Motions passed at National Conference 2010
Finance & Employment Taxation Conference notes the terrible dilemma that many people in Ireland are forced to deal with: to work when welfare payments are higher than their wages. As such, Conference calls for a slight raise in the threshold for the lowest income tax band.
Banking Conference commends: The Labour Party policy of the Strategic Investment Bank. Conference notes: The â‚Ź2 billion in funding will be of great benefit to the SME sector, providing working capital and money to create jobs. Conference calls: For an additional â‚Ź2 billion in order to provide additional stimulus to the SME sector to provide more jobs in the Irish economy.
Taxation Conference believes: That Ireland's low-tax regime has been one of the main contributory factors in Ireland's current fiscal crisis and that the cowardice and neo-liberal ideology of the government of the last 13 years led to an entirely unsustainable model of government financing for which the Irish people are now paying the price. Conference regrets: The promise of the Labour Party in the 2007 election to lower the standard rate of tax from 20% to 18%, as reflective of a serious failure to understand the dangerous situation which the country was in at that point in time. Conference notes that: -In 2008 Ireland had a tax revenue amounting to only 27.4% of GDP, making our tax-to-GDP ratio the fourth lowest in the EU-27 and the second lowest in the eurozone. -Ireland's level of taxation on incomes is the second lowest in the OECD, after Mexico. Conference notes in particular: -That Ireland has an unusually low level of revenue from income taxes, local government taxes, social security contributions, corporation tax and taxes on property and wealth. Conference therefore calls for: -An increase in the rate of capital gains tax in Ireland to bring it into line with European norms -The introduction of a property tax -The introduction of a third income tax rate of above 50% for high earners -The widening of the income tax net to include a substantially higher number of people on incomes at which they should tax. -An increase in all income tax rates, particularly the standard rate of tax
-A moderate increase in PRSI contributions, which are currently one of the lowest in Europe -The expansion of environmental taxes -
Surcharges on profits in the banking sector. The phasing out of tax reliefs on private pensions that costs the state over â‚Ź3 Billion a year. Increased taxes on second homes above a certain value PRSI contributions of 2% on share dividends.
Youth Unemployment Conference notes with immense concern the increasing level of student fees; the decrease in student grants; the lack of graduate placements for unemployed graduates; the increasing level of young people emigrating; the lack of jobs for graduates; and the complete lack of vision, policies and concern for the future of young people in Ireland. Conference notes and appreciates the support of political parties for a national graduate placement scheme, but maintains that the graduate placement scheme does not go far enough in creating an equal and fair opportunity for young people to earn permanent and secure jobs as part of a longterm strategy to create job opportunities for young people. Conference proposes an economic incentive in addition to employers PSRI exemption, as part of a youth unemployment stimulus package. Conference calls for the introduction of a mandatory obligation on employers to pay a minimum fee to graduate interns after nine months of placement in addition to interns being in receipt of social welfare benefits or an increased salary in lieu of social welfare benefits. Conference calls for an updated youth unemployment policy document and a revised campaign approach to highlight youth unemployment in Ireland, at the discretion of the incoming NYE and the relevant Labour Youth officers.
Universal Citizen’s Income Conference notes the continuing argument about the need to reduce the public sector paybill as one part of the solution to reducing the deficit (but not the only one) and that this can take the form of redundancies or pay cuts, pension freezes etc. Conference notes with concern the constant erosion of entitlements for people on the poverty line as a method to reduce the deficit. Conference believes that Ireland as a Republic should believe in its citizens and support and empower them to unleash their full potential. Conference believes that work in the home, in the community and life-long learning should be encouraged, supported and rewarded. Therefore Conference calls for the abolition of the student grant, supplementary welfare allowance, unemployment benefits and various other means tested state payments and the introduction of a universal Citizen's Income which would allow people to study, volunteer or work while meeting their basic needs.
