News

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 […]

The Government must urgently address the failings in the homelessness system highlighted in a joint report launched today by Depaul and Mental Health Ireland, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “The report, entitled ‘Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health and Homelessness Through Integrated […]

Attempts to abruptly move Ukrainian refugees from student accommodation in Dublin are chaotic and cruel, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: “Last month, more than 200 Ukrainian refugees were told they would be moved from accommodation in Dublin 1, where many of them have put down roots in the community. […]

It is shameful that disabled people continue to be at such a huge risk of living in poverty, according to Social Democrats Spokesperson for Disability Liam Quaide. “New research from the ESRI has today painted a stark picture of the huge financial pressures faced by disabled people. “Not only are they at a greatly increased […]