News

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 […]

The Agriculture Minister must act on cruelty inflicted on calves in the dairy sector, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, was commenting on an RTÉ investigation into cruelty and mistreatment inflicted on calves in the dairy sector. “This Minister has been asleep at the wheel while gross […]

Disability services were shamefully neglected by the Government in Budget 2025, according to a breakdown of figures provided to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “Every year we go through the same farce of this Government announcing a high-level figure for investment in disability services. This […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the Government’s belated decision to ratify the optional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has called for the process to be completed without any further delay. “Ireland signed the UNCRPD as far back as 2007 and ratified it in 2018. But […]

Homes and businesses impacted by flooding in Bantry at the weekend must be given immediate financial supports, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Flooding at the weekend in Bantry was disastrous – but, regrettably, it was not surprising. In 2020, many of the same premises were devastated in serious flooding and, despite assurances that […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has expressed frustration at the Minister for Children’s refusal to commit to a physical survey and possible excavation of the Bessborough mother and baby home grounds in Cork. “This is the possible burial place of hundreds of unaccounted for children who died at this notorious institution, which operated as a […]

The Social Democrats have launched their Alternative Budget 2025 – titled ‘Building Services, Building Communities’ – which focuses on investment in public services to drive down the cost of living, targets support at those who need it most and prioritises children and families. Investing in affordable housing; creating a public model of childcare; increasing parent’s […]

Welcoming An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse planning permission for an apartment scheme at the former Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has repeated her call for a sensitive excavation of the grounds of the estate, which is widely believed to be a children’s burial ground. “The latest refusal […]

It is shameful that 20 people under the age of 65 will remain in nursing homes this year due to a €5 million HSE funding shortfall, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “In an update on his 2021 ‘Wasted Lives’ report, Ombudsman Ger Deering […]