News

The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) must clarify the process of securing traditional seaweed harvesting rights before any further commercial licences are granted, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore and the party’s Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Speaking after the issue of traditional seaweed harvesting rights was raised at today’s Oireachtas Fisheries […]

It is madness that the Government refuses to adopt solar energy on a large scale to protect consumers from price shocks in the energy market, according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Wholesale energy prices are up 19% in just a month as war raged in the Middle East, yet the […]

The Taoiseach does not believe that Tusla should be subject to an independent review as he believes it will paralyse the organisation, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The volume of social workers in Tusla who have gotten in touch and expressed their concern about recently undertaken reforms is a […]

For too long, sexual health services have been treated as little more than an afterthought by the State, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, said: “A new Sexual Health Strategy was published last year, three years after the previous one expired, but […]

The Government is putting AirBnB ahead of renters as short term rental legislation is delayed, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne and Galway West byelection candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Deputy Hearne said: “It’s been a year since Enterprise Minister Peter Burke secured Cabinet approval to publish the General Scheme of the new Short […]

Ní mór don Rialtas tuilleadh infheistíochta a dhéanamh i seirbhísí agus i mbonneagar más mian linn go mairfidh na pobail oileánda agus go n-éireoidh leo, dar le hiarrthóir na nDaonlathaithe Sóisialta san fhothoghchán i nGaillimh Thiar, Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Bhí an méid sin le rá ag Míde agus í ar cuairt ar Oileáin Árann ag […]

Social media giants should not be allowed to make money from hosting fraudulent ads, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Research published this morning by the Central Bank showed that more than one in three people have been the victims of fraud, and almost two-thirds have lost money as a […]

We were elected to ensure our laws are fit for purpose – and it is high time we got on with doing that job New legislation to amend our abortion law, and ensure women no longer have to travel when they receive a devastating diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality, is being introduced in the Dáil […]

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 […]

Further Government investment in services and infrastructure is vital if we want our island communities to survive and thrive, according to Social Democrats Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Míde made her comments during a visit to the Aran Islands over the weekend. Speaking from Inis Mór, she said: “It’s hard to match the […]