Jennifer Whitmore TD welcomes publication of Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has welcomed today’s publication of the Children’s Rights Alliance ‘Report Card 2021’. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “The annual report card by the Children’s Rights Alliance is an invaluable tool in monitoring Government progress in key areas affecting childhood in Ireland. This was the first […]

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More of the same from Government won’t work

Speaking ahead of the Government announcement tomorrow of the latest version of Living with Covid, Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has called on the Taoiseach to take a new approach with a new strategy. Deputy Shortall commented: “People need to be given hope – there needs to be light at the end of […]

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SocDems seek free vote on extension of Mother and Baby Homes Commission

Jennifer Whitmore TD has called for all-party support in advance of the Social Democrats’ Private Members’ Motion on Wednesday, which seeks an extension of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, commented: “This is an issue that goes beyond party politics. The term of […]

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Minister’s comments about possible retrieval of survivors’ recordings highlights the need for extension of Commission

The Minister for Children’s comments today that it may be possible to retrieve recordings of survivors’ testimonies highlights the importance of the Social Democrats’ Dáil motion calling for the extension of the Commission of Investigation, according to Jennifer Whitmore TD. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “It is bizarre that, nine […]

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Housing Minister must heed warnings from Central Bank, ESRI and senior officials

Commenting on Government proposals for an equity loans scheme, Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD said: “The Minister for Housing is burying his head in the sand and ignoring numerous warnings that his proposed equity loans scheme will push up house prices. “Serious warnings and reservations about the Minister’s proposed equity loan scheme have […]

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Ulster Bank closure is very bad news for customers, staff and banking in Ireland

Commenting on the decision by Natwest to withdraw Ulster Bank from Ireland, Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall TD said: “The outcome will have grave and serious implications and it represents very bad news for customers, staff and banking in Ireland. The news will be of huge concern to the bank’s one million customers, causing uncertainty about their banking needs. […]

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Proposed nationwide ban on smoky coal is welcome but must be poverty-proofed

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has welcomed a proposed nationwide ban on smoky coal and restrictions on the sale of turf and unseasoned wood but says that any new regulations must be poverty-proofed. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson for Climate Action and Biodiversity, said: “Along with emissions from transport, solid fuel is one […]

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Contingency and clear communication must be built into Leaving Certificate plan

Commenting on the Government’s confirmation of arrangements for this year’s Leaving Certificate examinations, Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, said: “The Government has failed this cohort of Leaving Certificate students who have endured high levels of stress and anxiety due to all the uncertainty surrounding this year’s exams. I welcome that the Minister […]

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