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Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has welcomed the announcement of additional special education classes, but warned that the government must match ambition with action by properly resourcing staff training and supporting families on the ground. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South Central and is the party’s spokesperson on education, said: “The news of 375 new […]

Scrapping a proposed measure which would see essential funding diverted towards domestic filmmaking places the future of Irish storytelling at risk, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s Arts and Media spokesperson, said: “Minister Patrick O’Donovan’s decision to withdraw support for a levy which would foster Irish filmmaking talent and […]

Dire warnings that as few as 25,000 homes might only be delivered this year are further proof that the housing crisis is spiralling out of control, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “This government is following in the footsteps of its predecessor by coming out […]

The future of our housing market is at the mercy of international tariffs and trade wars due to the government’s over-reliance on institutional investors, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “Today’s MyHome report on the state of our housing market paints a stark picture of how the […]

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) must immediately act on the findings of damning report into the use of surgical implants and implantable medical devices at its hospitals, including Temple Street, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “Today’s report from the Health Information and Quality Authority […]

The Social Democrats will introduce a landmark Bill to provide for the suspension of child guardianship rights where a parent is convicted of the murder or manslaughter of the other parent. The Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025 would allow for an interim suspension of guardianship rights immediately on conviction, with exceptions allowed for in […]

The government must review pay-related benefits to encourage more men to avail of their paternity leave entitlement, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “A report jointly published today the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) […]

Páistecare, a public model of childcare and early years services, is the best way to address the endemic problems in the sector, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “It’s about time that parties across the political spectrum come together to agree a vision for the […]

The government must ensure that Ireland’s interests are protected in any EU response to President Trump’s trade tariffs, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “President Trump has now fired the starting gun on an unprecedented global trade war, with punitive 20 per cent tariffs slapped on EU exports to the […]

The government’s half-hearted approach to creating adequate school places in Cork for children with special needs is an insult to the families breaking their backs to ensure their kids receive an education, according to the Social Democrats. Deputy Pádraig Rice, who is a TD for Cork South-Central, said: “Shamefully, it is estimated there are around […]