News

Commenting tonight on the Ceann Comhairle’s ruling that the Regional Group cannot form a Dáil technical group for the purposes of speaking rights, Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan said: “This is a significant ruling and confirms what Opposition parties have been saying from the outset. “Government backbenchers cannot masquerade as members of the Opposition […]

Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan has described the election of Patricia Stephenson to Seanad Éireann as a landmark day for the party. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Today marks another milestone for the Social Democrats following the increased mandate we received in the most recent local and general elections, where we almost doubled our number of […]

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are dancing to Michael Lowry’s tune, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. “Michael Lowry is attempting to rewrite history. Having previously bragged about his role in Government, he is now claiming he is in Opposition. “Instead of objecting to this farce, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are dancing […]

The new Minister for Housing must introduce emergency measures to tackle homelessness, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s new housing spokesperson, said: “Figures published today show there were 14,864 people living in homeless emergency accommodation at the end of December. Shockingly, 4,510 of them are children. “While the […]

Comments made on RTÉ’s News at One this afternoon by Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton amount to a tacit admission that the Government completely botched the handling of its response to Storm Éowyn, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. “Almost a week after this devastating storm wreaked havoc across the country, the penny has […]

Homeowners must see a reduction in their mortgage interest rates, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s new spokesperson on finance, said: “The European Central Bank decision to reduce interest rates by 0.25 per cent today should mean relief for under pressure mortgage holders. “Homeowners have been under […]

Tackling teacher shortages in our schools must be a top priority for the new Minister for Education, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who was announced today as the party’s new education spokesperson, said: “Secondary schools around the country are continuing to grapple with serious teacher recruitment and retention challenges. “A recent […]

The Social Democrats will be a strong voice for accountability, equality and sustainability  Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan has today announced the party’s new spokespeople. “At the last election, the Social Democrats received an increased mandate and we now have an enlarged parliamentary party with which to hold the government to account. “Our team […]

Instead of being laggards on gender balance, we should be leaders This government continues to go backwards when it comes to gender balance in government, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. “This government has a shameful record when it comes to giving women a seat at the top table. Last week, just three women […]

The government must urgently identify vulnerable groups of people most impacted by Storm Éowyn to ensure they are prioritised for supports, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. “For many of those hit by this devastating storm, including the elderly and those living with chronic medical conditions, the ongoing power outages and water shortages are […]