Resolution Booklet | Connaught Ulster Regional Session of EYP Ireland

Resolution Booklet General Assembly Sunday 23rd November

O RDER OF D EBATE

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Committee on Womens’ Rights and Gender Equality

Committee on Culture and Education II Coffee Break Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Committee on Culture and Education I Lunch Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Coffee Break

Closing Ceremony

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C ONSTITUTIONAL A FFAIRS Despite the implementation of the European Citizens Initiative (ECI) citizens of the EU still feel disillusioned and uninvolved in the creation of pan European policy and electorate. What more can be done to help everyday EU citizens actively participate in EU level decision making?

Submitted by:

Matthew Brady (St.Patrick’s College, Cavan), Catherine Cleary (Magh Éne College, Bundoran), Conor Healy (St.Joseph’s College, Spanish Arch) Lucy Kelly (Salerno Secondary School, Galway), Amy McGahern (Loreto College, Cavan), Niall McManus (St.Macartan’s College, Monaghan), Gavin Smith (St.Patrick’s College, Cavan), James Bradfield (Chairperson, IE), Laurens Kraima (Chairperson, NL)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Realising the lack of awareness within the European Union (EU) concerning the European Citizens Initiative (ECI), B. Alarmed by the lack of accessibility to the internet available to certain citizens to sign ECI’s, C. Bearing in mind the current inefficiencies regarding ECI policies which do not accurately represent the majority view of EU citizens, D. Conscious of the lack of incentives for EU citizens to regularly vote, E. Seriously concerned that many EU citizens aren’t aware of their rights concerning EU policies and policy making, F. Acknowledging that the ECI is a separate body to the EU voting system and should be treated accordingly, G. Noting with regret that the current system of the ECI does not fully take into account young people in the EU,

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1. Encourages action to be taken on social media (e.g. ECI selfie challenge1) to inform citizens about the ECI’s aims and objectives; 2. Call’s upon the establishment of an annual ballot system in which EU citizens can vote on all ECI initiatives proposed over the course of that year; 3. Requests the awarding of certificates by Member States to EU citizens who regularly vote in annual ballots and EU elections; 4. Urges the European Parliament to make regular constituency visits compulsory for MEP’s to hold talks in regard to citizens’ roles in policy making; 5. Proposes that the ECI signature age is lowered to 16 years of age in all Member States; 6. Asks that the EU changes regulations so that an initiative containing 250,000 signatures from exclusively 16-­‐‑21 years olds should pass the threshold.

1 This is when a person is nominated to make a sign of #ECI and taking a selfie with it, then nominating a friend to do the same.

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON W OMEN ’ S R IGHTS AND G ENDER E QUALITY According to an EU-­‐‑OSHA 2011 report, 5-­‐‑20% of employees are victims of harassment in the workplace, with the LGBTI population also suffering from discrimination. Gender equality has come a long way in the past fifty years but still has a way to go. What successes have been achieved in this area, and how can these be built upon to ensure steady progress?

Submitted by:

Anna Golden (Jesus and Mary Salerno, Galway), Emily Herrmann (Convent of Mercy, Roscommon), Sonia Leahy (Magh Éne College, Bundoran), Sinead Malaniff (Magh Éne College, Bundoran), Darragh McCague (St Macartan’s College, Monaghan), Roise McGagh (Magh Éne College, Bundoran), Elizabeth Murphy (Mount St Michael, Claremorris), Aoife Tierney (Davitt College, Castlebar) Tommy

Mallen

(Chairperson,

IE),

Caoímhe

O’Rourke

(Chairperson, IE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Gravely concerned by the lack of EU legislation regarding paternity leave, B. Alarmed by the fact that female employment rates (65%) are lower than male employment rates (75.8%)2 due in part to leaving full-­‐‑time employment upon the birth of a child, C. Concerned that one third of all Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) employees are harassed in the workplace, with a resounding 10% having left their place of employment due to discrimination, D. Regretting the continuing ‘pay-­‐‑gap’ between men and women in the workplace,

