Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute congratulates our colleague Dr Mary Murphy on her appointment by President Michael D Higgins to the Council of State.
Dr Murphy is among seven new appointees to the Council of State who will be advising the President on a range of matters, such as whether to refer a Bill to the Supreme Court.
She will be joining former Taoisigh, former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, as well as the Chief Justice Mr Frank Clarke and the Attorney-General Séamus Woulfe SC.
A senior lecturer in Irish Politics and Society in the Maynooth University Department of Sociology, Dr Murphy co-ordinates the BA in Politics and Active Citizenship. Her research interests include public policy, labour markets and social security, power and civil society and gender.
Dr Murphy said: “I am very honoured to be entrusted with this role and to be included among the seven nominees of President Michael D Higgins and I particularly welcome the commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion which underpinned his selection of nominees. I very much look forward to the work of the Council of State over the next years.”
A key contributor to national debate on social policy, Dr Murphy was a member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission 2013-2017 and a member of the National Expert Advisory group on Taxation and Social Welfare 2011-2014.President of Maynooth University, Prof Philip Nolan, said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Dr Murphy on her appointment to the Council of State. Dr Murphy has been a leading voice for social justice and equality throughout her career. As a leading advocate, teacher and researcher, she will bring significant expertise to the Council of State in her new role.”