News

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 […]

The Social Democrats have launched their alternative budget, with a call for the Government to focus on ‘Survival and Revival’ across economic and social life. The party is calling for a focus on protecting jobs and incomes, strengthening public services, and investing to offer people hope in the future. The party’s pre-budget document lays out a […]

As we arrive at a point of national crisis in our fight against Covid-19, it is deeply concerning that our contact tracing system is on the verge of collapse, Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, told the Dáil today. Deputy Murphy said: “In recent days, Dr Anne Dee, a consultant in public health […]

The Government must work constructively with the health authorities and across the political system to get the country back on track in suppressing Covid-19, according to the Social Democrats. Co-leader Róisín Shortall TD said: “Yesterday was a bad day for the country. In the midst of a growing pandemic, it is very unfortunate that we […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has welcomed the establishment of a Commission on the Future of the Media but called for its terms of reference to be widened to include defamation law reform and the impact of social media on advertising revenues in the sector. Deputy Murphy said: “This commission is welcome […]

The Social Democrats will bring a Private Members’ Motion before the Dáil tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30, calling on the Government to set an ambitious target for the elimination of consistent child poverty in Ireland by 2025. Jennifer Whitmore TD, the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “Our motion calls on the Government to firmly state that […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has today called for a reversal of cuts to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and immediate income supports for parents whose children are sent home from school due to Covid-19 outbreaks. Deputy Murphy said: “For most of those who were laid-off last Friday, this will be their […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats and spokesperson on Transport, today called for immediate supports to be put in place to assist those working in the taxi and small public service vehicle sector. Deputy Murphy said: “It is vital that the Government takes immediate action to show that it is listening to the […]