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Social Democrats propose weekly Cost of Disability payment People with disabilities could receive up to €50 a week extra under pre-budget proposals put forward by the Social Democrats. Holly Cairns TD, the party’s spokesperson on Disability, said: “Despite improvements in funding in recent years, the experience of many disabled people in Ireland continues to be […]

SocDems propose an end to State subvention for the sector by 2025 State funding for the greyhound industry should be phased out over the remaining term of the 33rd Dáil, according to Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: “The annual report for Greyhound […]

Community-based midwives’ views need to be taken on board by HSE  The Minister for Health must urgently intervene to ensure continued access to home birth services for women living in rural communities, according to Holly Cairns TD. Deputy Cairns, who represents Cork South-West, said: “A recommendation by the HSE to exclude large swathes of my […]

A rotten partnership between the Irish State and Roman Catholic Church perpetuated abuses and actively opposed any form of accountability and justice Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns has called on the Government to fully engage with survivors and campaigners ahead of the passing of legislation covering the excavation of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home […]

We are at risk of becoming a nation of emigrants again due to cost of living and housing crises New research carried out on behalf of the National Youth Council of Ireland paints a bleak picture of how young people view life in this country today, according to Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, […]

The introduction of minimum rates of pay for Early Years workers is a welcome first step in improving employment conditions within the childcare sector, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, the party’s spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, said: “I welcome confirmation from the Minister for Children that the first-ever Employment Regulation […]

It is truly despicable that survivors have found out, via the media, that this review has been scrapped Children’s Minister Roderick O’Gorman has again betrayed and failed survivors of mother and baby homes, according to Social Democrats Social Justice Spokesperson Holly Cairns. “In response to the considerable anger and distress caused by the manner in […]

It is clear that the Government’s housing plan is a failure, but it is renters and those hoping to buy a home who are bearing the cost The latest rent report from Daft.ie highlights yet again the Government’s failure to tackle the housing crisis as rents are driven to unprecedented highs, according to Social Justice Spokesperson […]

The snail’s pace of decongregation cannot continue A new report from HIQA has highlighted the need to speed up the transfer of people with disabilities from congregated settings, according to Social Democrats Disability Spokesperson Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns was commenting following the publication by HIQA today of an overview of its inspection and regulation of […]

We have less than eight years to radically reduce our emissions and the lack of a tangible strategy is deeply worrying The Government’s emissions reduction plan must assist all farmers – not just the big players, says Social Democrats Agriculture spokesperson Holly Cairns. “The Government’s climate action plans must support small family farms in a […]