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Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has welcomed the Minister for Health’s acceptance that a dispensing fee should be covered as part of the delayed free HRT scheme – but has criticised the government’s questionable handling of the issue. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “Despite the Minister setting a target today for […]

Expected delays by the government in implementing a living wage will result in people in full-time employment continuing to fall into poverty, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney, who is the party’s spokesperson on enterprise and employment, said: “It is deeply disappointing to learn that long awaited plans for a living wage […]

We’re approaching the last chance saloon of reaching our climate targets unless substantive actions are put forward in the 2025 Climate Action Plan, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, the party’s climate spokesperson, said: “The previous publication of the Climate Action Plan only met 29% of the required 51% reduction in overall […]

The Social Democrats will this week propose the setting up of a new State savings scheme to fund the accelerated delivery of affordable homes. Deputy Rory Hearne, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “Under our proposal, the government would establish a Homes for Ireland Savings Account, similar to the Livret A model in […]

There’s no time to waste when it comes to upgrading public transport services in Cork, which are currently inadequate, according to Social Democrat’s TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who represents the Cork South-Central constituency, said: “Today’s announcement of the Cork Luas Public Consultation represents a step forward, but we still have miles to go. “Cork […]

The Justice Minister’s failure to meaningfully engage with members of An Garda Síochána is compounding an already serious crisis in the force, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on justice, said: “Speaking on RTÉ this morning, the general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has welcomed the government’s announcement of increased investment in the School Meals Programme but warned that without stronger accountability and a commitment to provide locally sourced, nutritious food, the scheme risks falling short of its goals. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South Central and is the party’s education spokesperson, said: […]

The Minister for Housing needs to take responsibility for delivering critical water infrastructure for new homes, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “In the Dáil today, I called on the Minister to make an emergency intervention to ensure that Uisce Éireann delivers the water and […]

Almost half of teachers are at risk of leaving the profession due to the stresses imparted by staffing shortages, a crisis that’s been put on the back burner by government, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, the party’s spokesperson on Education, said: “The nonchalance of successive education ministers’ actions has failed to […]

Justice Minister Jim O Callaghan’s decision not to attend the Garda Representative Association’s rank and file annual conference this year is a missed opportunity to demonstrate meaningful support for members of the force at a crucial juncture, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on justice, said: “The […]