News

Co-leader of the Social Democrats, Catherine Murphy TD, has expressed serious concern at the high number of international passengers arriving in Ireland who are failing to provide a contact address, as required. In reply to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy Murphy, the Minister for Transport confirmed that, between December 11 and January 3, 118,414 passengers […]

Róisín Shortall TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has expressed concern over a number of issues which have come to light today. These include delivery delays of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; reports of frontline staff in Nenagh Hospital not receiving a vaccine; and an appeal to the Irish Government from First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy […]

The Social Democrats are calling for tomorrow’s vote on CETA (Comprehensive European Trade Agreement) to be postponed. Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy said: “We have huge concerns about CETA, particularly around the Investor-State Dispute Settlement, or ISDS. This effectively lays out a platform for corporations to sue national governments for creating policies that might negatively affect the corporation’s […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has questioned the logic of the State entering into 25-year leases with developers for the purpose of providing social housing. Speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy Murphy said: “Health has been front and centre this year due to Covid-19 and as a result the housing crisis has […]

The Social Democrats have given a cautious welcome to a report from a review group, led by retired judge James Hamilton. The Hamilton Review contains 25 recommendations and aims to tackle white collar crime in a far more uniform way. The challenge now for Government is to adopt and implement these recommendations. Social Democrats Justice spokesperson, […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has called on the Government to consider using spare capacity in the testing system to prevent future outbreaks in hospitals and other settings. Speaking during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today, Deputy Murphy said: “Since the outset of the pandemic, the advice has been that testing is […]

Today’s Dáil statement by the Minister for Justice on the circumstances of Seamus Woulfe’s appointment to the Supreme Court highlights the necessity for a constitutional referendum on judicial reform, according to Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats. Deputy Murphy, who is the party’s spokesperson for Justice, said: “It is regrettable that we are […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has accused the Government of relying on a ‘fingers crossed’ approach to managing the risks posed by international travel at our ports and airports. Speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy Murphy said: “Ireland is due to sign up to the European traffic light system for international travel […]

Covid-19 has refocused people’s priorities – but this was not factored into Budget 2021 Speaking in the Dáil today, Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy TD said that Budget 2021 underinvests in public services and the economy. Deputy Murphy stated: “The budget ignores the fact that Covid has focused public priorities on public services, particularly around health and […]

Budget 2021 shows lack of ambition in key areas Reacting to Budget 2021, the Social Democrats have said that it represents a “lost opportunity ” to make the choices that would lead to long term social and economic revival. The party have said that the budget missed key opportunities to invest for the long term in public services […]