Policies

I bring expertise in a number of areas to a number of different committees:

Health and Children
Working for a TD, I hear every day about people’s encounters with the HSE, on a variety of levels. I also have a plethora of experience in helping find practical solutions to problems involving everything from obtaining medical cards to hospital appointments for people. I also would hope those from Trinity Science and Medicine would feel as free to approach me for assistance as they have in approaching Mary Henry. I aim to continue voicing whatever views you bring to me in the appropriate fora at appropriate times and I will use membership of this Committee to advance my main priorities.

Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food
I have worked for two years as policy adviser to a front bench spokesperson and a member of this Committee. In this time I have encountered in great detail most of the issues of current relevance to both of these areas. I will continue my work holding the Government to account in all matters relating to agriculture and food, whether they are within the exclusive competence of the European Union or the Minister. I will also use my attendance at these meetings to further relevant aspects of my main priorities.

Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
I have written two books – a novel and a non-fiction work- and I helped draft the Labour Party’s policy on Rural Development. I will bring this expertise to bear on issues of relevance to my main priorities.

Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government
I have attended local government meetings twice a month for two years. I was part of the policy team which produced the Labour Party’s recent policy on climate change. I have extensive first hand experience of the planning process as it affects applicants and those who make observations on others’ planning applications. Whenever my expertise is of relevance to the Committee, I shall attend and play a full role.

Joint Committee on European Affairs
A former president of the European Youth Parliament, I was also rigorously schooled in European Law and its institutions over two years at Cambridge University. I am very much aware not only of the legislative mechanisms through which EU derived law becomes Irish law, but also of the opportunities members of the Oireachtas have to influence the content of those laws. I shall use these opportunities not only to further, where relevant, my main priorities, but also whatever aspects of issues you bring to my attention that I may bring influence to bear upon.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs
I studied International Law under several of the world’s most renowned teachers whilst at Cambridge. Where relevant, I believe the expertise I have developed in analysing international political and commercial problems through the prism of International Law would be of use in this Committee. Since I have also worked in the field for two international development-related Non-Governmental Organisations, I believe that I will have a useful perspective to offer on matters relating to International Development as well.