News

It’s crucial that the government does not become complacent in its support for the Palestinian people now that a ceasefire has been agreed, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “While the announcement of a ceasefire is exceptionally good news, it’s now essential that our focus turns to its preservation […]

Today’s official opening of a new 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), while welcome, does not negate the need for a new Model 3 hospital in the Mid-West region, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “I was honoured to attend the opening of […]

Welcoming the long-awaited establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority, Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice today called on the Minister for Health to move ahead with required law reform in this area. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “I welcome the establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority and […]

The millions allocated to greyhound racing in this week’s budget could be put to far better use elsewhere, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, said: “Calls for greyhound racing to be defunded and eventually banned have yet again fallen on deaf ears. It is bitterly […]

Responding to comments made by Fine Gael Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeill earlier, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said: “Minister Carroll MacNeill’s statement should be seen for the desperate distraction attempt that it is. “It is genuinely disappointing to see a senior government minister reduced to cheap negative campaigning. “From my own experience of campaigning with […]

Farmers have been left in limbo when it comes to the future of the EU Nitrates Directive, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “During the Agriculture budget conference, Minister Heydon said that the extension of the nitrates directive is his main priority, reiterating his commitment to retaining the derogation as […]

The priorities for our health service in Budget 2026 are completely askew, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is Chair of the Oireacthas Health Committee, said: “In the Health Minister’s quest for productivity and value for money, she has lost sight of reform. “She seems to forget that without reform […]

The extension of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme is welcome, but Budget 2026 lacks detail, timelines, and confirmation of whether artists with disabilities will be accounted for, according to Social Democrats arts and culture spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “I welcome that the Basic Income for the Arts scheme will be extended […]

People with disabilities and their families have been failed by Budget 2026, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “It has long been recognised that having a disability comes with significant additional financial pressures, including the costs of therapies, equipment and transport. Despite repeated calls […]

The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has laid bare the stark reality facing our most vulnerable citizens: the government’s decisions in the budget are set to increase poverty rates, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The Budget 2026 Flash Impact Analysis report, published this morning by the PBO, found that income […]