News

Online safety measures being brought to Cabinet this week fall short of effective solutions to the dangers our most vulnerable face online, according to Social Democrats communications spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “It’s welcome that the government has acknowledged that online safety is of critical importance as we continue to lead increasingly digital lives, […]

A recent deportation flight to Pakistan carried 79 officers of An Garda Síochána for just 24 asylum seekers, more than three times as many Gardaí as deportees, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: “Once again, the State has spent lavishly – not on housing or social supports – but on […]

The government’s new housing plan contains no measures to improve transparency in the property market, resulting in higher prices and more obstacles for people trying to buy a home, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “A study carried out by Myhome.ie and Bank of Ireland […]

The CORU regulation process for counselling and psychotherapy must be immediately paused as it weakens professional standards and protections for the public, according to Social Democrats mental health spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “CORU, the State’s health regulator, has adopted a position that is entirely at odds with the main representative groups for counselling […]

Yesterday’s attack on our peacekeepers in southern Lebanon was a grave violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701, according to Social Democrats defence spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “The protection of our defence forces partaking in a UNIFIL mission in Lebanon should always be our highest priority when it comes to peacekeeping. “Any attack […]

Allowing Israel to participate in Eurovision 2026 is an abhorrent decision by the European Broadcasting Union, according to Social Democrats media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “RTÉ is to be commended for following up on its commitment to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel was allowed to take part. “It is outrageous […]

Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide, the party’s spokesperson on mental health and disability, has cautiously welcomed proposals by the HSE for a new 75-bed acute mental health service on the St Stephen’s Hospital campus in Glanmire. Deputy Quaide, who worked as a clinical psychologist in the North Cork mental health services from 2013 to 2021, […]

The government must use every tool at its disposal to support Seán Binder as he faces 20-years in a Greek prison for the crime of saving lives, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “In 2017, Seán Binder showed limitless compassion and bravery when he, and a group of humanitarian […]

The closure of The Complex arts centre will have devastating effects for Dublin’s cultural scene, according to Social Democrats arts spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “The Complex has been home to exhibitions, gigs, and studio spaces since 2019 – it is now one of the most established cultural hubs in the city, with its […]

Changes to phased dispensing under the new Community Pharmacy Agreement is effectively a cost-cutting measure that will compromise patient safety, according to Social Democrats Health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “The Minister claims that the introduction of ‘improved controls’ around phased dispensing is being done in a way that puts patient safety first. However, […]