Senator Patricia Stephenson
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
Social Democrats Senator
Belfast born, living on the Carlow Kilkenny border
2 rescue dogs
Peacebuilding & Humanitarianism
Belfast born, living on the Carlow Kilkenny border
2 rescue dogs
Peacebuilding & Humanitarianism
Appalling & outrageous that Israel is blocking medical evacuees from leaving Gaza while continuing to be allowed to engage in the “Board of Peace”, a complete charade.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
UN chief urges Gaza aid as Israel blocks most medical evacuees at Rafah
Al-Shifa Hospital director says blocking medical evacuations through Rafah crossing could be 'death sentence' for many.
www.aljazeera.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Appalling & outrageous that Israel is blocking medical evacuees from leaving Gaza while continuing to be allowed to engage in the “Board of Peace”, a complete charade.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
France taking out criminal proceedings against X - including raiding their offices today.
Absolutely no reason Ireland should not be doing the same.
X have broken our domestic laws - and the govt continues to drag their feet.
Absolutely no reason Ireland should not be doing the same.
X have broken our domestic laws - and the govt continues to drag their feet.
French authorities have summoned Elon Musk for a voluntary interview to answer questions as part of their investigation into his social media platform X.
The company's offices in France were also raided this morning, the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed. jrnl.ie/6945309
The company's offices in France were also raided this morning, the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed. jrnl.ie/6945309
Paris prosecutors raid X offices in France and summon Elon Musk for questioning
The prosecutor’s office said the cybercrime unit conducted the search with the assistance of EU police agency Interpol.
jrnl.ie
February 3, 2026 at 9:20 PM
France taking out criminal proceedings against X - including raiding their offices today.
Absolutely no reason Ireland should not be doing the same.
X have broken our domestic laws - and the govt continues to drag their feet.
Absolutely no reason Ireland should not be doing the same.
X have broken our domestic laws - and the govt continues to drag their feet.
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
AI chat bots risk irreparable harm to our society.
Disturbing cases have emerged of chat bots encouraging people to harm themselves, or being programmed to act as pliant, subservient girlfriends.
We have sleepwalked into this crisis.
Now it’s critical that we catch up with this technology.
Disturbing cases have emerged of chat bots encouraging people to harm themselves, or being programmed to act as pliant, subservient girlfriends.
We have sleepwalked into this crisis.
Now it’s critical that we catch up with this technology.
February 2, 2026 at 9:02 AM
AI chat bots risk irreparable harm to our society.
Disturbing cases have emerged of chat bots encouraging people to harm themselves, or being programmed to act as pliant, subservient girlfriends.
We have sleepwalked into this crisis.
Now it’s critical that we catch up with this technology.
Disturbing cases have emerged of chat bots encouraging people to harm themselves, or being programmed to act as pliant, subservient girlfriends.
We have sleepwalked into this crisis.
Now it’s critical that we catch up with this technology.
2 things happened simultaneously in Venezuela: the U.S. removed an authoritarian leader responsible for human rights abuses AND it violated international law by kidnapping a head of State.
Respecting and upholding international law in the face of global chaos has never been more important.
Respecting and upholding international law in the face of global chaos has never been more important.
January 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM
2 things happened simultaneously in Venezuela: the U.S. removed an authoritarian leader responsible for human rights abuses AND it violated international law by kidnapping a head of State.
Respecting and upholding international law in the face of global chaos has never been more important.
Respecting and upholding international law in the face of global chaos has never been more important.
A very constructive conversation with Cuan today to discuss refuge spaces for people fleeing domestic violence, and the issue of housing for survivors of domestic abuse. @garygannontd.bsky.social
Cuan is the government agency dedicated to reducing domestic and gender-based violence in Ireland.
Cuan is the government agency dedicated to reducing domestic and gender-based violence in Ireland.
January 29, 2026 at 2:49 PM
A very constructive conversation with Cuan today to discuss refuge spaces for people fleeing domestic violence, and the issue of housing for survivors of domestic abuse. @garygannontd.bsky.social
Cuan is the government agency dedicated to reducing domestic and gender-based violence in Ireland.
Cuan is the government agency dedicated to reducing domestic and gender-based violence in Ireland.
Brilliant to attend the morning session of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the 2 State Solution today.
Interesting discussion on the NI peace process and lessons to learn around inclusion & the importance of women’s voices in negotiations for sustainable peace.
Interesting discussion on the NI peace process and lessons to learn around inclusion & the importance of women’s voices in negotiations for sustainable peace.
January 28, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Brilliant to attend the morning session of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the 2 State Solution today.