Conference proposes that the Citizen's Income scheme should be funded by the massive reduction in bureaucracy and staff to manage the myriad of systems and means testing and also by the introduction of new taxes and reformation of old taxes into a truly progressive taxation system that prepares our country for a knowledge economy and sustainable environment. Conference mandates the incoming NYE to produce a comprehensive policy paper on the introduction of a Citizen's Income in Ireland (ideally with projected costings and savings of the proposals) and to lobby the Labour Party, affiliated trade unions and relevant NGOs to adopt such a policy for a 21st Century Strategy for a Smart Economy.
Budgetary Policy Conference applauds the continuing hard work of TASC, Ireland's only progressive think-tank. Conference adopts TASC's 2011 Budgetary proposal document, "Investing in Recovery, Jobs and Fairness" and will use the document as a framework for a comprehensive Labour Youth policy paper examining the complex and multi-faceted nature of fiscal stimulus packages within a globalised market system, and ways of strengthening the long-term stability of our financial institutions.
Taxation Conference recognises: - the various problems of the PAYE tax system in Ireland - the tax loopholes in the non-PAYE area - the inequality of our current taxation system in the Republic and the inability of the country to sustain the tax base during a crisis owing to our rising national debt and continuous bailout of banks Conference calls on: the Policy and Education Working Group to create a policy paper which should begin the process of weighing up the viable options for taxation, to look at all the options for the creation of an equal tax system, wherein no one is excluded from society owing to unfair taxation, and no person or company has the option to evade their responsibility to society.
Banking Conference Recognises: - That both AIB (Allied Irish Banks) and Bank of Ireland (BOI) are of systemic importance to the Irish Financial System and Conference recognises their central and crucial role in supporting an economic recovery. - That as the big two retail banks in Irish banking that it is undesirable to have allowed a situation to arise whereby both the main banks become weak and require expensive state support through both the NPRF and NAMA. This has led, and will lead to billions being added on to our national debt and not spent on social services. Conference proposes: - That such a situation is never allowed to arise again by ensuring that the banks hold adequate capital to both sustain their business models and to allow them in stressful economic times to successfully write off loans/ absorb bad debts.
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That both AIB and BOI be instructed to retain a minimum of an Equity Tier Ratio 1 of no less than 9% by year-end 2019 in line with European averages by way of legislation and regulatory supervision.
Conference believes: That if the above targets were adhered to, both banks would command market confidence in order for any bond-holders to have sufficient confidence in the scenario of a potential economic downturn. That the State continues to maintain shares and directorships in both banks, in the future, to ensure that the maximum levels of scrutiny can be enforced.
Internships Conference recognises the importance of internships for gaining work experience however we also note that internships can discriminate against those from lower socio-economic backgrounds whose parents may not be in a position to financially support their children and that most internships are in large cities which also burdens those not from there with accommodation costs. Conference believes that this creates a barrier in that only those who can afford to can work these jobs. As most internships are in sectors that wield enormous power in society, they can help to perpetuate the exclusion of people from certain backgrounds from influential roles and continuing inequalities of power. Conference notes with concern the potential for Interns to be exploited by their employers; that they may displace full time workers and that often internships are provided in a non-transparent manner. Conference calls on Labour Youth to produce a detailed policy document on this issue that will highlight the need for comprehensive legislation to regulate workers rights in this area. Further the National Chairperson should lobby the affiliated trade unions to launch a campaign on this issue similar to that produced by the TUC in the UK, where www.rightsforinterns.org.uk is an excellent resource. Conference also calls for a minimum stipend or expenses amount to be paid to any intern. Conference deplores the practice in many professions for newly trained graduates to work for free for a prolonged period. Examples include deviling barristers and trainee accountants and solicitors. Trade apprentices are paid a fair wage by their employer and the same should apply in other careers. Conference urges our own Party Head Office and PLP members to pay all interns the minimum wage.
