News

The Social Democrats have a very real opportunity to build on recent electoral successes in next month’s Dublin Central and Galway West by-elections, according to party leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns made her comments after the writs for the by-elections were moved last night, with polling day confirmed for Friday, May 22. She said: “I […]

Social Democrats media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney has expressed concern over reports that Irish artists will lose out to the tune of €100,000 a year as a result of RTÉ Radio One’s decision to outsource its newly rebranded jingles to a UK-based company. Deputy Gibney said: “The jury is still very much out on the new […]

Forged references provided for staff at unregulated children’s care homes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential harm of Special Emergency Arrangements, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “It’s time to call a halt on these shambolic, unregulated and frankly dangerous substitutes for State […]

The Government is ignoring the growing demand for the creation of gaelscoileanna and gaelcholáistí across Ireland, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “There are 11 counties with no gaelcholáistí, no option for parents or their children to receive an education in their native language. “More than 50% of the Department […]

The announcement of so-called “inclusive special classes” in mainstream schools has been made without clarity or engagement with school communities, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. The announcement forms part of a wider package of 45 new special classes for the 2026/27 school year, including five pilot “inclusive” classes intended to allow students […]

Every level of the early years sector, including the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Childhood Services Ireland, must come to the table and attend important pay talks for early years educators, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in early years education and childcare […]

The Spring Economic Forecast shows that measures to curb inflation are needed, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Resources must be prioritised in areas that will curb inflation and have a long-term benefit – such as accelerating the rollout of solar panels to reduce household energy bills. “These kinds of […]

The extraordinary fragmentation of disability service delivery in the State is making it impossible to guarantee equity, plan services properly, or ensure public money is being used in the most effective way, according to Social Democrats disability spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who was commenting after receiving a parliamentary reply showing that the HSE has […]

The Government’s ‘beds in sheds’ plan going before Cabinet today is a recipe for exploitation and substandard accommodation, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “Hiding a generation in back gardens is not a solution to our housing crisis. There are so many flaws in this half-baked plan that it’s difficult […]

The increased prevalence of multi-person room share arrangements operating under licence agreements risks dragging the country back to the dark days of the tenements, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The Journal reported today that one former office building in Dublin city centre has been converted into a residential property […]