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.
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.
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.
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.
Read a PDF of my election leaflet.
Reminder to all NUI graduates who have a vote in the NUI Seanad Election to post their ballot today. Completed ballots must reach the NUI in Dublin by 11am Wed 29th January.
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.