News

Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne has today written to Minister James Browne to express concern over the proposed appointment of Brendan McDonagh as the government’s new housing tsar. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “In my letter, I reminded the Minister that Mr McDonagh’s main role in NAMA was overseeing the fire […]

Today’s hike in rail fares for thousands of passengers in the new Dublin Commuter Zone has been described as a retrograde step by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s transport spokesperson, said: “While I am in favour of the National Transport Authority’s move towards a simpler pricing structure, the new […]

The removal of rent caps and cuts to the tenant-in-situ scheme will contribute to rising levels of homelessness, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, made his comments as a new record high for homelessness was confirmed this afternoon. “Today’s figures show there were 15,418 people living in […]

The government’s headlong rush to introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) without adequate safeguards or transparency is deeply concerning, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, the party’s Dublin Central TD and spokesperson on justice, said: “This week’s comments from the Minister for Justice about the ‘well advanced’ work on introducing facial recognition technology […]

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for a multi-agency response to reverse the creeping destruction of an environmentally sensitive site in County Wexford. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: “It is heartbreaking to witness the critical state of Our Lady’s Island Lake, a historically and ecologically significant area which is […]

Figures published today for the total number of social and affordable homes delivered last year confirm that the State has failed to turn a corner on the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The government may attempt to dress up its 2024 figures […]

The government must act on the findings of an Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) survey by accelerating the process of divesting schools from religious patronage, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “The survey’s findings confirm there is widespread support among primary school teachers for a […]

The Minister for Enterprise must immediately clarify whether he has any knowledge of any potential job losses at Intel’s Leixlip plant, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who represents the Kildare North constituency, said: “Reports that Intel will be cutting 20% of its workforce are hugely concerning for its thousands of staff […]

The resignation of the FAI’s chief football officer Mark Canham presents more questions than answers, but provides a crucial opportunity for change, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s Sports spokesperson, said: “The reputation and credibility of the FAI is in tatters at a time when the football community is […]

It’s extremely concerning that a government pledge to reduce class sizes is in danger of being reneged on, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who’s the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has warned the Department of Education not to proceed with a reduction in class sizes […]