This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s absolute commitment to the development of reconciliation and healing in Ireland.
Both are central to shaping a future which will assist our society to move forward.
We believe reconciliation must be built upon
Sinn Féin is committed to the enhancement of reconciliation by comprehensively dealing with the past.
Reconciliation and healing will depend upon functioning and accountable political institutions, as well as courageous political leadership which sets an example for wider society.
We believe that all political institutions and instruments of public policy must be committed to standards of leadership, values and targets, which will guarantee good relations and reconciliation.
Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that all Government departments, councils and public bodies have a clear and agreed reconciliation focus evidenced in a commitment to equality across all aspects of public policy.
We reaffirm our resolve to engage with both the British and Irish governments to bring forward proposals which will assist in the development of reconciliation. We call for the formulation of a dedicated reconciliation strategy under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council.
To that end this Ard Fheis adopts the policy document Towards an Agreed and Reconciled Future.
Ard Chomhairle
That this Ard Fheis:
Six-County CúigeColin West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis opposes totally the British Government’s plans to repeal the 1998 Human Rights Act (HRA).
The 1998 Act gives effect to the European Convention on Human Rights and grants access to the European Court of Human Rights. The HRA is interwoven completely into the fabric of the Good Friday Agreement and guarantees a broad spectrum of rights. These include (via the Convention) the right to life, the prohibition of torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and Article 8, the right to respect of private life.
This Ard Fheis acknowledges that several cases have been brought against the British state for abusing or negating the Convention on human rights and the HRA is a vital springboard from which these cases can be launched.
The Act also ensures that state actors can be held to account.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the publication of legal opinion authored by Doughty Street Chambers and Kevin Winters Law Firm on the effects of a repeal of the Human Rights Act. This opinion states clearly that a repeal of the Human Rights Act is an assault on the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to act, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, and challenge the British Government on its plan to repeal the HRA and renew calls for the introduction of a Bill of Rights specific to the post-conflict conditions of the North of Ireland.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae
This Ard Fheis:
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish and British governments to deliver on their commitments set out in the Good Friday and subsequent agreements.
In particular we call on them to introduce:
North Belfast Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis is committed to progressively addressing health issues on an all-Ireland basis. The health issues we face do not stop at the Border and it makes sense to develop island-wide interventions. We also believe the development of island-wide provision is especially fundamental to meeting the needs of patients with rare conditions or conditions so limited in number that it is difficult to sustain service provision on a partitioned basis.
Sinn Féin representatives have been to the fore in championing greater co-operation and integration of health services for the good of everybody, for example:
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae
This Ard Fheis believes that Irish Government and Northern Executive should take a more effective approach to addressing mental health issues and tackling suicide in our communities.This Ard Fheis believes proper investment and better co-ordination of services is required to tackle the crisis that exists in mental health, a crisis that has been exacerbated by the recession through cuts to services and added strains on people finding themselves in difficulties.This Ard Fheis supports the Prioritising Mental Health Sinn Féin policy document launched in February 2016 and calls for measures including:
We also call for mental health services to be properly recognised and fully integrated into policy decisions and funding allocations in the Six Counties.
This Ard Fheis also encourages members to undertake suicide prevention training.
National Youth Committee
This Ard Fheis recognises that the health system in the 26 Counties is in a state of crisis. Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil have presided over a two-tier, failing health service. This has resulted in a fundamental inequality in how patients are treated, differentiated on ability to pay and location. There is also a lack of capacity in the system to deal with demographic pressures in Emergency Departments and maternity services.
This is not acceptable. Inability to pay should not deny anyone the opportunity to lead a full, long and healthy life.
This Ard Fheis endorses Sinn Féin’s Plan for Universal Healthcare, including its proposals to:
Ard ChomhairlePatrick Conroy Cumann, Castlerea
This Ard Fheis strongly supports the health system in the Six Counties remaining a public health service free at the point of delivery. Our vision for health includes creating a fair, sustainable and collaborative public health and social care system that puts the ethos of public service, compassion and dignity at the heart of delivering care a system that is dedicated to the eradication of health inequalities and unmet need which delivers the best possible outcomes for patients, fairness for health workers and also improves the lives of our citizens as a whole.
This Ard Fheis believes that the ‘marketisation’ and privatisation of health care is wrong, and that the complexity of the current structure diverts much needed financial resources away from frontline services.This Ard Fheis calls for:
Derry City Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis fully endorses the newly published Sinn Féin health policy document, Better for Health – A Sinn Féin Plan for Universal Healthcare, and commends its adoption and implementation to the new Government in Dublin. We commend Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD for his years of committed work in the Health portfolio and for his stewardship of this important portfolio over a succession of Dáil terms. We acknowledge the input of the health policy development team established by Deputy Ó Caoláin and commend the focused work and final product of their research and deliberations. We urge full familiarisation of our health policy proposals by our elected representatives and key party activists and look forward to having the opportunity to implement our proposals in full as lead party in a future Government arrangement.
Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis notes the widespread prevalence of conflicts of interest of those who have been enlisted to evaluate food safety in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and that this has served to discredit the evaluations on safety the Authority undertakes and leads to a serious lack of trust from consumers on these subjects. The EFSA has a long catalogue of conflicts of interest of its panel experts, including for the aspartame evaluation, whilst also relying considerably on industry-funded studies. These actions undermine the legitimacy of the EFSA in the eyes of the public and has led to worrying questions surrounding its independence and ability to make conflict-free objective decisions on food safety.
This Ard Fheis therefore demands that the EFSA must comply with stricter rules on conflict of interest including longer ‘cooling-off’ periods before industry scientists can work on the advisory panels and vice versa, a better examination and implementation of the declaration of interests and public access to studies they use.
Seán Corcoran Cumann, Kiltimagh
This Ard Fheis calls on the Oireachtas Minister for Education to place on a statutory footing a schools education programme on good mental health awareness and well-being, to be delivered at primary and post-primary schools.
George Plant Cumann, Cashel
John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Tralee
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to implement a direct-payments strategy for people with disabilities to begin a roll-out of individualised funding initiatives across the country. Direct payments are about giving persons with disabilities choice and control over the services and supports that they receive. They offer flexibility and empower people to make decisions about their own lives.
West Galway Comhairle Ceantair
Transgender people face significant barriers to accessing appropriate health care, particularly in terms of mental health and transition services, which put substantial strain on trans people and their families. Access to relevant health services dramatically improves the mental health and well-being of trans people. There are currently very limited trans-specific health services in Ireland and very few outside of Dublin.