2

Eurostat, Labour Force Survey 2009

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E. Recognising the issue of candidates not being selected for promotions based entirely on their gender, despite having all the necessary qualifications;

1. Calls upon Member States to mandate a minimum of six weeks paternity leave; 2. Calls for tax breaks for childcare to be awarded to people, regardless of gender, who are returning to full-­‐‑time employment upon the termination of their maternity/paternity leave; 3. Has resolved to create and immediately commence a media campaign spanning television, radio, internet, physical advertising issue of the ‘pay-­‐‑gap’ between males and females; 4. Further recommends the issue of the ‘pay-­‐‑gap’ be highlighted within the education system; 5. Further calls upon Member States to demand equal gender representation on interview boards in public limited companies for new positions of employment or for promotional committees; 6. Strongly urges all businesses in the EU to provide valid explanations as to why a promotion or position of employment was denied; 7. Seeks the construction of the Official Complaints System (OCS) whereby employees who are being harassed will have their official complaint signed and stamped to confirm that it has been received, and will receive a response within a set time limit of three weeks; 8. Encourages the introduction of mandatory workshops where employers are trained how best to prevent harassment and bullying in the workplace.

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C ULTURE AND E DUCATION II In response to constant outbreaks of divisive violence and racism at European sporting venues, how should the energies of stakeholders in sport be spent with a view to promote a unifying, olympian spirit across the continent?

Submitted by:

Ciaran Curry (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Lauren Davy (Presentation College Athenry), Enda Fitzsimons (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Cathal Jermany (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Kate O’Brian (Mount St. Michael, Claremorris), Hannah Rabbitte (Presentation College Athenry), Aoife Rice (Presentation College Athenry), Ellen Streffon (Mount St. Michael, Claremorris), Claudia Dalby (Chairperson, IE), Monika Ghosh (Vice-­‐‑President, IE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Regretting that players are subjected to racist chants which have negative effects on both the players and the sport in general, including but not limited to: i) poor performance, ii) depression, iii) loss of sponsorship, iv) negative influence on fans, B. Acknowledges that match officials are the victims of physical and verbal abuse by teams and fans alike and lack the familiar support that players often receive, C. Saddened by the lack of sportsmanship between players and management leading to an influx of violence on the field, D. Noting the lack of racial diversity within the management teams of high level sports clubs, E. Conscious that punitive laws for on-­‐‑field violence are neither harsh nor well enforced, nor are they taken seriously,

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F. Deeply conscious of the dangers of off-­‐‑field violence among fans surrounding major sporting events, both inside and outside the stadium;

1. Calls upon International Sporting Federations (ISFs) to implement a one match ban for the fans of a team in response to racist chanting, which are seen to be excessive and carried out by a majority of the stand as judged by independent stewards; 2. Further invites ISF’s to implement the use of a “Black Card” system across all sports which entails: a) In the case that a player racially abuses another or an official, the referee will be entitled to send them off and call for a substitute; b) If a player is awarded three black cards in a season, they undergo a two match ban at the start of the next season; 3. Calls for the creation of a union, “The European Sport Officials Federation” (ESOF), which protects the rights of sports officials by: a) Regulating the black card system; b) Offering legal and medical support; 4. Congratulates campaigns such as “Fairplay” and “Give Respect, Get Respect” and calls on ISFs to bring them to the forefront of all sports; 5. Proposes the introduction of management training courses and ISFs to financially incentivise clubs in diversifying the members of their top-­‐‑tier management; 6. Further invites ISFs to recognise on-­‐‑field violence under the same level of severity as off-­‐‑field, and operate under the national laws in which the stadium is located; 7. Calls upon ISFs and European Stadiums to implement bag checking systems, alcohol restrictions and increased security to prevent off-­‐‑field violence at sporting events.

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E CONOMIC AND M ONETARY A FFAIRS With many tax havens inside ad outside Europe: How can the EU address the criminal avoiance of taxes while still respecting citizen’s rights to privacy and the sovereignty of foreign states?

