News

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for a multi-agency response to reverse the creeping destruction of an environmentally sensitive site in County Wexford. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: “It is heartbreaking to witness the critical state of Our Lady’s Island Lake, a historically and ecologically significant area which is […]

Figures published today for the total number of social and affordable homes delivered last year confirm that the State has failed to turn a corner on the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The government may attempt to dress up its 2024 figures […]

The government must act on the findings of an Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) survey by accelerating the process of divesting schools from religious patronage, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “The survey’s findings confirm there is widespread support among primary school teachers for a […]

The Minister for Enterprise must immediately clarify whether he has any knowledge of any potential job losses at Intel’s Leixlip plant, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who represents the Kildare North constituency, said: “Reports that Intel will be cutting 20% of its workforce are hugely concerning for its thousands of staff […]

The resignation of the FAI’s chief football officer Mark Canham presents more questions than answers, but provides a crucial opportunity for change, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s Sports spokesperson, said: “The reputation and credibility of the FAI is in tatters at a time when the football community is […]

It’s extremely concerning that a government pledge to reduce class sizes is in danger of being reneged on, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who’s the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has warned the Department of Education not to proceed with a reduction in class sizes […]

Statement on the death of Pope Francis by Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan: “Pope Francis embodied humility, compassion and charity. He was a champion for the marginalised and the poor, a powerful advocate for migrants and a fierce opponent of war. “His support for social and economic justice was particularly notable. Pope Francis consistently […]

Those presenting to emergency departments with mental health issues, including children, are left waiting for their conditions to deteriorate, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who’s the party’s mental health spokesperson, said: “Today’s Mental Health Commission report highlights a broken system of emergency mental health care for our most distressed service-users. “Successive […]

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is working backwards when it comes to uniting a fragmented sport, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s sports spokesperson, said: “Not for the first time, the FAI has decided that grassroots organisations should have no voice in the future of Irish football, presenting […]

The dwindling number of properties available within Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits shows that the government’s ongoing reliance on the private rental market is not a sustainable model, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The latest quarterly ‘Locked Out of the Market’ report from the […]