Urgent legislation needed to protect workers following yesterday’s High Court ruling

Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy has described yesterday’s High Court ruling on employment rights as deeply disturbing and says it leaves many lower paid workers vulnerable and opens up the possibility for previously hard fought for pay and conditions achieved through collective bargaining to be rescinded by some employers on foot of this ruling. Catherine […]

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Tailored supports for island and Gaeltacht communities

Speaking at the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response, Holly Cairns TD, drew attention to the unique challenges faced by island and Gaeltacht communities in recovering from the effects of the Covid pandemic. Holly called for targeted supports for these communities. Holly said: “We should commend island communities, such as Bere, Sherkin, Heir and Cape Clear […]

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Councillor calls for the immediate inclusion of Meath into the Midlands Engagement Process and Just Transition Fund.

Cllr Ronan Moore, Social Democrats, has called for the immediate inclusion of Meath into the Midlands Engagement Process, so that community, public, private or third-sector led organisations might retrospectively submit proposals under the €11m Just Transition Fund, which helps support training and sustainable employment opportunities for workers and families impacted by Ireland’s early exit from […]

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Holistic approach need for flood management planning

Social Democrats spokesperson on Rural and Community Development, Holly Cairns has stressed the need for both joined-up thinking from government and a commitment to working with affected communities in creating robust flood defences and mitigation strategies. Speaking on the government’s Annual Statement on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, Holly raised the importance of flood […]

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Ireland should use the UN Security Council seat to stand up for Palestine and to promote peacekeeping

Social Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson and T.D. for Dublin Bay North, Cian O’Callaghan welcomes Ireland’s election to the United Nations Security Council and calls on the Government to use its new influence to promote peacebuilding and peacekeeping, and to stand up for human rights, minority groups, Palestine and other small nations. Deputy Cian O’Callaghan said: […]

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Sustainable fishing means greater support needed for small fishing communities

Holly Cairns, Social Democrat spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, raised the issue of supporting small fishing communities in the Dáil. Speaking on the government’s Annual Statement on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, Holly highlighted the importance of small piers and marine infrastructure to sustainable fishing. Holly explains: “Last week was World Oceans […]

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