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An effective promise to increase energy costs is a bizarre election promise Fine Gael’s VAT proposals for hospitality would result in increased energy costs for everyone in the country, according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. “If Fine Gael abolishes the 9% VAT rate, and replaces it with a permanent 11% rate, the energy […]

Electric Ireland’s decision to cut the rate it pays to households for excess electricity generated from solar panels has been described as a retrograde step by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said: “It is extremely disappointing to see Electric Ireland reduce its microgeneration export tariff rate, from […]

The latest report from the Child Law Project paints a disturbing picture of how children in the care system are being failed by the State, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “The project’s latest analysis of child care proceedings makes for grim reading. It […]

The Social Democrats have outlined how, in government, they would begin the process of building a public model of early childhood education and care. The party’s Early Years Care and Education policy was launched today by Jennifer Whitmore TD, spokesperson on children, and Cllr Jen Cummins, the Social Democrats’ Dublin South-Central general election candidate. Deputy […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has urged the Government to establish a dedicated wildlife crime unit within An Garda Síochána. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: “A report published today by the Journal Investigates shines disturbing new light on the extent of Ireland’s underground wildlife trade. Detailing unspeakable acts of cruelty, […]

A multi-agency approach is needed to remove or remediate thousands of man-made barriers to fish migration in Ireland’s rivers, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: “What is happening across Ireland’s network of rivers and streams is nothing less than an ecological tragedy. “Man-made barriers […]

Significant investment in greener public transport and renewable energy will be key if Ireland wants to meet challenging World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality targets, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and energy, said: “The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has urged the Government to include the regulation of nicotine pouches in proposed legislation to ban disposable vapes. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “Under proposals being brought to Cabinet today, the sale of disposable vapes will be banned, with further measures planned to restrict flavours […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has written to Taoiseach Simon Harris asking him to support a proposal that would see the State purchase land in Wicklow to allow for the expansion of the ancient woodland in the Glen of the Downs. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s biodiversity spokesperson and a TD for Wicklow, said: […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has taken to the seas today to join a groundbreaking research expedition aimed at establishing if great white sharks frequent Irish waters. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, has a background in ecology, marine science and environmental law. Deputy Whitmore said: “I am excited to […]