Pauline O'Reilly
As a society, too often we fail to listen to the voices of carers and parents. I stand for really hearing our children and vulnerable adults.
I am the Chair of the Green Party and a Green Party Senator from Galway.
We need a strong voice for sustainable development, safe green spaces and a healthy environment for our children. Ireland is being left behind in the global race for renewables and risking big EU fines for our carbon emissions. We need real energy reform and support for the new industries of solar and wind energy.
We need to implement a strong policy on transport, including frequent buses and more rail. We need to combat traffic congestion with the pathways and facilities to make cycling a real option for more of us. We need greenways to improve the liveability of our towns and villages.
Well designed, properly planned housing and infrastructure can make life better for all of us.
Ireland is becoming more diverse therefore, we need more inclusive, multi-denominational options in education.
Experience
My political life started as a councillor on Galway City Council for the Green Party. After a successful campaign I was elected to the Seanad in 2020 and Chair of the Green Party in 2021. I am a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action. I am Vice Chair of the Gender Equality Committee and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Breastfeeding. In June 2024, I was the MEP candidate for Midlands North-West.
I have previously served in a voluntary position within the University of Galway as a board member, the chair and founder of Cuan na Gaillimhe National School, chairperson of Home Education Network Ireland and a board member of Galway Community Circus and Leisureland. Prior to my career in Politics, I was a family law solicitor in Galway.
