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 has become the party’s spokesperson on Transport and Youth as well as remaining the party’s representative on the Public Accounts Committee.
Deputy Cairns said:
“Daniel’s stunning victory in the recent by-election in Dublin Central has necessitated a minor reshuffle in spokespeople roles among some of our parliamentary party.
“I am delighted to announce that Daniel will be our spokesperson for Children, Equality and Sport.
“As someone who comes from one of the most marginalised constituencies in the country, Daniel is acutely aware of the huge importance of combating child poverty and investing in vulnerable communities.
“Daniel, a former League of Ireland football player, has also repeatedly credited sport with putting him on the right path in life and is very much aware of the enormously positive influence it can have in so many children’s lives.
“I know Daniel is going to work hard in these new briefs and I look forward to seeing him doing that over the remaining Dáil term.
“As part of these changes, Aidan will be the party’s spokesperson on Transport as well as our spokesperson on Youth.
“As a Kildare deputy, who lives in the heart of the commuter belt, the lack of investment in our critical public transport is something Aidan has extensive knowledge of and interest in.
“His experience as a former youth worker, also means Aidan has expert insight into the services and supports young people need to ensure they can reach their full potential.
“I know that Aidan is also going to hit the ground running and work extremely hard in his new spokesperson role.”
The updated list of parliamentary party spokespeople roles is:
Holly Cairns: Party leader;
Cian O’Callaghan: Deputy Leader; Finance; Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation;
Gary Gannon: Justice, Home Affairs and Migration;
Jennifer Whitmore: Climate, Environment, Energy; Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and the Marine;
Aidan Farrelly: Transport; Youth;
Rory Hearne: Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Gaeltacht;
Pádraig Rice: Health;
Sinéad Gibney: Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Arts, Media, Communications, Culture; Defence;
Eoin Hayes: Social Protection;
Liam Quaide: Disability; Mental Health; Rural and Community Development;
Daniel Ennis: Children and Equality; Sport;
Patricia Stephenson: Foreign Affairs and Trade;
Jen Cummins: Education; Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.