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Previous contractual commitments given to newly qualified paramedics must be honoured, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, the party’s health spokesperson, made his comments after raising the issue in the Dáil today. He said: “For the first time, newly qualified paramedics will not be offered permanent contracts. Instead, this cohort of graduates […]

The emergence of leaked video footage today makes a nonsense of claims by the Minister for Housing that eviction notices issued to tenants in 36 properties in Wexford last week were not related to the government’s new rent regulations, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “In the leaked video, the landlord’s […]

The government must introduce a targeted €400 energy credit to help people who are struggling with soaring energy prices, according to Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The war in the Middle East is now in its sixth day and the price of oil and gas is continuing to skyrocket. The average […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has called on the Department of Education to provide urgent clarity to schools, families and staff on the long-awaited SNA workforce development plan, warning that continued delays are creating ongoing uncertainty. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “At the Oireachtas Education Committee today, I called on the […]

The Minister for Housing’s planned attendance at a major international property event in France next week – aimed at wooing more investor funds to Ireland – has been branded an absolute disgrace by Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “It has been reported today that property developers […]

It is scandalous that Irish citizens stuck in a war zone are being charged €800 by their own government so they can get home safely, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The government’s Scrooge-like response to this emergency has been shameful. After announcing that charter flights were being arranged […]

Ireland must rally behind Spain after the US threatened to cease all trade with the country, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Spain’s barring of the US military from using its bases to stage its war against Iran is the right action to take to comply with international law. […]

Social Democrats by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich has accused the government of failing the people of Galway after Galway University Hospitals were found to have the highest hospital waiting lists in the country. Míde said: “Figures provided by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) show a staggering 7,978 people on waiting lists for Galway University […]

The rising age profile of first-time buyers will have massive societal implications for Ireland, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “While we’ve known for some time that the age of first-time buyers has been steadily rising, Cairn Homes – the country’s largest homebuilders – has […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has criticised the Taoiseach’s refusal to provide a timeline for when the government will act on the recommendations of a 2023 review into the operation of Ireland’s abortion laws. Deputy Cairns made her comments after raising the harrowing case of Denise Whitmore during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today. She […]