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The 'low-ball' public procurement model is broken and needs reform

Read my op-ed in The Journal here - https://www.thejournal.ie/read...

IN 2019, IRELAND spent €12 billion on contracts for goods, services and construction. This figure is set to rise considerably in the coming years as €116 billion in major capital works projects are rolled out under the National Development Plan.

The public has a right to expect that when money is spent on their behalf, it is spent in a way that delivers the best results. That requires a carefully thought-through approach to the quality of standards and performance in areas like sustainability, social impact, decent employment and design.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins speaking on the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes Bill

In the Seanad, Senator Higgins spoke at length at Committee Stage against the most harmful provisions contained in this Bill. She argued that it undermines the ability of adoptees and surviviors of institutional abuse to access justice.

Specifically at this point of the debate the Senator urged the Minister and other Senators to ensure that the rights of the individual to have their experiences acknowledged is essential if there is to be any form of justice for adoptees and survivors.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins speaking on Order of Business about the rushing of legislation through the Seanad.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins speaking on Order of Business in the Seanad. Senator Higgins spoke out against the rushed conduction of the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020 through the Oireachtas, particularly highlighting how the taking of Committee and Report Stage of the Bill together and having an amendment deadline for TD's before the Seanad has debated the Bill undermines due process and legislative scrutiny.