Ashling Murphy murder set to dominate as Dáil returns from Christmas break

NPHET's upcoming meeting and an easing of restrictions will also be discussed
Sean Defoe
Sean Defoe

06.33 19 Jan 2022


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Ashling Murphy murder set to d...

Ashling Murphy murder set to dominate as Dáil returns from Christmas break

Sean Defoe
Sean Defoe

06.33 19 Jan 2022


Share this article


The Dáil resumes this afternoon for the first time this year.

The murder of Ashling Murphy, NPHET's upcoming meeting and the controversy around a champagne party in the Department of Foreign Affairs are expected to dominate proceedings.

The Dáil returns from its Christmas break this afternoon after a Cabinet meeting in Dublin Castle this morning.

The murder of Ashling Murphy has cast a shadow over the country, and questions about how Ireland can be made safer for women will hang over proceedings this week.

Statements on violence against women will dominate the Dáil chamber on Wednesday.

TDs will also debate legislation on the Birth and Information Tracing Bill to allow adopted people access to their birth documents.

Questions about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions will also likely dog the Government.

On Tuesday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told his party he wants to set an end date for most legal restrictions of March 31st.

Some measures like the COVID Certificate for travel, mask wearing in crowded places and staying at home if symptomatic may last longer.

Mr Varadkar said strong public immunity and Omicron being a less severe variant may mean restrictions can ease very quickly over the coming weeks.

But he added that preparations must be made for a new, more severe variant later this year.

Main image: Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan are seen following a Cabinet meeting in October 2021. Picture by: Julien Behal Photography / RollingNews.ie 

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Ashling Murphy COVID-19 Restrictions Cabinet Meeting Champagne Party Covid Certificate Dail Dail Returns Dublin Castle NPHET