is the right time for me to step back. I am therefore confirming I will not […]

Today I am announcing my decision to step down as a TD at the next election. I believe that now is a good time and the right time for me to do so. I have been a TD for Dublin North-West for almost 32 years and am very proud to have had the opportunity to […]

The latest report from the ESRI has highlighted that the Government’s targets are not nearly ambitious enough to tackle to housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The report states that Ireland will need to build between 35,000 and 53,000 homes a year just […]

Attempts by Minister of State Emer Higgins to delay the implementation of a transport plan for the capital have been described as highly inappropriate by Cllr Cat O’Driscoll, the Social Democrats group leader on Dublin City Council. Cllr O’Driscoll was speaking ahead of this evening’s monthly meeting of Dublin City Council where the Minister’s request […]

The Minister for Mental Health must come up with an urgent plan to address the crisis in primary care psychology services for children and adolescents in Cork and Kerry, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “In response to a parliamentary question I submitted, the HSE revealed that the total number of young people on […]

The latest homelessness figures are further proof that the Government is completely out of ideas when it comes to tackling the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “There are now 14,159 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded […]

The Government’s ongoing refusal to fund additional adult inpatient beds for the treatment of eating disorders has been described as shameful by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Patients with eating disorders continue to be abandoned by this Government. Disgracefully, there are just three public inpatient beds in the country for the treatment of eating disorders […]

Social Democrats councillor Danny Alvey has described threats received by the organisers of a ‘Rainbow Disco’ for teenagers in Newtownmountkennedy in Wicklow as deeply disturbing. Cllr Alvey said: “As a councillor for the area, I am very concerned by the news that Wicklow Pride have reluctantly decided to cancel this eagerly anticipated event on safety […]

Long anticipated affordable purchase housing at Oscar Traynor Woods in north Dublin has finally been advertised for sale – but the prices are anything but affordable, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “First time buyers will be paying up to €475,000 for a so-called affordable […]

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called for urgent clarity on proposed works along the banks of the Grand Canal that could involve the use of hostile architecture like spikes to prevent homeless people from erecting tents. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said: “For more than six weeks now, one of the city’s most […]