News

A review of the hot school meals scheme must be carried out to assess the nutritional standard of food being served to children, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “While the planned expansion of this initiative is welcome, concerns have been expressed by some teachers […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Government to provide urgent financial supports to the horticulture sector in the wake of Storm Éowyn. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s agriculture spokesperson, said: “Given the importance of our horticulture sector, it is unacceptable that there has been no real discussion about how it has […]

The cost of repairs to the electricity network in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn should not be passed on to customers under any circumstances, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “For the thousands of customers still waiting to have their power restored – almost […]

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 […]