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Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide has criticised the HSE after the Minister for Mental Health was unable to provide the Dáil with information on approved psychology posts in older adult mental health services. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “Minister Mary Butler’s failure to answer a straightforward question about workforce […]

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 TD Liam Quaide has expressed grave concern following the findings of an investigation into Bloomfield Hospital in south Dublin, which details serious incidents of mistreatment and abuse of residents. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “The findings contained in this report are deeply disturbing. Evidence that residents were […]

Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide has welcomed the publication of the Mental Health Commission’s 2024 report on the use of restrictive practices in approved mental health centres, noting the significant reductions in physical and mechanical restraint and in the use of seclusion. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “The report […]

The CORU regulation process for counselling and psychotherapy must be immediately paused as it weakens professional standards and protections for the public, according to Social Democrats mental health spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “CORU, the State’s health regulator, has adopted a position that is entirely at odds with the main representative groups for counselling […]

Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide, the party’s spokesperson on mental health and disability, has cautiously welcomed proposals by the HSE for a new 75-bed acute mental health service on the St Stephen’s Hospital campus in Glanmire. Deputy Quaide, who worked as a clinical psychologist in the North Cork mental health services from 2013 to 2021, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]