Civil Engagement Group

Each member of the group retains their strong independent voice but align in their politics and support each other on key issues, such as addressing poverty and inequality in our society, tackling the climate crisis, drugs policy, women’s rights, education, disability rights, and the liberation of the Palestinian people.

Working closely with advocacy bodies, charities, and local community and volunteer groups, the CEG Senators aim to give a voice to those who are marginalised in society and are often not represented in the Oireachtas and coordinate to work constructively towards radical change.

The Civil Engagement Group is one of the most prolific groups in the Oireachtas when it comes to Parliamentary oversight of Government legislation, offering well over a thousand amendments during the course of the last Oireachtas term.

The group worked to submit over 400 amendments to the Planning and Development Bill, particularly addressing the loss of power in our local authorities over planning decisions and campaigning strongly against the extension of the length of local development plans. The group has always advocated for local government and its importance in bringing citizens closer to political decisions. 

The group also passed motions in the Seanad calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, introduced in 2018 by Frances Black, and the Arms Embargo Bill, introduced this year by Alice-Mary Higgins. We have been consistent in our strong, meaningful advocacy for the human rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people over the last two Oireachtas terms and will continue to call on Ireland to take tangible action in response to the criminal violation of these rights. 

Members of the Civil Engagement group are Senators Alice-Mary Higgins (leader), Lynn Ruane (whip), Frances Black and Eileen Flynn. Former members are Colette Kelleher, Grace O'Sullivan and John Dolan.