Education Third Level Grants Conference recognises: That regardless of wealth, students are treated the same when it comes to the third level grants system. Conference regrets: -That this process turns many students across the country away from third level education. -The cuts in the rate of the student grant, the decision to deny grants to students on the Back to Education Allowance, the Government's failure to pass the legislation for overdue grant reform. Conference believes: That the demographic balance in higher education should be more reflective of society as a whole. Conference further believes: That Special Rate of Maintenance (â‚Ź2,880) is nowhere near enough to fund a student for a year. Conference Calls for all institutions of Education from F.E. Colleges to Universities to allocate a minimum portion of admissions to Students from Lower Socio Economic Backgrounds, Adult Learners and Students with Disabilities in order to promote diversity across the education system. Conference calls for: -
Reform and modernisation of the grant application process and fairer means testing Grants to be reinstated Back to Education Allowance holders who meet the grant eligibility criteria The establishment of a central authority for all higher education grant applications to ensure quicker administration and delivery of grants.
Private Schools Conference believes that Labour in government should withdraw state funding from private educational institutions (fee paying schools). Conference believes that such institutions only serve to widen the social divisions that exist between rich and poor in our society and that such activity should be discouraged at all costs by the government. Conference believes that state funds would better be used funding educational support programmes in educationally disadvantaged areas.
Philosophy Labour Youth calls for philosophy to be taught at Junior and Leaving Cert cycles. This would be brought in on a pilot basis for 3 years and if successful, would see philosophy being made an obligatory course for Junior Cert and an option for the Leaving Cert. The subject would involve teaching philosophy to aid the moral and intellectual development of young people including political philosophy, the philosophy of science, the God Question and ethics.
Third Level Fees Conference commends: Former Education Minister Niamh Bhreathnach on the introduction of free fees for Third Level Education. Conference calls for: The introduction of free fees at Fourth Level, as the social and economic benefits that free fees for Third Level brought will be replicated at Fourth Level, to a greater extent. Conference condemns: - The increase in the student registration fee to over €1500, and the possibility of an increase to over €3000 - The Government for using the majority of the registration fee to pay for tuition costs as Conference believes that this practice undermines Labour's abolition of Tuition fees in the 1990s Conference calls for: - an increase of at least €500 million in public funding for higher education as called for by the OECD. - Tighter regulation of bonuses paid to heads of Colleges and Universities. - A decrease in the Students services charge to €450 per student at the most, or lower if such a figure is sufficent to cover the cost of student services. - A legal definition of Student services as any form of engagement outside of a student’s formal academic programme i.e. sports clubs, health centres and societies. - A portion of the Student Services fee to be ringfenced in order to maintain adequate funding of and free use of healthcare services. Conference supports: - The campaign by The Union of Students in Ireland and various Students Unions against the increase in the registration fee Conference mandates: - The Executive in particular the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to campaign for the above aims.
Scientific Research Conference Notes: The importance of investing in the areas of science, technology and engineering in order to promote Ireland as a centre of excellence on the global stage in terms of research, industry and the quality of its workforce.
Conference Also Notes: the present government’s false promises in terms of investing in these sectors. Due to the government’s lack of investment and seemingly overall disinterest in these sectors, funding agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland have been forced to cut funding for research. Conference Mandates: the National Youth Executive and Labour Youth to oppose the government’s recent cuts in the areas of scientific and technological research.
Justice & Defence Prison Service Reform Conference believes that the new position of ‘Minister of State with Responsibility for Prison Service Reform’ should be created. Conference also believes that the area of prison service reform is often overlooked and that Labour Youth should run at least one campaign on the issue during the term of the new NYE.
Reserve Defence Force Conference supports the work of the Irish Defence Forces and supports the Reserve Defence Forces as a way for Irishmen and Irishwomen to engage in civic duty and serve their fellow citizens. However, Conference notes the problems within the RDF, especially the number of soldiers not attending training during the year. As such, Conference calls for a basic fitness test to be introduced for all new RDF prospects, prior to enlistment. Conference believes that the Defence Forces require greater attendance; should a soldier fail to attend a minimum number of training days/parades without sufficient justification, they should be discharged from the RDF.
Marriage Conference believes that the institution of marriage is inherently a personal one, the meaning of which varies according to conscience, religion and cultural beliefs. Conference further believes that the State has no business in defining the terms of personal relationships such as marriages. Conference notes with approval that the Labour Party is committed to achieving full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens. Conference therefore calls for the privatisation of marriage contracts and the introduction of a national civil union system open to all citizens.
