Sustainable Economy

I am advocating for a sustainable economy, one which delivers decent work, supports fair taxation and recognises the cost and contribution of care.

I am pressing for long-term environmental planning including integrated public transport, a transition towards carbon neutrality and respect for our natural resources as a public good.

Speaking on the 'Contract Preparation & Criteria Bill', which successfully passed sec-ond stage in the Seanad today with the government abstaining and all other parties supporting, Senator Higgins said, “Procurement is an issue which impacts everyone, from the most intimate areas of our lives to the largest infrastructure. I believe this bill can be a game-changer for the cul-ture around how we deliver public procurement in Ireland”

Submission on Dublin City Council's Climate Action Plan

25 March 2019

Dublin City Council recently sought feedback on their Climate Action Plan. Below is Senator Higgins's submission to the public consultation process.

Newsletter Spring 2019

20 March 2019

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!

TIme to move to "quality" of employment rather than "level" of employment - Senator Higgins

19 February 2019

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.

Budget 2019 must avoid the cost of not investing in public services

5 October 2018

The six members of the Civil Engagement Group in Seanad Éireann have outlined their concerns in advance of Budget 2019, highlighting the cost of not investing in public services.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins launches TASC report on Precarious Work

26 April 2018

Senator Higgins spoke at the launch of the latest TASC report examining the social implications of precarious work. The report examines the drivers behind the recent rise in precarious work and its impact on the lives of individuals and society. In particular the report examines the areas of health, housing, employment and family formation and reveals the ways in which precarious work leads to precarious lives.

Senator Higgins calls for the restoration of tax relief for trade union subscriptions

28 February 2018

Senator Higgins repeated her call for the restoration of tax relief for trade union subscriptions in a recent edition of Liberty newspaper.

"Both a Splash and a Seachange" the legacy of Galway 2020 should be inspiration but also infrastructure

24 January 2018

On Wednesday the Seanad hosted a special debate on Galway's role as European Capital of Culture in 2020.

Speaking in the debate, Independent Senator Alice-Mary Higgins praised the wide participation of so many in making the bid successful and emphasised the importance of maintaining that inclusive participation as plans progress.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins launches NUI Galway Sustainability Strategy

16 November 2017

On Wednesday 15th November 2017, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins launched NUI Galway's Sustainability Strategy.