CONVENTION 2017
WATERFORD TOWER HOTEL 24-26 MARCH 2017
Welcome to Waterford! Fáilte go Port Láirge! Is ábhar mór áthais dúinn anseo i bPort Láirge fáilte a chur romhaibh go hArd-Fheis an Chomhaontais Ghlais, 2017. Ní fada uainn anseo an áit dár chroch Thomas Francis Meagher bratach na hÉireann don chéad uair thart ar 150 bliain ó shin – an deireadh seachtaine seo, ardóimid bratach ghlas ár ngluaiseachta féin os cionn na cathrach ársa seo. Tá an ghluaiseacht sin níos tábhachtaí anois ná ag aon uair riamh. Anois, níos mó ná riamh, caithfear a aithint gur chóir an geilleagar a oibriú ar son na ndaoine, ní an mhalairt. Anois, níos mó ná riamh, caithfear a aithint gur cuid don domhan mórthimpeall orainn muid, áit a mairimid ar scáth a chéile. Anois, níos mó ná riamh, tá sé in am dul i bhfeidhm ar shaol na polaitíochta. Deirtear nach féidir an dubh a chur ina gheal ach seal. Bhuel, beimid sásta anseo gorm na nDéise a chur ina ghlas, fiú ar feadh seal beag. Mar chathaoirleach ar an gcraobh áitiúil anseo, cuirim fáilte chroíúil romhaibh go Cathair Phort Láirge. Le meas glas,
Marc Ó Cathasaigh Waterford Green Party Comhaontas Glas Phort Láirge
Hello and welcome to viking Waterford, the home of the blaa and of the indomitable Waterford Greens! It’s my pleasure to welcome Green Party members from across the country, north, south, east and west to Ireland’s oldest city. Situated on the banks of the River Suir, a special area of conservation, it is a city that rightly prides itself on its Deise, Viking, Anglo Norman and Irish heritage. Right next to our venue for Convention is Ireland’s oldest civic building, Reginald’s Tower, from which the Tower Hotel gets its name. Waterford is not only a historical space, but also a vibrant and developing urban space – this month sees the completion of the Waterford Deise Greenway, a new jewel in the crown of sites to see in the ‘Sunny South East’. The County also boasts active community groups such as Grow it Yourself Waterford, and of course the enthusiastic members of the Waterford Greens, who will be your guides and volunteers over this Annual Convention weekend. I look forward to meeting you over this weekend and welcoming you to our proud city!
Grace O’Sullivan Senator
Hello and welcome to the Green Party Convention 2017! I am delighted that you were able to make it to the wonderful City of Waterford this year and hope you enjoy the weekend. It has been a busy year for the Party, new members are joining, head office is re-invigorated and there is a new energy within the party. But we need you now, more than ever. We need active members walking the constituencies, campaigning for Green issues and getting the word out there that there is a positive collaborative force in Irish and international politics, that is here to improve people’s lives and look after our environment. With Donald Trump in the White House, Brexit looming large and the politics of division and nationalism on the rise at home and across Europe, now is the time to work together and stick to our our principles as we address these challenging issues. I look forward to meeting and talking with you all over the weekend.
Eamon Ryan T.D. Party Leader
A chairde ghlasa agus a chairde uilig, Céad míle fáilte romhaibh chuig Port Láirge. Geallaim daoibh go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh ‘s tairbhe as Ard-Fheis 2017. Tá bliain amháin i nDáil Éireann agus Seanad Éireann slánaithe againn. Tá borradh fúinn agus tá guth láidir againn i dTeach Laighean. Is léir go bhfuil fís againn agus is léir go bhfuil sé de mhisneach againn labhairt ar réimse leathan ábhar agus le bhur dtacaíocht, tá luachanna an Chomhaontais Ghlais ag fás agus ag forbairt. Neart déanta, cinnte, ach níos mó le sárú againn. Is fiú an iarracht agus is féidir linn an beart a dhéanamh le chéile. Tá mé ag súil go mór le bualadh libh agus dreas cainte a bheith againn le chéile. Beir bua!
Catherine Martin T.D. Deputy Leader
Convention Information Eolas Ard-Fheise TOWER HOTEL
ON-SITE CHILDCARE
Overlooking Waterford Marina, this elegant hotel is a four minute walk from Christchurch Cathedral and a ten minute walk from Garter Lane Arts Centre. Opposite the well known Reginald’s Tower, the hotel was the location of our very successful 2010 Convention, and we return to the care of the professional team in the Tower for what promises to be a great weekend.
Childcare will be open to all children aged from 3-11 attending Convention, with no charge for delegates. Childcare will be available from 10am - 7pm on Saturday, and on Sunday from 10am - 12pm in the Glenmore Room on the first floor. Our childcare is provided by a fully qualified childminder. Please note there is no childcare available on Friday.
Services available at the hotel include all day drinks and dining at the Adelphi Riverside Bar and varied lunch and dinner menu options in the Bistro & Lara Restaurant each evening. Leisure facilities include a 20m deck level swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi and separate kiddies pool. Rejuvenating treatments are available at Renu, with late opening on Friday night and services available on Saturday with advance bookings essential: reception@thw.ie
CONVENTION DINNER The Convention Dinner will be held at 8:30pm on Saturday in the Ardmore Room, and you can purchase dinner tickets at the Registration Desk for €35. The menu caters to all tastes, and included vegetarian/vegan options.
ACCESSIBILITY There are street level set down spaces directly outside the hotel front entrance and 2 wheelchair spaces (these are operated by the Council however so require parking tickets on Friday & Saturday). A wheelchair access ramp is located at the main hotel front entrance. Within the hotel, all rooms are step free with the exception of the Dunmore Room (3 steps), there is a ramp available for this room when required. The main conference suite doors are all double width. The Bistro and Lara Restaurant and Adelphi Bar are also wheelchair accessible
Registration & Voting REGISTRATION
VOTING CARD
The Registration Desk will be open for the duration of Convention and is located in the Hotel Lobby. Members can register on arrival, and if paid-up for 2017 and past the sixth-month probationary period, will receive a voting card. If you have not yet paid your membership fee for 2017, you may do so at the Membership Renewal desk next to registration.
