Senator Higgins was re-elected to Seanad Éireann on the NUI panel.
After her election, she said, "Heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported my campaign for Seanad Éireann - the nominators, assentors, volunteers, campaigners and everyone who entrusted me with their vote."
"I promise to be a strong and progressive voice for equality, environment, human rights & public services in the challenging times ahead. Well done also to some other great candidates who were unsuccessful on this occasion."
Senator Higgins spoke at the launch of the latest TASC report examining the social implications of precarious work. The report examines the drivers behind the recent rise in precarious work and its impact on the lives of individuals and society. In particular the report examines the areas of health, housing, employment and family formation and reveals the ways in which precarious work leads to precarious lives.
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.