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The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has laid bare the stark reality facing our most vulnerable citizens: the government’s decisions in the budget are set to increase poverty rates, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The Budget 2026 Flash Impact Analysis report, published this morning by the PBO, found that income […]

Budget 2026 will be remembered for prioritising big developers and fast-food chains over the needs of struggling households, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “This is a budget characterised by bad choices and missed opportunities. It paints a picture of a government firmly on the side of vested interests rather […]

It is less than a week since the government published its summer economic statement, using an assumption of no tariffs The government must publish an updated summer economic statement following this evening’s 15% tariff deal between the EU and the United States, according to Social Democrats finance spokesman Cian O’Callaghan. “I welcome that a deal […]

The government’s 10-year development plan comprises just 49 pages which seek to bamboozle with the budget to disguise the paucity of both commitments and detail The National Development Plan announced today is so vague it doesn’t even rise to the level of wish list, according to Social Democrats public expenditure and reform spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “The […]

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Social Democrats – which, over the past decade, has become a major force in Irish politics. Commenting on the milestone, acting leader Cian O’Callaghan TD said: “It is with a sense of great pride that we mark our first decade as a party today. The party was founded […]

Rubberstamping this increase without proper scrutiny amounts to a dereliction of duty from government, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who’s the party’s finance spokesperson, said: “The report from the National Claims Information Database (NCID), released by the Central Bank, indicates that the cost of motor claims increased by 23% during […]

Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan has expressed the party’s deepest condolences at the news of the passing of Brother Kevin Crowley. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Brother Kevin was a champion of Dublin’s most vulnerable. He devoted his life to the service of those in need through his work with the Capuchin Centre, which he founded […]

The Minister for Finance must wake up to the threats facing our economy, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who’s the party’s finance spokesperson, said: “Minister Donohoe has told the Finance Committee that the bulk of windfall corporation tax receipts are being used to fund day-to-day spending. “The government is repeating […]

The government will have another opportunity to stop the Central Bank facilitating the sale of Israeli war bonds after the Social Democrats announced plans to use its Dáil time to bring forward a cross-party motion on the issue, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. “Last week, while decrying the situation in Gaza as […]

It’s time for the government to finally act on their promise to address the assessment of need crisis, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “According to the Disability Act 2005, an assessment of need must be completed within six months of the date the application is received. “Yet, in the […]