Interesting discussion on the NI peace process and lessons to learn around inclusion & the importance of women’s voices in negotiations for sustainable peace.
Interesting discussion on the NI peace process and lessons to learn around inclusion & the importance of women’s voices in negotiations for sustainable peace.
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
As the Irish Government signals support for Trump's Gaza 'Peace Plan', there should be no doubt that the removal of the Triple Lock is about breaking a 65 year long commitment to the UN and international law so we can more easily side with Western imperial blocs.
www.thejournal.ie/trump-board-...
www.thejournal.ie/trump-board-...
McEntee says Ireland will 'play its part' as Gaza ceasefire plan enters second phase
The US President said he will chair the board himself, with members to be announced “shortly”.
www.thejournal.ie
January 27, 2026 at 5:20 PM
As the Irish Government signals support for Trump's Gaza 'Peace Plan', there should be no doubt that the removal of the Triple Lock is about breaking a 65 year long commitment to the UN and international law so we can more easily side with Western imperial blocs.
www.thejournal.ie/trump-board-...
www.thejournal.ie/trump-board-...
FFG have created a crisis of recruitment and retention due to 20 years of underinvestment in our Defence Forces.
Ireland is proud of the women and men who bravely serve humanitarian missions overseas.
It's crucial their pay and conditions reflect the incredible service they provide to our nation.
Ireland is proud of the women and men who bravely serve humanitarian missions overseas.
It's crucial their pay and conditions reflect the incredible service they provide to our nation.
January 22, 2026 at 6:42 PM
FFG have created a crisis of recruitment and retention due to 20 years of underinvestment in our Defence Forces.
Ireland is proud of the women and men who bravely serve humanitarian missions overseas.
It's crucial their pay and conditions reflect the incredible service they provide to our nation.
Ireland is proud of the women and men who bravely serve humanitarian missions overseas.
It's crucial their pay and conditions reflect the incredible service they provide to our nation.
I spoke to survivors of sexual violence at Leinster House today.
Despite govt promises to reform the Criminal and Civil Law Bill 2026, survivors' counselling notes could still be used against them in court. This horrendous breach of trust could deter women from seeking deserved justice.
Despite govt promises to reform the Criminal and Civil Law Bill 2026, survivors' counselling notes could still be used against them in court. This horrendous breach of trust could deter women from seeking deserved justice.
January 22, 2026 at 5:20 PM
I spoke to survivors of sexual violence at Leinster House today.
Despite govt promises to reform the Criminal and Civil Law Bill 2026, survivors' counselling notes could still be used against them in court. This horrendous breach of trust could deter women from seeking deserved justice.
Despite govt promises to reform the Criminal and Civil Law Bill 2026, survivors' counselling notes could still be used against them in court. This horrendous breach of trust could deter women from seeking deserved justice.
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
Govt's failure to explicitly rule out joining President Trump's sinister Board of Peace is baffling.
Other EU and European countries have had no such difficulty declining.
Our govt needs to show similar backbone.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
Other EU and European countries have had no such difficulty declining.
Our govt needs to show similar backbone.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
Government’s failure to explicitly rule out joining sinister Board of Peace is baffling - Social Democrats
The government’s failure to explicitly rule out the prospect of Ireland joining President Trump’s sinister Board of Peace is difficult to comprehend, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spok...
www.socialdemocrats.ie
January 22, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Govt's failure to explicitly rule out joining President Trump's sinister Board of Peace is baffling.
Other EU and European countries have had no such difficulty declining.
Our govt needs to show similar backbone.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
Other EU and European countries have had no such difficulty declining.
Our govt needs to show similar backbone.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
For a year, EU leaders have responded to Trump with flattery instead of firmness.
He does not respect weakness. The EU must show unity and decisiveness.
We have the tools. We must use them.
He does not respect weakness. The EU must show unity and decisiveness.
We have the tools. We must use them.
January 21, 2026 at 1:02 PM
For a year, EU leaders have responded to Trump with flattery instead of firmness.
He does not respect weakness. The EU must show unity and decisiveness.
We have the tools. We must use them.
He does not respect weakness. The EU must show unity and decisiveness.
We have the tools. We must use them.
The Gaza Peace Plan and “Board of Peace” is deeply concerning.
We cannot normalise forcing through peace without any engagement from the people most impacted - in this case the Palestinians, but we have seen similar attempts to exclude Ukrainians.
We cannot normalise forcing through peace without any engagement from the people most impacted - in this case the Palestinians, but we have seen similar attempts to exclude Ukrainians.
January 21, 2026 at 12:05 PM
The Gaza Peace Plan and “Board of Peace” is deeply concerning.
We cannot normalise forcing through peace without any engagement from the people most impacted - in this case the Palestinians, but we have seen similar attempts to exclude Ukrainians.
We cannot normalise forcing through peace without any engagement from the people most impacted - in this case the Palestinians, but we have seen similar attempts to exclude Ukrainians.
We cannot keep pandering to Trump’s bully boy tactics.
He’s creating global chaos and we have to finally say enough is enough.
We need strong leadership.
He’s creating global chaos and we have to finally say enough is enough.
We need strong leadership.
January 20, 2026 at 4:33 PM
We cannot keep pandering to Trump’s bully boy tactics.
He’s creating global chaos and we have to finally say enough is enough.
We need strong leadership.
He’s creating global chaos and we have to finally say enough is enough.
We need strong leadership.
Appalling attempts to erase the rights of Palestinian refugees by Israel with continued attacks on UNRWA.
Yet another step to destroy the humanitarian architecture supporting starving Palestinians.
We must call this out in no uncertain terms. Failure to do so is facilitating Israeli impunity.
Yet another step to destroy the humanitarian architecture supporting starving Palestinians.
We must call this out in no uncertain terms. Failure to do so is facilitating Israeli impunity.
Israel bulldozes UNRWA buildings in occupied East Jerusalem https://aje.news/7bprmx
January 20, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Appalling attempts to erase the rights of Palestinian refugees by Israel with continued attacks on UNRWA.
Yet another step to destroy the humanitarian architecture supporting starving Palestinians.
We must call this out in no uncertain terms. Failure to do so is facilitating Israeli impunity.
Yet another step to destroy the humanitarian architecture supporting starving Palestinians.
We must call this out in no uncertain terms. Failure to do so is facilitating Israeli impunity.
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, let’s start talking about how we can prevent cervical cancer. Talk to your friends and family about choosing:
- HPV vaccination
- cervical screening
- treatment, when needed.
Take action to prevent cervical cancer.
#CervicalCancerPreventionWeek
- HPV vaccination
- cervical screening
- treatment, when needed.
Take action to prevent cervical cancer.
#CervicalCancerPreventionWeek
January 19, 2026 at 10:03 AM
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, let’s start talking about how we can prevent cervical cancer. Talk to your friends and family about choosing:
- HPV vaccination
- cervical screening
- treatment, when needed.
Take action to prevent cervical cancer.
#CervicalCancerPreventionWeek
- HPV vaccination
- cervical screening
- treatment, when needed.
Take action to prevent cervical cancer.
#CervicalCancerPreventionWeek
Ireland and the UK must now move away from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) - to do so would be reckless. The ECHR has been central to the Good Friday Agreement and is a fundamental tenet of human rights. www.thejournal.ie/readme/europ...
Ireland and human rights: 'Turning our backs on the European Convention would be wrong'
The Social Democrats senator says any move away from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), even under the banner of ‘flexibility,’ is reckless.
www.thejournal.ie
January 20, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Ireland and the UK must now move away from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) - to do so would be reckless. The ECHR has been central to the Good Friday Agreement and is a fundamental tenet of human rights. www.thejournal.ie/readme/europ...
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
Latest threats from Donald Trump to impose tariffs on EU and European countries are alarming and risk unravelling a trade deal reached last year.
The EU must have a strong and united response to these bully tactics.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
www.socialdemocrats.ie/eu-needs-a-s...
The EU must have a strong and united response to these bully tactics.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
www.socialdemocrats.ie/eu-needs-a-s...
EU needs a strong, unified response to Trump’s bully tactics - Social Democrats
We are clearly through the looking glass when it comes to the Trump administration The EU must have a strong and united response to threats from US President Donald Trump that risk unravelling the tra...
www.socialdemocrats.ie
January 19, 2026 at 1:29 PM
Latest threats from Donald Trump to impose tariffs on EU and European countries are alarming and risk unravelling a trade deal reached last year.
The EU must have a strong and united response to these bully tactics.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
www.socialdemocrats.ie/eu-needs-a-s...
The EU must have a strong and united response to these bully tactics.
@patriciastephenson.bsky.social
www.socialdemocrats.ie/eu-needs-a-s...
My op-ed in The Journal on the importance of the European Convention of Human Rights for stability & peace on this island.
Ireland and human rights: 'Turning our backs on the European Convention would be wrong' jrnl.ie/6927673
Ireland and human rights: 'Turning our backs on the European Convention would be wrong' jrnl.ie/6927673
Ireland and human rights: 'Turning our backs on the European Convention would be wrong'
The Social Democrats senator says any move away from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), even under the banner of ‘flexibility,’ is reckless.
jrnl.ie
January 17, 2026 at 8:30 PM
My op-ed in The Journal on the importance of the European Convention of Human Rights for stability & peace on this island.
Ireland and human rights: 'Turning our backs on the European Convention would be wrong' jrnl.ie/6927673
Ireland and human rights: 'Turning our backs on the European Convention would be wrong' jrnl.ie/6927673
This is good news.
But Sean Binder & his peers should never have been put through years of legal stress for trying to save people’s lives - the weaponisation of law & criminalisation of humanitarians must be called out & stamped out.
But Sean Binder & his peers should never have been put through years of legal stress for trying to save people’s lives - the weaponisation of law & criminalisation of humanitarians must be called out & stamped out.
Irish man and humanitarian volunteer Sean Binder has been acquitted of all charges, including membership of a criminal organisation, fraud, money laundering, and smuggling, at a court in Greece this evening
jrnl.ie/6928251
jrnl.ie/6928251
'Huge relief': Irish man Sean Binder found not guilty of people smuggling in Greece
Binder faced a total of 23 charges, including money laundering and smuggling.
jrnl.ie
January 16, 2026 at 10:36 AM
This is good news.
But Sean Binder & his peers should never have been put through years of legal stress for trying to save people’s lives - the weaponisation of law & criminalisation of humanitarians must be called out & stamped out.
But Sean Binder & his peers should never have been put through years of legal stress for trying to save people’s lives - the weaponisation of law & criminalisation of humanitarians must be called out & stamped out.
I am relieved to hear that Heba, Kamran and Lewie, of the Filton 24, have ended their hunger strike.
I call on Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs to have the difficult conversation with British government about their treatment of Palestine Action activists, so this doesn't happen again.
I call on Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs to have the difficult conversation with British government about their treatment of Palestine Action activists, so this doesn't happen again.
January 15, 2026 at 8:24 PM
I am relieved to hear that Heba, Kamran and Lewie, of the Filton 24, have ended their hunger strike.
I call on Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs to have the difficult conversation with British government about their treatment of Palestine Action activists, so this doesn't happen again.
I call on Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs to have the difficult conversation with British government about their treatment of Palestine Action activists, so this doesn't happen again.
The Good Friday Agreement happened 28 years ago, but the legacy of the conflict still exists today and families are still fighting for justice.
The GFA failed to address legacy and justice.
All future peace processes must include victims voices for a sustainable peace.
The GFA failed to address legacy and justice.
All future peace processes must include victims voices for a sustainable peace.
January 15, 2026 at 2:26 PM
The Good Friday Agreement happened 28 years ago, but the legacy of the conflict still exists today and families are still fighting for justice.
The GFA failed to address legacy and justice.
All future peace processes must include victims voices for a sustainable peace.
The GFA failed to address legacy and justice.
All future peace processes must include victims voices for a sustainable peace.
Statement on Iran.
January 15, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Statement on Iran.
Thank you to Samantha Trevaskis and Dr Yvonne Hartnett for visiting today to discuss the realities of living with PMDD and the vital research into this disorder. Looking forward to further advocacy work around PMDD awareness.
January 14, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Thank you to Samantha Trevaskis and Dr Yvonne Hartnett for visiting today to discuss the realities of living with PMDD and the vital research into this disorder. Looking forward to further advocacy work around PMDD awareness.
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
How do they get away with this stuff? They’re either purposefully misleading, or just blatantly ignorant to the facts. Family reunification accounts for less than 1% of inward migration to Ireland. It just means a traumatised person gets to be with their spouse or child while they restart their life
January 13, 2026 at 8:20 PM
How do they get away with this stuff? They’re either purposefully misleading, or just blatantly ignorant to the facts. Family reunification accounts for less than 1% of inward migration to Ireland. It just means a traumatised person gets to be with their spouse or child while they restart their life
Reposted by Senator Patricia Stephenson
Hundreds of thousands of vile sexualised non-consensual images of women and children have been created by Grok, X’s AI tool.
This isn't just horrifying – it's illegal.
The Govt response to this has been muted and confusing.
When will X be prosecuted?
This isn't just horrifying – it's illegal.
The Govt response to this has been muted and confusing.
When will X be prosecuted?
January 13, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Hundreds of thousands of vile sexualised non-consensual images of women and children have been created by Grok, X’s AI tool.
This isn't just horrifying – it's illegal.
The Govt response to this has been muted and confusing.
When will X be prosecuted?
This isn't just horrifying – it's illegal.
The Govt response to this has been muted and confusing.
When will X be prosecuted?