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There must be clarity and protection provided to the staff and students of Carlow College who are facing uncertainty, according to the Social Democrats’ Patricia Stephenson and Jen Cummins. Carlow Kilkenny-based Senator Patricia Stephenson said: “The closure of Carlow College marks the end of an era for Carlow. The institution has shaped generations of students, […]

Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson’s Bill to give greater powers to prevent munitions being flown through Shannon Airport and Irish airspace, along with a suite of other measures which will seek to prevent ICE deportation flights stopping in Ireland, will be debated in the Seanad tomorrow. Senator Stephenson said: “This Bill seeks to […]

Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson will introduce a Bill today to give greater powers to prevent munitions being flown through Shannon Airport and Irish airspace, along with a suite of other measures which will seek to prevent ICE deportation flights stopping in Ireland. Senator Stephenson said: “This Bill seeks to uphold Irish neutrality, […]

The Government’s omission of a ban on services from the Occupied Territories Bill is neither moral nor legal, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The Government has been dragged kicking and screaming by public and opposition pressure to take any amount of credible action on Palestine. I welcome that […]

Progressing the Occupied Territories Bill without the inclusion of a ban on services shows the Government is crumbling under pressure from the United States, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “After kicking the Occupied Territories Bill to touch for more than a year, Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has […]

The Government must do more than offer hollow words of condemnation while Irish activists are abused in Israeli captivity, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Footage which depicts Irish woman, and humanitarian flotilla member, Catriona Graham being abused in Israeli detention is horrifying and outrageous. “The video shows Ms […]

The Irish Government must demand that Israel releases the Irish citizens it is holding captive, including the sister of President Catherine Connolly, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson and Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich. Senator Stephenson said: “Dr Margaret Connolly, President Catherine Connolly’s sister, has been illegally detained by Israel, […]

New Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar must follow through on his commitment to EU values and reverse Hungary’s draconian anti-LGBTI law, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that Hungary’s 2021 ‘anti-LGBTI propaganda’ law breaches Article 2 of the […]

The Irish Government must intervene to ensure the safety of Irish activists illegally detained in international waters by Israeli forces, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Yet again, we see Israel act with impunity as the latest Gaza-bound flotilla – carrying food, medicine and baby formula – is intercepted […]

An initiative by Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson, which will result in free travel for three months for those fleeing domestic violence, is to be introduced as a standalone scheme by Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary. Senator Stephenson said: “This proposal, which has received broad cross-party support, was introduced last October as my very first […]