News

Government parties are attempting to mount a rearguard action to reduce Opposition speaking time Instead of cynically using last week’s Dáil speaking time controversy as a pretext to erode Opposition Dáil time, the government could resolve the dispute by cutting all ties with Michael Lowry, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. “Government pandering […]

The new government must prioritise the full implementation of the third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore made her comments after new figures revealed a 20 per cent rise over the last two years in the number of domestic violence incidents reported to gardaí. […]

The Dáil must be recalled this week to discuss the devastation caused by Storm Éowyn along with plans to provide support to the hundreds and thousands of people still without electricity and water, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. “Storm Éowyn left a trail of utter destruction in its wake, with the west […]

Ireland can expect to experience more extreme weather events like Storm Éowyn if we fail to achieve our climate action targets, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate, said: “As we once again count the cost of another major storm, the harsh reality is that Ireland […]

It is deeply disappointing that the number of women in cabinet has reduced by 25 per cent to just three, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. “There are now as many men named James in the cabinet as there are women. “Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael pay lip service to increasing women’s representation in […]

Repeated claims by the previous government that up to 40,000 homes would be built in 2024 have been exposed as pure fiction by Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures published today, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. “The CSO has confirmed that a total of 30,330 homes were built last year – a decrease of […]

The millions of euro set to be wasted on the rollout of mobile phone pouches in schools would be better spent tackling education disadvantage, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South-Central, made her comments after the Department of Education advertised a tender for the scheme, which is worth €7.3 […]

Social Democrats councillors Alan Curran and Eibhlín Seoighthe have welcomed the launch of the Participatory Budget Scheme, a new initiative by Galway City Council that enables local communities to have a direct input into how public funds are allocated in communities. It allows residents to create proposals for their local community under themes such as […]

The Social Democrats do not accept that there is any precedent for this undemocratic power grab by any incoming government Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín should end the charade of Regional Independent TDs masquerading as members of the Opposition by leaving their technical group so its numbers fall below the threshold for speaking rights, according to […]

The new government must urgently act to halt the worrying use of nicotine pouches by secondary school students, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. “It has been reported today that an increasing number of schools have been sending notices to parents to highlight the ongoing use of these products in classrooms. This follows calls […]