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Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has called on the Minister for Social Protection to withdraw and apologise for misguided comments he made in the Dáil this morning during a debate on the cost of having a disability in Ireland. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “During today’s debate on our […]

The Dáil will today debate a Social Democrats’ motion calling on the government to introduce an emergency winter payment of €400 for disabled people within a month. Eoin Hayes TD, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “Not only did Budget 2026 fail to include a cost of disability payment, it left disabled […]

The Social Democrats today called on the government to immediately introduce an emergency winter payment of €400 for people with disabilities. The call was made at briefing in Leinster House this morning, which was attended by representatives from the Disability Federation of Ireland, Access for All Ireland, and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Speaking at the […]

The government’s latest promise to introduce a cost of disability payment next year must be more than just another vague commitment or delaying tactic, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The latest commitment on this issue from Disability Minister Emer Higgins must be followed […]

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 […]

Disabled people will experience increased hardship this winter because of the government’s failure to introduce a weekly cost of disability payment and other targeted supports in the budget, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Speaking on International Day of Disabled Persons, Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “Next Tuesday, the […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has strongly criticised the government’s failure to engage with disability groups as part of a review of its response to Storm Éowyn. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s climate spokesperson, said: “At today’s Climate Committee meeting I was really taken aback to learn that the Department of Housing did not […]

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 […]

There must be urgent reform of the State examinations system to ensure that students with dyslexia are granted additional time and appropriate supports during their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “Earlier this month at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Youth, I highlighted […]

People with disabilities and their families have been failed by Budget 2026, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “It has long been recognised that having a disability comes with significant additional financial pressures, including the costs of therapies, equipment and transport. Despite repeated calls […]