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A taskforce examining the safety of politicians echoes calls by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore to remove the requirement for election candidates to publish their home address on nomination and ballot papers. Deputy Whitmore, who has proposed these measures in her Electoral (Home Address of Candidates) Bill 2024, said: “According to media reports, the Taskforce […]

The Government’s disastrous handling of the international protection accommodation crisis will come under increased scrutiny when a Social Democrats’ motion is debated in the Dáil next week (Thursday, March 21). Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, the party’s spokesperson on integration, said: “In recent weeks, we have seen growing numbers of international protection applicants forced to sleep in […]

The Minister for Integration must immediately respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis facing migrants living in tents on the streets of Dublin, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “The disgraceful scene outside the International Protection office on Mount Street – where around 150 tents now line the pavement – is a […]

Ejecting vulnerable asylum seekers from emergency accommodation, back to living in tents on the streets, is inhumane, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “The State’s treatment of vulnerable asylum seekers is shameful and inhumane. “Ireland is a rich country. There is absolutely no justification for forcing people to sleep in sub-zero […]

It is absolutely disgusting that more than 1,000 vulnerable asylum applicants are living in tents on the streets – during sub-zero weather – while nearly 5,000 asylum and refugee beds are vacant, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “It is absolutely disgusting that there are literally thousands of empty beds throughout […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore will introduce a Bill tomorrow to remove the requirement for election candidates to publish their home address on nomination and ballot papers. Deputy Whitmore said: “Loss of privacy and safety is a legitimate concern for election candidates. The need for my Electoral (Home Address of Candidates) Bill 2024 is a […]

Fundamental problems with how the School Transport Scheme operates must be resolved before eligibility is expanded, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “I welcome plans due to come before Cabinet today to reduce the pick-up radius to 2km for both primary and secondary school […]

The Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card 2024 shows that the State is failing to deliver on key child welfare commitments contained in the Programme for Government, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “The report card, published today, offers a bleak assessment of the Government’s […]

The planned expansion of the School Transport Scheme must be rolled out in tandem with a major overhaul of the system, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “According to reports over the weekend, Minister for Education Norma Foley is working on an expansion of […]

The Department of Education’s failure to plan for population growth and local demand has resulted in a deepening secondary school enrolment crisis for parents and students, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s children’s spokesperson, said: “The shortage of second level places is a major issue in my Wicklow […]