Senator Alice-Mary Higgins Highlights Importance of Gender-Proofing in Budget 2018
with invited guest speakers:
Christina McKelvie (SNP), Emma Ritch (Engender Scotland) and Eilís Ní Chathnía (NWCI)
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins addresses Michel Barnier about Brexit Negotiations
On Wednesday 11th May, Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator for Brexit attended a special combined sitting of the Dáil and Seanad.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins outraged and disappointed at the cynical rollback by government on hedgerow protection in Heritage Bill 2016
13th April 2017
Over months of coordinated pressure and opposition in the Seanad led by Senator Alice-Mary Higgins, the Government had been forced to dilute highly controversial proposals in Heritage Bill 2016. However, a last minute amendment from Minister Humphries at the final stage of the bill in the Seanad threatens to undo much of the progress won.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins discusses the Heritage Bill on Radio Kerry
In April I discussed the Heritage Bill on Radio Kerry and explained the many reasons why I strongly oppose extending the months of gorse and upland burning into March and cutting into August - dangerous provisions which will have devastating consequences for our birds, wildlife and pollinators.
Senator Higgins participates in IPU delegation
In April 2017, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins joined an Irish delegation to the Interparliamentary Union General Assembly in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The IPU provides an opportunity for parliamentarians from around the world to dialogue and debate on issues of peace, cooperation and democracy. This session of the General Assembly focused on issues of international security, the Sustainable Development Goals and global economic inequality.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins joins demonstration demanding the ratification of the UNCRPD
The Irish government signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in March 2007. Ten years later, the government still hasn't ratified this convention. I joined the crowds outside Leinster House to demand no more delays to the ratification of this convention. The incredible Joanne O'Riordan delivered a very powerful speech calling on Ireland to ratify the convention and to deliver equal rights for people living with a disability here.
I continue to work with my colleague in the Civil Engagement Group, Senator John Dolan of the Disability Federation of Ireland to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in the Seanad.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins supports bill to lower voting age to 16
I spoke in favour of Senator Lynn Ruane and Senator Fintan Warfield's bill to lower the voting age to 16 for local and European Parliament elections. The evidence behind this bill is clear. It is not just that 16 year olds need the opportunity to meaningfully engage with their communities, it is also crucial that young people help to shape the future of their communities and Europe. It is very disappointing that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have blocked this bill for another nine months; meaning that it is likely that many young people will not have the opportunity to vote in the highly important European Parliament elections of 2019.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins questions Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald on latest Garda Síochána scandal
On Wednesday the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald came to the Seanad to answer questions on the ongoing Garda scandal. I highlighted that "along with the over reporting of road incidents, I would also be very concerned about under reporting of Racist incidents and Domestic Violence. There have been very serious concerns raised about underreporting in these areas".
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins launches Age Action's Report "Towards a Fair State Pension for Women Pensioners"
On the 8th Februrary 2016, Senator Higgins launched the Age Action Report which detailed how the changes introduced in 2012 to pension entitlements had a disproportionately negative impact on women.