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“I would like to send the biggest congratulations to Catherine on her resounding election victory, which is a seismic moment in our history. “Catherine is someone I have admired since I was first elected to the Dáil, not least because her values so closely align with those of the Social Democrats. I will always be […]

The chronic shortage of properties available within Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits will lead to a spiral of homelessness, Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne has warned. Deputy Hearne said: “The latest ‘Locked Out of the Market’ report from the Simon Communities of Ireland makes for grim reading. It shows that, in September, there was […]

Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon has condemned the appalling violence which took place in Citywest last night. Deputy Gannon said: “The alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl, who was supposed to be in the care of the State, is shocking on so many levels – my thoughts are with her and her family. […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has described a €3,500 fine handed down to Uisce Éireann following a sewage discharge into a Cavan river more than two years ago as little more than a slap of the wrist. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said: “Uisce Éireann received a paltry €3,500 fine this month […]

Serious questions need to be asked about the structure and resourcing of single sex schools by the department, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “The findings published today should make everyone in education policy stop and think – we’ve known for some time that same-sex schooling can limit subject choice, especially […]

The Seanad will debate a Social Democrats’ Bill tomorrow (Wednesday, October 22) which aims to establish a free travel scheme for survivors of domestic violence and their dependents. Launching her first Bill, Senator Patricia Stephenson said: “Domestic violence, which mainly affects women, can force those fleeing their abusers into poverty. Having to escape an abusive […]

Families simply cannot cope with the skyrocketing cost of food, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Soaring food prices are something the government promised to address. “It’s now been more than two years since Minister Neale Richmond organised his meeting with grocery retailers to discuss runaway prices. However, there has […]

There must be urgent reform of the State examinations system to ensure that students with dyslexia are granted additional time and appropriate supports during their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “Earlier this month at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Youth, I highlighted […]

Thousands more households face falling into arrears on their electricity bills this winter as SSE Airtricity’s latest price increase comes into effect from today, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said: “SSE Airtricity has now put up its standard variable rate by 9.5 per cent, which […]

“Fine Gael sunk to new depths at the weekend with their presidential candidate attacking Catherine Connolly’s work as a barrister and the party putting out a Trumpian social media attack ad on the same issue. “It is an essential principle of our legal system that barristers are not associated with their clients and that barristers […]