News

Confirmation that the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will come into force in Ireland on November 30, while very welcome news, should not distract from the Government’s indefensible delay in ratifying it, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Ireland signed the UNCRPD as far back as […]

The Social Democrats today outlined some of the key measures they would implement in government, including the appointment of a senior Disability Minister, as the party launched its disability policy. The policy was launched by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns and Susan Doyle, a solicitor, disability rights advocate and general election candidate for the party […]

The Social Democrats will insist on a full Minister for Disability as a precondition for their participation in any future Government after the general election, according to party leader Holly Cairns. “We clearly need a senior Minister for Disability so the interests of disabled people in Ireland are represented at the Cabinet table. This will […]

Disability services were shamefully neglected by the Government in Budget 2025, according to a breakdown of figures provided to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “Every year we go through the same farce of this Government announcing a high-level figure for investment in disability services. This […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the Government’s belated decision to ratify the optional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has called for the process to be completed without any further delay. “Ireland signed the UNCRPD as far back as 2007 and ratified it in 2018. But […]

It is shameful that 20 people under the age of 65 will remain in nursing homes this year due to a €5 million HSE funding shortfall, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “In an update on his 2021 ‘Wasted Lives’ report, Ombudsman Ger Deering […]

The HSE must make a full statement following the resignation this week of two prominent campaigners from a national steering group tasked with improving children’s disability services, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “It is deeply concerning to learn that two of the three […]

The Government must offer an official State apology in the Dáil to all thalidomide survivors in Ireland, including those it has failed to acknowledge, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “After decades of campaigning for justice, recognition and adequate compensation, thalidomide survivors have been […]

The Government must seek an urgent explanation from the operators of the Re-turn scheme as to why thousands of Reverse Vending Machines were not disability-proofed before being brought into use, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on Climate and Biodiversity, said: “Significant accessibility issues with these machines […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the Government’s decision to abandon its controversial Green Paper proposals on overhauling the system for disability payments. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The proposals in Minister Humphreys’ Green Paper were ill-judged and highly insulting to disabled people. “It should therefore come as little […]