News

Social Democrats Brexit spokesperson, Cian O’Callaghan TD, said it is worrying that the UK Government is seeking to put the blame for severe delays and tailbacks at ports from next January onwards on the shoulders of UK businesses. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “This blame game is deeply unhelpful and irresponsible. We need leadership from political leaders […]

Cork South-West TD for the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns, is continuing to put pressure on the Government to have Covid-19 restrictions lifted in maternity hospitals. Holly, who has been one of the most prominent voices in highlighting the issue, said: “It is important that we continue to raise awareness of the mental toll that these […]

A cross-party leaders’ forum should be established by the Government to build consensus on a strategy for controlling and managing Covid-19 outbreaks, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, told the Dáil today. Deputy Shortall said: “Issues such as cutting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or extending protections for tenants are political issues – but […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has today called for a reversal of cuts to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and immediate income supports for parents whose children are sent home from school due to Covid-19 outbreaks. Deputy Murphy said: “For most of those who were laid-off last Friday, this will be their […]

The Social Democrats are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Dillon as our Senior Political Director. Paul will join the Social Democrats from the Financial Services Union, where he was Growth and Communications Manager. He has almost two decades experience in campaigns, communications, and policy. He is a graduate of UCD and DIT. A […]

The Dublin Social Democrats TDs, Róisín Shortall, Cian O’Callaghan and Gary Gannon, and Dublin Social Democrat Councillors, have called on people living in the capital to work together to drive down the virus, after the Government decision to move to Level 3 of the Covid Plan, based on NHPET advice. In a joint statement, they […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West and party spokesperson for Agriculture, Holly Cairns, has expressed concern that the agreement reached today between Meat Industry Ireland and SIPTU on safety protocols for workers in meat plants does not include provision for sick pay. Holly said: “The aim of this agreement is to suppress Covid-19 infections in […]

Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, Holly Cairns, has called on the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Islands to extend funding for rural areas and provide specific investment for villages. Speaking in the Dáil, Holly said: “The Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which has been tailored to address the challenges associated with […]

The Social Democrats’ three Dublin TDs have called on the Government to outline what specific financial supports will be provided for businesses and employees when additional restrictions come into force in the capital tonight. In a joint statement, Deputies Róisín Shortall, Gary Gannon and Cian O’Callaghan said: “The rising rates of infection in Dublin are […]

Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats spokesperson on Children, has backed calls for the Government to commission an expert report to examine the feasibility of a four-day working week. Deputy Whitmore made her comments after attending a public briefing event by the Four Day Week Ireland campaign this morning. She said: “The Social Democrats fully support […]