News

Multiple HR and ICT deficiencies identified during a Medical Council inspection of CHI sites underpin the need for the new National Children’s Hospital to open without further delay, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “Today’s report highlights a number of concerning issues at CHI hospitals, where creaking ICT systems were […]

The Minister for Children must appear before the Oireachtas Children’s Committee to outline how and when proposals for a public model of childcare will be achieved, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Yesterday’s announcement of the government’s plan to provide a public childcare system omitted any and all detail of […]

It’s imperative that Minister for Children Norma Foley presents her department’s rough plan for the rollout of public, not-for-profit childcare to the Oireachtas Childrens Committee for scrutiny and input from the sector’s experts, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “I commend the Minister for this potentially monumental policy shift towards […]

Today’s report by the Child Law Project lays bare the dangers faced by vulnerable children as a result of Tusla’s shortcomings, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Today’s report shows the Child and Family Agency has continued to fail to comply with court orders relating to vulnerable children – recently, […]

The government is flailing around on the Grok AI scandal unable to get its story straight, according to Social Democrats media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. “Last night, on Prime Time, AI Minister Niamh Smyth was clear that we have “very strong and robust” laws which criminalise the spread of non-consensual sexualised images of women and children, […]

Tusla must confirm if it went ahead with a major reform programme despite serious concerns being raised by more than 100 senior staff, according to Social Democrats Children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “A letter sent to the Tusla CEO by principal social workers sets out a catalogue of serious concerns with a reform […]

The government’s decision to renege on promises to roll out a public model of childcare is shortsighted and lacking in ambition, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “I’m deeply disappointed that there’s been no mention of the provision of public childcare in the Minister for Children’s action plan for the sector. […]

The government’s delayed childcare plan must contain a clear timeline for reducing monthly fees to €200 and begin the process of establishing a public early years model, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s children’s spokesperson, said: “Prior to last year’s general election, Simon Harris promised to publish a […]

The Minister for Children’s proposed reform of the Assessment of Needs process is deeply worrying, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “The decision to overhaul the AON process for children is deeply worrying, not least because the reform was introduced with no prior consultation with teachers’ unions, school staff, or the […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has paid tribute to young disability campaigner Cara Darmody ahead of a cross-party Opposition motion on Assessments of Needs (AONs), which will be debated in the Dáil this evening. Deputy Cairns said: “Through her tireless advocacy on behalf of her two younger brothers, Cara has helped keep the spotlight on […]