Submitted by:

Gavin Kelly (St Patrick’s Spanish Point), Oisín Bogue (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Daithí Mac Cruitín (St Joseph’s Spanish Point), Ross Gorey (Coláiste Iognáid, Galway), Chloe Johnston (Coláiste Maigh Ene, Bundoran), Sarah McCarthy (Loretto College Cavan), Laura Crean (Mount Saint Michael, Claremorris), Peter Barlow (Chairperson, IE), Yannick Leonárd (Chairperson, BE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Recognising the prolific nature of tax evasion and avoidance throughout the EU, B. Alarmed by the insufficient and inadequate tax investigation infrastructure in some Member States, C. Acknowledging that tax avoidance has led to a loss in tax revenue, impacting on all citizens of the EU, D. Noting with great concern that secrecy is a major factor in criminal tax avoidance, specifically with regards to: i) the level of secrecy that exists regarding financial transactions, ii) the lack of communication between EU Member States concerning known suspects of tax evasion, iii) the ownership of firms based in the EU, E. Notes with serious concern that countries with lower tax rates benefit to the detriment of countries with higher tax rates, F. Concerned by loopholes in EU Member States’ legislation surrounding taxation and tax avoidance;

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1. Recommends that national governments increase the frequency of tax audits; 2. Calls on the Directorate General on Economic and Financial Affairs3 to investigate laws on taxation in all Member States; 3. Encourages an EU-­‐‑wide movement towards a unitary tax system in a long term context; 4. Endorses the extension of the automatic exchange of information between governments by the European Council and the G20; 5. Supports the implementation of anonymity caps on transactions in the EU, thereby forcing those who make these transactions to disclose their identity; 6. Welcomes the compulsory registration of owners of companies; 7. Implores the review of tax evasion investigation infrastructure with the view to standardising such investigations across the EU.

3 Directorate General on Economic and Monetary Affairs:An EU institution with the responsibility of developing the Economic and Monetary Union.

M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E MPLOYMENT AND S OCIAL A FFAIRS The Confederation of Family Organisations in the EU named 2014 the year of reconciling work and family life. What can be done to strengthen the position of single parents in the labour market, and furthermore to ensure that neither gender is financially punished for having children?

Submitted by:

Amy Caulfield (St. Louis Secondary School, Monaghan), Jack Counihan (Coláiste Iognáid), Rachel Fee (Lough Allen College, Leitrim), Niamh Glynn (Convent of Mercy, Roscommon), Daniel Keighley

(Davitt

College,

Castlebar),

Cathal

Monahan

(Presentation College Athenry), Emma O’Reilly (Loreto College, Cavan), Tom Cantillon (Chairperson, IE), Thomas Monaghan (Chairperson, IE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Conscious that gender bias exists in the workplace, B. Deeply concerned that EU legislation does not provide adequate protection for single parents, C. Expressing concern that traditional gender stereotypes are exacerbated by current EU legislation, D. Deeply alarmed that single parent families are one of the groups most at risk of becoming poverty-­‐‑stricken, due to factors including: i) a lack of information regarding the services available to single parents, ii) the time constraint that child-­‐‑rearing places on the single parents, E. Greatly concerned that in some Member States, pregnant women may be placing unnecessary stress upon themselves due to the lack of a minimum leave before their due date,

F. Noting with concern that paternity leave is not legislated for in every Member State, G. Aware that the role of the father in family life is not celebrated in society,

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H. Recognising that leave is an economic burden for employers, I. Believing that the current minimum length of leave does not provide sufficient time for parent-­‐‑child bonding, J. Pointing out that the EU lacks a cohesive approach regarding the access to, and length of, leave, K. Regretting the failure of Member States to reach the targets set out in the Barcelona Objectives4, L. Congratulating the Commission of the European Communities on the creation of the 2008 Reconciliation Package5.