This Ard Fheis recognises that trans people face significant barriers in Irish society and are not able to avail of medically necessary health services. We call on representatives to make trans health care a priority and ensure that health services are sufficiently available across the island.
Kevin Barry/Frank Stagg Cumann, Dublin North Inner City
This Ard Fheis calls for the establishment of Huntington’s Disease (HD) specific multi-disciplinary clinics which are crucial to advance research and improve standards of care on an all-Ireland basis and for sustainable funding for HDAI and HDANI.
Tom Kealy Cumann, Celbridge
This Ard Fheis calls for the Ard Chomhairle to review, in consultation with the wider party, Sinn Féin’s policies on the issue of cannabis specifically and drugs generally, taking account of examples in other jurisdictions where permissive regulations relating to cannabis for medical use have evolved. This review should also examine the language used to reference cannabis in order to draw a distinction between it and drugs with more individually addictive and socially harmful effects.
Martin Forsythe Cumann, Glencullen/Sandyford
Seán Corcoran Cumann, Kiltimagh
James Connolly Cumann, Cahir
This Ard Fheis recognises that obesity in the 26 Counties has doubled over the past 20 years. Currently, two thirds of adults and one in four children are overweight or obese. In just one year the childhood obesity treatment programme at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin experienced a 400% increase in referrals of children under five.
Of the estimated €1.13billion annual cost of obesity, 35% (or almost €400 million) is attributed to direct health care costs.
This Ard Fheis expresses its anger at the mismanagement of the health service budget. In particular, we call for a proper structure regarding obesity treatment to be prioritised. Resources must be put in place to ensure an effective service in this area.
This Ard Fheis recognises the significant challenge facing society in tackling obesity and calls for public health measures including:
Wicklow Comhairle Ceantair
Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann, Kildare Town
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to make outside services available, for example from the National Rehabilitation Hospital, to in-patients in the acute hospital system who are waiting for a more appropriate step-down bed or community service while they are in the hospital system. This is especially important for patients with brain injuries as early intervention is key for their rehabilitation.
Smith/Savage Cumann, Castleknock
This Ard Fheis recognises that the introduction of household water charges was the brainchild of the Fianna Fáil-led administration who agreed the policy as part of the European Union/European Central Bank/International Monetary Fund Troika bailout programme in 2010; and that:
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis recognises the key role that Irish America has played in Irish republican history, including Irish America’s central role in the 1916 Rising and its ongoing contribution today in helping secure and develop the Peace Process and advance the cause of Irish unity.This Ard Fheis therefore sends its thanks and solidarity to our “exiled children in America” and across the world and looks forward to achieving the Republic of 1916 with their ongoing help and assistance and gratefully acknowledges the support of Friends of Sinn Féin USA and Canada.
Elizabeth O’Farrell Cumann, Portobello/Kevin Street
On 17 October 2011, an international conference for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Basque Country took place in Donostia/San Sebastian. International representation included former Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD. ETA’s declaration of a definitive cessation was announced a few days later, creating a unique and historic opportunity to address the causes as well as the consequences of the conflict.
In July 2014, ETA released a further statement announcing a winding down of its military structures and commencement of a process to deal with the issue of arms. Nevertheless, all attempts by ETA to move forward in a process to deal definitively with the issue of arms have been blocked by the Spanish authorities.
On 1 March of this year Arnaldo Otegi, Secretary General of SORTU and the main leader of the new strategy for peace, was released after the complete fulfilment of a court decision sentencing him to six years and six months of imprisonment.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the release of Arnaldo Otegi and expresses its support for the strategy of peace and sovereignty developed by the Basque pro-independence coalition.
This Ard Fheis endorses the international campaign on Basque prisoners “Bring Them Home - Free Them All” and calls on the Spanish and French authorities to implement the following measures:
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis notes the continuing struggle of the Catalan Government and people to establish a binding referendum on independence and calls on the Spanish Government to legislate to allow for the people of Catalonia to hold this binding referendum on independence.
National Youth Committee
This Ard Fheis acknowledges the sterling work carried out in the past 12 months by Martina Anderson MEP as Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Palestine and continues to support her in using that position to highlight the injustices being inflicted on the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for freedom and statehood.
This Ard Fheis sends solidarity greetings to the Palestinian people living under occupation or in exile.
This Ard Fheis condemns the continuing annexation of Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem which contravenes international law and the Geneva Convention of 1949. We demand the implementation of United Nation resolutions and the enforcement of international law.
This Ard Fheis calls for the immediate lifting of the punitive and illegal siege of Gaza, the opening of all border crossings as well as the sea port of Gaza, and the extension of the fishing zone. We believe the deliberate bombing of civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools constitutes a war crime and therefore ought to be investigated by the International Criminal Court.
This Ard Fheis urges full support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. We particularly demand that the Irish Government immediately stops procuring armaments and military equipment from Israeli manufacturers.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the motions that were supported both in the Seanad and the Dáil calling on the Irish Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. We call on the Irish Government to do this without further delay.
Derry City Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis notes the continued improvements in the normalisation of the relationship between Cuba and the USA. We reiterate our call for the USA to unconditionally and fully lift its illegal blockade of Cuba.
This Ard Fheis also notes the positive advances in the Colombia peace negotiations. However, it is aware of the gross human rights abuses and the barriers to the democratic process that remain. It supports all efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Colombia and calls on the Colombian Government to ensure that human rights and the democratic process are respected.
We also note with concern the continued efforts of the right-wing in Venezuela to undermine the Bolivarian revolution and to destroy the social progress that the country has made in recent years.
Devlin Plunkett Cumann, Templeogue/Terenure
This Ard Fheis reiterates our policy of critical engagement with the EU and reaffirms our support for the campaign for the North of Ireland to remain in the EU.
Sinn Féin will continue to work with progressive allies in Europe to enhance the positives of the European Union, combat the negatives and hold the institutions to account. Sinn Féin will continue to resist the dilution of national sovereignty and protect the competencies of the Member States.
Sinn Féin will resist any encroachment on Irish neutrality.
Sinn Féin will oppose and campaign against any attempts by the British Government to withdraw from the EU.
Increased or full withdrawal by the British state from the EU, has negative implications for Ireland, North and South. It would represent a major set-back for the political process in the North, and directly challenge the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement as an internationally-binding treaty. It would also undermine all-Ireland co-operation and harden partition.
A Brexit is opposite to the interests of local people. The combined financial loss of EU investment, subsidies and funds to the North of Ireland (and the Southern Border counties) arising from a Brexit would be in the region of £2.5 billion.
This Ard Fheis moves that in the event of Britain leaving the EU, an immediate referendum on Irish unity be triggered.
