News

Instead of kowtowing to developers and investment funds, the government needs a radical reset of housing policy The Housing Minister is continuing to cook the books when it comes to this government’s record on the delivery of affordable homes, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. “The Housing Minister is continuing to try to […]

The commencement of excavation work today at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam represents an important milestone in the long campaign for truth and justice, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “Today marks a significant step towards restoring the dignity […]

Last-minute government amendments and an unwillingness to accept any opposition amendments have undermined years of important work on the Mental Health Bill, according to Social Democrats Mental Health and Disability spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “Some government amendments, introduced on deadline day for submissions at Committee Stage, have significantly altered the human rights ethos […]

The government must immediately urge the US to rescind its sanction on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “UN Special Rapporteurs are independent experts charged with upholding human rights – Francesca Albanese is peerless when it comes to highlighting states’ obligations to protect the […]

This is a scheme which would leverage some of the €163 billion which is sitting in Irish deposit accounts to fund the delivery of thousands of affordable homes. Deputy Hearne said: “This government has a singular focus – design housing policy that will benefit developers and investment funds. “In fact, the only measures taken by […]

If these children are not allowed to come to Ireland it will be a stain on this government that will never be erased The government should be moving heaven and earth to ensure 33 children from the West Bank can travel to Ireland with GAA Palestine next week, according to Social Democrats sports spokesperson Sinéad […]

Tusla is no longer fit for purpose and needs root-and-branch reform, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Year after year, government after government, Tusla has never been empowered to cope with the demand for child protection and welfare referrals. This negligence is a government choice. “Annual referrals have more than […]

The gaps in cancer care are a result of lessening government commitment to the National Cancer Strategy, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “Today’s Irish Cancer Society report shows a postcode lottery exists for patients trying to access vital cancer care – receiving treatment for a serious illness should never […]

New HSE research showing that only 38 per cent of people in Ireland are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer highlights the need for the government to proceed with alcohol health warning labels, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “This latest research […]

If religious orders are unwilling to contribute to redress, the government must go after them with a legal team, not a begging bowl The decision to establish a commission of investigation into historic sexual abuse in schools is welcome but the government must ensure religious orders contribute to redress, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson […]