Blog Archive | Human Rights
Labour Party Press Statement: ONLY LABOUR WILL TACKLE THE GENDER PAY GAP - BURTON
Posted on February 19, 2016
ONLY LABOUR WILL TACKLE THE GENDER PAY GAP - BURTON
Tánaiste Joan Burton today outlined Labour’s plans to stand up for women in the workplace, at home and in the community.
Launching Labour’s plan for equality today, Joan Burton said, if re-elected to Government, Labour will tackle gender pay issues by ensuring large companies and public sector employers make public the details their own internal pay gaps in order to stimulate stronger action towards pay equality.
The provisions in the ‘Standing Up For Equality’ plan include:
Labour Party policy launch and Repeal 8th Amendment Referendum commitment
Posted on February 18, 2016
Only Labour will deliver a referendum to repeal the 8th
The Labour Party today launched its plan to hold a referendum to repeal the 8th amendment.
Minister for Communications, Alex White, Minister for Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and Senator Ivana Bacik outlined how the party would deliver a referendum, and campaign strongly to repeal the 8th amendment, if returned to Government.
Speaking at the launch in Labour’s Campaign HQ this afternoon, Minister for Communications, Alex White, said: “It’s high time that this generation was given the right to choose – through a referendum – whether the 8th amendment should remain in our Constitution.
“No other major political party or grouping will deliver this referendum. Fianna Fáil doesn’t believe the people should be allowed to decide. Fine Gael can’t decide if the people should be allowed to decide. Sinn Féin claims to support a referendum, but will refuse to participate in government unless Gerry Adams is Taois each.
“So, there is only one choice for women and men who care passionately about this issue to recognise Labour as the one party offering an unequivocal – and realistic – pledge to deliver a referendum.”
Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin added: “My views and the views of the Labour Party have been very clear on this issue for some time. The constitution is no place to deal with such a complex and sensitive issue such as abortion.
“I believe there is a growing consensus on this matter and that we must ensure that we have a referendum to repeal the 8th amendment.
“The Labour Party has always led on the issues of social change and if returned to government we will deliver a referendum on this issue and replace the archaic 8th amendment with robust and pragmatic legislation such as we propose.”
Check out my end-of-term newsletter!
Posted on February 18, 2016
Spring/End-of-term Newsletter, Seanad Éireann 2016
Have you checked out the latest news and highlights from my campaigns and contributions in my newsletter! Thank you for all your support, invitations and feedback, Ivana.
Order of Business, Seanad Éireann - Raised Matters (January 28th, 2016)
Posted on January 28, 2016
Order of Business, Seaand Éireann - Raised Matters
Thursday, 28 January 2016
Senator Ivana Bacik: I am grateful to the Leader for clarifying that the Seanad will sit next Tuesday and Wednesday, no matter what happens elsewhere. I also welcome the fact that we will have statements on the Report of the Joint Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis on Tuesday because that gives us the opportunity to read what is in the report. Having read preliminary reports of it and its key aspects, I commend all those who were on the committee for the immense work they put into producing the report. I commend to Senators an excellent article by our colleague, Senator O’Keeffe, in The Irish Times today describing the work of the committee and, in very fair terms, some of its pitfalls and positive aspects and the lessons it holds for the future. Many things are now clearer as a result of the report, in particular serious matters in terms of the behaviour of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator, which, we are told, informed the Government in September 2008 that the six institutions covered by the guarantee were solvent. That is a critical finding. I look forward to the debate on Tuesday.
https://www.labour.ie/news/press/2016/01/28/banking-inquiry-report-demonstrates-fianna-fails-m/
I welcome the publication yesterday of the first national maternity strategy, which many of those involved in maternity hospitals, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, midwives and others have welcomed. This strategy will move in a very welcome fashion towards a non-hospital setting for childbirth and a stronger role for midwives in childbirth, where there are no complications. Women and midwives have campaigned for that for many years.
I also welcome the publication yesterday of the new skills strategy which will lead to 50,000 new apprenticeships being created over five years. That is critical to the continued strength of the economy and its growth. It will give new opportunities for many young adults in particular.
No Fry Zone! Order of Business - 27th January 2016
Posted on January 27, 2016
Order of Business, Seanad Éireann - Raised Matters
Senator Ivana Bacik: I commend Senator Noone who yesterday on the Commencement raised the issue of a no-fry zone. This is an issue that is getting a great deal of support, particularly from parents. It seeks new planning regulations to ensure that chip shops cannot be located within 500 m of a school. This is part of a drive for healthier living and healthier eating among children in order to tackle the very worrying levels of obesity. I commend the Senator on raising it and lend my support to the many parents' groups supporting the no-fry zone campaign.
Link to full transcript of the Order of Business, 27th January 2016
'This House Believes Theism is a Reasonable Philosophical Stance' - Metafizz presents Hitchens, Masterson, Nugent, Bacik in
Posted on January 18, 2016
Debate: 'This House Believes Theism is a Reasonable Philosophical Stance' - hosted by The METAFIZZ: a Philosophers' Society.
On Monday 18th January, 2016 I was invited to speak at this Trinity debate organised by The Metafizz: a Philospher's Society.
New Year - First Order of Business, Seanad Éireann 2016
Posted on January 14, 2016
Order of Business, Seanad Éireann
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Senator Ivana Bacik: 'I join others in wishing you, a Chathaoirligh, your staff and all present a happy new year. I also congratulate Mr. Peter Finnegan on his new appointment. I thank the Leader for facilitating a debate on flooding next week.
Media coverage from Labour Women Repeal the 8th Amendment policy publication
Posted on December 19, 2015
Media coverage from Labour Women Repeal the 8th Amendment policy publication
Her.ie December 2015
'It will allow abortion on four medically certified grounds: risk to life; risk to health; rape; and fatal foetal abnormality. The test for assessing risk to health will be that of “real and substantial risk”, a test with which doctors are familiar from existing law. A stricter test will apply for risk to health where abortion is sought beyond the first trimester. '
http://www.her.ie/news/labour-party-launches-repeal-the-eight-amendment-bill/266529
SEANAD NEWS December 2015
Posted on December 17, 2015
SEANAD NEWS December 2015
As we approach the Christmas break, here's a short update on the work that I have been doing politically in recent months. As always, you will see more information on all these issues and more in the various sections of the website, on facebook (ivana bacik) and twitter (@ivanabacik).
May I wish you the very best wishes for Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Many thanks for your continued support,
Very best wishes, Ivana.
Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 passes final stages in the Seanad
Posted on December 15, 2015
Great to see the Assisted Decision Making Bill pass final stage in the Seanad. Here is a contribution I made at Second Stage.