This document provides biographical information about a lecturer in international relations who is running for election to Seanad Éireann. It outlines their academic and professional background, including degrees from University College Dublin, University of Limerick, and Trinity College Dublin. It then discusses why voters should support their campaign, focusing on promoting legislation and policies to address issues of gender equality, sexual violence, domestic abuse, discrimination in education, and Ireland's treatment in the European Union. Specific policy proposals are outlined to combat sexual assault, domestic violence, and the glass ceiling effect in higher education. Proposals also aim to restore Ireland's neutrality and secure fair fisheries and debt deals in the EU.

1. Europe
Accountability
Equality for Ireland
Active Neutrality
Irish Fisheries
Debt Relief
Education
Graduate Equality
Glass Ceiling
Academic Freedom
Harassment and Bullying
Mental Health
Gender
Sexual Violence
Domestic Abuse
Reproductive Rights
Equal Opportunities
Affordable Childcare
Issues
About Me I am a Lecturer in International Relations at Dublin City University. I hold
a BA in Politics & Spanish (University College Dublin), an MA in European
Integration (University of Limerick), a Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics and a PhD
in Political Science (Trinity College, Dublin). I am a Chevening Scholar (UK), a
Government of Ireland Scholar (IRL) and a Fulbright Scholar (USA). I have worked
in universities in the UK and Ireland for the past seventeen years and for several
years in the research industry in London and in the banking sector in Dublin.
Why vote for me? As a renowned expert in Irish public opinion on public policy with
a passion for equality and justice, I am ideally suited to act as a check on Government
and provide independent scrutiny of legislation in Seanad Éireann. I have also
worked in grass roots organisations to protect people's rights (ICTE)
made submissions to a number of Commissions on political reform
presented to Oireachtas Committees on EU Affairs and on Petitions
advised governments, parties, and NGOs on EU and Irish public policy
Why support my campaign on the issues of equality within gender, education
and the European Union? In the context of the 1916 Rising commemorations and
the critical mass of new TDs elected to Dail Éireann, I see an opportunity to introduce
new legislation to combat long-standing issues of sexual and domestic violence,
discrimination in education in Ireland, and Ireland's inequality in the European Union.
Sexual Assault: International research shows that 80% of rape victims are under the
age of twenty-five. 1 in 4 females experience unwanted sexual experiences at college.
Action: In line with recent developments in other states, I will propose (1) legislation
modelled on a new Sexual Offences Act to improve the definition of the offences,
prosecution procedures, evidence and sentencing and (2) awareness and education
programmes to help change attitudes towards sexual violence in Ireland.
Domestic Violence affects 1 in 4 women in Europe, with up to 1 in 10 women
suffering violence in a given year. A 2014 survey found that 1 in 3 Irish women have
experienced intimate partner violence. The cost to the economy is 2 percent of GDP.
Action: I will propose (1) legislation modelled on the 2009 Istanbul Convention on
domestic and sexual violence and (2) a HEA programme in line with the 2002
Council of Europe resolution to take action on the problem of domestic violence.
Discrimination in Education: Women represent 4 out of 10 academics in Ireland,
but 72% of women are ranked as "lecturer" in 2013 (vs. 82% in the 1970s). Ireland
has second highest glass ceiling index in the EU for women in higher education.
Action: I will propose (1) proactive legislation modelled on the United States of
America's "Title IX" provisions to combat discrimination and (2) monitoring,
reporting and sanctions programmes for offending institutions.
Inequality at the European Union level: Successive Irish Governments have failed
to secure (1) a fair deal on Irish Fisheries’ €200 billion contribution to the EU, (2)
protect Ireland's active neutrality and (3) prevent the EU-led sovereign 'bail-out'.
Action: I will campaign to (1) introduce a new EU protocol to restore Ireland's
neutrality, (2) implement the EU "subsidiarity" powers of Seanad Éireann and 3)
create an EU Citizens’ Initiative for a fair fiscal resolution of the bank debt crisis.
(