News

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 […]

Ireland must join Spain and Switzerland and close its airspace to US military aircraft en route to fulfil military objectives in the Middle East, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “There were almost 250 more US military flights over Ireland since last summer than reported by the Department of […]

While a number of important improvements have been made to the Mental Health Bill during the Seanad process, the Government has still failed to address several major human rights and child protection concerns, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “Seanad scrutiny has improved […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has accused the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) of being asleep at the wheel for failing to complete an investigation into suspected price gouging by energy companies. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said: “Soaring energy prices are feeding into the wider cost-of-living crisis and fuelling […]

Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has called on the Minister for Health to act swiftly on the recommendations of the Report on Dental Services in the Healthcare System, which is being launched by the Oireachtas Health Committee today. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson and chair of the Health Committee, said: “It is […]