Your voting card is important - it allows all full members to participate in decisions where paper balloting is required. So please take care of it! If lost it cannot be replaced. Your voting card will also be used to collect your ballot for the Executive Committee election. You can read more about the EC election process in the section which introduces your candidates for this year’s EC.
CONVENTION DRAW
MERCHANDISE
This Convention draw takes place during dinner on Saturday (after 8:30pm). Tickets cost €5, and are available from the Merchandise Desk in the Ardmore Lounge.
Green Party branded merchandise will be available throughout the weekend. Choose between our trendy raincoats, umbrellas, canvas bags and badges.
First Prize:
€250
Green Party Hooded Rain Jackets - €25 each
Second Prize:
€100
Green Party Umbrellas - €10 each
Third Prize:
€50
Green Party Canvas Bags - €5 each Green Party Badges - €1 each
DAFFODIL DAY
CLOCKS CHANGE!
EARTH HOUR
It is the 30th anniversary of Daffodil Day in Ireland this year. Please show your support for the Irish Cancer Society by donating and wearing your daffodil on Saturday the 24th of March.
Summertime is here! The clocks will spring forward by one hour, as Irish Summer Time begins at 01.00 on Sunday the 26th of March.
ENTERTAINMENT
HIBERNIAN GIFT SHOP
Waterford singer, songwriter, fisherman, Martyn Travis will entertain on Saturday night, from 10:30pm, with his mix of folk-rock and traditional Celtic influences.
The Hibernian Gift shop on Bolton St, Waterford is offering delegates of the Green Party convention a discount of 15% from Fri to Sunday. Simply mention you're a delegate at the convention to avail of the offer.
Join us at 8.30pm on Saturday evening to celebrate Earth Hour. Earth Hour is a worldwide movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The event is held annually encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol for their commitment to the planet. We will be dimming the lights over dinner to dine by candlelight.
GLAS AGUS GAELACH Beidh lucht na Gaeilge sa pháirtí ag teacht le chéile den tríú bliain as a chéile ag Ardfheis an Chomhaontais Ghlais i bPort Láirge i mbliana. Bíodh súil in airde agat linn sa tolglann/bhéar oíche Dé hAoine (seans go mbeidh comharthaí againn!). Tuilleadh eolais ó Sheán ag 0857788486 Irish speakers in the party will be getting together for an informal chat for the third year in succession on the evening of Friday 24th of March at the Convention in Waterford. All welcome to use your cúpla focal. Keep an eye out for us in the bar/lounge area on the Friday (we may have signs!). More information from Seán at 0857788486
Head Office Team Foireann na Ceannoifige Since the last Convention, the staff compliment in Head Office has grown. Meet the new team!
EOIN WILSON Secretary to the Executive Eoin was appointed as Secretary to the Executive in September 2016 and comes from a background of working in politics, including having worked previously with the Green Party from 2008-2011. Eoin and the team in Head Office have been working hard to rebuild party infrastructure and get the party back on a growth footing. Eoin’s main objectives for the next year are to grow membership and groups, to prepare for elections and to improve the service given to all members, both new and long-standing.
GAVIN NUGENT Press Secretary Gavin is the Green Party’s Press Secretary. He joined the Party in September 2015, having previously worked in corporate public relations, and managed the party’s communications during their historic comeback during the 2016 general election. He works with spokespersons, councillors, Oireachtas members and the party to communicate the Green Party’s vision through the media and other communications channels.
FRAN BURKE Communications Officer Fran is the Communications Officer for the Green Party. Having joined the Greens in 2016, Fran has taken over responsibility of our social media channels and production of video content for the party. He is also responsible for internal communications, including production of ‘The Green Gazette’ and helping to moderate the Facebook discussion forum. Fran has a diverse background, having worked in communications and public relations in the private and NGO sector, as well as in journalism and broadcasting
LAWRENCE HEMMINGS Administrative Assistant Lawrence has been working as the Green Party’s Administrative Assistant for the past six months. His interest in the environment stems from a lifelong interest in nature and outdoor sports. He will be more than happy to take your questions or suggestions at info@greenparty.ie.
Explore Waterford Déan Port Láirge a Thaiscéaladh So, how ‘Green’ is Ireland’s oldest city and the county surrounding it? Well, this weekend sees the official opening of the Waterford Greenway, a 46km cycle and walking path along the disused railway between Waterford city and Dungarvan. This is a magnificent facility for pedal power and has the potential to attract cyclists for a healthy holiday in Waterford, as well as encouraging residents to get on their bikes more often. On foot, you can tour the city’s Viking Triangle with a minimum carbon footprint, while absorbing the history and heritage which belongs as much to Ireland as to Waterford...such as the site where the Norman warrior Strongbow married the Leinster princess, Aoife. The city is home to the HQ of the Grow It Yourself (GIY) movement spearheaded by Michael Kelly and determined to get communities all over Ireland growing their own food. The Grow HQ is located on a three-acre site (donated by Waterford Council), opposite the hospital where you’ll find a restaurant, shop, and training centre. Taste fresh vegetable dishes, imaginatively cooked. It’s enough to make you want to grow more in your own garden. Ballybeg Greens is a sustainable business, in the heart of a Waterford community, supplying restaurants with organically grown vegetables, salad leaves, herbs, and edible flowers. You may spot them
mentioned on menus as you dine out in Waterford city. Nice to know where your food comes from, isn’t it? It’s also an accredited QQI training centre for landscaping and vegetable growing. Just beyond the city is the Copper Coast GeoPark, preserving 90sq.km of geological heritage and offering visitors walking opportunities in a unique environment…and the Comeragh Mountains with their waterfalls and hikes. In nearby Tramore, the magnificent beach has recreational offerings from a simple dip in the briny waves to the exhilarating surfing much loved by our own Senator Grace O’Sullivan, who is a former surfing champion. Out in Dungarvan, we’ll be celebrating local, organic, and artisan food producers next month at the West Waterford Food Festival (April 21-23)…and you’ll find such produce all year round in Ardkeen Stores. We hope you enjoy the weekend and come back to see us again soon.