Internet Regulation Conference notes with concern the lack of transparent debate around the anti-counterfeiting trade agreement (ACTA), which has the potential to inflict US-style copyright laws across the world. Conference also notes with concern the policy of three-strikes-and-you’re-out internet regulation which has no reasonable method of appeal or oversight, which Eircom and Vodafone are implementing in Ireland. Conference therefore mandates the NYE to develop a policy on Ireland’s future on the internet which: - Recognizes that internet access is a fundamental human right
- Opposes ACTA and three-strikes-and-you’re-out policy as they contravene this right, - Puts the rights of consumers first, - Opposes digital rights management and make digital rights management contravention a right, - Supports open source, and open standards. - Support net neutrality
Scientology Conference believes that a formal investigation by the Revenue Commissioner and An Garda Síochána should be taken against the 'Church of Scientology' in Ireland. Conference notes with concern recent stories from ex-members of the 'Church' about the practices of the Scientology which include breaking up of families, extortion of money and stalking of critics. Conference believes that the 'Roman Catholic Church', and the 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' should also be investigated by the Revenue Commissioner and An Garda Síochána.
Health Assisted Suicide Conference notes with concern: The illegality of assisted suicide, given the decriminalisation of suicide in Ireland. Conference also notes: The right to quality of life, and thus believes assisted suicide should be legal under the conditions that: - the patient is of the age of adulthood (18) - the patient's suffering is unbearable with no prospect of improvement - the request for euthanasia must be voluntary and persist over time - the patient must be fully aware of their condition, prospects, and options - the patient must consult with at least two other independent doctors who confirm the conditions mentioned above - the patient must attend a set number of psychiatric analysis sessions where the psychiatrist must also confirm that the patient is psychologically sound, and must also reconfirm the patient's will - a set number of oral requests and two written requests must be recorded - the procedure must be carried out in a medically sound fashion and the patient must be the final administrator
Environment, Local Government & Transport Water Charges Conference condemns: The calls from Fianna FĂĄil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for the re-introduction of water charges. Conference notes with concern: The openness of the party leader, Eamon Gilmore, towards accepting the re-introduction of water charges in a future Government. Conference further notes : The decision taken at National Conference last April to oppose the re-introduction of water charges, and the positive effects that investment in the current infrastructure would have, particularly on the amount of water saved and on the newly generated employment such an investment would have. Conference calls for: A robust campaign against the re-introduction of water charges and for Labour Youth to put forward the case for investment in the current infrastructure.
Local Government Conference notes: - That local people are the most inherently interested in the development of their community, and town councils are a vital branch of local government. Conference notes with concern: - The systematic centralisation of power from the local authorities to the central government that has taken place during the life of the current Government. - The unfair imbalance of power between City/County Managers and the democratically elected Councillors. Conference laments: - That the two towns of Maynooth and Celbridge in particular are suffering a democratic deficit through the continued refusal to grant them town council status despite having exceeded the population requirement of ten thousand persons.�
Conference calls for: Labour Youth to hold a discussion on empowering local government at the next National Meeting and for the Policy and Education Working Group to come up with a set of proposals for empowering local government based on that discussion. Conference further mandates:
The National Youth Executive to lobby for the granting of town council status to all towns with sufficient population.
Transport Conference condemns: The current state of Ireland's transport network, with particular concern for the poor road infrastructure in the west and north-west of Ireland. Conference further condemns: The government's inaction and lack of forward planning during the bad weather last winter which saw isolation of a large number of people across the nation, with elderly and disabled persons the worst affected. Conference calls for: Investment in Ireland's transport network, with special attention paid to roads in the west and north-west of Ireland.
