News

Speaking today at the Social Democrats’ online National Conference, Gary Gannon TD said: “This weekend marks the first anniversary since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed. Over the past 12 months, our daily news and our personal lives have become entirely dominated by the virus. “While all of us are looking forward to the […]

Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns says that the absence of updated guidance in the Government’s new Living with Covid plan on restrictions in maternity hospitals is causing ongoing distress to expectant parents. Holly said: “While it is welcome that some health services are to resume in March, including BreastCheck screening, it is very disappointing that the Government’s […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore says the Government needs to urgently respond to concerns raised by the Data Protection Commissioner today in relation to the imminent transfer of archives from the Mother and Baby Homes Commission to the Minister for Children. In a radio interview this morning, Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon said she had […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for the Climate Action Bill to be introduced in the Dáil without delay. She made her comments after it was revealed that Ireland ranks in the lowest position out of 15 EU countries on environment, according to the latest Sustainable Progress Index (SPI) commissioned by Social Justice Ireland. […]

Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns has accused the Government of speaking out of both sides of its mouth on the issue of extending the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Holly said: “Earlier today, the Government committed to not blocking the Social Democrats’ motion to extend the Commission of Investigation. However, when challenged […]

The eleventh-hour discovery of backup recordings of survivors’ testimonies should not deter the Dáil from seeking a one-year extension to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, Jennifer Whitmore TD said today. Speaking following the Dáil debate on the Social Democrats’ Private Members’ Motion calling for an extension, Deputy Whitmore said: “The Government […]

Reacting to the news that mother and baby home survivors’ audio recordings have been found, Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said: “It’s welcome that audio has been recovered, but this by no means negates the case for extending the term of the Commission. “Many unanswered questions remain tonight. We feel survivors will need further guarantees […]

Following the Taoiseach’s announcement of the Government’s revised Living with Covid plan, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has asked for the Government to clarify the exact steps it will take between now and April 5th to bring down case numbers and the targets that it is working towards. Deputy Shortall commented: “This latest plan takes […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has welcomed today’s publication of the Children’s Rights Alliance ‘Report Card 2021’. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “The annual report card by the Children’s Rights Alliance is an invaluable tool in monitoring Government progress in key areas affecting childhood in Ireland. This was the first […]

Speaking ahead of the Government announcement tomorrow of the latest version of Living with Covid, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has called on the Taoiseach to take a new approach with a new strategy. Deputy Shortall commented: “People need to be given hope – there needs to be light at the end of […]