Events at Convention Imeachtaí ag an Ard-Fheis GREENING YOUR COMMUNITY A discussion on how to get active at community level, motivate people, and tap the resources of local councils and businesses. Join our panel of local experts in the opening event of Convention.
Friday, 6:30pm Ardmore Room
PETER WILLCOX IN CONVERSATION Renowned Greenpeace activist, former Captain of the Rainbow Warrior, captured by the French and later the Russians - Peter Willcox has led no ordinary life and is no ordinary champion for the environment. Appearing specially for Green Party convention, join him and WLR FM’s Eamon Keane in conversation, and meet the man himself afterwards.
and Philippe Lamberts MEP as they discuss the monumental changes we are witnessing to Europe’s postwar settlement.
relating ethically to the world around us as well as exploring what lies at the heart of this ancient practice.
Saturday, 11:15am
Saturday, 12:00pm
Ardmore Room
Ardmore Room
SUSTAINING MENTAL WELLNESS - Strategies and perspectives Panel Discussion In recent decades, psychologists are learning more about the people who are resilient, the people who thrive despite adversity, achieve positive outcomes despite setbacks and misfortune and sustain their health during the most testing times. Can this research help us develop initiatives that can foster resilience within school communities?
THE FUTURE OF MEDIA, POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY IN THE ERA OF FAKE NEWS Join Journalists & Broadcasters Alison O’Connor (Examiner), Margaret Ward (RTÉ) and Harry McGee (Irish Times), along with DCU academic Dr Eugenia Siapera and Eamon Ryan TD for what promises to be a fascinating discussion about the media and the rise of ‘alternative fact’ politics.
Saturday, 4:15pm Ardmore Room
MINDFULNESS - Weaving the web of interdependent relationships with self, other Friday, 8:00pm and the environment. A JUST TRANSITION Ardmore Room Mindfulness Workshop
HARD BREXIT; HARD CHOICES? The future of these islands within and without the EU The challenge to Ireland, North and South; to Scotland, to the rest of Europe as Article 50 is triggered and full divorce proceedings begin. Join Eamon Ryan TD, Steven Agnew MLA
Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose in the present moment with kindness and compassion. Mindfulness helps us to directly experience what is happening right here, right now. This experiential workshop will introduce participants to the potential of mindfulness as a way of understanding self and
It’s time for a Just Transition in Ireland, moving to a modern low-carbon economy in ways which protect workers’ livelihoods, create a new industrial base and deliver a fairer Ireland. The need for action is urgent in order to avert the environmental and economic costs of climate change and to rebalance the economy to one which provides enough decent and sustainable
jobs in a green economy and which protects our national heritage – Ireland’s peatlands. In this context the ‘Just Transition’ panel will discuss on the cultural, industrial and climatic importance of Irish bogs, what the alternative of a low carbon future will look like and how we will get there in a just and fair manner.
quays to the starting point.
COUNCILLORS Sunday, 2:00pm MEETING
Hotel Lobby A meeting for all Green Councillors will take place from 11am-12pm on Saturday in the MNÁ GLASA Dunmore Room. This is an ideal time to discuss local authority A meeting of the Mná Glasa, issues and solutions. the the new Green Party Women’s Network, will be Saturday, 11:00am taking place at (time) in (place) Dunmore Room Saturday, 6:45pm during Convention. A Chair of the group will be selected and Dunmore Room terms of reference for the group will be agreed.
GROWING THE GREEN PARTY: Growing the Green Party: building up our presence on the ground A discussion for Area Reps, Spokespeople, Constituency Secretaries and Chairs, Staff, Activists and anyone interested in improving the Green Party’s presence on the ground. Local events, activism online, canvassing and candidate support - and how Head Office can support all of this!
Saturday, 3:00pm LEADER AND DEPUTY Dunmore Room LEADER SPEECHES YOUNG GREENS
Convention is a great opportunity for Young Greens from across the country to exchange ideas and plan for the year ahead. We will be meeting at 4pm in the Dunmore Room to elect a new treasurer, and to establish a constitutional review sub-committee. All members young and not-quite-as-young Sunday, 10:30am - welcome! Ardmo Room
Saturday, 4:00pm Dunmore Room
DEISE GREENWAY CYCLE As Convention closes, join us as we make a journey along the Deise Cycleway on its opening weekend! The group will assemble in the Hotel Lobby at 2pm, for a brief walk down the
NEW MEMBERS The new members get together is a great way to find out more about our Party and how it works, and to meet your fellow new Greens.
Saturday, 12:00pm Dunmore Room
A highpoint of every convention, join assembled delegates to hear Catherine and Eamon in the Ardmore Room on Saturday from 5:30pm.
Saturday, 5:30pm Ardmore Room
Guest Speakers Aoichainteoirí
PETER WILLCOX Peter Willcox is best known as a captain for Greenpeace, mostly on the Rainbow Warrior I. He was on board when the boat was blown up by French military members in New Zealand in 1985, serving with now Senator Grace O’Sullivan. He was also on the Arctic Sunrise when that boat was arrested by the Russian military in 2013, and he spent two months in detention in Russia as a member of the Arctic 30. He published his memoir last year and joins us in Waterford specially for Green Party Convention 2017.
SHANE MARTIN EDEL TOBIN Edel Tobin is a primary school teacher and Waterford native, who persuaded Waterford Council to allow a pop-up garden on a derelict site in New Street. Planted by the community and supported by local businesses, it was officially opened in 2014 by President Michael D. Higgins. Now, Edel has turned her attention to beautifying gables in the Waterford Walls project.
