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The Social Democrats have outlined how, in government, they would begin the process of building a public model of early childhood education and care. The party’s Early Years Care and Education policy was launched today by Jennifer Whitmore TD, spokesperson on children, and Cllr Jen Cummins, the Social Democrats’ Dublin South-Central general election candidate. Deputy […]

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has called on the Minister for Children to intervene after parents in his constituency were notified of substantial hikes in creche fees by their childcare provider. Deputy O’Callaghan, who represents Dublin Bay North, said: “A large number of parents have been put in the invidious position of choosing between paying […]

Today’s budget highlights the Government’s lack of ambition for families, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “After months of uncertainty over promised cuts to childcare costs, it is welcome that the further 25 per cent reduction is now confirmed. However, it has emerged that […]

Housing, children and climate take centre stage Read the full Alternative Budget here Housing, children and climate action are the main focus of the Social Democrats’ Alternative Budget, ‘Unlocking the Future’, which is published today. The party’s key priorities for 2024 include: Deliver 10,000 affordable homes next year – a near doubling of the Government’s […]

A 2020 Children’s Ombudsman report found more than 120 children housed in hostels with no care staff after 5pm A report detailing the sexual exploitation of young girls in State care is shocking but not surprising, according to Social Democrats Children Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore was speaking following the release of a new study, […]

The Taoiseach should clarify if he spoke with Roderic O’Gorman before he made his comments or if his latest budget kite-flying is another Fine Gael solo run The Taoiseach must clarify if the government is resiling from its commitment to cut childcare fees by 50% over two years, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer […]

Low pay is the driving factor behind high staff turnover levels Further State investment in childcare will be required to tackle the growing recruitment crisis in the Early Years sector, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on Children, said: “The results of SIPTU’s Early Years (Childcare) Survey […]

The introduction of minimum rates of pay for Early Years workers is a welcome first step in improving employment conditions within the childcare sector, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, the party’s spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, said: “I welcome confirmation from the Minister for Children that the first-ever Employment Regulation […]

It is truly despicable that survivors have found out, via the media, that this review has been scrapped Children’s Minister Roderick O’Gorman has again betrayed and failed survivors of mother and baby homes, according to Social Democrats Social Justice Spokesperson Holly Cairns. “In response to the considerable anger and distress caused by the manner in […]

Child poverty has lifelong consequences – limiting children’s education, their aspirations, their wellbeing and their potential. A special Oireachtas Committee to tackle worsening child poverty rates must be established, according to Social Democrats Children’s Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore made her remarks as the Children’s Rights Alliance launched its Child Poverty Monitor – a new […]