News

Ombudsman slams lack of progress on replacement schemes for disabled drivers  The Ombudsman’s sharp criticism of the lack of supports for drivers with disabilities should be a source of deep embarrassment for the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “Commenting on the publication […]

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental illnesses, yet vital services continue to be under-funded by the Government  Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has called on the Minister for Mental Health and the HSE to explain why no funding has been allocated this year for public specialist eating disorder services. “I was greatly alarmed to […]

Key appointment is welcome – but timing of announcement raises questions for the Government The appointment of a person to lead State negotiations with religious bodies in relation to requests for financial contributions to the mother and baby homes redress scheme raises questions for the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “While today’s […]

Government must demand scrutiny of supermarkets’ accounts at this week’s Retail Forum meeting The Government must force the major supermarket chains to come clean about the profits they are making off the backs of struggling consumers, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Tomorrow’s meeting of the Retail Forum needs to be much more than […]

Lack of Government action on transport schemes is making everyday life harder for disabled people in Ireland Disabled people are being excluded from everyday life in Ireland because of the lack of suitable transport, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on Disability, said: “For people with a […]

Government continues to prop up an industry that is in terminal decline  Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has renewed her call for State funding to the greyhound industry to be phased out after the Government received a detailed report on how revenues from the betting tax are spent. “The report, which was compiled on behalf […]

Young farmers are an endangered species – we need urgent action  The government needs to take the issues facing rural Ireland seriously and provide sufficient and sustainable funding to help farmers overcome the climate crisis, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns was commenting after meeting members of Macra na Feirme, who gathered […]

Oireachtas Health Committee is the most appropriate forum to analyse review group’s report on abortion services Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has described comments by the Taoiseach on the review group’s report on abortion services as deeply unhelpful. “The health and wellbeing of women must be front and centre of any recommendations to make legislative […]

US President’s visit a reminder of our countries’ close ties and shared history This week’s visit by President Biden continues a long tradition of friendship and partnership between Ireland and the people of the United States of America, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Mr Biden will be the fourth US President to address […]

Delay is especially reprehensible in light of the vulnerability of those children and adults requiring psychological services  The Minister for Health is continuing to drag his feet on the long overdue regulation of psychologists, according to Holly Cairns, leader of the Social Democrats. Deputy Cairns, who is a member of the Joint Committee on Children, […]