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Social Democrats TDs Cian O’Callaghan and Gary Gannon have criticised the government for announcing the latest Stardust redress scheme without any consultation with survivors. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is a TD for Dublin Bay North, said: “As we approach the 45th anniversary of the Stardust fire tragedy, the government has added further stress and pain to […]

The number of mental health patients being held in prisons has reached crisis levels, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “I visited Cork Prison at the end of October and was very concerned about its conditions, especially for vulnerable prisoners experiencing severe mental health difficulties. “The prison’s governor and staff […]

The death of a 16 year old girl in Finglas following last night’s collision involving a scrambler bike is a devastating tragedy for her family, her friends and her community, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, who represents the Dublin North-West constituency. Deputy Hearne said: “I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences […]

It is deeply disturbing that a garda investigation was carried out into the source of reports in the Irish Times concerning the case of a serving member of the force charged with domestic violence against his ex-wife, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on justice, said: “Last […]

Following today’s engagement of the Justice Committee with the Office of the Inspector of Prisons, Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon said the Inspector’s appearance was a stark and hugely important intervention in the conversation on prisons and public safety. Deputy Gannon said: “The evidence presented to the Committee today by the Chief Inspector of […]

The government is once again suggesting that refugees are placing unsustainable pressure on our systems, but the facts do not support this claim, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: “This morning’s announcement that refugees will be forced to wait three years before they can seek family reunification is yet another […]

A recent deportation flight to Pakistan carried 79 officers of An Garda Síochána for just 24 asylum seekers, more than three times as many Gardaí as deportees, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: “Once again, the State has spent lavishly – not on housing or social supports – but on […]

The Irish prison system is in crisis as overcrowding continues to spiral out of control, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon said: “The Irish Penal Reform Trust said this morning that the Irish prison system is overstretched, overwhelmed and inhumane. We’ve known this for some time now, and the situation continues […]

The Minister for Justice is acting in bad faith by progressing migration proposals which lack justification, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon: “Today, the Cabinet is signing off on new migration proposals which have one overriding aim: to make life more difficult for migrants. “One of the more performatively punitive measures […]

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 […]