News

The illegal use of scrambler bikes is dangerously out of control in parts of Dublin’s north inner city and requires an emergency response from the Minister for Justice, according to Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis. Deputy Ennis, who represents Dublin Central, was commenting after witnessing chaotic scenes in his constituency over the weekend involving up […]

Recent reporting from Investigate Europe has exposed yet another scandal centred in Ireland’s financial system, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “A major Irish licensed gambling operator, Soft2Bet, has been linked to a sprawling black market gambling empire operating across the globe. “Irish licences were instrumental in giving legitimacy to […]

Inner city communities have been left to fend for themselves as scramblers wreak havoc, according to Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis. Deputy Ennis, who represents the Dublin Central constituency, said: “Last week, I shared the harrowing experience of Jayden Deans, a child with additional needs who was knocked down by a scrambler on his way […]

The introduction of a flat-fee system for legal aid representation will effectively dismantle a system which, while not perfect in many respects, functions well when it comes to safeguarding the right to effective legal representation and the right to a fair trial, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: “The system […]

The drug trade must not be allowed to ravage our most disadvantaged areas any longer, according to Social Democrats Councillor Daniel Ennis and justice spokesperson Gary Gannon TD. Councillor Ennis said: “Over 1,000 cases of drug-related intimidation were recorded by drug and alcohol services in 2025, which affected all age groups, including children and the […]

Chronic underfunding of policing and safety initiatives in Ballymun has exposed children to the horrors of the drug trade, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who represents the Ballymun area, said: “Yesterday’s incident in Ballymun happened as a result of safety and drug-related intimidation being left unchallenged in the community by successive […]

A scoping inquiry into Michael Shine, the former surgeon convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse, is welcome but must lead to a full statutory inquiry, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “I welcome the news that the cabinet is set to approve a scoping inquiry into Michael Shine […]

Expanding prison capacity will not fix systemic failures in Ireland’s justice system, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: “In 2024, there was a 55% increase in deaths in Irish prisons – this is not a crisis we can build our way out of. “In their annual report, the Inspector of […]

Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon has condemned the appalling violence which took place in Citywest last night. Deputy Gannon said: “The alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl, who was supposed to be in the care of the State, is shocking on so many levels – my thoughts are with her and her family. […]

Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly has today slammed the government’s latest response to juvenile anti-social behaviour. Deputy Farrelly said: “I am getting sick and tired of seeing politicians and commentators conflate anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. “Anti-social behaviour is defined as nuisance or disturbance, such as hanging around or making noise – things that […]