Peace and Human Rights

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.

Related Stories

Arms Embargo Bill would prohibit the flow of arms through Ireland to Israel

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. 

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins honoured to be re-elected to Seanad Éireann

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.

Alice-Mary Higgins Litir Um Thogchán - read my Seanad election leaflet here

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. 

Tá mo bhileog toghcháin ar fáil thíos do thoghchán Seanad OÉ. Le guth láidir sa Seanad ar son comhionannais, comhshaoil agus cearta daonna, vótáil Alice-Mary Higgins #1 - Senator Alice Mary Higgins

Newsletter October 2024: Gaza, Seanad Reform, Planning and Development, Climate Action, Education and Research, Ethical Economics, Empowering Citizens Online

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.

Arms Embargo Bill to restrict transfer of munitions of war, weapons and dangerous dual-use goods to 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.