News

Cycling Ireland is far behind much of Europe in terms of cycling infrastructure and approach. The Social Democrats recognise that cycling is a major transport area that can contribute hugely to society. Whilst there has been a recent Government effort to improve active travel infrastructure, progress has been slow and has not been sufficiently ambitious. […]

Foreign Affairs In government, we will promote abroad our values of an inclusive, fair and just society with dignity, respect and equality for all citizens, which defines who we are as both a nation and a people. A culture that promotes human rights and respect for international law is strongly embedded in Ireland. Through our […]

Drug Reform The work of various Citizens’ Assemblies in recent years has had an important role in helping change the narrative around a number of issues where this type of moral judgement has been at the foundation of policy, and we hope this Assembly will do similarly. The document below is the Social Democrats’ submission […]

Community Banking There has never been a greater need and demand for full-service community banking in Ireland. Many people would rather bank with publicly-owned, or community owned, institutions. Across the country, households and small businesses are finding it difficult to secure loans, including for mortgages and business investment. Improved access to finance will be vital […]

Arts and Culture Every person in Ireland has a right to participate in arts and culture in their everyday life. The Social Democrats believe that arts and culture underpin our overall wellbeing and creativity, our innovation, and our social cohesion. Ireland has a very diverse artistic and creative ecosystem, which delivers huge cultural and economic […]

Animal Welfare The Social Democrats strongly advocate for animal rights, and recognise animals as intelligent, sentient beings capable of complex thought and of experiencing pain and suffering. As a guiding principle, the State should strive to ensure that animals: Live lives free of pain and discomfort insofar as possible. Are strongly protected from cruelty, neglect […]

Supporting Families In Ireland, we do too little to support parents. Despite improvements in recent years, we are still well behind other countries in terms of paid leave for parents, investment in childcare and early years education, supports for new parents, and basic public services for children. The Social Democrats believe that parents and families […]

Northern Ireland A United Ireland, achieved by consent has the real potential to benefit the people of the entire island economically, politically and culturally. We will therefore work towards achieving this in a spirit of mutual respect of and by the two parts of the island and based on a foundation of Social Democratic principles. […]

LGBTQI+ Rights Over the last 30 years, Ireland has made significant progress in terms of LGBTQI+ equality and acceptance. The successful Marriage Equality Referendum in May 2015, and the Gender Recognition Act of 2015, were important moments on that journey of change. As a new party our history is not only rooted in these achievements […]

Invest in Better This election offers a real choice. One option continues our current path. The same old ways of doing politics. Failing on our climate targets. Crisis after crisis caused by leaving health, housing and other public services to the market. The Social Democrats want to help move Ireland in a new direction. We […]