News

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon is to ask the Oireachtas Arts Committee to call the Arts Council to appear before it over its decision to cancel a communications tender four months after it commenced the process. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson for the Arts, said: “On June 30, the Arts Council advertised a […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Further and Higher Education, is calling for greater supports for third level students who are encountering difficulties with online learning. Holly said: “This year’s college experience is like no other and is proving to be a very uncertain and trying time for many students. With practically all teaching […]

Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Agriculture, has welcomed the Special Covid Committee’s recommendation that other Dáil committees should examine serious ongoing issues in meat plants. Holly said: “I have been calling for a taskforce to examine conditions for workers in this sector for months so am glad that this report reflects the serious […]

The Social Democrats have launched their alternative budget, with a call for the Government to focus on ‘Survival and Revival’ across economic and social life. The party is calling for a focus on protecting jobs and incomes, strengthening public services, and investing to offer people hope in the future. The party’s pre-budget document lays out a […]

As we arrive at a point of national crisis in our fight against Covid-19, it is deeply concerning that our contact tracing system is on the verge of collapse, Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, told the Dáil today. Deputy Murphy said: “In recent days, Dr Anne Dee, a consultant in public health […]

Responding to the grave concern expressed this evening by the Chief Medical Officer about the deterioration in the numbers of Covid-19 cases even since Sunday last, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats said: “The country is in the middle of a very serious phase of the battle against the pandemic. Today’s figures are […]

Social Democrats spokesperson on Climate Change, Jennifer Whitmore TD, has welcomed today’s publication of the Climate Action Bill. However, she said it must be poverty and disability-proofed to ensure a just transition as part of our carbon reduction journey so that no workers or communities are left behind. Deputy Whitmore said: “This Bill has been […]

Holly Cairns TD, the Social Democrats spokesperson on Disability Matters, has backed a cross-party motion calling for the full reopening of support services for people with disabilities. Holly said: “This motion highlights underlying issues in the sector and the need for a rights-based approach to ensure sustainable capacity within disability services. “It is fair to […]

The complete absence of safeguards on international travel is extraordinary given the rising levels of the virus, according to Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats. Raising the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dáil today, Deputy Shortall said: “On a day when the entire country enters into Level 3 restrictions due to increasing […]

Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson and Dublin Bay North TD, Cian O’Callaghan, has expressed alarm at the latest social housing output figures. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The Government set a target to build 7,736 social homes in 2020. In the first half of the year, they reached less than 10% of that target, building just 725. “This […]