Local Government Funding Conference notes the extraordinary weakness of Irish local democracy and government. Conference further notes the remarkable limitations placed on local government action, particularly in the sphere of revenue-raising and provision of services in their area. This is particularly evident when placed in comparative international and especially European perspective. Conference therefore calls for the gradual decentralization of powers from central government control and into the hands of local authorities to decrease the democratic deficit in local government, and increase efficiency of resource allocation. Conference in particular calls for the empowerment of local government through the decentralisation of function relating to such areas as infrastructure and local transport services; education; welfare; culture; and tourism to local authorities. Conference notes with concern that local authorities in Ireland are heavily dependent on grants from central government; that they were receiving 42% of their current income from central government in 2008. Conference notes with concern that being so dependent on central government for funding curtails the discretion of local authorities. Conference therefore calls for local authorities to be given greater discretion in their powers to raise revenue and calls for local authorities to be allowed to raise revenue from a more diverse range of
sources.
National Grid Conference believes that Labour in government should create the new position of 'Minister for State with Responsibility for the Modernisation of the National Energy Grid'. This Conference further condemns the failures of the Green Party to undertake the necessary work required to link renewable sources of energy produced in Ireland into the national grid.
Energy Conference notes with concern the recent issues of disconnections from gas and electricity and the roughly €80 million re-branding of Bord Gáis and the ESB. Conference therefore mandates Labour Youth to support access to energy as a right, and stop disconnections. Conference also mandates Labour Youth to examine Ireland’s place in the world energy market, and decide on whether nationalisation, mixed funding, or privatisation will best benefit Ireland’s energy sufficiency in the long-term. "Conference condemns the rebranding of Bord Gáis and ESB as a shameful waste of money and commends the PLP for highlighting this waste at a time when many households are being cut off from their much needed energy supplies"
Sustainable Development That this Conference calls on Labour Youth to develop a Sustainable Development Strategy with a focus on utilizing our natural and indigenous resources for sustainable job creation.
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Agriculture and Rural Affairs Conference congratulates Joanna Tuffy TD on setting up an environmental policy working group. Conference notes with concern the impact of the economic downturn on rural youth. Conference further notes with concern the lack of Labour Youth activity and policy in this area generally. Conference therefore mandates the Vice Chairperson and Campaigns officer to formulate and run an agricultural- themed campaign. Conference further mandates the Education and Policy Officer to develop a coherent and usable policy document on agriculture and rural affairs. Conference seeks the election of a Labour Youth ''Co-ordinator for Agriculture and Environment'' at the first National Meeting to assist and advise in campaigning and policy development.
Constitutional Amendments Membership Delete " Article 3 Membership: Membership of Labour Youth is open to all Labour Party members under the age of 26 who opt to participate." Replace with "Article 3 Membership: Membership of Labour Youth is open to all Labour Party members under the age of 27 who opt to participate" Delete Article 4.1 "1. A Constituency Youth section consists of all constituency, branch and individual members under the age of 26 registered to branches or societies in its operational area as appropriate." Replace with "1. A Constituency Youth section consists of all constituency, branch and individual members under the age of 27 registered to branches or societies in its operational area as appropriate."
Youth Officers Delete the following in Article 5.2 of the Labour Youth Constitution: “Present a written report to each National Youth Conference on activities conducted by his/her Youth Section.” Delete the following in Article 5.2 of the Labour Youth Constitution: “Youth Organisers may also hold the office of youth officer as defined in Article 7.3 of the Labour Party Constitution”.
National Youth Executive Insert the following as Article 7.2 of the Labour Youth Constitution and renumber subsequent sections of Article 7 as appropriate: “Each NYE Officer, with the exception of the Youth & Development Officer, shall present a report to each National Meeting of Labour Youth. Where an Officer fails to present a report for two consecutive National Meetings, they shall be deemed to have resigned their office.”
Affiliated Trade Unions Insert in article 6 (2) after "delegates elected by each youth section": "or affiliated trade union youth sections" Insert between article 6 (6) and article 6 (7): “An invitation to national Conference shall be made to the youth sections of these affiliated trade unions by the National Youth Executive.”