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to Irish neutrality and an independent foreign policy.
We note the Irish Government’s refusal to support the Neutrality Bill tabled by Sinn Féin in the Dáil which called for a referendum on enshrining neutrality in Bunreacht na hÉireann and to immediately halt the use of Irish airports, ports, and airspace by foreign militaries to wage war.
Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Tallaght Central
National Youth Committee
This Ard Fheis notes with concern the refugee and humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and Europe. It states its opposition to any EU deal which will see the mass deportation of asylum seekers and calls on the Irish Government to ensure that Ireland plays a leading role in tackling this humanitarian crisis and to open new legal channels for refugees to be resettled safely in Ireland. It notes Sinn Féin’s commitment to amend the International Protection Bill 2015 to address deficiencies in relation to children’s rights, family reunification, and access to work and education.
Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Tallaght CentralSaturday Morning
This Ard Fheis empathises with all those - including private households, businesses and the farming community - who have been devastated by recent flooding throughout the country. We call on the Irish Government to implement a River Shannon Management Agency with overall responsibility for development of the Shannon and a strategy to address these issues immediately. Flood defences and drainage need to be put in place to ensure this situation cannot arise in the future.
It further calls on the Irish Government to put in place an accessible compensation package to support people to restore their damaged properties and to compel insurance companies to fulfil their contractual agreements with those who are covered and to continue to provide insurance to these people in the future.
East Clare Cumann
This Ard Fheis:
South & East Tyrone Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis:
This Ard Fheis recognises that:
Calls on the Irish Government and the Northern Executive to take an all-island approach to managing our energy requirements, our transport needs, our agriculture and farming, forests and natural resources to maximise the potential of adapting to a changing global environment and avail of new economic opportunities.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae
This Ard Fheis calls for a ban on wild animal act circuses. Animal act circuses are currently banned in many countries and by local councils. This Ard Fheis would like to see a national ban on both local authority and private land.
Virginia/Mullagh Cumann, Cavan
Wolfe Tone Cumann, Naas
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to immediately implement legislation which would seek to impose strict setback distances on wind turbine developments stipulating that renewable energy that is produced in Ireland should be for the benefit of Irish energy consumer.
This Ard Fheis urges the Irish Government and local authorities to take seriously the genuine concerns of communities regarding the risks posed by wind farm development to health, the environment, the countryside and rural livelihoods. These authorities must not allow corporate profit to be prioritised before the rights of Irish citizens
West Waterford Cumann
This Ard Fheis restates its ongoing opposition to bin charges and opposes the introduction of a pay-by-weight system by Environment Minister Alan Kelly in the dying days of the Fine Gael/Labour Government.
This Ard Fheis recognises the particular difficulties this will cause for the 70,000 carers across the state who cannot recycle medical waste material, for example nappies, disposable sheets, wipes and plastic syringes.
We view this new waste collection charging regime as yet another stealth tax on households. As soon as the department imposes the pay-by-weight system, we demand it be suspended until an Independent Commission be appointed to proof the measure and assess impacts upon carers as well as other groups such as those on low incomes, those in receipt of state benefits and those who suffer from ill health or a disability and make their findings known.
Tom Kealy Cumann, Celbridge
This Ard Fheis, in light of recent plans to build new nuclear facilities on the west coast of Britain, calls on Sinn Féin to continue to highlight the concern from the people of Ireland, especially those on the east coast, in relation to the nuclear power plant at Sellafield and any further construction of nuclear power plants in Britain.
Keenan/Doherty Cumann, Carrickmacross
Mitchell/Sands Cumann, Carrickmacross
This Ard Fheis rejects the Irish Government’s policies in the Keeping Communities Safe (KCS) document. The policy document (published in 2013) relates to the fire service and is primarily a cost-cutting exercise which would have serious implications for the safety of members of the fire service and the general public. The KCS policy document recommended a 20% reduction of crew levels and a change from automatic fire calls to discretionary calls, giving authorities the power to decide which emergencies to respond to. We support the stances taken by SIPTU and the Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association in their opposition to the document.
This Ard Fheis also reiterates its support for an All-Ireland National Fire Authority.
Steenie Mulvey Cuman, Bray
This Ard Fheis supports giving retained firefighters the option to transfer to a different position within any local authority or the wider public service, upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 55 years, or the extended age of 58 on the principle of merit.
Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford
In the face of rising insurance prices denying young people mobility and pricing vulnerable people off the road, this Ard Fheis will commit to a root and branch reform of liability laws in Ireland to bring them into line with international norms.
Margaret Joyce Cumann, Clifden
This Ard Fheis call on the authorities in the North to introduce the metric system for all traffic and related road signage to bring it in line with the rest of the island and also look to create an all-Ireland body to standardise speed limits and road traffic signs.
Clarke/Smith/Doherty Cumann, Finglas
This Ard Fheis:
Gerard Casey Cumann, Rasharkin
This Ard Fheis recognises that 2016 – the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising – is a time to reflect upon the unrealised promise of the Proclamation. 100 years ago, men and women from across Ireland and the Diaspora came together to draw up a framework for a sovereign, independent Irish Republic and set out to achieve it. This Ireland, a true Ireland of Equals remains unrealised – but it is achievable. Irish unity is viable, achievable and in the best interests of all.
Therefore this Ard Fheis calls on the:
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis, in the centenary year of the 1916 Rising, remembers the sacrifices made by all generations of republicans in pursuit of the ideals of the Proclamation. We welcome the fact that hundreds of thousands of citizens participated in commemorative events in every county.
We recognise that we have a duty not only to celebrate and commemorate the events 100 years ago - but also to recognise that the goals of the revolution have yet to be realised and the goals of the Proclamation are yet to be achieved.
The Republic of Easter Week 1916 was an all-Ireland republic – one that granted citizens inalienable political, social and economic rights; one that guaranteed religious and civil liberty; provided the foundation stone of a truly democratic republic elected by all her men and women; and allowed for the Irish nation to take its place among the sovereign nations of the world.
We recognise that these ideals have not yet been realised and we recommit ourselves to being the generation that delivers that Republic.
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis recognises that:
Louth Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis:
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to:
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis supports calls for having a new bank holiday designated in law as Lá na Poblachta/Republic Day on April 24th annually.
This Ard Fheis also supports the establishment of a Bórd Lá na Poblachta to organise the events in commemoration, and in appreciation, of the contribution to the Irish nation over the centuries by many who gave their lives and liberty in the pursuit of an Irish Nation free from the occupation of a foreign power.
