News

Social Democrats co-leader has described today’s newly formed government as a retrograde step and accused Fianna Fáil of forgoing the opportunity to break with the past and choosing instead to maintain the old guard of Irish politics.  She said people had voted for permanent change and certainly didn’t expect to find themselves with a grand coalition […]

Speaking on the nomination of Michéal Martin as Taoiseach at today’s Dáil sitting in Dublin’s Convention Centre, Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy said that today’s vote is not a vote about an individual but rather a vote on a Programme for Government for the next five years. She said that while commentators had a lot […]

Social Democrats Spokesperson on Energy, Jenifer Whitmore TD, has said today’s announcement by the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) that the moratorium on disconnections will cease on June 29th  and that the provision of emergency credit to Pay As You Go Customers will revert to €10 from the current €100, is premature and will cause […]

Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson and T.D. for Dublin Bay North, Cian O’Callaghan welcomes the drop in the number of people living in emergency accommodation which according to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has fallen from 9,335 to 8,876. Cian O’Callaghan said: ‘It’s welcome news that the number of people who are homeless […]

In advance of Global Pride 2020 and the virtual Dublin Pride Parade taking place this weekend, Social Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson and T.D. for Dublin Bay North, Cian O’Callaghan has called for a renewed commitment to progressing LGBTQI+ issues including sexual health services, trans healthcare and the defence of LGBTQI+ people internationally. Cian O’Callaghan said: […]

Cork South West TD, Holly Cairns, has highlighted the need for immediate action on supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence. Cork City and County has one domestic violence refuge, which has six units for families; however, due to Covid-19 restrictions that has now been reduced to two units. Holly has called on the Minister […]

Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy has described yesterday’s High Court ruling on employment rights as deeply disturbing and says it leaves many lower paid workers vulnerable and opens up the possibility for previously hard fought for pay and conditions achieved through collective bargaining to be rescinded by some employers on foot of this ruling. Catherine […]

Social Democrats spokesperson on Education, Gary Gannon highlights the need for inclusion to mean inclusion for students with Down syndrome in July Provision. The Department of Education and Skills announced on the 5th of June that students with Down syndrome would be included for the first time in the July Provision, a measure welcomed by […]

The roadmap for fully resuming the health service, including elective surgeries and screening services, is long overdue and now a matter of urgency, according to Róisín Shortall TD and co-leader of the Social Democrats. She said, “For each of the last three weeks, the Minister has promised that the roadmap for the health service would […]

Speaking at the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response, Holly Cairns TD, drew attention to the unique challenges faced by island and Gaeltacht communities in recovering from the effects of the Covid pandemic. Holly called for targeted supports for these communities. Holly said: “We should commend island communities, such as Bere, Sherkin, Heir and Cape Clear […]