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Government continues to push policies that will further poison our waterways

The government’s push to extend the nitrates derogation is completely anomalous with efforts to reduce rising pollution levels in Ireland’s waterways, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the quality of our rivers, lakes and […]

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Increasing support for Gaza now as important as ever

It’s crucial that the government does not become complacent in its support for the Palestinian people now that a ceasefire has been agreed, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “While the announcement of a ceasefire is exceptionally good news, it’s now essential that our focus turns to its preservation […]

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Establishment of AHR Regulatory Authority is welcome – but law reform needed

Welcoming the long-awaited establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority, Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice today called on the Minister for Health to move ahead with required law reform in this area. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “I welcome the establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority and […]

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Another €20 million squandered on greyhound racing

The millions allocated to greyhound racing in this week’s budget could be put to far better use elsewhere, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, said: “Calls for greyhound racing to be defunded and eventually banned have yet again fallen on deaf ears. It is bitterly […]

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Statement from Holly Cairns on comments made by Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill

Responding to comments made by Fine Gael Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeill earlier, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said: “Minister Carroll MacNeill’s statement should be seen for the desperate distraction attempt that it is. “It is genuinely disappointing to see a senior government minister reduced to cheap negative campaigning. “From my own experience of campaigning with […]

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Dereliction of duty to ignore the phasing-out of nitrates directive

Farmers have been left in limbo when it comes to the future of the EU Nitrates Directive, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “During the Agriculture budget conference, Minister Heydon said that the extension of the nitrates directive is his main priority, reiterating his commitment to retaining the derogation as […]

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Health budget is short on detail, ambition and reform

The priorities for our health service in Budget 2026 are completely askew, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is Chair of the Oireacthas Health Committee, said: “In the Health Minister’s quest for productivity and value for money, she has lost sight of reform. “She seems to forget that without reform […]

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