Social Democrats abandon NDAs

The Social Democrats party has ceased the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) after an internal review prompted by an investigation from The Sunday Times. Previously, the party required branch officials and executive council members to sign NDAs, which was atypical compared to other Irish political parties. The party justified this practice by citing GDPR concerns and the need to protect sensitive information discussed in meetings. However, legal experts raised concerns about the nature of these NDAs, suggesting they lacked the typical details of standard agreements and appeared to be designed to suppress members' public statements. A former member described the NDAs as a means of control rather than a genuine legal safeguard, indicating that the party's commitment to transparency was undermined by these practices. Following the revelations, SocDems leader Holly Cairns announced a review of the NDA policy. The outcome of this review led to the decision to replace NDAs with GDPR training for members, signaling a shift towards a more open and transparent approach within the party. The party has also declared that any NDAs previously signed are no longer active. This change reflects a broader commitment to transparency and accountability, aligning with the principles outlined in the SocDems constitution, which emphasizes the importance of open government for a thriving democracy. The decision to abandon NDAs may enhance the party's credibility and foster a more open dialogue among its members moving forward.