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There is an arrogance in the government parties thinking they have this election sewn up The Social Democrats have today launched their general election campaign with party leader Holly Cairns outlining the party’s dealbreakers for entering government. Speaking at the event, Cairns said: “The first thing I want to be clear about today – is […]

A major hotel in Dublin, charging exorbitant rates for rooms, cannot and should not be compared to a small cafe in West Cork Hospitality should be split between accommodation and food with a 9% VAT rate applying to food and beverages, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “Small hospitality businesses are […]

Statement from Holly Cairns TD on the start of the election campaign “Elections are about the future. They are a choice about the kind of country we want to live in. “The Social Democrats want a future where every person can thrive and every community flourish. “That future starts with prioritising what is important: affordable […]

Confirmation that the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will come into force in Ireland on November 30, while very welcome news, should not distract from the Government’s indefensible delay in ratifying it, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Ireland signed the UNCRPD as far back as […]

The Social Democrats will bring a motion before the Dáil next week calling on the Government to finally act in response to Israel’s year-long genocidal campaign in Gaza. Party leader Holly Cairns said: “This Government has less than a week left in office and time is running out for Ireland to meaningfully act in the […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has urged the Government not to squander a valuable opportunity to pass the Occupied Territories Bill before the Dáil is dissolved ahead of a general election. “At the Business Committee today, the Social Democrats and Sinn Féin offered to give up a total of four hours of their Dáil time […]

The lack of a recruitment drive to fill primary care psychology posts in Cork has been described as truly shocking by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “In response to a parliamentary question I submitted, it has been confirmed that Cork primary care services only advertised one psychology position this year – a replacement senior psychologist […]

There is no justification for the continued funding of commercial greyhound racing, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Budget 2025 saw a €4.1m increase in the Horse and Greyhound Fund, bringing the total allocation to just under €100m. Of this, almost €20m will go towards propping up the greyhound industry, which has been in […]

The Social Democrats today outlined some of the key measures they would implement in government, including the appointment of a senior Disability Minister, as the party launched its disability policy. The policy was launched by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns and Susan Doyle, a solicitor, disability rights advocate and general election candidate for the party […]

The Social Democrats will insist on a full Minister for Disability as a precondition for their participation in any future Government after the general election, according to party leader Holly Cairns. “We clearly need a senior Minister for Disability so the interests of disabled people in Ireland are represented at the Cabinet table. This will […]