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Government must show full support for Mid-West’s EuroPride bid

EuroPride presents an opportunity to show solidarity with LGBTQI+ communities across the continent and establish Ireland as a staunch supporter of progress, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “In April, it was announced that the Irish consortium of Limerick Pride, QuareClare and The Outing Festival had been shortlisted to […]

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Backing substitute ‘milk’ exports in West Africa with public monies is fundamentally unethical

Exporting massive volumes of ‘milk’ powders to West Africa is harming economic and health outcomes in the region, as well as our own climate and sustainability goals, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “It’s not appropriate for over a quarter of a million euro of taxpayer funds to be […]

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Government must move heaven and earth for GAA Palestine trip

If these children are not allowed to come to Ireland it will be a stain on this government that will never be erased The government should be moving heaven and earth to ensure 33 children from the West Bank can travel to Ireland with GAA Palestine next week, according to Social Democrats sports spokesperson Sinéad […]

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US bombing of Iran must be criticised on the European stage

Ireland and its European Union colleagues must not be dragged into US war games, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Rather than engaging in high level diplomatic channels to lower the risk of violence and war, the US has chosen a tactic of escalation, bringing the Middle East, an […]

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EU’s anti-fraud watchdog must investigate government’s failure to inspect Shannon flights

Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson has called on the EU’s anti-fraud watchdog to launch an investigation into the Irish government’s failure to inspect flights into Shannon that may be facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza. Senator Stephenson, who is the party’s spokesperson on foreign affairs, said: “There is credible evidence that military contractors and private […]

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EU must impose sanctions on Israeli government ministers

In the wake of the UK sanctioning two Israeli government ministers for inciting violence and violating human rights in Gaza, the EU must do the same, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The EU response to the genocide in Gaza has been shameful. It has failed to suspend the […]

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Senator Patricia Stephenson condemns arrest of ‘Madleen’ crew by Israel

The interception of the ‘Madleen’ charity vessel and arrest of its crew by Israeli forces represents another egregious breach of international law, according to Senator Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson, who is the Social Democrats’ spokesperson on foreign affairs, said: “I would like to commend the bravery and determination of the 12 peace activists who took […]

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Hardening of EU attitudes towards Israel’s atrocities will not avert humanitarian catastrophe

The European Union’s belated decision to review its trade agreement with Israel, while welcome, will not come soon enough to stave off the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, according to Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson, who is the party’s spokesperson on foreign affairs and trade, said: “With dire warnings from the UN that […]

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Israeli Defence Forces’ threatening behaviour towards Irish Peacekeepers must end

It is absolutely appalling that Irish Peacekeepers are being threatened and intimidated by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), according to Social Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The latest incident of the Israeli Defence Forces firing on UN peacekeeping positions, and shining laser lights on Irish troops, is outrageous. “Irish peacekeepers have […]

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