Patricia Stephenson
Labour Panel
Meet Patricia
Patricia Stephenson is the Social Democrats Senator for the Labour Panel in Seanad Éireann.
Growing up in post-conflict Belfast, Patricia has been deeply influenced by the region’s challenges. Her upbringing has instilled in her a commitment to peacebuilding and human rights.
Patricia spent almost a decade working in international development, including six years living in East Africa, including South Sudan and Uganda. Her efforts focused on collaborating with communities to address local needs.
Upon returning to Ireland Patricia and her partner settled on the Carlow-Kilkenny border, renovating a derelict cottage near her family. Growing up, holidays with her family provided her with a connection to rural life that she loves. This has deepened her advocacy for policies that ensure rural areas thrive without being left behind.
Motivated by the struggles she observed in accessing essential services and housing, she entered politics to advocate for change. She is a vocal proponent of women’s rights. Her experiences, both domestically and internationally, have shaped her holistic approach to policy-making, always prioritising marginalised voices.
I believe that everyone deserves to have a good quality of life, no matter what their background is. I want to make sure communities across Ireland have the resilience to prosper.
Get in touch
patricia.stephenson@oireachtas.ie
Seanad Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Make a Donation
Latest News
Landmark day for the Social Democrats as party wins first ever Seanad seat
Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan has described the election of Patricia Stephenson to Seanad Éireann as a landmark day for the party. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Today marks another milestone for the Social Democrats following the increased mandate we received in the most recent local and general elections, where we almost doubled our number of […]
Read moreSocial Democrats propose €10 million fund to bring Palestinian children to Ireland
The Social Democrats today announced plans for a €10 million fund to bring Palestinian children to Ireland for education, cultural exchanges and medical treatment. The proposal is contained in the party’s ‘Positive Neutrality’ policy document, which was launched by foreign affairs spokesperson Gary Gannon, and Patricia Stephenson, the Soc Dems’ general election candidate in Carlow-Kilkenny. […]
Read moreSoc Dems launch policy on ending Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
The Social Democrats have today launched their policy aimed at tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland. The policy was launched by Patricia Stephenson, the party’s candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny, and Catherine Murphy, Social Democrats justice spokesperson. The policy document outlines how, in government, the party would establish a DSGBV Commissioner, with appropriate resources and […]
Read more