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Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has again highlighted the devastating mental toll that Covid-19 restrictions in maternity hospitals are having on expectant parents. For the past number of months, Holly has been one of the most prominent voices in the campaign to have restrictions relaxed and today voiced her frustration at the […]

Speaking on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns said it is important for the State to recognise the challenges, achievements and realities of being a person with a disability in Ireland. Holly, who is the Social Democrats spokesperson for Disability Issues, said: “This year, the World Health Organisation celebrates the […]

The Social Democrats will bring a motion to the Dáil tomorrow to oppose increased funding for Irish greyhound racing and are calling on the Government to phase out State support for the sector. The motion, which will be debated during Private Members’ Time on Wednesday, November 25, will call for the €2.4 million in increased funding earmarked for greyhound racing […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has called on the Government to do more to address the alarming increase in domestic abuse and gender-based violence, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking in the Dáil today, Holly said: “Safe Ireland have rightly called domestic abuse the ‘shadow pandemic’. During the first […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has welcomed confirmation that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has lodged an appeal against a court decision to allow large trawlers fish inside Ireland’s six-mile limit. Holly, who is the party’s spokesperson for Agriculture and the Marine, said: “The overturning of the fishing directive […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, believes that Ireland needs to look at international models when it comes to providing improved supports and services to victims of domestic violence. Holly said: “The week’s Safe Ireland report highlighted a worrying increase in people fleeing domestic violence. The figures included 3,450 women and 589 children […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has called on the Government and relevant stakeholders to address the underlying issues resulting in gender pay inequality in Ireland. After raising the issue with the Tánaiste in the Dáil today, Holly said: “This week marked gender pay day when, in effect, women in Ireland are working […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has welcomed confirmation from the Taoiseach in the Dáil today that all survivors of institutional abuse will be able to access their own personal data. Holly said: “Last week, the Government changed its policy to allow people access to their own information. The natural extension is that […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has cautiously welcomed the Government’s U-turn on the rights of survivors of Mother and Baby Homes to access their personal information but called for the Commission of Investigation report to be released to survivors as soon as possible. Holly said: “Thankfully, after almost two weeks of public […]

Cork South West TD Holly Cairns has called on the Government to lead by example by providing suitable facilities for public service workers who are breastfeeding. Holly said: “I have been contacted by some mothers who had recently returned to work in the public service but the only space made available for them to express […]