News

The Minister for Children’s proposed reform of the Assessment of Needs process is deeply worrying, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “The decision to overhaul the AON process for children is deeply worrying, not least because the reform was introduced with no prior consultation with teachers’ unions, school staff, or the […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has paid tribute to young disability campaigner Cara Darmody ahead of a cross-party Opposition motion on Assessments of Needs (AONs), which will be debated in the Dáil this evening. Deputy Cairns said: “Through her tireless advocacy on behalf of her two younger brothers, Cara has helped keep the spotlight on […]

Today’s report from the Health Information and Quality Authority lays bare Tusla’s inability to deliver on its mission to protect vulnerable children and young people, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “When children are telling inspectors that their life has gotten worse since coming into care, you have to question […]

Online games and platforms marketed towards children which do not uphold child protection standards must be blocked until they can demonstrate compliance, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “A senior garda from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has warned that children are being groomed and exploited on online gaming […]

More and more families are unable to afford afterschool activities for their children due to skyrocketing costs, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Low-income families are overburdened by being shut out of unaffordable afterschool pursuits for their children, which for many serve as essential childcare – these families are often […]

A lack of resources in Tusla is continuing to endanger children, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The new HIQA report is yet another alarm bell that is loudly ringing about inadequate services at Tusla posing risks to children. “It has revealed that it took the agency more than six […]

Fully updated waiting list and recruitment figures must be provided by the HSE ahead of a joint meeting of the Oireachtas Disability Matters and Health Committees to address the crisis in primary care services for young people, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health and disability, said: “There […]

The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ Bill on Thursday calling for a legislative pathway towards reducing the voting age from 18 to 16 years. Deputy Aidan Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “My Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025 is an important piece […]

Despite report after report painting a dire picture of conditions in our care system, the Minister for Children has repeatedly failed to take action, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The severe shortage of special care unit beds is putting the lives of children in danger, and has been for […]

TUSLA has been told on countless occasions that Special Emergency Arrangements for unaccompanied children are inappropriate and present serious risks, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “My thoughts are with the family of Vadym Davydenko, the Ukrainian teenager who died tragically in Donaghmede on Wednesday. A Garda investigation is now […]