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Statement from Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan on the government’s decision to ram through changes to Dáil speaking rights on Tuesday, March 25: “The government is determined to ram through outrageous changes to Dáil speaking rights on Tuesday without any Dáil debate. “It is completely unprecedented for any government to refuse to facilitate a […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has criticised the lack of communication with parents and school communities in the planned transition of Synge Street CBS to a Gaelcholáiste. Deputy Cummins, who is a TD for Dublin South-Central and is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “While progress in the transition process was welcomed initially, further discussions with […]

Viktor Orbán’s latest attempt to dehumanise members of the queer community in Hungary by banning Pride events is a blatant violation of their human rights, according to the Social Democrats. Pádraig Rice TD, the party’s Health spokesperson, said: “The decision to ban Pride in Hungary is a full-frontal attack on LGBTQ+ human rights and fundamental […]

The Central Bank’s decision to revise downwards its forecast for residential build completions this year is further proof that the government’s housing plan is in freefall, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The commitment in the programme for government to deliver 300,000 homes by 2030 […]

Prioritising band-aid measures while ignoring the deeper issues in policing will not address the Garda recruitment and retention crisis, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon was commenting as Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan prepares to bring a report to Cabinet detailing changes to public order policing in the wake of the 2023 […]

The Taoiseach must push for the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement at this week’s European Council meeting following the appalling massacre of more than 400 people in Gaza by Israeli forces, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney, who is the party’s spokesperson on international affairs, said: “The fragile ceasefire between […]

Overcrowding in our youth detention system must be urgently addressed, but it is essential that we move away from simply expanding detention facilities, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, the party’s Justice spokesperson, said: “While the recent crackdown on the ‘Lucky Dip’ gang by An Garda Síochána is welcome, the root cause […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has expressed deep concern over plans to scrap much needed sports facilities on the campus of Belmayne Educate Together. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “The Department of Education’s unilateral decision-making process has once again highlighted significant shortcomings in strategic planning, leading to unnecessary tensions between communities. […]

The Irish people must have a vote to decide the future of the triple lock, according to Social Democrats Foreign Affairs and Defence Spokesperson Sinéad Gibney Deputy Gibney was commenting as she announced that the Dáil will soon debate a Social Democrats’ motion which, if passed, would facilitate just that – a people’s vote, or […]

This week’s report outlining Tusla’s catastrophic shortcomings when complying with court directions affecting hundreds of children paints a picture of an organisation in dire need of a complete overhaul, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, the party’s Children spokesperson, said: “This week’s decision of a judicial inquiry into Tusla’s failure to act […]