I am working to ensure Seanad Éireann plays a stronger role in examining EU legislation, holding Government accountable for its international policies, and driving constructive public debate on global issues which are shaping our shared world such as climate change, trade, conflict and migration.
The inaugural meeting of the Oireachtas Neutrality, Peace and Disarmament group took place in Leinster House today (4/7/18) and was attended by independent and cross-party TDs and Senators.
The initial meeting was chaired by independent Senator Alice-Mary Higgins and addressed by Roger Cole, Ed Horgan and Frank Keoghan of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance.
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.
On Saturday, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence tweeted photos from a stop off in Shannon airport raising concerns yet again of Ireland's support for U.S. military operations and infringements of our neutrality.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins: “Peace or peace-keeping not mentioned once in PESCO document”
Today in Seanad Éireann, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins called for an urgent debate on the Government decision to join the Permanent Structured Cooperation, PESCO. This call for debate on a "dangerous and rushed decision which will deeply undermine Ireland's neutrality and crucial peacebuilding role" was voted down by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and the Seanad will not be allowed to have their say before the decision is made.
The cabinet’s decision today to apply for membership of the European Union’s Permanent Structured Cooperation on Security and Defence (PESCO) is a “sad day for Ireland’s neutrality and peacebuilding role” said Senator Alice-Mary Higgins who debated the issue with Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe in Seanad Éireann today.
The World Forum for Democracy took place at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg from 8th to 10th November 2017 and brought together high level politicians and experts in governance from around the world.
Senator Higgins was invited to speak on the topic of “Big Data: Campaigning or Manipulation?” along with other international experts in the field.
After the police violence witnessed on October 1st in Catalonia over the contested independence referendum, I spoke in the Seanad about the dangers of authoritarianism and the need for Ireland to step up and play it's role as a peace-building nation.
The Civil Engagement Group in the Seanad is calling on the Government to deliver equality, transparency and sustainable development in Budget 2018. The group have highlighted five principles which they say should underpin the budgetary decision-making.
1. Budget 2018 must deliver joined-up thinking for sustainable development.
2. Budget 2018 must prioritise investment in public services and social infrastructure
3. Budget 2018 must address social, economic and gender inequality
4. Budget 2018 must be clear and transparent around taxation
5. Budget 2018 must meet international standards and commitments.
Today, I joined the Irish Family Planning Association and Dr. Gilda Sedgh at a public event to discuss reproductive rights around the world and the Sustainable Development Goals