HSE must not remain silent on resignation of disability campaigners from steering group

The HSE must make a full statement following the resignation this week of two prominent campaigners from a national steering group tasked with improving children’s disability services, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “It is deeply concerning to learn that two of the three […]

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Cairns calls for full State apology and fair compensation for thalidomide survivors

The Government must offer an official State apology in the Dáil to all thalidomide survivors in Ireland, including those it has failed to acknowledge, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “After decades of campaigning for justice, recognition and adequate compensation, thalidomide survivors have been […]

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Failure to disability-proof Re-turn machines has undermined success of scheme

The Government must seek an urgent explanation from the operators of the Re-turn scheme as to why thousands of Reverse Vending Machines were not disability-proofed before being brought into use, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on Climate and Biodiversity, said: “Significant accessibility issues with these machines […]

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Cairns welcomes scrapping of insulting Green Paper on disability payments reform

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the Government’s decision to abandon its controversial Green Paper proposals on overhauling the system for disability payments. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The proposals in Minister Humphreys’ Green Paper were ill-judged and highly insulting to disabled people. “It should therefore come as little […]

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