As former Chair of the Oireachtas Peace, Neutrality and Disarmament group, I believe Ireland’s best international contribution should be as a voice for peace.
In 2024 I led scrutiny on the EU Act in Support of Ammunition Production which took €500 million from the EU budget and gave it as a subsidy to the arms industry including companies who are known to supply Israel with weapons. I sought to prohibit the direct or indirect investment in the arms industry as part of the new Future Ireland Fund and Climate and Nature Fund. I also sought the inclusion of ethical investment clauses in the new Auto-enrollment pension scheme. I co-sponsored the Occupied Territories and Family Reunification Bills and won rights-based amendments to legislation in data protection, domestic violence and adoption. I will continue to bring a human-rights and peace perspective to public policy.
Paula Meehan, Caoimhe Butterly, Mary McAuliffe, Caitriona Crowe and other brilliant women sharing Nollaig na mBan thoughts about whey they support Alice-Mary's work in the Seanad on gender equality and many other issues that matter to women across Ireland.
Dear Friends,
In the months since my last newsletter, I have, like many of you, been heartbroken and outraged by the devastating loss of life in Gaza. I have been taking every action I can, nationally and internationally to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, respect for human rights, international law, and an end to the global escalation of conflict.
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.
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins welcomes the recognition of the State of Palestine but says now we must cut other support streams from Israel.
In light of Ireland’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine, the Seanad Civil Engagement group is calling for tangible actions to curb the flow of arms being used in the relentless assault against the people of Gaza. On Wednesday 29 May, Senators Alice-Mary Higgins, Lynn Ruane, Frances Black and Eileen Flynn will be bringing a Bill to the Seanad that seeks to ensure that munitions of war, weapons and dangerous goods are not being transferred to Israel through Ireland, either directly or indirectly.
The Civil Engagement Group Senators Alice-Mary Higgins, Lynn Ruane, Frances Black and Eileen Flynn have introduced emergency legislation – the Air Navigation and Transport (Arms Embargo) Bill 2024 – in the Seanad which would ban the transit of weapons through Ireland to Israel.