Internal Affairs Young Candidates' Fund Committee Conference commends the success of the Young Candidates' Fund and the fundraising efforts of the various NYEs over the last 4 years. Conference notes however that this fundraising can take a huge amount of time and can be quite straining on the NYE. Conference therefore mandates the establishment of the Young Candidates' Fund Advisory Committee to be made up of the sitting National Chairperson, the sitting National Secretary, The Youth & Development Officer and the three most recent National Chairpersons. The Role of the Committee is the following: -To assist the National Secretary +NYE in fundraising planning and execution. -To act as the primary planning group for the annual Friends of Labour Youth fundraising event. -To identify Young Candidates to be considered as Young Candidates Fund donation recipients. Conference notes that this committee is being created to ensure that the fairest procedures are in place in terms of making payments from the Young Candidates' Fund to young candidates. Furthermore this committee is at best simply a helping hand to the NYE and has absolutely no power in the decision making process for donations from the Young Candidates Fund as that is a power that is held solely by the sitting National Youth Executive. Conference Further notes that the committee should meet at least once a year early in the NYE's term.
Women's Participation Conference notes that there has been a rapid decline in active female membership in Labour Youth over the last 2 - 3 years. Conference further notes that this can make recruiting new female members quite difficult as Labour Youth can be seen as too male dominated. Conference therefore mandates the establishment of a Review Group on Female Participation in Labour Youth to be chaired by a senior member of the Party with knowledge and skills in the area and to be made up of the National Chairperson and three nominees of the NYE. Conference further mandates that the committee does not look at the idea of Gender Quotas but instead tries to find campaigns & events that Labour Youth can run that may encourage more active female participation in the organisation. Conference mandates that the group would produce a report to the NYE within 6 months of being established.
Conference mandates the Review Group on Women’s Participation to present its findings and recommendations to the National Youth Conference of 2011, in order for it to be discussed and debated further.
Recruitment Conference mandates the Recruitment Officer to meet with representatives of each branch at least three weeks prior to the commencement of the annual on campus recruitment campaign.
Tom Johnson Summer School Conference notes and commends the work of the Labour Representation Committee in the United Kingdom. Conference therefore resolves to invite an LRC MP to address the Tom Johnson Summer School.
Left Unity Conference recognises the importance of unity on the left and mandates the incoming NYE to forge links with like-minded youth wings in the context of common campaigns.
Connolly Festival Conference recognises the importance of the Connolly festival and regrets it’s decline in recent times .Conference therefore mandates the recruitment officer to ensure that a Connolly festival is re-instated and held each year
Fundraising Conference mandates the National Secretary to hold at least 4 fundraisers in his/her term.
Labour Party Conference Conference mandates the National Chairperson of Labour Youth to lobby the Standing Orders Committee of the Labour Party to make the following changes to the Labour Party Conference: 1. Allow proposers of motions to give their motions titles of up to five words. 2. Have voting on motions taken after each individual motion, rather than after each bloc of motions. 3. Have debating of motions suspended during live television time, instead allowing Labour Party representatives and members running for election to speak on topics of their choice, without the pretence of debating motions. Conference mandates the National Chairperson to update Labour Youth on the progress made in lobbying the Party’s Standing Orders Committee at the first National Meeting in 2011. Should the National Meeting not feel that sufficient progress has been made in achieving the above changes, the National Meeting shall consider running a member of Labour Youth for the Standing Orders
Committee at the 2011 Labour Party Conference.
Policy Bank Conference notes the recent introduction of policy documents as part of an effective campaign strategy. Conference further notes the lack of structure in the accumulation of facts, reports, statistics and findings for the formulation of a comprehensive policy document. Conference mandates the creation of a ‘policy bank’ in Labour Youth under the remit of the Education and Policy Officer, whose responsibility it is to gather and accumulate relevant reports, statistics and findings from labour youth members and contributors as part of a structured approach to formulate comprehensive policy.
Youth Debates Conference notes and appreciates the interest among Labour Youth members in participating in debates with other youth parties. Conference proposes a national cross-party youth debate amongst other youth parties to be organised at the discretion of the incoming NYE.
Youth Debate Conference appreciates the interest in debating in Labour Youth and appreciates the variety of debates in challenging the political capabilities of Labour Youth members. Conference proposes a debate of Labour Party PLP members and Labour Youth members with the intention of enhancing political capabilities and generating interest in debating policies.
