News

The government’s vague stance on a commercial liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility is no longer acceptable or viable, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said: “It’s a damning indictment of the government that An Coimisún Pleanála has had to write to the Minister for the Environment asking […]

The government’s failure to properly fund schools is forcing parents into a cycle of “voluntary” contributions that are anything but voluntary, according to Social Democrats higher education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “Families across Ireland are contributing approximately €54 million at primary level alone to cover basic school costs such as heating, electricity, and day-to-day […]

It is now time for the State to right the wrongs of the past The government must urgently act to disregard historic convictions for consensual sexual activity between men, prior to decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. “It is now 32 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland – […]

There has been total radio silence from the Minister today, who has gone into hiding Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael need to get their act together and keep their commitments to students and families to reduce third level fees, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. “Yesterday, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless dropped […]

A plan must be rapidly put in place to support up to 195 staff facing mandatory redundancy from their jobs at the Intel plant in Leixlip, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who represents the Kildare North constituency. Deputy Farrelly said: “Section 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 provides that an employer […]

The Labour Court decision to extend a payment for healthcare workers with debilitating Long Covid until December 2025 is a welcome one, but more must be done, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide, a former clinical psychologist with Long Covid services. Deputy Quaide said: “The government must recognise Long Covid as an occupational illness […]

This year, Pride marks the momentous 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum, but also presents an opportunity to reflect on the status of LGBTQ+ rights, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice and Senator Patricia Stephenson. Deputy Rice said: “This weekend, tens of thousands of people will march through Dublin to mark Pride. While […]

Today’s record homeless numbers are a direct result of failed Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael policies, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne made his comments as a new record high for homelessness was confirmed this afternoon: “Today’s figures show there were 15,747 people living in homeless emergency accommodation at the end […]

It’s outrageous that the government is willing to sacrifice an essential public health measure to keep the alcohol industry happy, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “It is unacceptable that alcohol labelling has officially been put on the back burner – sacrificing public health measures in favour of appeasing the alcohol […]

The coalition parties’ election promise of a €200 per month cap on childcare fees is looking hollower each passing day as discord spreads between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, according to Social Democrats children’s spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Families are paying an average of €190 a week for childcare while rival government children’s […]