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Nobody can successfully argue that criminalising addicts is the way forward The so-called war on drugs is essentially a war on poverty, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon told the Dáil today. “We’ve known for a long time that a law-and-order response to drug addiction is harmful and counterintuitive. But this Government has so far continued […]

Minister Foley must restore banked hours system for children who lose time with their special education teachers Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called on the Minister for Education to ensure that pupils with additional needs do not lose tuition hours as a result of the chronic shortage of primary school substitute teachers. Deputy Gannon, […]

Students finally receive their results – six months after sitting their exams Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has congratulated students on finally receiving their Junior Cert results today, but called on the Minister for Education to provide assurances that the long delays in correcting this year’s exams will never happen again. Deputy Gannon, who is […]

A health-led, compassionate response to drug addiction is urgently required Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called for a health-led response to drug addiction in Dublin city centre. Deputy Gannon made his comments after TDs were allowed to make statements about Dublin in the Dáil today. “Today’s statements must be followed up with decisive action […]

Schools should be an inclusive, safe space for our students, yet the opposite is the case for many LGBTQ+ youth The Government must be more proactive in tackling the rise of transphobia and homophobia in our schools, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon told the Dáil today. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, made […]

Taoiseach’s Taskforce needed to drive positive change in the capital Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has welcomed confirmation that statements on Dublin will be heard in the Dáil for the first time next Thursday (November 17), when he will renew his call for the establishment of a Taoiseach’s Taskforce on O’Connell Street. Deputy Gannon, who […]

Government inaction will condemn O’Connell Street to an even bleaker future  Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called on Leo Varadkar to make the rejuvenation of O’Connell Street a priority when he takes over as Taoiseach later this year. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said: “Last week, the Taoiseach refused to commit to the […]

Principals and special education teachers are not qualified to diagnose disabilities or specific learning disabilitiesThe Minister for Education must confirm whether legal responsibility for assessing the educational needs, of children with additional needs, is being transferred to school principals, according to Social Democrats Education Spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon was speaking after schools received an “information […]

Comprehensive transport plan also needed to ensure success of extended nightclub hours The long overdue reform of licencing laws will help protect livelihoods and provide a welcome boost for the night-time economy, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s Arts spokesperson, said: “Businesses dependent on late-night trade have struggled […]

Lack of leadership responsible for decline of Dublin city  Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called for statements to be made in the Dáil following the RTÉ Prime Time special on Dublin’s O’Connell Street last night. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said: “The deeply unflattering depiction of our capital’s main thoroughfare in the report […]