Sustainable Economy

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins welcomes decision not to permit hedge-cutting in August and calls on Minister Madigan to review the Heritage Act and to protect biodiversity

The decision by the Minister not to extend hedge-cutting into August this year is an important recognition of the growing crisis in biodiversity in Ireland and worldwide.
Senator Higgins said in response to today’s announcement, “I am glad to see Minister Madigan has apparently given new consideration to the serious concerns expressed by myself and others during the extensive Seanad Debate in the Heritage Bill and has removed the threat of August cutting from the habitats which our insects, birds, bees rely on. The essential next step must be to review this flawed legislation and ensure that biodiversity is protected not just this year but every year.”

OSCE committee recognize importance of gender and youth perspectives in climate action

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins today spoke in support of a successful resolution calling for OSCE members to incorporate gender and youth dimensions to their climate actions. Senator Higgins was attending the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Luxembourg as part of the Irish delegation. 

“Ireland cannot yet afford another step backwards on climate action” - Senator Higgins on controversial Wildlife Bill

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins calls on Government to withdraw controversial Wildlife Bill, saying - “Ireland cannot yet afford another step backwards on climate action”

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins to run as Independent Candidate in the European Elections for Dublin - nominated by 60 Dubliners

 “The next chapter for Europe must be written by its people”

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins will be running as an Independent Candidate for Dublin in the European Elections.

Senator Higgins’s “game changing” bill on public procurement passes second stage in Seanad.

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

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

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

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

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.