2 things happened simultaneously in Venezuela: the U.S. removed an authoritarian leader responsible for human rights abuses AND it violated international law by kidnapping a head of State. Respecting and upholding international law in the face of global chaos has never been more important.

A very constructive conversation with Cuan today to discuss refuge spaces for people fleeing domestic violence, and the issue of housing for survivors of domestic abuse. @garygannontd.bsky.social Cuan is the government agency dedicated to reducing domestic and gender-based violence in Ireland.

Brilliant to attend the morning session of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the 2 State Solution today. Interesting discussion on the NI peace process and lessons to learn around inclusion & the importance of women’s voices in negotiations for sustainable peace.

As the Irish Government signals support for Trump's Gaza 'Peace Plan', there should be no doubt that the removal of the Triple Lock is about breaking a 65 year long commitment to the UN and international law so we can more easily side with Western imperial blocs. www.thejournal.ie/trump-board-...

FFG have created a crisis of recruitment and retention due to 20 years of underinvestment in our Defence Forces. Ireland is proud of the women and men who bravely serve humanitarian missions overseas. It's crucial their pay and conditions reflect the incredible service they provide to our nation.

I spoke to survivors of sexual violence at Leinster House today. Despite govt promises to reform the Criminal and Civil Law Bill 2026, survivors' counselling notes could still be used against them in court. This horrendous breach of trust could deter women from seeking deserved justice.

Govt's failure to explicitly rule out joining President Trump's sinister Board of Peace is baffling. Other EU and European countries have had no such difficulty declining. Our govt needs to show similar backbone. @patriciastephenson.bsky.social

For a year, EU leaders have responded to Trump with flattery instead of firmness. He does not respect weakness. The EU must show unity and decisiveness. We have the tools. We must use them.

The Gaza Peace Plan and “Board of Peace” is deeply concerning. We cannot normalise forcing through peace without any engagement from the people most impacted - in this case the Palestinians, but we have seen similar attempts to exclude Ukrainians.

We cannot keep pandering to Trump’s bully boy tactics. He’s creating global chaos and we have to finally say enough is enough. We need strong leadership.

Appalling attempts to erase the rights of Palestinian refugees by Israel with continued attacks on UNRWA. Yet another step to destroy the humanitarian architecture supporting starving Palestinians. We must call this out in no uncertain terms. Failure to do so is facilitating Israeli impunity.

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, let’s start talking about how we can prevent cervical cancer. Talk to your friends and family about choosing: - HPV vaccination - cervical screening - treatment, when needed. Take action to prevent cervical cancer. #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek

Ireland and the UK must now move away from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) - to do so would be reckless. The ECHR has been central to the Good Friday Agreement and is a fundamental tenet of human rights. www.thejournal.ie/readme/europ...

Latest threats from Donald Trump to impose tariffs on EU and European countries are alarming and risk unravelling a trade deal reached last year. The EU must have a strong and united response to these bully tactics. @patriciastephenson.bsky.social www.socialdemocrats.ie/eu-needs-a-s...

My op-ed in The Journal on the importance of the European Convention of Human Rights for stability & peace on this island. Ireland and human rights: 'Turning our backs on the European Convention would be wrong' jrnl.ie/6927673

This is good news. But Sean Binder & his peers should never have been put through years of legal stress for trying to save people’s lives - the weaponisation of law & criminalisation of humanitarians must be called out & stamped out.

I am relieved to hear that Heba, Kamran and Lewie, of the Filton 24, have ended their hunger strike. I call on Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs to have the difficult conversation with British government about their treatment of Palestine Action activists, so this doesn't happen again.

The Good Friday Agreement happened 28 years ago, but the legacy of the conflict still exists today and families are still fighting for justice. The GFA failed to address legacy and justice. All future peace processes must include victims voices for a sustainable peace.

Statement on Iran.

Thank you to Samantha Trevaskis and Dr Yvonne Hartnett for visiting today to discuss the realities of living with PMDD and the vital research into this disorder. Looking forward to further advocacy work around PMDD awareness.

How do they get away with this stuff? They’re either purposefully misleading, or just blatantly ignorant to the facts. Family reunification accounts for less than 1% of inward migration to Ireland. It just means a traumatised person gets to be with their spouse or child while they restart their life

Hundreds of thousands of vile sexualised non-consensual images of women and children have been created by Grok, X’s AI tool. This isn't just horrifying – it's illegal. The Govt response to this has been muted and confusing. When will X be prosecuted?

In light of the fake images generatef by Grok, how can the Taoiseach reassure parents that EU regulations will protect them and their children when the EU Commission is pushing for total digital deregulation? The Government must enforce strict regulations on tech platforms in Ireland.

Looking forward to being a guest on The Late Debate tonight at 10pm.