C.Psychol.Ps.S.I
Shane Martin is a psychologist dedicated to teaching the very best self-help psychology to empower people to enhance the quality of their lives. He has been a keynote speaker at numerous national and international conferences on a range of topics around empowerment, recovery and happiness. His book ‘Your Precious Life - How to Live it Well’ has recently been published by Orpen Press. More information available on www.moodwatchers. com
PAUL CARROLL MICHAEL KELLY Michael Kelly is a writer, founder of GIY and hacker grower, who is determined to get more communities and individuals growing their own food. He has written three books on food and self-sufficiency. He worked for ten years in the IT industry in Dublin but now lives the good life in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford with his wife and two little GIYers.
Paul Carroll is a native of Waterford, who founded Rebike in 2014 as a socially conscious project to take unwanted bicycles, renovate them, and pass them on to groups and individuals, providing independence and transport, as well as promoting health and wellbeing, while reducing waste.
ANN WALSH Ann holds an MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminology and a Higher Diploma in Human Givens Psychotherapy, and is currently party spokesperson on Mental Health. She works with individuals and groups in all areas of psychological well being. For the past eight years she has worked with Youthreach providing psychological services
to teenagers. She also delivers workshops and provides training in the public and private sector as well as working one to one with individuals dealing with challenges such as trauma, anxiety and depression.
stint as weekly environmental columnist with the Irish Times. He maintains an environmental blog at ThinkOrSwim.ie. He is also a founding member of An Taisce’s Climate Change Committee.
ADRIAN KANE
PAUL KING Paul works in the School of Human Development, in the newly constituted Institute of Education DCU, as a lecturer and researcher in Education with a particular interest in the area of mental health in Education. In January 2017 he was re-appointed for a second term (2017-2019) by the Minister of Education and Skills as Chair of the Management of Guidance Committee, National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE). He is currently completing PhD studies on the development, implementation and evaluation of Mindfulness Based Intervention specifically designed for teachers and educators.
Adrian is a Sector Organiser with SIPTU with responsibility for Energy and Natural Resources. He is also a member of the ETUC Sustainable Development, Energy & Climate Change Committee. He has worked with colleagues across the trade union movement in recent months to establish the ICTU Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Adrian is a life-long Trade Union Activist. He first became active in the Trade Union Movement in his early 20s in Bord na Mona. He is a past student of NCIR, UCD and Keele University where he has studied Industrial relations, Labour Law and European IR.
PAUL MERCIER Paul Mercier is an Irish playwright screenwriter, film and theatre director. Born in Dublin and living in An Cheathrú Rua, he was the founder member and Artistic Director of the Passion Machine Theatre Company and of film production company An Pointe Productions.
DARA Ó MAOILDHIA JOHN GIBBONS John Gibbons is a Dublin-based environmental journalist and commentator. John has been writing and speaking about environmental and climate-related issues for the last decade. This included a two and a half year
Dara Ó Maoildhia is chairperson of Comharchumann Fuinnimh OIleáin Árann Teoranta … the Aran Islands Energy Cooperative. The Co-op was founded in 2012. However, before that, a Coiste Fuinnimh (Energy Committee) existed on Aran for many years. In his other life, Dara is a wedding celebrant,
Guest Speakers Aoichainteoirí an organic gardener, and a tour guide. He has published a number of books and is married with four children. He lives on Inis Mor but is originally from Dublin.
reported from conflicts in Balkans, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Rwanda, North Korea and Sudan, as well as heading up the Beijing bureau for RTÉ.
RTE, Magill (where he was editor) and The Connacht Tribune. He is a frequent contributor on politics to current affairs and news programmes and has been blogging on politics since 2006. From an Irish-speaking household in Galway, he studied languages and law in NUIG, and also is a barrister. His interests outside politics are family, mountaineering, running, GAA and the Irish language.
DR. EUGENIA SIAPERA ALISON O’CONNOR Alison O’Connor is a columnist with The Irish Examiner. Her work as a journalist and broadcaster involves regular commentary on current affairs on radio and television, as well as guest presenting the Tonight with Vincent Browne programme on TV3. She also contributes to RTE Radio One’s Drivetime programme as a columnist.
Eugenia Siapera holds a BSc in Social Psychology and an MSc in Media and Communications from the London School of Economics, and a PhD in Social and Political Sciences from the European University Institute. She has had research and teaching positions at the University of Amsterdam (NL), Anglia Ruskin (UK), University of Leicester (UK) and Aristotle University (Greece). She is currently the Deputy Director of the Institute for Future Media and Journalism and the Chair of the MA Social Media Communications.
MARGARET WARD Margaret Ward is an experienced journalist, broadcaster and documentary maker. She joined RTÉ News and Current Affairs in 1994, and was appointed Foreign Editor in 1999. In her time at RTÉ she has provided coverage from over 20 countries and has
HARRY McGEE Harry McGee is political correspondent with The Irish Times, which he joined in 2008. He previously worked with the Irish Examiner, Sunday Tribune,
PHILIPPE LAMBERTS MEP Philippe has been an MEP for Ecolo, a Belgian Green Party, since 2009. He served as cospokesperson of the European Green Party for six years, and has co-led the EGP-EFA Grouping in the European Parliament since 2014 with Rebecca Harms MEP. He is a member of ECON (the EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs) and the Committee for Industry, Research and Energy.
Exhibitors Seastáin taispeántais The Ballybeg Greens are a social enterprise which grows premium quality, organic vegetables and herbs for the service industry.
The Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark is a community run organisation that promotes sustainable development in Waterford.
Herr Designs creates decentralised and ecological, low carbon waste water treatment systems for homes and businesses.
Wisetek provide secure data clients globally, recovering material for clients’ use or recycling materials via a network of buyers.
Ardkeen Stores are an independently owned food store stocking the best in local, artisanal and organic food from the south east.
