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 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.
Irish Naval Service rescued 18,000 people from drowning in the Mediterranean since 2015. In 2017, the mandate changed from a "primarily humanitarian search and rescue operations to primarily security and interception operations". Senator Higgins condemned this decision with the Minister at the time and said that this would result in more people dying while making the journey across the Mediterranean.
Dublin City Council recently sought feedback on their Climate Action Plan. Below is Senator Higgins's submission to the public consultation process.
Dear Friends,
Welcome to my latest newsletter which shares highlights of the last six months and some of the challenges ahead. These include Brexit and I have been particularly focused on its implications for pensions, data, research cooperation, human rights and community development.
Alongside this, you'll find bits on my recent work on issues like climate, bees, workers rights, peace, philosophy, dogs, data & just a little on public procurement!
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.
Speaking as part of the European parliamentary week, Senator Higgins spoke of the need to focus on measuring quality employment rather than level of employment. She included issues of precarious work and the lack of collective bargaining as concerns.
Senator Higgins attended European Parliamentary Week as part of an Irish parliamentary delegation and contribute to discussions relating to the workplan for the European Parliament known as the European semester process.
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 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.