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Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has welcomed the government’s intention to finally move on her repeated calls to grant the Agri-Food Regulator increased powers to improve transparency in food supply chains. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s agriculture spokesperson, said: “With suspected price gouging by supermarkets continuing to squeeze household budgets, it’s more important than […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has described the positive cross-party response to her Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025 as a significant step in the right direction for animal rights in Ireland. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s agriculture spokesperson, said: “My Bill, which was debated at second stage in the Dáil today, is aimed at […]

Animal welfare charities and rescue centres are being left to pick up the pieces in the absence of proper dog breeding regulations, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, said: “Ireland holds the dubious distinction of being the puppy farm capital of Europe, with 30,000 dogs […]

The three-year extension of the nitrates derogation must be used to draw up plans for its total phase out after it expires, according to Social Democrats agriculture and environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “I am hugely concerned by the decision to extend the nitrates derogation – because, if past performance is anything to […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore will introduce an important animal welfare Bill tomorrow aimed at strengthening weak dog breeding regulations in Ireland. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, said: “Ireland is facing a dog welfare crisis, with more than 3,000 stuck in pounds and rescue centres around the country. Abandonments have surged […]

The government’s ongoing efforts to persuade the European Commissioner for the Environment to extend Ireland’s derogation from the Nitrates Directive has been described as grossly irresponsible and hypocritical by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “Along with members of the Environment, Housing and Agricultural Committees, I attended […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

It is essential that the government takes urgent measures in the upcoming budget to halt the rate of food price inflation, which is pushing households to the brink, according to Social Democrats food spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Cheese, milk, butter and bread – the essentials – have all continued to rise in price, […]