Robert Emmet Cumann, Thurles
Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford
Christy Dixon Cumann, East Wall
This Ard Fheis, in the centenary year of the 1916 Easter Rising, calls for prominent streets in Dublin and elsewhere to be renamed after the heroes of Easter Week.
Christy Dixon Cumann, East Wall
This Ard Fheis commends the work of Sinn Féin and Irish-language activists who are championing our language rights across the island, including:
We recognise that by promoting respect for difference participation in the Irish language can contribute to the realisation of an agreed, multi-cultural, united Ireland.
This Ard Fheis calls for the party to undertake a consultation process with the Irish-language community and wider society following which the party will publish a finalised Irish Language Policy Document.
Ard Chomhairle
Phil Meehan Cumann, Leitrim
This Ard Fheis commends the work of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Minister for Education in promoting and supporting the Irish language and reaffirms our commitments to support:
Andersonstown Martyrs Cumann, West Belfast
This Ard Fheis welcomes the commitment of Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Carál Ní Chuilin and the GAA to the building of a new state-of-the-art provincial stadium in Casement Park. We welcome the announcement of a forthcoming consultation by the GAA and look forward to the resolution of all existing difficulties. We believe the investment of over £71million in the redevelopment of Casement Park will have a significant economic impact on west Belfast. Moreover, the inclusion of social clauses in the contract will create employment prospects for local people.
Black Mountain West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis supports the formation of an all-Ireland soccer team to represent the Irish nation on the international stage.
Vol Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, West Cork
This Ard Fheis supports the Irish Government’s signing and ratifying of the Faro Convention. The aim of the convention is to strengthen civil society and democracy by emphasising every person’s right of engaging with the cultural heritage of their choice. To this end, the convention encourages communities to work together for the good of their shared cultural heritage, one of the pioneering elements of the convention.
Drumm/Doherty/Clarke Cumann, Clondalkin
This Ard Fheis welcomes the historic result of the 2015 referendum in the 26 Counties on marriage equality and commends the Sinn Féin team in the Assembly for bringing this issue to the fore and their ongoing work on this issue. We recognise that the fundamental right to marriage equality must now be progressed in the North and calls for legislation in the Assembly to allow equal marriage rights for all citizens in the Six Counties.
Sheena Campbell Cumann, Corduff
Smith/Savage Cumann, Castleknock
Devlin Plunkett Cumann, Templeogue/Terenure
(Amended) This Ard Fheis commends Sinn Féin for standing nearly 40% of female candidates in the 2016 Dáil and Assembly elections and the plans by the party to incrementally increase this number until parity is achieved.
This Ard Fheis recognises the new laws which ensured at least 30% of candidates for all parties in the recent election had to be women otherwise parties would forfeit state funding. We also welcome that this will increase over time to 40% and eventually 50% and that this will fundamentally improve the representation of women in Irish politics.
We support legislation to increase the representation of women in public life in the Six Counties including gender quotas guaranteeing at least 30% female candidates in the next Local Government and Assembly elections. We also support legislation to achieve the Six County Executive’s target for gender equality for appointments to public boards.
Ard Chomhairle
AMENDED MOTION PASSED
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to adopt Directive 2013/33/EU and fully participate in the legal revisions for the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). Both Directive 2013/33/EU and revisions for the CEAS would ensure equitable treatment of asylum seekers and their families, including the opportunity to work.
This Ard Fheis also reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to oppose the direct provision system and calls for its abolition and instead support a not-for-profit model that enshrines principles of dignity, autonomy and integration.
Murt/Quilter Cumann, Athenry
This Ard Fheis recognises that unmarried fathers do not have any automatic legal rights in respect of their children and that in Ireland having your name on the birth certificate does not, in itself, give you any legal rights in respect of your child.
This Ard Fheis proposes that Sinn Féin should aim to introduce legislation that would give fathers full and automatic rights in respect of their children in terms of guardianship, custody and access to their children, subject to the best interests of the child.
Martin Hurson Cumann, UCC
This Ard Fheis calls on the party to support the Independent Broadcasters’ Association policy on the promotion and funding of independent radio in Ireland, including:
This Ard Fheis further calls for loosening of restrictions and reduction of barriers to the development of independent radio stations. This Ard Fheis also calls on the party to bring these policy points to the Oireachtas or European Parliament as appropriate.
Michael J. Marren Cumann, South Sligo
This Ard Fheis:
This Ard Fheis reiterates its calls for voting rights for emigrants in elections North and South. We call for all Irish citizens to be afforded their right to vote in Presidential elections, and by way of a reserved constituency in Dáil elections as per our Towards a New Republic document on political reform.
Furthermore, this Ard Fheis calls on the British Government to bring forward similar legislation to allow emigrant citizens in the North of Ireland to have similar rights for Westminster and Assembly elections.
Charles J. Kickham Cumann, Nenagh
This Ard Fheis welcomes the recent publication of three major reports setting out the economic benefits of Irish reunification. These are Modelling Irish Unification undertaken by KLC Consulting, the Report on the All-Island Economy by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and The Economic Case for Irish Unity by economist Michel Burke.
This Ard Fheis notes that there would be a considerable economic benefit from political and economic reunification. There is a potential €35.6billion boost in an all-island GDP in the first eight years of reunification arising from:
This Ard Fheis calls on the North-South Ministerial Council to establish a committee specifically tasked with harmonising and maximising economic co-operation.
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis notes that for the last five years Fine Gael and Labour introduced Budget after Budget that protected high-earners. To pay for this they placed a huge burden on the average worker and family and left thousands of Irish people on hospital trolleys and 1,500 children in emergency accommodation.
Instead of investing in our economy and ensuring all citizens are afforded a decent quality of life and the opportunity of a good job, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour cut taxes to benefit the rich to the detriment of the average worker. These are the type of policies that caused the economic crisis in the first place.
This Ard Fheis also notes that during the recent general election Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil were caught out cooking the books to inflate their spending plans, leaving their economic plans in tatters.
Sinn Féin wants a stable and balanced economy that will deliver for society. We want to move away from the boom-and-bust cycles perpetuated by these other parties. We want to ensure that any recovery is a fair one that benefits most the people hardest hit by austerity.
We want to ensure that future economic policy is designed to ensure Ireland can reach its full potential and that no future generation of Irish children will again face the spectre of forced emigration. This must include:
This Ard Fheis believes that this type of economic policy will deliver a recovery that is fair and sustainable. Our priorities include:
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae
This Ard Fheis commends the work of our Assembly ministerial team over the last five years in standing up to Tory austerity and putting forward a credible economic alternative. In particular we commend:
This Ard Fheis recognises the growing consensus among the business and academic community of the economic arguments in favour of a united Ireland and that the continuance of the Border is a barrier to economic growth and prosperity in Ireland.