National Youth Council of Ireland Conference believes that Labour Youth no longer has beneficial membership of NYCI. Conference, while noting the stellar work of Labour Youth’s representative on the National Youth Council of Ireland: - also notes the excessive affiliation fee paid to the NYCI on an annual basis; - considers that the money paid to the NYCI every year could be put to better use; - disaffiliates Labour Youth from the NYCI.
Executive Board “Conference mandates that the prospect of Labour Youth supporting a candidate for the Executive Board elections in 2011 be discussed at a National Meeting and that at said meeting the membership will decide who shall receive LY support for their campaign. That any proposed candidate shall sign the following pledge before receiving Labour Youth’s support: “I understand that, if elected, I shall provide a written report after each Executive Board meeting to the membership of Labour Youth. I shall meet with the National Youth Executive as often as requested and I agree to stay in regular contact with the National Chairperson. I will be conscious
of Labour Youth policies and where possible, prior to a vote taking place, I will consult with members of the National Youth Executive.” Conference mandates the National Youth Executive to continue to campaign for the restoration of the Labour Youth seat on the Executive Board.”
Relations with other groups Conference condemns the resurgence of violence by splinter groups in NI. Conference further condemns the attempt to undermine the Good Friday Agreement and constitutional politics. Conference mandates the NYE not to engage with any group or individual who publicly supports political violence. Conference notes the great work done by the Glencree Peace & Reconciliatin Centre and mandates the NYE to continue Labour Youth's participation in the workshops, summer school and forums run by the Centre
Presidential Nomination Conference Notes: That article 15.7 of the Party constitution currently provides that the selection of the Party nominee for president is confined to the Parliamentary Party and the Executive Board acting jointly. Conference Believes: That there should be greater membership participation in the process for selecting the Party’s candidate for president. Conference further Believes: That the candidate for president should be selected by all delegates at National Conference or by a Special Delegate Conference called for such a purpose. Conference Mandates the NYE: To campaign for the amendment of the Party constitution to allow the selection of the Party’s presidential candidate by National Conference or a Special Delegate Conference.
National Affairs Weekend voting Conference notes: - The poor turn-out at election time from people between the ages 18-24 in previous elections held on weekdays. - The importance to this age-group of voting considering the huge budgetary deficit that they will have to service for years to come. Conference calls on Labour Youth to encourage the party to hold future referendums and elections: - on weekends over a period of 2 days in order to facilitate maximum participation in the democratic process. - And to look at the feasibility of highlighting arrangements for allowing students access to a postal vote. Conference mandates: - Labour Youth's Chairperson to call for the inclusion of weekend elections in any future programme for government
Voting Age Conference notes: - Previous calls by the Labour Party for Votes at 16 in European and Local Elections - The continuing campaign by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) for Votes at 16 in European and Local Elections. Conference calls for: - the Government to introduce Votes for 16 year olds as it is in the current programme for government - in inclusion of legislation for Votes for 16 year olds in any future programme for government Conference further calls for: - any future electoral reforms that require Referendum to include Votes for 16 year olds in all legislative elections (Local, European, National, Presidential and Referendums) Conference mandates: - the Labour Youth Vice-Chairperson/Campaigns officer to support any future campaigns on Votes for 16 year olds
Party Funding Conference believes that: A system of party funding built primarily around private wealth, as currently exists in Ireland, is utterly repugnant to and poses a danger to the basic concepts of democracy. Conference therefore calls for: A system of party-funding based primarily around high levels of state financing of political parties, with levels of funding being based upon their membership numbers. This would also entail the abolition of almost all forms of private fundraising by political parties, particularly through personal donations, and curtail all substantial fundraising for individual candidates.
Constitution Conference congratulates Eamon Gilmore on his initiative to substantially reform the Constitution. Conference mandates the Education and Policy Officer to develop a policy document on Labour Youth's vision for Constitutional reform in consultation with a representative group of Labour Youth members consisting of three elected at the first National Meeting and one nominated from each branch.
