The proposal, due to be voted on by the parliament this week, in the last plenary session before the elections, would limit decisions on the work programme of the European Defence Fund to the European Commission and committees through “implementation acts”, effectively bypassing debate, criticism or approval from MEPs.
Speaking on the 'Contract Preparation & Criteria Bill', which successfully passed sec-ond stage in the Seanad today with the government abstaining and all other parties supporting, Senator Higgins said, “Procurement is an issue which impacts everyone, from the most intimate areas of our lives to the largest infrastructure. I believe this bill can be a game-changer for the cul-ture around how we deliver public procurement in Ireland”
Dublin City Council recently sought feedback on their Climate Action Plan. Below is Senator Higgins's submission to the public consultation process.
Today, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins proposed amendments to the European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill to ensure that British citizens resident in Ireland and already on the electoral register would continue to be able to vote in the European Parliament elections after Brexit.
The Irish Young Philosopher Awards Festival encourages primary and secondary school students to explore philosophy through a nationwide award programme and festival in UCD.
“On the centenary of women’s suffrage, we are again seeking to extend the franchise”, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins welcomes proposals announced today to give every citizen over eighteen a vote in Seanad elections.
Graduates from all third level colleges will also have the right to vote in Seanad elections.
A motion brought by Senator Alice-Mary Higgins calling for peace, political engagement and humanitarian support in Yemen, has today received support from Senators across all parties and independents, including the government.
The six members of the Civil Engagement Group in Seanad Éireann have outlined their concerns in advance of Budget 2019, highlighting the cost of not investing in public services.
Speaking after today’s debate in the Seanad Senator Higgins said, “The Data Sharing Bill will impact on how everyone’s personal data is shared between public bodies. It is essential that we get this piece of legislation right and I welcome the progress that the Minister and his Department have made since our robust debate at committee stage.”