Political Reform

Senator Higgins welcomes Supreme Court ruling on seventh amendment and urges Government to enact Seanad Bill 2020

NUI Senator Alice-Mary Higgins has today welcomed the Supreme Court ruling on the need to legislate for the seventh amendment to the Constitution and is urging the Government to enact the Seanad Bill 2020 introduced by Senator Higgins and Senator Michael McDowell.

Speaking after today’s ruling, Senator Higgins commended Tomas Heneghan for taking the case and said: “Today’s ruling underscores the urgent need for Seanad reform. That reform must be ambitious and comprehensive. The failure to legislate for the 1979 referendum reflects a wider history of evasion and delays around meaningful Seanad reform by successive governments over many decades.

Call to NUI Graduates* to claim their vote in Seanad Éireann elections before 26 February 2023

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins encourages all NUI Graduates* to claim their vote in Seanad Éireann elections before the registration deadline of 26 February 2023

Winter Newsletter December 2022

Dear Friends,

This newsletter comes at a time when people in Ireland and across the world are navigating many interconnected challenges.In Ireland, the increases in cost of living have deepened existing inequalities in our society and highlighted underinvestment in public housing and public services.

Globally, conflict has layered further difficulties on top of an accelerating climate crisis. Following four years of drought, the Horn of Africa is facing a devastating famine. This is not just a tragedy, it is an injustice. Africa as a continent produces less than 4% of global carbon emissions, yet billions there are now at risk from the rise in global temperatures.

Seanad 100 and Seanad Reform

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the creation of Seanad Éireann and there have been many events to mark the occasion and reflect upon the Seanad’s contribution to public life in Ireland, particularly its track record as a platform for minority voices and a driver of major social change. One focus for me has been the need to reform the Seanad electoral franchise so that all citizens have the right to vote for their Senators and help shape the next 100 years. If you would like to know more about Seanad 100 or even arrange a visit, please do get in touch with my office!

Electoral Reform Bill fails on Seanad Reform

On the Electoral Reform Bill I proposed 7 Seanad Reform amendments. Very disappointed that the Government did not support them & refused to give a clear mandate to the Electoral Commission on long promised & overdue Seanad reform. I have been working on Seanad reform since I was first elected and despite the work of Senators from all groups to agree legislation, the Government is continuing to delay long overdue and needed reform.

Winter 2020

Dear Friends,

Wishing you a happy and hopeful New Year despite the challenging circumstances.  I want to welcome you to my latest newsletter. and express again my deep thanks to all who entrusted me with their votes and supported my re-election to the Seanad last year and all those who have been in touch since to share their concerns and ideas. 

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins Speaking on Seanad Reform

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins speaking on the introduction of the Seanad Reform Bill 2020 to the Seanad and the need to ensure that Seanad Reform is both comprehensive and forthcoming.

Senator Higgins also reflected on the mandate for reform given by the public in both 1979 and 2013 and how this Seanad must deliver on that mandate while valuingand encing the work that the Seanad does.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins speaking at the opening of the 26th Seanad

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins speaking at the opening of the 26th Seanad Éireann, about the global challenges the world is facing and the role of democratic institutions such as the Seanad in addressing those challenges.

Senator Higgins calls for the 26th Seanad to convene

Senator Higgins, Senator Lynn Ruane and Senator Frances Black wrote to the Taoiseach to affirm their position that the Seanad should be allowed to sit. They agreed with the analysis of the Constitution put forward by Senators Bacik, McDowell and others and believe that the 26th Seanad can indeed convene prior to the appointment of the Taoiseach’s eleven nominees and that the 49 members who have been elected should be allowed to express their mandate.

 Moreover, they noted that the Dáil has been meeting for a number of weeks now to engage with non-legislative parliamentary work including scrutiny and oversight of public policy and that the Seanad should also have the opportunity to engage in such scrutiny. 

They believe that as an absolute minimum, a date must be set for a sitting of the Seanad for the purpose of selecting a Cathoirleach and re-establishing a committee to order the business of the house.