Nearly Zero Energy Buildings organise an annual open house event, offering a glimpse of cutting edge low energy homes in Ireland.
Power Capital operate in the photovoltaic market in Ireland, offering a 360 degree service to homeowners, businesses and farmers.
Waterford City & County Council have developed Deise Greenway linking Waterford to Kilmacthomas from Saturday 25th March.
The Wheel is a network which provides a ‘one stop shop’, providing support and representation to Ireland’s third sector.
Executive Committee Election Toghchán an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin The Executive Committee (EC) is elected annually by you, the members. It is the senior management board of the Green Party and meets monthly to make key executive decisions. As well as the ten elected members, the Party Leader, Deputy Leader, Cathaoirleach, Chair of Policy Council and Treasurer all attend EC meetings. Elections to the EC are done by preference voting, with a strict regional and gender requirement for the final makeup of its membership the party. He also wants focus on growing the party among students and younger people to nurture the next generation of Green leaders.
LORNA BOGUE Originally from Limerick, Lorna ran for the Green Party in Cork South Central in the 2016 general election. Since joining the Greens she has been Chair of the Young Greens, has served on Exec, has campaigned against the Ringaskiddy incinerator and has been a strong advocate for repeal of the 8th amendment.
DIARMUID BURKE Diarmuid is the former Chair of Young Greens and is currently working for the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament. He has served on the Executive Committee and is a member of the Election Task Force and Communications Group. During the General Election campaign he worked as the Social Media and Community Manager and is looking to improve both internal and external communication within
ELAINE BUTLER As Policy Chair since 2013, I have overseen the publication of 21 policy documents and supported the development of more than 16 policy groups across the country. Also as a non-voting member of the EC for 4 years I have a unique perspective on how the EC works and how it can be improved to ensure a professional, transparent and inclusive Party for the future. I look forward to continue working with such a diverse and passionate group of people and would be honoured to have your no 1 vote today.
HAZEL CHU I am Head of Brand and Corporate Communications for Diageo,
leading strategic planning for brands such as Guinness. I also run a family restaurant in Monkstown and am a member of Dun Laoghaire Greens. In 2014, I campaign-managed the elected Green candidate in RathgarRathmines. As a qualified barrister with interests in immigration and asylum, environmental and social justice principles are the reasons why I joined the Greens. I advocate for gender and ethnic diversity by contributing on Newstalk, Irish Times and RTE. As temporary Mná Glasa Co-Chair, I’m proud to have helped in its establishment.
Cllr. PATRICK COSTELLO I am a councillor in RathgarRathmines and an active member of Dublin Bay South. I am currently on the Executive Committee (EC) and working as part of the Election Task force (ETF). This coming year we as a party will face the task of preparing for both a general election and the next local elections. I ask for your vote as I have experience in campaigns and elections and can use this to benefit the party by continuing on EC and ETF.
fresh ideas to the EC. I anticipate a bright future for the Green Party, and I am determined to play my part in this journey.
EVA DOWLING My vision for the Green Party in 2017 is to make us the most scientifically grounded political party. So many of our priorities: climate change, pollution, medication, energy efficiency and conservation, are equally important in the scientific community. Unfortunately, there is often a disconnect between our policies and the latest research developments. I’m a science communicator with over six years’ experience in public relations and have the experience to better align the EC and Green Party policy with modern science.
TOM KIVLEHAN I am Deputy chair of the Executive Committee, a former Councillor and Trustee of the Green Party. I have a broad knowledge of party policy and have been Party Spokesperson on Transport, Waste and Planning. Professionally, I have a business promoting Tourism in Ireland and have strong management experience. We need a team with a broad range of skills and I am asking you for your continuing support and No 1 vote, to help give our party a strong Executive Committee , so that we can continue the rebuilding of this great party and prepare for the next election challenge.
PIPPA HACKETT As the Party’s Spokesperson on Agriculture, and on Animal Welfare, I have worked consistently to address issues locally and nationally. Living in Co Offaly, I am well aware of the challenges faced by our rural members. I am organised and effective, and have been a proactive member of many well-functioning and successful committees, and would bring
a Latent Damage Bill for Catherine Martin. Building on this work I want to set up a legal support system for the parliamentary party to help get the best green legislation though the Oireachtas. I hope you’ll consider giving me your vote number one for the executive committee.
AENGUS Ó CORRÁIN I’m Aengus Ó Corráin, a Barrister from Cork now based in Dublin. I previously served on the Executive Committee 2015-2016. During the last year I’ve drafted Micro-beads legislation for Grace O’Sullivan and
CILLIAN O’MORÁIN I’m an active constituency member, I regularly contribute to the Finance policy group and have a strong interest in digital and food policy. I have previously submitted motions to convention and Policy Council amending the constitution and other rules docs. Along with two term as constituency chair of Dublin Bay South I have recently been elected Secretary of Dublin Bay North. If I were elected to the Executive Committee I would wish to increase accountability and transparency to empower grassroots growth and recommend overdue reform.
Executive Committee Election Toghchán an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin - Communicate with our loyal existing members -Manage our growing staff numbers
MARY RYDER
SIMON LEE
I joined the Green Party during a canvass in 2011 when Dan Boyle seemed the only candidate who saying anything I could agree with. The only thing to do was get with the canvass! I’ve been a local candidate twice, and chaired my local group for some years. In 2013 I was co-opted onto the NEC, and have been Chair for the last three terms, through times when the Party was broke and under-represented. I work cooperatively and steadily, always in mind of how our Party can serve the best interests of our planet and our country.
Simon Lee was a Green Party candidate in the recent Assembly election in Northern Ireland, in the constituency of Upper Bann. A lecturer in Religious Studies and Philosophy at Belfast Metropolitan College, Simon is passionate about education theory and policy. He is currently completing postgraduate study in this field, with a special interest in curriculum development. He lives with his wife and two children in South Belfast.
