News

Today’s warning from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) that grocery prices are set to rise further in the second half of this year highlights the need to give the Agri-Food Regulator additional powers, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, said: “With households already […]

An independent UN report which confirmed the IDF is deliberately targeting and murdering children in Gaza reveals the depths of Israel’s depravity, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “An independent UN inquiry has found that Israel continues to commit genocide by deliberately targeting and murdering Palestinian children in Gaza. […]

People in Ireland are dying from drugs at a rate that is three times higher than the EU average The tepid response to the report from the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use from government is hugely disappointing, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is chair of the Committee, said: “In […]

The process which artists must undertake to create and display art in our public spaces must be reformed and become transparent, according to Social Democrats arts spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “The SEEN collaborative artwork project, led by Joe Caslin, recently highlighted that there is no framework for supporting, assessing, and approving public art […]

At least 24 per cent of children with disabilities in State accommodation are living more than 50km from their home – a situation that amounts to a form of enforced separation from family and community life, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The figures […]

Personal possession of drugs for one’s own use should cease to be treated as a criminal matter and should instead be met with a health-led approach, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Drugs Committee, said: “The Committee recommends the repeal of section 3 of the […]

The Social Democrats are urging councillors on South Dublin County Council to vote against increases to social housing rents this week. The issue of rent increases has been pushed to a vote at a specially convened meeting this Thursday (June 25) by the Social Democrats, Sinn Féin and People Before Profit. The parties have used […]

Minister for Housing James Browne has no grasp on the gravity of the housing and homelessness crisis plaguing Ireland, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The Minister for Housing yesterday admitted that he has no estimated timelines for homelessness in Ireland to plateau, never mind fall. At the end of […]

The Government has displayed a staggering lack of empathy by refusing to commit to redress for 19 women who were subjected to horrific sexual abuse while pupils at Dunderrow National School in Cork, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “These women are rightly seeking redress for what was done to […]

Criminal legal aid is the glue that holds our justice system together – and the Minister seems determined to destroy it The Justice Minister must release the report he is using as a pretext to take a sledgehammer to the criminal legal aid scheme, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: […]