News

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 […]

Responding to the publication of the Government’s plan for living with Covid-19, Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy TD called on the Government to publish a clear plan for businesses to prepare for transition between Levels. Deputy Murphy said: “At a time when we needed very clear political leadership and messaging we’ve got inconsistent approaches to […]

Catherine Murphy TD, co-leader of the Social Democrats, has called on the Minister for Education to deal with serious deficiencies in school transport services. Deputy Murphy said: “Following NPHET advice at the end of August, major shortcomings in the provision of school bus services have arisen as measures to ensure social distancing are phased in […]

Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy TD called on the Minister for Health to review the new regulations on keeping records of food consumed by customers in pubs and restaurants. Deputy Murphy said: “The regulations seem daft in that they penalise all those pubs and restaurants who are observing the law and existing regulations governing their […]