News

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD today attacked the government’s ‘sticking plaster’ approach to the crisis in our health service. “This latest spike in the numbers of people waiting for hospital beds is a direct consequence of the government’s sticking plaster approach to the crisis in our health service. Constant firefighting is not the solution […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD, has raised fresh questions and concerns about the 42 schools constructed by Western Building Systems which are currently being assessed for structural defects. We need answers to these questions for anxious parents, teachers and other school staff who have spent the mid-term break concerned about whether they will have […]

The Social Democrats today warmly welcomed the re-election of Michael D. Higgins as a vote for an inclusive and compassionate President who speaks for all the people of Ireland. “The incredibly strong mandate for Michael D. Higgins shows that people want to see our country led by a decent, inclusive and compassionate President who speaks […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD today described as inexcusable the Taoiseach’s refusal to give a commitment to bring any future agreement about the new National Maternity Hospital before the Dáil in advance of it being signed off. “There is grave concern, especially among women, about the fact that it is proposed to transfer ownership […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD has taken the government to task for failing to deliver effective corruption law reforms despite repeated promises and re-hashed plans. “The Social Democrats have long recognised the need for a more coordinated approach to tackling corruption and corporate crime. As far back as November 2015, we proposed the creation […]

The Social Democrats today called for a Yes vote in next week’s referendum to remove the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution on the grounds that it is outdated, obsolete and unnecessary. “The removal of the offence of blasphemy is yet one more step along the way to the full separation of Church and State.” […]

Deputy Róisín Shortall, co-leader of the Social Democrats today hit out at Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy for the fact that over 300 cases with An Bord Pleanála are awaiting a decision for more than six months. “Minister for Health Simon Harris must make it a top priority for the HSE to agree this important protocol […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD has said the Minister for Health must intervene to get clear answers to fresh questions and concerns raised today by the Scally Review into the CervicalCheck crisis. “It is alarming to learn today from members of the Scally Review that there may be other women affected by the CervicalCheck […]

Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD has accused the government of cherry-picking crucial Sláintecare health reforms in Budget 2019.. “It is incredibly disappointing that the Budget has fallen very far short of the funding needed to properly implement the vision set out in Sláintecare for a universal single tier health service where people are treated […]

The Social Democrats today unveiled the party’s Alternative Budget for 2019, an ambitious and fully-costed plan to help families live decent and affordable lives by driving down daily living costs and investing in public services. “Our Budget presents a vision for a fairer future where all people can live affordable lives without having to constantly […]