News

Tusla must confirm if it went ahead with a major reform programme despite serious concerns being raised by more than 100 senior staff, according to Social Democrats Children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “A letter sent to the Tusla CEO by principal social workers sets out a catalogue of serious concerns with a reform […]

The overwhelming demand for so-called ‘affordable’ apartments and houses at the former O’Devaney Gardens flats complex in Dublin highlights the desperation of a generation locked out of home ownership, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Over 1,000 people have applied to buy 99 affordable homes […]

The Minister for Foreign Affairs should contact the British Ambassador to Ireland to raise concerns about the plight of detained Palestine Action activists in the UK, according to Social Democrats Foreign Affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “I am deeply concerned about the ongoing hunger strike involving the Filton 24 in England, who are […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has accused the government of throwing in the towel on climate action after Minister Darragh O’Brien admitted that the State would only reduce greenhouse emissions by half of its 51 per cent target by 2030. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate, said: “It is incredibly disheartening, but […]

Coimisiún na Meán must urge the European Commission to be proactive when it comes to protecting its citizens, particularly minors, from having their image sexualised by AI models, but must not become complacent at home, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney Deputy Gibney, who sits on the Oireachtas AI Committee, said: “Grok AI has […]

The government’s latest promise to introduce a cost of disability payment next year must be more than just another vague commitment or delaying tactic, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The latest commitment on this issue from Disability Minister Emer Higgins must be followed […]

The Irish government must unequivocally condemn the US military actions in Venezuela, which clearly undermine international law and will further heighten global tensions, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Following recent attacks on Venezuelan vessels by US forces under the guise of anti-drug operations, last night’s kidnapping of Maduro […]

The publication of the latest homelessness figures today represents the worst possible start to 2026 for those at the sharp edge of the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “Another grim record has been set for homelessness under Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael. Today […]

The Minister for Housing’s Christmas gift to all of those in housing precarity is to once again mislead the public on housing delivery figures, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “During the first nine months of 2025, 3,134 new-build social homes were provided by the State – this figure is […]

The new Minister for Finance must break the cycle of reckless budget overruns, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan made his comments after the delayed publication of the government’s Medium-Term Fiscal and Structural Plan. He said: “Overruns have already reached €4.1 billion this year. This habit of overspending is not a […]