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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 […]

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 must clarify who is telling the truth about €1bn in funding – it or Uisce Éireann, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, the party’s Finance spokesperson, said: “Last year, then Finance Minister Jack Chamber and then Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien both claimed that the sale of AIB shares had […]

The government must ensure that Ireland’s interests are protected in any EU response to President Trump’s trade tariffs, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “President Trump has now fired the starting gun on an unprecedented global trade war, with punitive 20 per cent tariffs slapped on EU exports to the […]

The government must put pressure on financial institutions and vulture funds to pass on an anticipated interest rate cut by the European Central Bank (ECB) to mortgage holders, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s finance spokesperson, said: “The ECB is expected to announce a sixth interest rate […]

Homeowners must see a reduction in their mortgage interest rates, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s new spokesperson on finance, said: “The European Central Bank decision to reduce interest rates by 0.25 per cent today should mean relief for under pressure mortgage holders. “Homeowners have been under […]

An analysis of Budget 2025 by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) provides further evidence that the Government have prioritised electoral gain over lifting vulnerable groups out of poverty, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “Despite the headline grabbing short-term measures announced on Tuesday, the ESRI has warned that poverty among the […]

Today’s budget is a giveaway on steroids that is bad for the public and bad for the State, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “Budget 2025 has just one overriding purpose – self-preservation of the Government parties. “It bears all the hallmarks of a Bertie Budget – hardly surprising when you consider that […]

The €6.9bn in additional expenditure outlined in today’s Summer Economic Statement must be underpinned by proper workforce planning for future needs, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “Problems highlighted in the Summer Economic Statement are mostly the result of consistent failures by Government to invest in critical infrastructure and lack of planning for […]

The findings of an Oxfam report into global inequality presents an opportunity for a renewed debate on the need for a wealth tax in Ireland, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “Oxfam’s report, which has been released as political leaders gather at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, makes for stark […]