News

Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins has expressed solidarity with the school secretaries and caretakers commencing indefinite strike action today. Speaking ahead of a protest rally at the Department of Public Expenditure in Dublin, Deputy Cummins said: “As students return to the classroom this week, it is unacceptable that the dedicated secretaries and caretakers who […]

Nicotine pouches should be viewed as a gateway to lifelong nicotine dependency The government’s failure to regulate the sale of nicotine pouches poses an ongoing threat to children’s health and wellbeing, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. “Today, the Irish Cancer society has highlighted that popular festivals – like Electric Picnic – are partnering with […]

The student accommodation crisis is undermining the academic potential and personal development of an entire generation, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s spokesperson on further and higher education, said: “At this time in their lives, students should be focused on their studies, building friendships, and experiencing everything that […]

Government responsibility for the School Transport Scheme should be transferred out of the Department of Education and put under the remit of the Department of Transport, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on transport, said: “The start of the new term has yet again been marked by […]

Fine Gael must accept responsibility for promised childcare facilities in new housing developments which failed to materialise, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “An analysis published today by the Irish Times highlights that some buildings earmarked as creches are lying empty or are being […]

The latest rent figures published today show that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy failures have resulted in a social and economic disaster, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “According to the latest analysis by daft.ie, the average open market rent nationwide is now over […]

The Minister for Justice’s comments today that he would feel safe walking around Dublin at any time of the day or night show how far removed he is from the reality of life in our capital city, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central and is the party’s justice spokesperson, […]

Bus Éireann and the Department of Education must immediately outline how many pupils will be affected by the last-minute cancellation of bus services due to operate next week under the School Transport Scheme, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on transport, said: “With only days to go […]

The Israeli government’s intention to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank underscores the importance of Ireland enacting the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB) without further delay, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The approval of the E1 project, which would bisect the occupied West Bank and cut it off […]

The accommodation crisis is placing an intolerable financial burden on students and preventing full immersion in college life, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s spokesperson on further and higher education, said: “For so many students due to receive their Leaving Certificate results this week, the joy of securing […]