We recognise that these barriers, while most keenly felt in the Border counties, have all-Ireland effects. The imposition of different currencies, legal and tax systems and legislatures on either side of the Border make no economic sense and impedes Ireland reaching its full potential. The economic benefits of Irish unity would include:
South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis call for the establishment of a single island-wide economic agency to drive economic policy and strategy. This agency would integrate the IDA, InvestNI and InterTrade Ireland and would be responsible for:
Louth Comhairel Ceantair
This Ard Fheis call for the development of a Border Economic Development Zone to revitalise the Border region.
This Ard Fheis recognises:
Midlands North West Cúige
This Ard Fheis recognises the key role infrastructure has to play in bringing about further integration of the all-Ireland economy. To this end we recognise the need to progress on:
South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis:
Black Mountain West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis:
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis notes that:
This Ard Fheis calls for an inter-departmental review, led by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, to consider a fairer system for calculating commercial rates for small businesses.
John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Tralee
This Ard Fheis commends the Local Banks for Local Business Sinn Féin discussion document published last year. This document proposes Local Public Banks to ensure appropriate and sufficient provision of banking services to all customers and promote local economic development and investment. The profit motive and the consequent greed which has been the sole basis of much of the Irish banking system for decades has damaged Irish society for generations and a community-based and owned system is required to operate alongside the traditional banks to provide a more balanced banking system.
Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann, Kildare Town
This Ard Fheis commits Sinn Féin to use all available influence to:
This Ard Fheis also affirms that we will not support any trade agreement that includes Investor-State Dispute mechanisms and Sinn Féin does not support any trade mechanism that allows domestic law to be superseded by corporate interest.
This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Irish Government to:
This Ard Fheis recognises that:
National Youth Committee
This Ard Fheis commemorates the central role played by the Irish Citizen Army, members of the Irish Transport & General Workers’ Union and the Irish Women Workers Union in the 1916 Rising.
Shortly before the Easter Rising, James Connolly asked “What is a Free Nation?” and replied: “The peaceful progress of the future requires the possession by Ireland of all the national rights now denied to her. Only in such possession can the workers of Ireland see stability and security for the fruits of their toil and organisation.”
One hundred years later, in the wake of austerity-prolonged recession, industrial unrest is mounting once again.
In advance of the 1918 general election, Sinn Féin produced a handbill declaring: “That where Irish resources are being developed or where industries exist, Sinn Féiners shall make it their business to secure that workers are paid a living wage.”
A century later, the fundamental challenges for workers remain the same – fair pay, secure hours and adequate safeguards against exploitation. Women, migrant workers and young people remain particularly vulnerable, with those working in the retail, hospitality and care sectors faring the worst.
This Ard Fheis calls for an end to the exploitation of low-hour contract workers through the introduction of Fair Hours Legislation, for mandatory trade union recognition and for the right to collective bargaining. We will strengthen compliance and enforcement of employment and workers’ rights and ban the blacklisting of trade union members and organisers. We also call for future public sector pay and pensions negotiations, North and South, to prioritise low-to middle-income workers, work towards pay equalisation, tackle the casualisation of employment and narrow the income gap between those at the top and those at the bottom.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae
This Ard Fheis supports and encourages the introduction of a ‘Living Wage’ across the economy, both north and south, and as a first step towards its introduction we would make the public sector a Living Wage employer.
Court West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair
Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Galway City Central
This Ard Fheis supports the introduction of paid leave in the workplace for victims of domestic violence. Economic independence plays a crucial role in enabling individuals in that position to extricate themselves from the situation. Employees who have exhausted paid leave are at risk of losing their jobs and economic independence. A study carried out by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that showed 20% of employees take leave every year as a result of domestic violence and 2% have lost their job as a result.
Dublin Cúige
This Ard Fheis recognises that gardaí, nurses and teachers play a vital role in our society, yet many of the newer entrants have been penalised by the two-tier pay structure brought in by the last Fine Gael/Labour Government. This Ard Fheis supports the demand that this unfair system be replaced with a fairer system that rewards people based on their work and is not defined by when they began their career.
Steenie Mulvey Cuman, Bray
This Ard Fheis believes that, in the interest of equality, both adults should have equal right to information and access to monies attached to a joint social welfare claim for married or co-habiting couples so some semblance of independence can be maintained and to avoid one partner who may be in active addiction, or abusive and controlling, having full control of the money and calls on the Irish Government to explore practical options for social welfare reform in order to greater protect the autonomy, independence and best interests of all members of households in receipt of social welfare.
Tommy Kavanagh Cumann, The Commons, Tipperary
This Ard Fheis wants to ensure our older citizens are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Older people have made and continue to make valuable contributions to their communities, wider society and their country throughout their lives.
This Ard Fheis would:
Comerford/Adrien Cumann, Portmarnock/Malahide
To add the following to the Sinn Féin Constitution as Section 12.
a) An Investigation Committee shall be established in order to hear complaints and recommend disciplinary action, where it considers necessary, against members of the party.
b) The Investigation Committee shall be comprised of one member nominated from each cúige and three others nominated by an Ard Chomhairle.
c) The Investigation Committee may co-opt other members should the work load require it.
d) Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall have the power to suspend a member for a temporary or specified period, and the case will be referred immediately to the Investigation Committee for consideration.
e) The Investigation Committee shall function in accordance with the disciplinary procedures which shall be agreed by an Ard Chomhairle.
f) The disciplinary procedures shall set out the methodology of the Committee and the disciplinary measures which may be taken against members.
g) An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to sanction a member including by suspension or expulsion.
h) Any member disciplined shall have a right of appeal to an appeals panel, as described in the disciplinary procedures.
And to change reference to “Code of Conduct” in 5.1h of the Sinn Féin constitution to “Charter of Ethics”.
Ard Chomhairle
Michael J. Marren Cumann, South Sligo
To delete the following sections from the Sinn Féin Rules.
2. AN ARD CHOMHAIRLE
2.1 Disciplinary powers in relation to members of the organisation
a. An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability.
b. Upon notice of dismissal, the member or body shall have the right to appeal to An Ard Chomhairle which may set up an inquiry team to examine the case.
c. In the event of an Ard Chomhairle inquiry, the member or body concerned must receive from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team.
d. The suspension of a member or body for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed
e. On completion of the inquiry, Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall submit a report to An Ard Chomhairle.
f. Having considered the report’s findings, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation.
g. Where allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault are made against any member of the organisation, they should be referred directly to Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí and An tArd-Rúnaí.
