This week in the Seanad I spoke about image based sexual abuse. I will strongly support speedy progress on legislation but also want to see it strengthened. It is vital that IBSA is identified not only as abuse & lack of consent, but that it’s identified as sexual abuse & a sexual offence.
Independent Senator Alice-Mary Higgins is bringing a motion before the Seanad this Wednesday in an attempt to stop the Irish Government signing up, later this month, to “provisional application” of the controversial free-trade agreement between the EU and Canada, known as CETA (The Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement).
In her address to Mr. Junker, Senator Higgins spoke passionately about the future of Europe, the realisation of the European pillar of social rights, the important work to be done on inclusion and peace-building and a true version of multilateralism. She also voiced the concerns of many across Europe about the increasing militarisation of the EU and its borders and the inclusion of investor state courts in EU trade agreements.