ANN WALSH I was first elected to EC last year and I feel it has never been more imperative to get the Green message across engaging people in a more inclusive political debate about our environment, society and economy. Running for election in 2016 and being party spokesperson on Mental Health has given me additional insights on how to support those willing to put their names forward as the public face of the party to facilitate such a debate, if elected this is an area I would very much like to commit to.
Cllr. OSSIAN SMYTH I joined the party eight years ago when we were at rock bottom. We made it through the leanest of times with imagination and hard, unpaid work. Now that we finally have some income, the signs of years of underinvestment are starting to show. As an ecopragmatist, I will work to overhaul our practices so that we: - Properly involve and welcome our many new members
Two candidates are deemed elected automatically: Simon Lee as the only candidate based in Northern Ireland, and Miranda O’Donnell as the only candidate based in the Northwest.
MIRANDA O’DONNELL We brought our family to Ireland from California twenty-four years ago, and we now have two beautiful Irish grandchildren. We are grateful to be new Irish citizens since November. I joined the Green Party three years ago, because this party stands for sensible, sustainable policies for now and the future, for all of our children and grandchildren. I am happy to do whatever I can to help the party grow, and to see our policies enacted across the country.
Other Party Offices Cúraimí eile sa Pháirtí Appeals Committee 2017 - 2018 9 nominated candidates this year Adrianne Wyse
Dún Laoghaire
Catherine Fravalo
Dublin Rathdown
Ben Ryan
Mayo
Dominick Donnelly Cork Elizabeth Davidson Dublin South West John Bolger
Carlow Kilkenny
Peter Pearce
Carlow Kilkenny
Danny Forde
Wexford
John Goodwillie
Dublin South Central
Treasurer 2017 - 2018 Martin Nolan
Dublin South West
Trustees 2017 - 2018 Anna Conlan
Dublin South Central
Ed Davitt
Dublin South Central
Tom Kivlehan
Dún Laoghaire
Auditor Mark Glynn Ltd.
Motions Rúin TECHNICAL MOTIONS RÚIN THEICNIÚLA MOTION A Proposer: Young Greens Introduce Term Limits for National Executive members Amend Article 5.05 of the Green Party Constitution, inserting “, except those set out in Article 5.6.1, as they relate to individuals elected per Article 5.6(f)” after “suspended”. Explanatory note: Article 5.6.1 states “No person may serve on the Executive Committee for a period of more than four years in any six year period.” Article 5.6(f) refers to the “10 other members [of Executive Committee] elected by preferendum at each Annual Convention”. The proposed amendment would not come into effect for this year’s elections. At convention next year (2018), and thereafter, anyone who has been elected per Article 5.6(f) for four out of the previous six years would not be eligible to stand again. New wording of Article 5.05 if amendment is passed: All provisions limiting the length of time members may hold party positions will be suspended, except those set out in Article 5.6.1, as they relate to individuals elected per Article 5.6(f). This suspension should be reviewed at each Annual Convention.
may redact at all, or remove any of the above documents without its ready replacement, any relevant post falling vacant must be marked as so. Rationale Many members are unsure of even the responsibilities of key officer roles in their own constituency. New members aren’t able to familiarise themselves with the structure of the party and it is difficult to self start in the party as critical information requires a certain level of knowledge and familiarity to obtain in the first place. Additionally despite several key changes the Constitution is well over a year out of date.
MOTION C Proposer: National Executive Proposal for a new Article 4.10 Mna Glasa / Women’s Network of the Green Party will be the women’s network of the Green Party. All female members of the Party will automatically be members. It will operate, subject to its Rules and Procedures and officer board being recognised by the Executive. It shall have the right to propose motions to Policy Council and Conventions on the same basis as constituency groups.
REGULAR MOTIONS GNÁTHRÚIN
MOTION B
MOTION 1
Proposer: Dublin Bay North Greens
Proposer: Cork Greens
Include a new section 4.8 Membership Every member has the right to access online a current and up to date copy of the party Constitution, and an accurate up to date list of spokespersons and policy group conveners with contact information, and complete rules and procedures documents and all current standing orders. No individual, or committee
Initiate a membership consultation on the policy development process The party will engage in a major consultation with members on the processes of policy development. This consultation will include: - the relationship between National Convention and Policy Council in policy development - representation and voting rights at Policy Council
- the roles and responsibilities of groups and of Policy Council delegates - engaging members equally in policy development - collaboration in policy formation between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
MOTION 2 Proposer: Louth Greens Legislate for 0.7% Gross National Income to be spent on Official Development Assistance The Green Party will introduce legislation committing the Irish government to spending at least 0.7% of Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance.
MOTION 3 Proposer: Kildare Greens Stop increase in length of hedge cutting season The Green Party believe increasing the length of the hedge cutting season, as proposed by Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys will be detrimental to wildlife and biodiversity on this Island. Ground nesting birds such as the curlew have already been decimated by agricultural intensification; we cannot allow the already declining population of hedgerow birds such as the yellowhammer to face the same faith. Therefore, the Green Party requests the Minister to desist from increasing the length of the hedge cutting season.
MOTION 4 Proposer: Dublin Bay South Greens End Direct Provision The Green Party support the end of the Direct Provision.
MOTION 5
Motion 9
Proposer: Brussels Greens
Proposer: Oireachtas Group
Northern Ireland and Brexit The Green Party supports the continued place of Northern Ireland within the European Union in whichever way is possible and of the choosing of the people of Northern Ireland, as part of the UK, independent, or part of the Republic.
Fixed Term Dails The Green Party commits to a constitutional amendment to provide for the introduction of fixed-term Dála.
MOTION 6 Proposer: Sligo-Leitrim Greens Brexit and the Common Fisheries Policy The Green Party supports using the upcoming Brexit negotiations to renegotiate Ireland’s participation in the Common Fisheries Policy along with ensuring adequate resources to protect and police our fishing stocks.