2.2 Disciplinary powers in relation to Ard Chomhairle members
a. Members of An Ard Chomhairle absent from three consecutive meetings without an excusing cause automatically forfeit membership of An Ard Chomhairle.
b. An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss or suspend any Ard Chomhairle member before a duly convened meeting called for that purpose.
c. Upon notice of dismissal, the member shall have the right to appeal to An Ard Chomhairle which shall set up an inquiry team to examine the case.
d. In the event of An Ard Chomhairle inquiry, the member concerned must receive from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry.
e. On completion of the inquiry, Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall submit a report to An Ard Chomhairle.
f. Having considered the report’s findings, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a twothirds majority, to dismiss the member from An Ard Chomhairle or, if it deems it justifiable, from the organisation.
g. Where a member is dismissed, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to co-opt a substitute.
h. The suspension of an Ard Chomhairle member for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed.
3. COMHAIRLE CÚIGE
3.5 Cúige disciplinary procedures
a. An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability.
b. Under direction from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, and subject to future ratification by An Chomhairle Cúige and where there is an urgent and immediate need for executive action to be taken, the officer board of An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or unsuitability. This shall not affect the right to appeal of the member or body.
c. Before being dismissed, however, the member or body must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by An Chomhairle Cúige.
d. The member or body concerned must receive from the Cúige Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team
e. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to An Chomhairle Cúige. Having considered the report’s findings, An Comhairle Cúige shall have the power, by a two thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation.
f. Any member or body that has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of An Chomhairle Cúige has the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle.
g. The suspension of a body or member thereof for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed
h. Differences arising in a Comhairle Cúige or between Comhairlí Cúige where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Ard Chomhairle.
4. COMHAIRLÍ CEANTAIR
4.5 Comhairle Ceantair disciplinary procedures
a. An Chomhairle Ceantair shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability.
b. Before being dismissed, however, the member or body must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by An Chomhairle Ceantair.
c. The member or body concerned must receive from An Chomhairle Ceantair Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team
d. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to An Chomhairle Ceantair. Having considered the report’s findings, An Chomhairle Ceantair shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation.
e. Any member or body that has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of An Chomhairle Ceantair has the right of appeal to An Chomhairle Cúige.
f. The suspension of a body or member thereof for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed
g. Differences arising in a Comhairle Ceantair or between Comhairlí Ceantair where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Chomhairle Cúige.
5. CUMAINN
5.6 Cumann disciplinary procedures
a. The Cumann shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any of its members for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability.
b. Before being dismissed, however, the member must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by the Cumann.
c. The member concerned must receive from the Cumann Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team
d. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to the Cumann. Having considered the report’s findings, the Cumann shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member from the organisation.
e. Any member who has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of a Cumann has the right of appeal to An Chomhairle Ceantair.
f. The suspension of a member for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed.
g. Differences arising in a Cumann or between Cumainn where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Chomhairle Ceantair and, if necessary, from there to An Chomhairle Cúige, subject to the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle.
h. Any member of a Cumann holding that any particular decision of a Cumann is contrary to the principles, objectives or policy of the organisation may require a statement of such a decision, signed by the Cathaoirleach, Rúnaí and objector to be sent for consideration to An Chomhairle Ceantair and, if necessary, An Chomhairle Cúige, subject to the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle.
Ard Chomhairle
To amend section 5.2c to read:5.2c: In the case of a selection convention, all cumann members who have served their probationary period shall have a vote to select a candidate subject to the criteria set out in the rules and regulations governing membership and the rules established by the Election Unit.
Margaret Skinnider Cumann, Drumcondra
To amend section 5.2c to read:
5.2c: For the purpose of voting at selection conventions only those who are members of a Cumann, and have attended a minimum of 60% of Cumann meetings in the 12 months immediately preceding the selection convention can vote.
In relation to the above, the only exceptions would be due to employment, illness, extenuating personal circumstances, or due to their role as an elected representative.
James Fintan Lalor Cumann, Portlaoise
(Amended) This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of Sinn Féin structures being representative of all in society and in particular we encourage all cumainn to seek to ensure that the local membership is made up of both men and women.
Ard Chomhairle
AMENDED MOTION PASSED
This Ard Fheis calls for better engagement and consultation with local party memberships and structures regarding electoral and candidate strategies in their own area and that the views and opinions of the members be central to any decisions taken.Sinn Féin members eligible to vote in constituency selection conventions should be able to participate fully in all aspects of the selection process.
MacDiarmada/Gilgunn Cumann, North Leitrim
This Ard Fheis commends the National 1916 Commemoration Committee and local party commemoration committees who have ensured that the 1916 commemorative events, including the O’Donovan Rossa funeral re-enactment and the Mansion House event were great successes. The commemorative programme was visual, open to all and appropriate to celebrate the heroic man and women involved 100 years ago, and the vision contained in the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was front and centre to all events.
We believe that a similar approach to centenary events should continue throughout the decade of centenaries and that the party ensures that the ideals of the Proclamation are to the forefront of our commemorative programme.
James Connolly Cumann, Ballyfermot
This Ard Fheis recognises the need for a renewed emphasis on recruiting women into the party and acknowledges the target of achieving 50/50 gender balance within the party by the end of 2020. We recognise that these targets need to be reflected at all levels of the party including on committees, officer boards and cumann membership.
Colin West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair
Cargan Cumann, North Antrim
This Ard Fheis commends the economic policies put forward by the party in the Dáil and Assembly elections. These are based on economic growth, job creation, investment in infrastructure and public services within a responsible fiscal borrowing and tax framework.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the co-operation with other left-of-centre parties and social movements to advance above policy objectives as part of the Right2Change movement and presenting a credible alternative to the Establishment parties . We urge all those involved to continue to fight for fairness and equality of opportunity for all citizens on the island, including those in rural Ireland.
Desmond White Cumann, Loch Gowna
This Ard Fheis re-iterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to the Gaelicisation of our party structures and organisation. We recognise the work of party activists to promote the use of the Irish language within the party and the goodwill generally of our party membership.
This Ard Fheis also acknowledges that whilst goodwill is an important resource, there is a need for a practical and strategic approach to internal language planning within Sinn Féin.
This Ard Fheis endorses the document Gaelicisation of Sinn Féin and calls for the party to undertake an internal consultation process on its targets and objectives.
Caraher/Caherty Cumann, Baile Úr
This Ard Fheis welcomes the ongoing work of the party in building support for Irish unity and in particular the work of the United Ireland Committee. We call on all party cumainn and members to build upon this important work at a local level by building support for Irish unity in their own communities.
Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dún Laoghaire
This Ard Fheis removes the out-dated whip system from all elected Sinn Féin representatives other than for issues outlined in an election manifesto.
Gallagher/Foy Cumann Droim Conrach
This Ard Fheis, recognising the need for the party to grow its membership, calls on the incoming Ard Chomhairle to arrange a national 32-county recruitment drive and select a time of year for a national recruitment campaign.
This Ard Fheis also recognises the challenges of a growing party and the need for those at all levels of the party to be aware of their responsibilities in keeping membership records up to date and ensure all new applicants are properly processed and adequately engaged with as per party rules and best practice and that all members are aware of the roles and responsibilities as party members.
Logue/Marley Cumann, Crumlin
Dublin Cúige
This Ard Fheis welcomes the increase in the number of Sinn Féin TDs elected to the Dáil and looks forward to a strong team of Sinn Féin MLAs elected to the Assembly. As an all-Ireland party, this Ard Fheis commends a collective leadership approach with regard to Sinn Féin spokespersons representing our policies to citizens. We recognise the recent appointment of national spokespersons on a number of key issues, such as workers’ rights, united Ireland and the diaspora, and commends this approach to better highlight issues and develop policy on an all-Ireland level.
Desmond White Cumann, Loch Gowna
This Ard Fheis endorses the Sinn Féin Better for Housing document as a comprehensive and radical plan to address the need for housing and tackling homelessness, no longer leaving housing policy in the hands of private developers. Among the key proposals are to:
Boland/Harford Cumann, Balbriggan
James Fox Cumann, Ratoath
Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dún Laoghaire
Charlie McGlade Cumann, Drimnagh
This Ard Fheis believes that social housing is essential to ensuring that everyone has a decent affordable home.
This Ard Fheis calls for a major house building programme in the Six Counties over the next ten years to deal with the housing list and build social homes in areas of greatest need.
We will work within the Assembly and Executive to maintain the Housing Executive as a key provider of social housing and believe that the Housing Executive must be given the power to build new homes.
Court West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis:
Accordingly this Ard Fheis:
Elizabeth O’Farrell Cumann, Portobello/Kevin Street
This Ard Fheis recognises that an all-Ireland approach to housing policy is essential and endorses the approach outlined in the Better for Housing document, with measures such as:
Ard Chomhairle
Paddy Wright Cumann, Athy
This Ard Fheis condemns the selling off of mortgages to vulture funds which are contributing to the housing and homelessness crises through their profiteering, speculation and ruthless practices. This Ard Fheis stands by the victims of such vulture capitalism.
This Ard Fheis would:
Parle/Crean/Hogan/Gleeson Cumann, Wexford
West Waterford Cumann
This Ard Fheis deplores the Irish Government’s failure to respond to the Irish League of Credit Unions Social Housing Funding Proposal to lend €5billion in ‘off balance sheet’ finance directly or through a Special Purpose Vehicle to Approved Housing Bodies enabling the delivery of an additional 26,000 units by 2021.
We support the Irish League of Credit Unions’ stated commitment to invest members’ funds in a productive and economically-rewarding purpose, creating thousands of jobs and addressing a key social issue that affects the communities which credit unions serve.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Government to immediately engage with the Irish League of Credit Unions to secure this significant and urgently-needed capital investment to address the ongoing housing crisis.
Sheena Campbell Cumann, Corduff
This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment, in addition to the €2.2billion additional capital spend we would invest in social and affordable housing over and above the Government’s commitments, to examine the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle to provide ‘off balance sheet’ investment for social housing working with local authorities and approved housing bodies.
Donegal Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis recognises that current 26 County legislation surrounding all rental and tenancy agreements in the state (including state accommodation schemes such as HAP) does not give tenants an adequate contractual cooling-off period such as that found in legislation pertaining to the formulation of private contacts for utility and other residential services.
This Ard Fheis recognises that the only way to gauge the suitability, quality and safety standards of an accommodation product is to actually be resident in it at which time any formed rental or tenancy contracts are immensely difficult to terminate, especially when the withholding of deposits is threatened by other parties in the contract such as landlords or property agents.
This Ard Fheis calls on Sinn Féin on all parts of the island to explore the feasibility of enacting legislation that will allow any residents entering into a new rental or tenancy contract or agreement, be it governmental or private, to be allowed a seven-day cooling-off period in which the tenant may leave the property with full deposits returned provided that the property is returned in the same condition as it was received.
This Ard Fheis recognises that this measure would allow tenants to fully gauge the impact of substandard accommodation issues such as inadequate heating and insulation systems, draughts, mould, social conditions in the area, noise pollution issues and possible internal dwelling pollution issues, amongst other possible issues. This Ard Fheis also recognises that this measure will put more pressure on landlords and property agents to provide quality and habitable accommodation products to their customers.
Tommy Kavanagh Cumann, The Commons, Tipperary
This Ard Fheis calls for local authorities across the 26 Counties to make it compulsory to have RAS and HAP scheme properties checked regularly or at the request of the tenant by the local authority to ensure that landlords are maintaining the properties to required living standards. Too often this is not the case where tenants are signed up to five-year contracts without ever seeing a landlord or council and are left living in appalling conditions.
Seán Treacy Cumann, Roscrea
This Ard Fheis proposes the establishment in the 26 Counties of a Tenants’ Association. We are one of the few states without one.
Paddy Wright Cumann, Athy
(Amended) This Ard Fheis demands that Chairperson Mr Dennis Mc Carthy and the expert panel appointed to investigate Muscovite Mica effects on households in Donegal and Mayo conclude their report by August 31st 2016, allowing (i.e. an extension of a further three months to end of period allotted by previous government)
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to:
• Prioritise and ensure an effective and comprehensive remediation scheme is provided to all affected householders,
• Provide a fully funded, supported and simplified Muscovite Mica Redress scheme for homeowners.
Carndonagh/Malin Cumann, Donegal
AMENDED MOTION PASSED
This Ard Fheis acknowledges that property management fees are an added financial burden on tenants/owner-occupiers of properties managed under a property management company. This Ard Fheis calls for Sinn Féin to explore ways to alleviate this burden through a range of measures including looking at a costed tax relief for management fees for tenants/owner occupiers.
Martin Forsythe Cumann, Glencullen/Sandyford
This Ard Fheis condemns the collaboration between government and banks that allows the eviction of families from their homes due to financial difficulties caused by failed austerity policies and the greed of the very same banks.
We call for greater legal protections and supports for families being evicted from their family homes and on the incoming Ard Chomhairle to commence a campaign involving trade unions and other interested parties to defend these families and to continue to offer alternative policies that protect the family home.
Logue/Marley Cumann, Crumlin
This Ard Fheis commends Executive Education Minister John O’Dowd for his work in helping to ensure that young people are provided with the best chance of success through improved educational outcomes and better school infrastructure. He has invested £1.2billion in new school builds and upgrading classroom facilities and has overseen a substantial investment in Irish-Medium Education and in Integrated Education. He has also:
This Ard Fheis calls on the incoming Executive Education Minister to introduce an Early Care and Childhood Development Act to give clear focus and direction to a childcare strategy, delivering the best outcomes for children and their families through provision which is appropriate to both a child’s age and stage of development.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae
This Ard Fheis congratulates all those involved in the West Belfast Partnership Board-led community-based education initiative and welcomes publication of the report which highlights the remarkable improvements in education attainment as a result of the initiative. We call on the Department of Education and the Education Authority to disseminate the findings of the report to all education stakeholders.
Lenadoon Cumann
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to recruit an additional 1,450 Special Needs Assistants into the education system. Without the support from much-needed SNAs, children with special needs across the country are not receiving the full education and vital services they are entitled to.
Vol Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, West Cork
This Ard Fheis:
James Connolly Cumann, Cahir
North Clare Cumann
Tipperary Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis condemns the threats of significant funding cuts to three Institutes of Technology following a new assessment process carried out by the Higher Education Authority. Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dundalk Institute of Technology and the National College of Art and Design are already in financially-vulnerable positions as they cope with savage cuts in state funding firstly from a Fianna Fáil-led administration, and then by a Fine Gael-led administration. The proposed additional cuts will cause further hardship to these institutions and their students, and will add to the spiral of decline in third-level education in this state.
O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Castlebar
This Ard Fheis recognises that quality, reliable and affordable childcare has many benefits for the economy, for society and for individual families. It also ensures children are enabled to develop and learn to the best of their abilities. This Ard Fheis endorses the Sinn Féin policy document, Better for Childcare including the proposals to:
Thomas Ashe Cumann, Ashbourne
This Ard Fheis welcomes the initiative taken on cross-Border policing as a result of the Fresh Start Agreement and endorses the renewed focus on tackling cross-jurisdictional crime, including the focus on the well-being and safety of local communities in the Border area. In particular we call for:
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae
This Ard Fheis recognises that communities across the 26 Counties have felt the serious impact of cutbacks to An Garda Síochána imposed by Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil since 2010. Elderly people and families in rural communities in particular are living in fear.
This Ard Fheis would:
Jimmy Joe Reynolds Cumann, Mohill
This Ard Fheis welcomes the advent of Community Planning in local government in the Six Counties and the input of Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) into the wider plans for the social and economic well-being of local areas. We urge Sinn Féin members on PCSPs to become fully engaged in this process. We also caution against any purely council-centred approach to community safety as policing and police accountability is central to the social well-being of an area.
This Ard Fheis welcomes recent initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour through bringing a focus to social and economic and also to enforcement issues. None of these aspects can be neglected if the blight of anti-social behaviour in local areas is to be tackled successfully.
Six-County Cúige
This Ard Fheis recognises and condemns the ongoing inequality of citizenship of our political ex-prisoner community in Ireland today and fully supports the campaign by Coiste na nIarchimi for the expunging of all records of political ex-prisoners for conflict-related convictions.
O’Carolan Kilmartin Cumann Dungiven
This Ard Fheis commits the party to introducing amendments to existing harassment legislation to cover instances of online impersonation and sexual harassment.
Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway City WestRural Ireland
This Ard Fheis recognises that:
We welcome and endorse Sinn Féin’s policy document A New Deal for the West which sets out a clear vision for the West of Ireland and includes proposals for investment in jobs, public services and infrastructure.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to:
This Ard Fheis commits Sinn Féin representatives and activists across the West of Ireland to continue to campaign and work to deliver A New Deal for the West.
Midlands North West Cúige
This Ard Fheis commends Assembly Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill’s stewardship of the Agriculture and Rural Development portfolio over the past five years, her focus on all-island integration and co-operation (particularly her efforts in championing the need for equal rights and opportunities for rural dwellers) and her support for the various farming sectors which are currently facing challenges due to global market volatility. We acknowledge Michelle O’Neill’s efforts in:
South & East Tyrone Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis recognises that an all-Ireland approach is needed to our agricultural and fishing industries to ensure that these industries are not only sustainable but reach their full potential with measures such as:
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae
H-Block Martyrs Cumann, Wexford
This Ard Fheis:
Boland/Harford Cumann, Balbriggan
This Ard Fheis supports sustainable and well-managed afforestation projectsbut calls for better local regulation and consultation to be put in place to avoid blanket planting of forestry in areas where such planting is not appropriate, especially in parts of the West of Ireland where it is having a negative impact on local communities. If we are serious about building sustainable rural communities we must ensure that farmers in these communities have equal access to funds when land becomes available. This Ard Fheis supports people’s concerns on forestry in order to prevent the decline and eradication of local communities.
James Crossan Cumann, Leitrim
This Ard Fheis calls for the implementation of the recommendations that were laid out in the Marine Taxation Review 2015 submitted by Indecon to the Marine Review Steering Group relating to Sea Fisheries.
Kerry Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis notes that it is estimated that only 20% of registered seafarers in Ireland qualified for the Seafarer´s Allowance Scheme in its present state.
This Ard Fheis calls for:
Kerry Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis calls for the retention of the Irish Seafarers Educational Assistance Scheme and the provision of a higher percentage of funding to be made available to successful applicants to the National Maritime College of Ireland as it would potentially facilitate an increase in the number of maritime professionals trained in Ireland and hence benefit domestic marine industries.
Ireland South Cúige
This Ard Fheis expresses concern surrounding the current system of taxation of fishermen and notes that the majority of fishermen in Ireland are treated as self-employed for tax purposes. This consequently limits access to social security, increases the administrative burden for fishermen and removes entitlements to employee tax credit and seafarers’ allowance.
This Ard Fheis therefore calls for an immediate review of the taxation system of fishermen which would include extending employee tax credits and the seafarer allowance for fishermen.
Ireland South Cúige
This Ard Fheis will work at a European level for a total ban on all super trawlers entering or operating in Irish territorial waters.
Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway City West
This Ard Fheis supports moving towards onshore closed containment systems for salmon farming as soon as they are commercially viable and that open sea cages should only be allowed where there is widespread local support and no threat to wild salmon stocks.
Murt/Quilter Cumann, Athenry