1. Proposes the introduction of incentives for employers to provide flexi-­‐‑time for new parents; 2. Instructs Member States to strive to complete the Barcelona Objectives, by a revised timeframe of 2020; 3. Urges that two weeks of maternity leave be taken before the birth of the child; 4. Recommends that maternity leave become a communal leave scheme, whereby leave can be shared between parents or solely granted to single parents as required, as per the Swedish model; 5. Strongly recommends that the European Commission adopts the proposals outlined in the 2008 Reconciliation Package to set the minimum term of maternity leave at twenty weeks; 6. Requests the lowering of VAT rates on items related to child rearing; 7. Implores Member States to increase the levels of child benefit provided; 8. Encourages the provision of grants for schools to set up childcare services such as breakfast clubs and after school activities;

4 A call for Member States to have 90% of children between the ages of three and the age of starting school in full-­‐‑time childcare by 2010 5 A list of legislative changes proposed by the Commission of European Communities concerning the reconciliation of work and family life

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9. Endorses the subsidisation of public transport systems for single parents to assist in the reduction of their living costs; 10. Calls for the establishment of a support network for single parents, to facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge-­‐‑sharing; 11. Seeks the adaptation of current racial and gender parity schemes in businesses be expanded to include single parents; 12. Suggests that Member States introduce modules in their respective education systems to diminish the perception of gender roles in society; 13. Proposes a media campaign highlighting gender imbalance present in the workplace.

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C ULTURE AND E DUCATION I Sexual health is an important aspect of everyday society, and there has been a decrease in both STI’s and unplanned pregnancies. However, this is not the cane in many central and eastern European countries. Wtih the Freedom of movement in the EU, comes the risk of STI’s and diversified cultural atitudes towards sexual health. How can the EU ensure all Member States have a modern open and scientific approach to sexual health Submitted by:

Eoghan Hillson (Colaiste Iognaid, Galway), Megan McIntyre (Loretto College Cavan, Drumkeen, Co. Cavan), Fintan McKenna (St. Macartans College, Monaghan), Sarah Moley (St. Louis Convent, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan), Sarah Molloy (Presentation College, Athenry), Lucy Sexton (Loreto College Cavan, Drumkeen, Co. Cavan), Ruth Tobin (Davitt College Castlebar, Co. Mayo), Caoimhe Wynne (Lough Allen College, Drumkeerin, Co. Leitrim), Brendan Byrne (Chairperson, IE) Andrew Bathe (Vice-­‐‑President, IE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Notes that the majority of Europeans become sexually active between the ages of 15-­‐‑19, B. Regrets the current price of contraceptives in Europe, C. Bearing in mind that people are not aware of sexual health clinics, the symptoms of STIs and the treatments available, D. Aware that young people are generally unwilling to talk to their parents or guardians regarding sexual matters, E. Acknowledging the universal importance of one’s sexual health, regardless of cultural and religious backgrounds, F. Deeply concerned by the distorted view of sexual relationships purported by our modern culture, G. Conscious of the role drugs and alcohol can have in hindering safe sexual practises, 14

H. Seriously concerned by the general lack of common knowledge regarding the proper use of contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STIs, I. Further concerned that the lack of knowledge is most prevalent in Eastern Europe, J. Realising the lack of awareness of the risks of unprotected sex for particularly vulnerable groups: i) within the LGBTI community, ii) people of an older age, K. Anxious about the spread of STIs through the EU,;

1. Encourages the introduction of a pan-­‐‑European Sexual Health Week within secondary schools, where students will receive unbiased, fact-­‐‑based sexual education; 2. Calls upon Member States to reduce the level of tax on all contraceptives; 3. Supports the development of an EU funded app, which provides: a) A database of sexual health information, b) A locator of sexual health clinics across Europe; 4. Proposes the creation of a multi-­‐‑lingual European Hotline addressing sexual health queries; 5. Invites Member States to implement a sexual education syllabus, in secondary level education, that would be inclusive of all sexualities, and provide realistic sexual expectations; 6. Wishes to educate people on the risks associated with being sexually active while under the influence of mind-­‐‑altering substances; 7. Calls for the implementation of a media campaign to spread awareness of safe sexual practices for all demographics; 8. Urges the construction of more sexual health clinics in areas currently lacking such clinics; 9. Calls for a free annual STI test for all EU citizens.

