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People who were illegally adopted in Ireland should not need legislation to allow them full access to their birth records and information, according to Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns. Speaking in the Dáil today in support of the Civil Registration (Right of Adoptees to Information) (Amendment) Bill 2021, Deputy Cairns said: “As we saw in […]

Speaking today at the Social Democrats’ online National Conference, Holly Cairns TD slammed the Government for its shameful treatment of survivors of Mother and Baby Homes. Following a conversation with guest speaker Dr Maeve O’Rourke, lecturer in Human Rights at the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway, Holly said: “Maeve has done such […]

Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns says that the absence of updated guidance in the Government’s new Living with Covid plan on restrictions in maternity hospitals is causing ongoing distress to expectant parents. Holly said: “While it is welcome that some health services are to resume in March, including BreastCheck screening, it is very disappointing that the Government’s […]

Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns has accused the Government of speaking out of both sides of its mouth on the issue of extending the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Holly said: “Earlier today, the Government committed to not blocking the Social Democrats’ motion to extend the Commission of Investigation. However, when challenged […]

Social Democrats TDs Jennifer Whitmore and Holly Cairns have called for clarity on a recent advertisement by Coillte looking to buy bare land and land with immature forestry. The advert, which has been circulating on social media platforms, also says the semi-state company’s position is to sell land that is no longer suitable for its […]

Covid-19 continues to expose glaring gaps in the provision of mental health services, according to Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns. Speaking in the Dáil today, Holly said: “The pandemic is taking its toll on everyone’s mental health. This is especially felt by people living alone; young people who are denied their usual social outlets; and […]

Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns believes that Irish citizens would overwhelmingly support a referendum to enshrine economic, social and cultural rights in the Constitution. Speaking in the Dáil today in support of the 37th Amendment of the Constitution (Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) Bill 2018, Holly said: “Economic, social and cultural rights help ensure a better […]

Cork South-West TD Holly Cairns has called on the Government to put crucial supports in place for the coastal and island fishing communities that have been impacted by Brexit. Holly, who is the party’s spokesperson for the Marine, said: “We are all aware of the considerable concerns of the fishing sector, which will see a […]

Speaking in the Dáil today in support of proper pay and conditions for student nurses and midwives, Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, said: “The treatment of student nurses, midwives, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, radiographers and others is a glaring example of this Government’s utter indifference towards young people. “The Taoiseach […]

Reacting to the Taoiseach’s apology to survivors of Mother and Baby Homes today, Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, commented: “This apology is long overdue and comes after decades of silence, decades of shame, decades of misogynistic control and abuse perpetrated and facilitated by State and church authorities. “Ireland’s history of using shame […]