MOTION 7
Motion 10 Proposer: Carlow Kilkenny Greens Integrated Rural Transport The Green Party calls on Government to work develop an interagency approach to addressing the issue of integrated rural transport, utilising existing community schemes, exploring the use of ‘post buses’ and other initiatives, use of Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) models used by rural transport projects and integrated ticketing between regional towns and rural bus services as well as the use of electric and/or biogas bus fleets in the rollout of TII led bus services in rural regional towns.
Proposer: Mayo Greens Ban Pair Trawling The Green Party will ban the practice of Pair Trawling in Irish coastal waters. Reasoning: 1. There is a significant increase of bycatch [and therefor mortality] of other non fished for species in pair trawling compared to single vessel trawling. 2. The practice of pair trawling impacts on stocks of sprats in areas it is operating, with consequent long term ecosystem damage.
MOTION 11 Proposer: Meath Greens Study on Undergrounding the North-South Interconnector
MOTION 8
The Green Party supports efforts to establish an independent feasibility study on the undergrounding of the North-South Interconnector. This will balance our need to support a valuable piece of infrastructure which will help to support and develop renewable energy in Ireland, with a need to address the concerns of local residents.
Proposer: Dublin South Central Greens
MOTION 12
Reducing VAT on sustainable transport modes The Green Party/Comhaontas Glas support a reduction to 9% on the rate of VAT on all equipment purchased by individuals for the purposes of sustainable personal transport. This should include bicycles, cycling equipment, and personal rain protection.
Proposer: UCC Greens Ban supermarkets from destroying edible food The Green Party calls for legislation to ban supermarkets from destroying edible food
MOTION 13 Proposer: Dun Laoghaire Rates on Vacant Commercial Property
That vacant commercial property should be charged rates at the same level as occupied commercial property, throughout Ireland. Explanation Empty shops are bad for towns. Some absentee landlords leave their premises empty for years, paying no taxes. Making them pay the same as any other business will encourage owners to put the properties back into use either with lower rents or else converted into homes. At present, some local authorities charge no rates on vacant premises, while other charge up to 50% rates on vacant premises. This motion proposes that vacant and occupied commercial premises should pay the same rates, in the same way that occupied and vacant homes pay the same local property tax.
MOTION 14 Proposer: Dublin Rathdown National plan to stop spread of antimicrobial resistance The Green Party urges the Government to implement and appropriately resource a national plan to contain the spread of antimicrobial resistance in medicine and agriculture. Explanation: The overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics across the world. In Ireland at least half of antibiotic use in hospitals is inappropriate, according to the Health Service Executive’s healthprotection surveillance centre. Ireland has the highest rate of life-threatening vancomycin-resistant enterococci in Europe. Antibiotic consumption is falling in many European countries but rising in Ireland. The number of hospitals reporting outbreaks with MDRO is rapidly growing. Although the Irish government has developed several interdepartmental strategy papers there is an urgent need for the Irish government to develop, implement and resource a national action plan for Irish hospitals to control MDROs.” The issue of serious risk to life and health has been flagged repeatedly in recent months in the media including the following on Government inaction:
MOTION 15 Proposer: Dublin Central Greens Use of derelict sites and student accommodation That this Convention calls on Local and National Government to ensure that greater use is made of vacant, underused and derelict lands and buildings in our cities and towns in order to tackle the housing crisis and urges Government to set up a One Stop Shop in Local Authorities to provide low-cost small sites, encourage temporary use of empty buildings, promote the Living City Scheme and assist self-builders, cooperatives and housing associations to assist in providing housing to those most in need and that much needed Student Accommodation is provided near third level Colleges on appropriate urban sites in line with development plan standards and guidance.
MOTION 16 Proposer: Brussels Greens Single European Parliament Election constituency The Green Party calls for one single constituency for the Republic of Ireland during the European Parliament elections rather than the current three. Explanation: Of the current 28 EU member states, only 5 others have more than one constituency for European Parliament elections. Of these Belgium has significant linguistic divides and the others (UK, France, Italy, Poland) have populations many times that of Ireland. Small constituencies have been shown to give results that are not proportional. A single constituency would also encourage a focus on policy and European affairs as distinct from local issues that ma dominate due to simultaneous local elections.
MOTION 17 Proposer: Carlow Kilkenny Greens Protect Ireland’s Bee Population
The Green Party calls on the Irish Govrnment to protect Ireland’s bee population by not allowing Bayer’s new harmful insecticide (Flupyradifurone) for use. Flupyradifurone is a chemical cousin of neonics linked to the mass die off of bees in Europe and beyond.
but brightens when movement is detected. We also consider the adoption of low energy technologies such as LEDs as important towards achieving this aim.”
MOTION 21 MOTION 18
Proposer: Cork Greens
Proposer: Oireachtas Greens
Amendment of Planning & Development Act
Transparency on Ministerial Decisions while a Dail is Dissolved The Green Party calls on the Government to introduce legislation providing for the regulation and greater transparency of all Cabinet, Ministerial and Departmental decisions during the period of a Dáil dissolution, and for the daily publication of a summary of all such decisions in a daily Iris Oifigiúil during said period.
MOTION 19
The Green Party calls for the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 be amended to limit the number of applications that can be made, for substantially the same proposal at substantially the same location, to a maximum of two.
MOTION 22 Proposer: Louth Greens Air & Marine Ecosystem Monitoring near Incinerators
Proposer: Young Greens Mandatory Quotas for Executive Boards The Green Party calls for the introduction of a mandatory quota of at least 40% women on the executive boards of all companies registered in Ireland.
