News

The Government’s refusal to introduce a €400 targeted energy credit for vulnerable households struggling to heat their homes is inexcusable, according to Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “In the Dáil today, I challenged the Taoiseach on the rising levels of poverty being experienced in […]

An initiative by Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson, which will result in free travel for three months for those fleeing domestic violence, is to be introduced as a standalone scheme by Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary. Senator Stephenson said: “This proposal, which has received broad cross-party support, was introduced last October as my very first […]

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has criticised the Minister for Social Protection’s refusal today to withdraw insulting remarks he made during a recent Dáil debate on poverty levels being experienced by disabled people. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “Minister Dara Calleary claims he is engaging with Disabled Persons’ Organisations […]

Today’s announcement of a public consultation on the cost of having a disability should not distract from the fact that the government continues to ignore calls for an emergency winter payment for disabled people, according to Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “While I hope […]

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has called on the Minister for Social Protection to withdraw and apologise for misguided comments he made in the Dáil this morning during a debate on the cost of having a disability in Ireland. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “During today’s debate on our […]

The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion on Wednesday (October 1) calling for the abolition of the means test for Carer’s Allowance in next week’s Budget. Liam Quaide TD, who is the party’ spokesperson on social protection, said: “Pre-budget kite-flying by the government over the weekend suggests there will be modest increases in income […]

The findings of a report on the treatment of disability and carer’s benefit applicants are a damning indictment of a system that routinely fails the very people it’s supposed to support, according to Social Democrats social protection spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “According to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) report, people applying for disability […]

The government decision to end a payment for healthcare workers with debilitating Long Covid is an abandonment of staff who gave their all during the height of the pandemic, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide, who previously worked as a clinical psychologist with Long Covid services. Deputy Quaide said: “159 healthcare workers with Long […]

The government must reflect on the use of biometric facial scans by State bodies following the €550,000 fine handed down to the Department of Social Protection by the Data Protection Commission (DPC), according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “It has today been confirmed […]