As member of Foreign Affairs Committee l pressed for inclusion of services in new Gov OTB Bill & our final report & strong recommendations will be a step forward But so much time & ground lost since Frances Black, myself & others first introduced the Occupied Territories Bill (clip from 2018 & 2025)

"Ireland has been consistent, but it has also been complacent & complicit in normalisation over decades of a situation of colonialism, casual & constant breaches of international law & a business as usual approach" Pass #OTB, Stop Israeli bonds sales, End transit of arms & dual use goods #moreaction

Ireland's Neutrality has strengthened our global impact & credibility on UN Peacekeeping, disarmament & international law. Yesterday, myself & other Oireachtas members came together to oppose Gov attempts to erode that neutrality by removing the triple lock. #keepthetriplelock #irishneutralityleague

Our Arms Embargo Bill passed Committee Stage in Seanad! While we work to progress it further, the MOST important thing is that Minister immediately uses powers he already has to End Exemptions & Start Inspections for flights where risk of weapons being used in Gaza in violation of international law

On March 6th, Lithuania withdrew from the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. There is no moral use of these horrific weapons. I was proud to be there when Ireland, as a neutral country with global credibility on disarmament, led negotiation of that convention, now we need to speak up & protect it

This week I issued challenge to Ministers & Junior Ministers travelling across EU for Patrick's Day. Will they talk about Gaza, about how cutting off water & food are war crimes, about illegal occupation, about why Irish Gov believe EU Israel Association Agreement should be reviewed or suspended?

In Seanad last week I highlighted that one of the ways Ireland best contributes to protection of EU security & democracy is not by undermining our precious & deeply valued neutrality but by taking our role as digital regulators very seriously.

2/2 I also spoke about the attacks on checks & balances inside countries & internationally & suggested 2 ways Ireland can show it takes international law seriously are by passing the Occupied Territories Bill & by taking a stand against the crazy "bonfire of regulation" omnibus proposals at EU level

The next few years will be challenging & we need to meet them with a politics of courage, creativity & care. Your Seanad vote matters & I'm asking to vote Alice-Mary Higgins No.1 🗳️
Post your ballot TODAY to get it back to NUI before the deadline on Wed 29th. (no stamp required)

The perfect indoor activity for a cold wet blustery day, filling in your NUI Seanad ballot paper. Perhaps followed by a brisk outdoor stroll to the nearest postbox! Ballots must arrive via post to NUI offices by next Wed morning Jan 29th so post by Mon or Tues - And Vote Alice-Mary Higgins No.1 !

Honoured to speak at huge @irelandpsc demo today.

As a co-sponsor of the Occupied Territories Bill, I will oppose backtracking, dilution & stalling from the incoming government. Respect International law & pass the #OTB -This is a moment for love & courage not bowing to fear!

Less than a week left to post your NUI Seanad vote! And just one day left to add yourself to the new register for future elections at www.seanadelector.ie

Irish Citizens living abroad who are NUI graduates can vote in Seanad elections! But tomorrow, 22nd Jan is the last day to get ballots re-sent out to a new address!