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Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has said she is giving a cautious welcome to Micheál Martin’s request that Cork City Council engage with landowners at Bessborough. “On two occasions in the Dáil this week, I urged the Taoiseach to intervene and ensure that apartments were not built on a potential mass grave of infants at […]

If State apologies mean anything, and if this government really wants to protect survivors of Bessborough from further trauma, then they must act The Taoiseach should stop making excuses about the government’s inability to stop a development at Bessborough and start taking action, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “In the […]

The Taoiseach must clarify if the government is going to compulsorily purchase the site to prevent apartments being built on a mass grave The decision of an An Comisiun Pleanála to grant planning permission for the construction of apartments on the grounds of Bessborough is shocking, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns […]

Following the recent election of new Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis in the Dublin Central by-election, Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns has today announced some changes to spokespeople roles among the parliamentary party. As part of these changes, Deputy Ennis has been appointed the party’s spokesperson on Children, Equality and Sport. Deputy Aidan Farrelly […]

The passage of the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, also known as ‘Valerie’s Law’, through the Dáil today is a landmark step towards justice, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “This legislation seeks to ensure that a parent convicted of killing the other parent does not automatically […]

Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns has announced that she is expecting her second child. Deputy Cairns said: “I am so happy to announce that we are expecting our second child. Barry and I are so excited and feel extremely lucky to be able to raise our family in West Cork. “I have always said […]

“These by-election results have been monumental for the Social Democrats. They demonstrate the momentum for the party that we have seen since the general election is not just confined to opinion polls. It has now been reflected in polling booths. “Daniel Ennis ran an extraordinary campaign in Dublin Central, topping the poll and winning the […]

“To say this has been a good day for the Social Democrats is an understatement. This is a stunning result for Daniel – and is a testament to his hard work and hugely positive campaign. “Daniel ran an extremely energetic, hopeful and inclusive campaign which really resonated with voters. He is incredibly hard working, compassionate […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has said opposition to her abortion law reform legislation, from the Health Minister and Sinn Féin, is shocking and disappointing. Deputy Cairns said: “There are clear gaps in the abortion law that was introduced following the Repeal referendum which are having a negative impact on women. “That is not my […]

We were elected to ensure our laws are fit for purpose – and it is high time we got on with doing that job New legislation to amend our abortion law, and ensure women no longer have to travel when they receive a devastating diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality, is being introduced in the Dáil […]