News

There is no excuse for the decay and deterioration many social housing estates are suffering from across the country, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. “Structural defects, mould, damp and a lack of basic maintenance is crippling the quality of social housing across the country, the impact of which is causing serious health […]

The government must adhere to the primacy of the O’Keefe judgement and establish a fair redress scheme for the survivors of historical abuse in schools, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “I fully recognise how important redress is for survivors as a measure of accountability for what they experienced as […]

Sláintecare must not be neglected in the revised National Development Plan (NDP), according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “Sláintecare cannot be allowed to become a sacrificial lamb in the revised NDP, due to be published next week. “While there should absolutely be a clear focus […]

16 and 17 year-olds must be allowed to have their say in decisions which will shape their future, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly, who was speaking after the UK decision to reduce the voting age in their elections. Deputy Farrelly said: “In the next UK election, young people in Strabane will be […]

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 crippling 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 […]