News

The government must legislate against the out-of-control number of AirBnBs and vacant homes across Ireland, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “Today, we’ve heard two interconnected stories which highlight the utter disaster of the housing crisis and the failure of government housing policy. “Threshold has shown that more than 8,600 […]

There must be greater targeted investment in schools and communities in disadvantaged areas following new research highlighting inequalities in Leaving Certificate outcomes, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins TD. Deputy Cummins said: “The ESRI’s findings reinforce the need to strengthen supports for students and families living in lower socio-economic areas; that investment must […]

A collapse in commencements in 2025 is hugely concerning and means the government has no hope of meeting its housing targets, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “A new report from Irish banks, which shows housing commencements declined by more than 75% in 2025, is deeply concerning. “In some areas, […]

The government should be using this week to put a plan in place, for a suite of measures, that can be deployed next week when the Dáil is sitting The government’s hands-off approach to the energy crisis is reckless and dangerous, according to Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “An unprecedented 400 […]

The decision to reintroduce state exam fees, which would heap further pressure on families already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, must be reversed, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “The decision to bring back fees for students sitting the Junior and Leaving certificates sends the wrong signal to families who […]

The use of Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) as settings for vulnerable children to be housed must be brought to an end, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The number of children in Special Emergency Arrangements has almost doubled in the past two years “Despite criticism from several judges and advocacy […]

Social Democrats Climate spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore has expressed concerns about the impact of the new Private Wires Bill on electricity demand and supply. She made her comments as volunteers and community groups across the country today marked a National Day of Action on Data Centres. “Volunteers and community groups across the country are raising awareness […]

This condescending commentary is in stark contrast to the approach taken by the government when a man was in the Áras Instead of issuing patronising statements about its role in setting foreign policy, the government should condemn the United States and Israel’s illegal attack on Iran, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. […]

It is highly inappropriate that the Minister for Housing is attending an international property conference in France this week aimed at enticing more vulture funds to Ireland, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “It is extremely disappointing that the Minister did not heed my call […]

Seachtain na Gaeilge must be used as an opportunity to focus on how we can keep the Irish language alive, and how we can support the communities that speak it, according to the Social Democrats’ Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Míde said: “We have much to be proud of when it comes to […]