MOTION 20 Proposer: Dublin South Central Greens Intelligent Low Energy Street Lighting The Green Party/Comhaontas Glas supports the adaption of intelligent street lighting technology by local authorities, public utlities and public building, in order to reduce energy consumption, reduce cost, improve safety and reduce light pollution. Explanation: Intelligent street lighting refers to public street lighting that adapts to movement by pedestrians, cyclists and cars. Intelligent street lighting, also referred to as adaptive street lighting, dims when no activity is detected,
That multiple permanent & continuous air and marine ecosystem monitoring stations be provided in Cork, Dublin & Meath/ Louth where incinerators have been built or are proposed
MOTION 23 Proposer: Dublin Bay South Greens National Tree Planting Programme That one tree be planted for each person in Ireland by 2020. Explanation: Ireland’s coverage of 10% land with trees is below the European average for trees. Trees combat climate change by absorbing and reduce dangerous carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Europe is lending Ireland €90 million over 20 years to help. Coillte, councils and community groups can work together too to plant trees.
MOTION 25 Proposer: Sligo Leitrim Greens Changing the method of paying for waste The Green Party supports paying for waste at the point of purchase instead of through bin charges. Explanation: The current situation punishes people who do the right thing. It costs money to put rubbish in the bin; it’s free to dump it, burn it, put it in someone else’s bin. The proposal here is to shift the point of payment from when the waste is put in the bin to when the waste is purchased. Payment at the point of purchase as is the case for buying light bulbs (WEEE recycling is free because it’s paid for in the price of the light bulb) makes it hard to avoid paying for waste and it makes it free to put waste in the bin properly. Moreover, it makes sense to pay people to recycle (maybe in the form of a deposit-refund scheme) because recyclable materials are valuable so it shouldn’t cost money to recycle them and it should be more profitable than just being free to recycle the materials. Further, paying for waste at the point of purchase corrects the market failure and negative externality of unnecessary waste and any subsequent pollution. It sends a signal to the market to reduce the creation of waste and of course this cuts to the root of the problems of landfill and incineration because the less waste there is in the first place the less justification these facilties have to exist.
MOTION 27 Proposer: Kildare Greens Study to promote green and biosolar roofing The Green Party promote a national study to develop and promote green and bio-solar roofing across the island to help to kick start development and information exchange on this badly needed technology.
Explanation: Green and bio-solar rooftops roll out support in creative ways to stimulate and support local start-ups providing services for green bio-solar roofing to address Climate change mitigation and adaption, storm water management, sustainable drainage and water quality, biodiversity, air quality and amenities.
Schedule Sceideal OUR SPACES Ardmore Room The main Convention room, which seats 400.
Saturday 25th March Dé Satharin 25ú Márta
Dunmore Room A 100 seat room adjacent to the Ardmore Room, where many of our side events and meetings will take place
8:45am Registration Desk Opens Hotel Lobby
Glenmore Room Located on the first floor, where our childcare will be provided. Ardmore Lounge By the main entrance to the Ardmore Room, where our Exhibitors will be set up, and where you can buy draw tickets and merchandise. Hotel Lobby Our Registration Desk will be operating here, in addition to the Tower Hotel’s main information desk.
Friday 24th March Dé hAoine 24ú Márta
9.00am Exhibition Space Opens Ardmore Lounge 9.15am Convention Motions Ardmore Room 10:45am Group Photo Outside Adjacent to Hotel 11.00am Councillors Meeting Dunmore Room
11:15am Hard Brexit, Hard Choices Ardmore Room The future of these islands within and 5.00pm Registration Desk Opens without the EU. Hotel Lobby 12.00pm Sustaining mental wellness 5:00pm Exhibition Space Opens Ardmore Room Ardmore Lounge Discussion and Workshop 6.20pm Waterford Greens welcome you to Convention 2017 Ardmore Room
12.00pm New Members Meeting Dunmore Room
1.00pm Lunch 6.30pm Greening Your Community The Tower Hotel will be offering a Ardmore Room competitively priced lunch for 8.00pm Peter Willcox in conversation with Eamon Keane Ardmore Room
delegates’ convenience 2:00pm Speech by Cathaoirleach Cllr Roderic O’Gorman Ardmore Room
9.00pm Peter Willcox book signing Ardmore Room 2.10pm
Executive Committee election: Candidates’ speeches 9.00pm Registration Desk Closes Ardmore Room Hotel Lobby Ballots will be distributed from the 9.00pm Exhibition Space Closes registration desk in the hotel lobby Ardmore Lounge once candidates have concluded their speeches. Delegates are requested to make their way in an
orderly manner to collect their ballot paper before voting in the ballot box provided in the Ardmore Lounge. Voting will be open for 45 minutes.
Clocks Change tonight! Make sure to set your watches back by one hour to Irish Summer Time.
3.00pm Mná Glasa Meeting Dunmore Room
Sunday 26th March Dé Domhnaigh 26ú Márta Convention Motions (resumed)
3.30pm Ardmore Room
4.00pm Young Greens Meeting Dunmore Room
9.45am Registration Desk Opens Hotel Lobby
4.15pm The Future of Media, Politics & Democracy in the Era of Fake news Ardmore Room Panel discussion
10.00am Exhibition Space Opens Ardmore Lounge
10.00am Convention Reports: National Co-Ordinator Chair of Young Greens Treasurer and Auditor Reports 5.15pm Report from Chair of Policy Council Ardmore Room 10.30am Growing the Green Party on the ground 5.30pm Speech by Deputy Leader Catherine Ardmore Room Martin TD Ardmore Room 11:30am Motions (resumed) Ardmore Room 5:50pm Speech by Leader Eamon Ryan TD Ardmore Room 12.30pm Speech closing Convention by Senator Grace O’Sullivan Ardmore Room 6:45pm A Just Transition Dunmore Room 2.00pm Deise Greenway Cycle Panel Discussion Assemble in Hotel Lobby 8.00pm Registration Desk Closes Hotel Lobby 6:30pm Ardmore Room closed to prepare for dinner
8.30pm Exhibition Space Closes Ardmore Lounge 8:30pm Dinner Ardmore Room 9.00pm Convention Draw Ardmore Room 10:30pm
Live Entertainment in Hotel Bar
www.greenparty.ie 16/17 Suffolk Street Dublin D02 AT85 01 6790012