News

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore will introduce a Bill in the Dáil today proposing a moratorium on commercial sprat fishing in Irish waters, citing urgent concerns for marine biodiversity and the lack of regulation around the species. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on the marine, said: “Sprat may be small, but it plays […]

The decision to defer health labelling on alcoholic drinks has all of the hallmarks of industry lobbying taking precedence over public health concerns, according to Social Democrats Enterprise spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “This government had committed to introducing health labelling on alcoholic drinks next year – but that promise has now been broken. […]

The government cannot continue to turn a blind eye to exorbitant back-to-school costs faced by families, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “The findings of the 2025 Irish League of Credit Unions’ annual back-to-school survey are stark. Parents now spend an average of €1,450 to […]

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Social Democrats – which, over the past decade, has become a major force in Irish politics. Commenting on the milestone, acting leader Cian O’Callaghan TD said: “It is with a sense of great pride that we mark our first decade as a party today. The party was founded […]

Exporting massive volumes of ‘milk’ powders to West Africa is harming economic and health outcomes in the region, as well as our own climate and sustainability goals, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “It’s not appropriate for over a quarter of a million euro of taxpayer funds to be […]

Instead of kowtowing to developers and investment funds, the government needs a radical reset of housing policy The Housing Minister is continuing to cook the books when it comes to this government’s record on the delivery of affordable homes, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. “The Housing Minister is continuing to try to […]

The commencement of excavation work today at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam represents an important milestone in the long campaign for truth and justice, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “Today marks a significant step towards restoring the dignity […]

Last-minute government amendments and an unwillingness to accept any opposition amendments have undermined years of important work on the Mental Health Bill, according to Social Democrats Mental Health and Disability spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “Some government amendments, introduced on deadline day for submissions at Committee Stage, have significantly altered the human rights ethos […]

The government must immediately urge the US to rescind its sanction on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “UN Special Rapporteurs are independent experts charged with upholding human rights – Francesca Albanese is peerless when it comes to highlighting states’ obligations to protect the […]

This is a scheme which would leverage some of the €163 billion which is sitting in Irish deposit accounts to fund the delivery of thousands of affordable homes. Deputy Hearne said: “This government has a singular focus – design housing policy that will benefit developers and investment funds. “In fact, the only measures taken by […]