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The Government’s failure to tackle runaway house prices is putting homeownership increasingly out of reach for our locked-out generation, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Figures released today by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that house prices are now 25% above their highest level […]

If State apologies mean anything, and if this government really wants to protect survivors of Bessborough from further trauma, then they must act The Taoiseach should stop making excuses about the government’s inability to stop a development at Bessborough and start taking action, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “In the […]

The Taoiseach must urgently intervene to prevent further escalation of the dispute over free legal aid fees, which is causing chaos in our criminal courts and delaying victims of crime their right to justice, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s justice spokesperson, said: “As 100 more solicitors resigned […]

The illegal use of scrambler bikes is dangerously out of control in parts of Dublin’s north inner city and requires an emergency response from the Minister for Justice, according to Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis. Deputy Ennis, who represents Dublin Central, was commenting after witnessing chaotic scenes in his constituency over the weekend involving up […]

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are continuing to put the interests of vulture funds ahead of the needs our younger generation desperately trying to find a home of their own, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne made his comments after it emerged that German investor MEAG has bought up 140 apartments […]

The failure of several Government ministers to take responsibility for the disruption being caused by the use of Dublin Castle for Ireland’s EU Presidency is putting businesses in the city centre at risk of closure, according to Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes. Deputy Hayes, who is a TD for Dublin Bay South, said: “It’s incredibly […]

The Government must commit to a full process of transparency when it comes to historical child abuse, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “Yesterday, the Dáil heard how a letter of confession written in 1970 by former Christian Brother Seán Drummond – who molested 18 boys in a Limerick school […]

It was disgraceful that we were allowing such dangerous facilities to be used for the care of some of our most vulnerable children The ending of the use of Special Emergency Arrangements by Tusla, which were totally unregulated and unsuitable for vulnerable children, has been welcomed by Social Democrats children’s spokesperson Daniel Ennis. Deputy Ennis […]

The Taoiseach must clarify if the government is going to compulsorily purchase the site to prevent apartments being built on a mass grave The decision of an An Comisiun Pleanála to grant planning permission for the construction of apartments on the grounds of Bessborough is shocking, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns […]

Last night’s passing of the FAI motion in favour of proceeding with Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel is not reflective of public sentiment and will only increase support for the Stop the Game campaign, according to Social Democrats sports spokesperson Daniel Ennis. Deputy Ennis said: “The outcome of the vote at last night’s EGM […]