A press conference in Dublin this week, organised by the Together for Neutrality coalition, announced details of a national protest ‘Save Irish Neutrality-Save the Triple Lock’ which will take place this Saturday 14th June, 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance, and marching to the Dáil.
A public consultation on public procurement is underway and is open to all those with an interest in the future direction of public procurement in Ireland. Feedback gathered during the consultation will inform the development of Ireland’s first National Public Procurement Strategy and is being led by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), which operates as part of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. More information on the consultation is here: National Public Procurement Strategy Development - Consultation Open . The consultation closes at 5pm on Tues 20th May.
Cross-party Oireachtas members of the INL today announced details of a major Dublin event to promote peace and neutrality. The ‘Public Rally for Peace: Save the Triple Lock - Save Neutrality' is taking place at 2pm in The Gresham Hotel on May 10th and will include speakers from across the opposition parties and independent Parliamentarians. There will be music and performances from Lisa O’Neil and other artists. This event is part of a campaign of activities nationwide in opposition to government plans to get rid of the triple lock and undermine Ireland's proud tradition of neutrality.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins has raised concerns in relation to new Government legislation which will regulate offshore service vessels including those that will construct, maintain and operate any future potential offshore LNG terminals. Senator Higgins has described the Bill as a “worrying rollback in previous safety regulations” as it contains no obligations on the Minister to deliver operational safety rules. Responding to Senator Higgins in the Seanad, Minister Sean Canney stated that “it may not be practical” to apply rules under internationally agreed safety conventions to smaller vessels that may be involved in industrial activity concerning offshore fossil fuel infrastructure.
This Wednesday 2nd April, Senators Alice-Mary Higgins, Lynn Ruane, Eileen Flynn and Frances Black’s Arms Embargo Bill returns to the Seanad for further debate. The bill seeks to ensure that munitions of war, weapons and dangerous goods are not transferred to Israel through Ireland, either directly or indirectly.
While the carriage of munitions of war, weapons and dangerous goods is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish territory or through Irish airspace, exemptions can be, and frequently are, granted by the Minister for Transport. The Minister granted exemptions for a record 1354 flights in 2024, granting these aircraft permission to bring military weapons and ammunition through Ireland.
This week I was honoured to sign the Roll of Members for the 27th Seanad. I will continue to be a strong and progressive voice for equality, environment, public services and human rights in the challenging times ahead. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported my re-election campaign - the nominators, assentors, volunteers, campaigners and everyone who entrusted me with their vote to represent them in the next Seanad.
If you did not yet receive a ballot paper or if you wish to check your current address is on the NUI voter register, email records@nui.ie or phone 01 439 2424. You have until 22 Jan to update your address and have your ballot re-issued to this address. Graduates overseas can request this too. Here's a useful guide on returning your Seanad vote. Remember to post your ballot paper back in time to reach the NUI head office by 29 Jan.
Tá mo Litir Um Thogcháin as Gaeilge le leámh anseo: Seanad 2025 Litir um Thoghchan - Senator Alice Mary Higgins
Independent Senator Alice-Mary Higgins is running for re-election to Seanad Éireann (NUI Panel) as a strong progressive voice for equality, environment, public services and human rights.