News

The announcement of so-called “inclusive special classes” in mainstream schools has been made without clarity or engagement with school communities, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. The announcement forms part of a wider package of 45 new special classes for the 2026/27 school year, including five pilot “inclusive” classes intended to allow students […]

Every level of the early years sector, including the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childhood Services Ireland, must come to the table and attend important pay talks for early years educators, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in early years education and childcare […]

The Spring Economic Forecast shows that measures to curb inflation are needed, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Resources must be prioritised in areas that will curb inflation and have a long-term benefit – such as accelerating the rollout of solar panels to reduce household energy bills. “These kinds of […]

The extraordinary fragmentation of disability service delivery in the State is making it impossible to guarantee equity, plan services properly, or ensure public money is being used in the most effective way, according to Social Democrats disability spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who was commenting after receiving a parliamentary reply showing that the HSE has […]

The increased prevalence of multi-person room share arrangements operating under licence agreements risks dragging the country back to the dark days of the tenements, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The Journal reported today that one former office building in Dublin city centre has been converted into a residential property […]

While a number of important improvements have been made to the Mental Health Bill during the Seanad process, the Government has still failed to address several major human rights and child protection concerns, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “Seanad scrutiny has improved […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has accused the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) of being asleep at the wheel for failing to complete an investigation into suspected price gouging by energy companies. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “Soaring energy prices are feeding into the wider cost-of-living crisis and fuelling […]

Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has called on the Minister for Health to act swiftly on the recommendations of the Report on Dental Services in the Healthcare System, which is being launched by the Oireachtas Health Committee today. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson and chair of the Health Committee, said: “It is […]

It’s beyond belief that the Government is boasting about its housing achievements when new figures reveal it failed to provide a single affordable purchase home in our capital last year, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “Today’s figures from the Department of Housing are caked in spin to obscure the […]

The Government’s attempt to ram through the Arbitration Bill without adequate scrutiny poses a serious threat to Ireland, according to Social Democrats Foreign Affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The Arbitration Bill, which the government intends to guillotine after a debate of just one hour, poses a serious threat to this country. The Bill […]