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The Social Democrats will introduce a landmark Bill to provide for the suspension of child guardianship rights where a parent is convicted of the murder or manslaughter of the other parent. The Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025 would allow for an interim suspension of guardianship rights immediately on conviction, with exceptions allowed for in […]

The government must review pay-related benefits to encourage more men to avail of their paternity leave entitlement, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “A report jointly published today the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) […]

Páistecare, a public model of childcare and early years services, is the best way to address the endemic problems in the sector, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “It’s about time that parties across the political spectrum come together to agree a vision for the […]

The government must ensure that Ireland’s interests are protected in any EU response to President Trump’s trade tariffs, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “President Trump has now fired the starting gun on an unprecedented global trade war, with punitive 20 per cent tariffs slapped on EU exports to the […]

The government’s half-hearted approach to creating adequate school places in Cork for children with special needs is an insult to the families breaking their backs to ensure their kids receive an education, according to the Social Democrats. Deputy Pádraig Rice, who is a TD for Cork South-Central, said: “Shamefully, it is estimated there are around […]

The rise in insurance premiums against a backdrop of decreasing claims indicates price gouging across the board, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney, the party’s Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokesperson, said: “What we’re seeing in relation to personal injury claims is that they still remain far below 2019 levels, and the average […]

Religious orders must be compelled by the government to financially contribute to the €800 million redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children and equality, said: “It is astonishing to learn today that not one cent has been […]

Confirmation from the Minister for Health today that the second Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Bill will be delayed until the end of the year is deeply disappointing, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “In July of last year, the Dáil passed the first AHR […]

The government’s half-hearted approach to creating adequate school places for children with special needs is an insult to the families breaking their backs to ensure their kids receive an education, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “Parents who cannot find a school place for their […]

The record numbers of people living in homeless emergency accommodation will have drawn little comfort from a lacklustre radio interview with Housing Minister James Browne this morning, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “To describe the Minister’s interview on RTÉ’s ‘Morning Ireland’ as uninspiring would […]