News

The Government’s solar panel programme for schools is not nearly ambitious enough and falls well short of the rooftop revolution promised by the Minister for Energy, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, was responding to reports that a school in Co. Clare has become the […]

The decriminalisation of drug use must be accompanied by a health-led response to addiction and a comprehensive plan to tackle poverty and deprivation, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon made his comments during today’s Dáil debate on the Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Regulation Bill 2022), which is being supported by the Social […]

A planning application seeking permission to place steel railings around Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre to deter anti-social behaviour highlights the need for urgent Dáil statements on the decline and neglect of the city centre, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is a TD for Dublin Central, said: “It is a sad state […]

Figures released today by the Department of Housing show that 3,962 children spent Christmas living in homeless emergency accommodation. Commenting, Social Democrats housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan said: “This is 520 more than December 2022 and a shocking 49 per cent increase since this Government has taken office. “Growing up without a home can have devastating impacts on […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed today’s decision by the International Court of Justice, calling it a landmark ruling that must be a turning point to end the violence. “Today’s landmark ruling by the ICJ is a clear win for South Africa and must be a turning point in this horrific conflict. “Significantly, the […]

The revelation that Ryanair has bought up 25 homes in an estate in Swords, Co. Dublin, is another kick in the teeth for first-time buyers, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “It is already hard enough for people looking to get a place of their own when rents are at the highest ever […]

The fourth National Biodiversity Plan, which was published today, has been described as a missed opportunity by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate and biodiversity, said: “A biodiversity crisis was declared in 2019, yet the actionable targets in this latest plan are few and far between. “It […]

Figures published today show that the Government is failing to get to grips with rising child poverty levels, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “The 2023 State of the Nation’s Children (SONC) report paints a bleak picture of child poverty in Ireland and shows […]

The Government must not evade its obligation under the Genocide Convention to act to prevent a genocide in Gaza, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The level of death and devastation in Gaza is unparalleled and unprecedented in modern times. Civilians are being killed and maimed in their tens of thousands, while the western […]

New figures showing there are over 100,000 empty homes around the country highlight the Government’s failure to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “An analysis of data in the GeoDirectory report reveals there were over 81,000 vacant […]