Senator Higgins proposed a number of amendments to the legislation ratifying the Pan-European Guarantee Fund aimed at increasing the monies available to our public sector companies and national and social infrastructure. Senator Higgins also spoke of the need to ensure transparency of EU institutions and to be cognisant of our responsibility to acheive the Sustainable Development Goals, when planning recovery funds such as these.
The House of Commons voted today to advance marriage equality and abortion access in Northern Ireland if no assembly is formed by October 21st.
Senator Higgins said in relation to the vote "This vote is an important and historic step towards marriage equality and abortion rights in Northern Ireland and is the result of the tireless work of activists who have fought for this progress for years".
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".