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Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan has expressed the party’s deepest condolences at the news of the passing of Brother Kevin Crowley. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Brother Kevin was a champion of Dublin’s most vulnerable. He devoted his life to the service of those in need through his work with the Capuchin Centre, which he founded […]

The expansion of the ‘quieter carriage’ initiative on Iarnród Éireann services would result in a more inclusive and work-friendly travel experience for passengers, according to Social Democrats transport spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Quieter carriages have proved extremely popular since they were reintroduced on the Dublin to Cork service back in 2022 and there […]

Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice has welcomed the publication of the HSE’s review of insourcing and outsourcing in the health service. Deputy Rice, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, said: “Ahead of this morning’s Health Committee sitting, the Minister for Health published the HSE’s review of insourcing and outsourcing, which identified serious […]

Last-minute government amendments have resulted in a Mental Health Bill that now lacks crucial human rights safeguards in favour of a retrograde model of service provision for people with acute mental health difficulties, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health and disability, said: “Some government […]

Uisce Éireann is flailing aimlessly in the face of its own crippled infrastructure, which could lead to disastrous consequences, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who sits on the Public Accounts Committee. Deputy Farrelly said: “I’ve written to all members of PAC to secure an agreement to invite Uisce Éireann to appear before the […]

The government’s willingness to throw students under the bus by jacking up third level fees by €1,000 for the 2025/26 academic year is further proof that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael cannot be trusted, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s spokesperson on further and higher education, said: “We […]

The Minister for Finance must wake up to the threats facing our economy, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who’s the party’s finance spokesperson, said: “Minister Donohoe has told the Finance Committee that the bulk of windfall corporation tax receipts are being used to fund day-to-day spending. “The government is repeating […]

The government’s vague stance on a commercial liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility is no longer acceptable or viable, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said: “It’s a damning indictment of the government that An Coimisún Pleanála has had to write to the Minister for the Environment asking […]

The government’s failure to properly fund schools is forcing parents into a cycle of “voluntary” contributions that are anything but voluntary, according to Social Democrats higher education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “Families across Ireland are contributing approximately €54 million at primary level alone to cover basic school costs such as heating, electricity, and day-to-day […]

It is now time for the State to right the wrongs of the past The government must urgently act to disregard historic convictions for consensual sexual activity between men, prior to decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. “It is now 32 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland – […]