Higgins, Alice-Mary

Born and raised in Galway, Alice-Mary Higgins has over two decades of experience in policy, advocacy and legislation across the areas of equality, environment, human rights and social inclusion.  

She graduated with a BA from UCD in 1996, received an MPhil from TCD and subsequently completed an MA in Sociology at the New School University in New York as a Fullbright Scholar in the Humanities.

Prior to becoming a Senator, Alice-Mary was policy coordinator at the National Women's Council of Ireland and previously worked for Trócaire, Comhlámh. the Older and Bolder Alliance and as a teacher.

In 2016 Alice-Mary was elected to Seanad Éireann, the first woman in thirty-five years elected to the NUI panel. She was re-elected in 2020.

An advocate for social and economic equality all her adult life, Alice-Mary brings passion, thought and care to her work as a Senator.

An active and effective legislator, she has won over 70 changes to law and sponsored 20 Bills including the Mandate for Nature Bill, Adequate Minimum Wage Bill, Arms Embargo Bill and Occupied Territories Bill.

Alice-Mary leads the Seanad Civil Engagement Group, working with independent Senators Frances Black, Lynn Ruane and Eileen Flynn to strengthen links between civil society and politics. She believes every citizen should have a vote in Seanad elections.

In 2020, Miriam Lord of the Irish Times chose Alice-Mary as ‘Senator of the Year’ for “her tireless approach, collegial outlook, level of research, grasp of detail, participation in debates and undimmed enthusiasm for the job”.

Alice-Mary has served on Joint Oireachtas Committees for Environment and Climate Action, for Finance and Public Expenditure and for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. She was a member of special committees on Gender Equality and Disability Matters and the new Seanad Committee on EU Scrutiny.

Alice-Mary offers commitment, experience, ideas and a track record of driving change.

Key priorities if re-elected to Seanad Eireann will include:

Environment:
Alice-Mary led scrutiny and strengthening of the Climate Act and champions the protection of biodiversity. She will continue to seek a just transition for people and planet.

Equality
Alice-Mary is a strong voice for gender equality, including pension equality. She has sponsored progressive legislation on minority rights and fought for implementation of the UNCRPD. She will always speak up for inclusion.

Ethical Economics
Alice-Mary’s Quality in Public Procurement Bill would deliver better value and higher standards. She has advocated for workers’ rights and strongly opposed speculation in arms or fossil fuels.

Public Services
Alice-Mary will continue to fight for properly resourced public services in health, transport and care and for investment in education as a public good, from early-years right through to third-level.

Peace and Human Rights
Alice-Mary co- sponsored the Occupied Territories Bill and introduced the Arms Embargo Bill to block the transport of weapons to Israel through Ireland. She will continue to defend human rights at home and abroad and promote Ireland as a voice for peace.

You can read more about Alice-Mary’s record, policies, legislation and vision at www.alicemaryhiggins.ie

 

 

 

 

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