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON A GRICULTURE AND R URAL A FFAIRS The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was reformed to prevent a repeat of food surpluses experienced by the agricultural industries in the 1980’s. In light of the 2013 reform, how effective has the CAP been so far in achieving its goals?

Submitted by:

Ryan McGovern (Lough Allen College, Leitrim), Dermot Langtry (St. Patricks’ College, Cavan), Marc Dolan (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Mark Tyler (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Sabrina McCabe (Loreto College, Cavan), Áine Fallon (Lough Allen Lodge, Leitrim), Dermot Langtry (St. Patrick'ʹs College, Cavan), Gemma Lyons (Chairperson, IE), Megan Smith (Vice-­‐‑President, IE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Affirming the necessity of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the sustainability of the agricultural sector, B. Deeply conscious of the need for: i) an increase in young farmers due to the aging population of farmers and the need to ensure the future of farming, ii) Emphasising the need for youth involvement and interest in the agricultural sector, C. Recognising the importance of continuous reflection of the progress of the CAP through voices on a localised level, D. Observing the continued bad practice within the farming community despite current eco-­‐‑agricultural policies, E. Aware that 30% of the pillar I (footnote) budget per Member State must be designated towards combatting global warming and climate change,

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1. Reaffirms the allocation of 38% of the EU budget to the CAP, provided production is kept at a sustainable level; 2. Encourages young people to consider the study of agriculture and food science programmes through incentives including: a) scholarships to second level students, b) subsidisation of fees for successful applicants of an agri-­‐‑food science third level degree programme, c)

internship schemes and follow up financial bursaries for continued pursuit of a career in agriculture and food sciences;

3. Recommends the introduction of ‘The Young European Agriculturalist Awards’ (YEAA)6 open to entries from second and third level students from all Member States; 4. Further recommends for the top three entries of The Young European Agriculturalist Awards to receive funding for the development and implementation of their winning concepts; 5. Endorses the issuing of Euro Polls from Member State Farming Associations/ Unions in order to gain input from individual farmers on issues impeding the success of the CAP such as overproduction; 6. Call for the implementation of a pilot ‘farming license scheme’, including penalty points and fines for farming malpractice; 7. Has resolved to implement an emergency fund for food reserves to ensure sustainability in the event of a natural disaster or blight.

6

An agricultural sustainability competition founded upon the concepts of science and technology

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E NVIRONMENT , PUBLIC H EALTH & F OOD S AFETY Seven years on from the establishment of the 2020 goals and Europe is behind its schedule to achieve its aims of reducing Carbon emissions among its member states. It has been put forward that, at our common stage, such goals are impossible to meet. How can the EU turn around its fight against carbon emissions to keep as close to the 20-­‐‑20-­‐‑20 goals as possible.

Submitted by:

Beth Carolan (Loreto College Cavan), Katharina Dietz (Lough Allen College, Leitrim), Stacey Gallagher (Lough Allen College, Leitrim), Charlene McGuire (Lough Allen College, Leitrim), Cora McCann (Loreto College Cavan), Aoibh O’Connor (Salerno Secondary School, Galway), Cáit Smith (Loreto College Cavan) Eoin Hennessy (Chairperson, IE), Katie Kilcoyne (Chairperson, IE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Seriously concerned by the lack of forest area within the European Union and the implications on CO2 levels, B. Recognises the fact that the 2020 goals will not be met due to the lack of priority placed on, and investment into, environmental issues within Member States, C. Deplores the lack of promotion of, and research into, renewable energies and their implementation, D. Alarmed by the apathetic attitude of the citizens of the Member States towards serious environmental issues, E. Bears in mind that due to the convenience and affordability of fossil fuels, EU citizens are reluctant to adopt alternatives, F. Draws attention to the current inefficiency of the EU in the reduction of methane emissions due to its waste management systems, G. Regrets the significant contribution of the transport systems to carbon emissions in Member States,

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H. Noting with regret the lack of publicity given to Europe’s 20-­‐‑20-­‐‑20 goals;

8. Requests that the identity of Member States failing to meet the “2020 Demands” be brought to the attention of EU citizens to encourage the government of these countries to make improvements; 9. Endorses the promotion of the use of renewable resources, both domestically and commercially through the provision of grants, subsidies and tax reductions; 10. Proposes the targeting of schools, social and general media through the use of a video campaign, depicting the consequences of the failure to meet the 2020 goals; 11. Urges the implementation of a quota for each member state for the quantity of trees to be planted annually depending on factors such as size and population density; 12. Supports the introduction of a “Green Scheme” rating system for companies to inform the public of their energy efficiency; 13. Recommends Member States to: a) increase recycling efforts; b) encourage the production of biodegradable materials; 14. Notes with interest the transport system currently in place in Mexico city and promotes the creation of similar systems in all major European cities; 15. Affirms the need for further development in the research of, a) e-­‐‑cars; b) renewable resources such as: i) wind energy; ii) solar energy; 16. Calls for extensive media coverage of environmental directives through: a) Advertisements; b) information leaflets.

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M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C IVIL L IBERTIES , J USTICE AND H OME A FFAIRS Freedom of the press and of the media are paramount in the protection of civil liberties. Increasingly, however, journalists have exploited legal defences to intrude on the lives of EU citizens. What is already in place to prevent this and what further measures should be taken to reduce the risk of this happening in the future?

Submitted by:

Aisling Fee (Lough Allen College, Leitrim), Conor McCabe (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Grace O’Fagen (Coláisted Iognáid, Galway), James McKenna (St. Macartans College, Monaghan), Kate Brady (Loreto College, Cavan), Niamh Delmer (Presentation College, Athenry), Ultan O’Rourke (St. Macartan’s College, Monaghan), John McGuinness (Chairperson, IE), Caoimhe Healy (Chairperson, IE)

The European Youth Parliament, A.

Alarmed by the dramatic increase in the number of media related hacking scandals,

B.

Concerned by the level of bias present in political affair reporting by many press and media outlets,

C.

Notes with regret the prevalence of leaking private information regarding the internal affairs of government institutions,

D.

Regretting the pervasiveness of a media intent on the acquisition and publication of the private information of EU citizens,

E.

Further noting the fabrication and sensationalism prevalent in many stories reported on by contemporary press and modern day media,

F.

Realising the complex and unclear language used in Terms and Conditions of Use for various online organisations leading to them frequently being ignored by users,

G.

Condemns the non-­‐‑consensual use of photography and videography in the media and press by profit organisations,

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H. I.

Deeply concerned by the sale of private user information by online organisations, Anxious that the vast majority of EU citizens lack knowledge concerning the varying levels of safety in the use of personal information online;

1.

Encourages more severe sentencing for crimes related to internet and cyber-­‐‑ security;

2.

Urges the constant updating of internet security systems to help prevent further security breaches exploited by the media;

3.

Emphasises the need for content published by media outlets to be objective and backed up by relevant facts and verifiable sources;

4.

Calls for Member States to increase political transparency so that leaking sensitive information does not become an incentivised platform for press and media to exploit;

5.

Urges that the Terms and Conditions of Use for internet based corporations be written in more user-­‐‑friendly and comprehensible ways to ensure greater awareness by users;

6.

Further endorses the EU’s “right to be forgotten” precedent concerning an individual’s right to have personal information removed from the internet;

7.

Demands that companies, such as large online organisations, engaging in the sale of private user information only sell general, non-­‐‑specific information on large numbers of users rather than the specific data of individuals;

8.

Recommends the inclusion of internet safety syllabus to secondary schools across Member States.

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