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Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has accused the government of throwing in the towel on climate action after Minister Darragh O’Brien admitted that the State would only reduce greenhouse emissions by half of its 51 per cent target by 2030. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate, said: “It is incredibly disheartening, but […]

Coimisiún na Meán must urge the European Commission to be proactive when it comes to protecting its citizens, particularly minors, from having their image sexualised by AI models, but must not become complacent at home, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney Deputy Gibney, who sits on the Oireachtas AI Committee, said: “Grok AI has […]

The government’s latest promise to introduce a cost of disability payment next year must be more than just another vague commitment or delaying tactic, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The latest commitment on this issue from Disability Minister Emer Higgins must be followed […]

The Irish government must unequivocally condemn the US military actions in Venezuela, which clearly undermine international law and will further heighten global tensions, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Following recent attacks on Venezuelan vessels by US forces under the guise of anti-drug operations, last night’s kidnapping of Maduro […]

The publication of the latest homelessness figures today represents the worst possible start to 2026 for those at the sharp edge of the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “Another grim record has been set for homelessness under Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael. Today […]

The Minister for Housing’s Christmas gift to all of those in housing precarity is to once again mislead the public on housing delivery figures, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “During the first nine months of 2025, 3,134 new-build social homes were provided by the State – this figure is […]

The new Minister for Finance must break the cycle of reckless budget overruns, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan made his comments after the delayed publication of the government’s Medium-Term Fiscal and Structural Plan. He said: “Overruns have already reached €4.1 billion this year. This habit of overspending is not a […]

The government must protect students from being ripped-off when it comes to accommodation, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Speaking in support of today’s protest, Deputy Cummins said: “Today’s cross-party protest with AMLÉ (formerly known as the Union of Students Ireland) called on the government to address the hardship faced by students when […]

Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide has expressed grave concern following the findings of an investigation into Bloomfield Hospital in south Dublin, which details serious incidents of mistreatment and abuse of residents. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “The findings contained in this report are deeply disturbing. Evidence that residents were […]

The government must extend the payment scheme for healthcare workers suffering from long Covid before it lapses on New Years Eve, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who chairs the Oireachtas Health Committee, said: “The special leave with pay scheme for healthcare workers with long COVID is going to end in […]