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Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide has expressed concern after the Department of Education Inspectorate found issues with almost all admission policies used by a selection of mainstream schools to determine entry to additional needs classes. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “There are clear issues highlighted in this review – which […]

RTÉ’s investigation into the systematic sexual abuse of children by Christian Brothers should serve as a salutary reminder of the need to end the prevalence of religious orders in our schools, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is a TD for Dublin South-Central and the party’s education spokesperson, said: “Last night’s […]

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) must immediately act on the findings of damning report into the use of surgical implants and implantable medical devices at its hospitals, including Temple Street, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “Today’s report from the Health Information and Quality Authority […]

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 […]

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 […]

This week’s report outlining Tusla’s catastrophic shortcomings when complying with court directions affecting hundreds of children paints a picture of an organisation in dire need of a complete overhaul, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, the party’s Children spokesperson, said: “This week’s decision of a judicial inquiry into Tusla’s failure to act […]

The Taoiseach must keep his promise to correct employment and governance structures for School Completion Programme (SCP) staff, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “Today’s ESRI report, the second of its kind, has been welcomed by School Completion Programme (SCP) workers around the country – […]

Government must urgently address the severe shortage of special school places across the country, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins, ahead of today’s protest. Deputy Cummins, the party’s’ spokesperson for Education, said: “I stand in solidarity with the parents and guardians participating in today’s 24-hour sleep-out protest outside the Department of Education.  “They aim […]

The deepening crisis in public dentistry requires urgent action from government, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s Health spokesperson, said: “No family should be told that their child will face a decade-long wait for treatment to stop debilitating pain. “The fact that Tiernan Murphy-Power, a six-year-old with autism, […]