Seanad Éireann Conference notes that it is Labour Youth policy to retain and reform Seanad Éireann. Conference calls for the franchise for elections to Seanad Éireann to be extended to all citizens aged 16 years and over. Conference calls for Seanad Éireann to be composed of 60 Senators elected from the four constituencies currently used for elections to the European Parliament, with each constituency electing 15 Senators. Conference calls for Senators to be elected through a proportional representation system where voters may either: 1. Rank political parties and/or groups in order of their preference, in which case their preferences shall be distributed depending on the order in which parties/groups rank their candidates; or 2. Rank individual candidates in order of their preference from one party/group only. This system is similar to that used for elections to the Australian Senate and would have the effect of having voters giving greater consideration to parties rather than individuals and localism.
Elections Conference believes that the especially localist and parochial nature of Ireland's PR-STV electoral system, in combination with the remarkable weakness of Irish local democracy and government, has had considerable detrimental impact on Irish democracy. Conference notes in particular that this parochial electoral system has significantly undermined the pursuit of the national interest in Irish politics. Conference further believes that this may be an explanatory factor in the generational cycles by which this country's economy has been devastated by poor government policy. Conference mandates the Policy and Education Officer to oversee the production of a policy document towards a more participatory local government system; and a less parochial national legislature.
Dáil Éireann Conference recognises: - the importance of guaranteeing a proper and fair level of democratic representation within Dáil Éireann for all citizens of the Republic of Ireland - the value of placing a safeguard within the Constitution of Ireland designed to protect the integrity and strength of the national legislature by enshrining a rule to determine the number of TDs that are elected to the Dáil Conference denounces: - any attempt by the government of the day to arbitrarily set the number of TDs; or cut the number of TDs because of an economic downturn Conference further recognises: - the “cubed root rule”; whereby the number of members of a legislature equals (as closely as is possible) the cubed root of the whole population of the state in question. - That political science academics (such as Arend Lijphart) generally regard the “cubed root rule” as a good rule of thumb in determining legislature size. Conference calls for: the “cubed root rule” to be used as a standard rule(following an amendment to the Constitution) in order to determine the number of TDs sitting in Dáil Éireann by the relevant authorities following each census.
National Government Conference notes: That since the 2007 General Election, the Labour Party has gone from strength to strength in the national opinion polls; the most recent published in September 2010 showing that support for Labour rose to approximately 33% and is now the most popular political party. Conference also notes: Given these statistics, there is now a high probability that the Labour Party will gain power after the next General Election. Conference mandates: The National Youth Executive and Labour Youth to oppose a potential political coalition as minority party in government with either Fianna Gael or Fianna Fáil.
Quangos Conference notes with concern the exorbitant waste of taxpayers’ money on the administration, salaries, expenses and rent of Quasi-Autonomous Non-Governmental Organisations (Quangos), along with partisan board appointments made directly by ministers. Conference further notes the failure of Finance Minister Brian Lenihan to follow through on pledges to drastically reduce the number of such organisations, based upon recommendations by An Bord Snip Nua.
Conference condemns the abolition of such agencies as the National Adult Literacy Agency, the Combat Poverty Agency and the National Economic and Social Forum while quangos such as the National Salmon Commission remain in operation. Conference believes that the government should not attempt to offload its civic duties to semiautonomous agencies, and should be responsible and accountable for the provision of such services as are currently within the remit of these bodies. Conference therefore calls for the re-instating of transparency and responsibility of line Ministers for their respective portfolios.
Dรกil ร ireann Conference calls on Labour Youth to campaign to allow Irish emigrants a vote in National Dรกil Elections.
International Affairs Israel & Palestine Conference condemns: Israel's actions on the Freedom Flotilla in May of this year. Conference calls: On the Labour Party in Government to expel the Israeli ambassador and to promote a boycott of Israeli goods and services, in particular, the purchase of Israeli bullets for the Irish Defense Forces.
Israel & Palestine Conference commends: The recent delegation of Labour Youth activists who visited Israel and Palestine. Conference reaffirms, following the visit of this recent delegation : Labour Youth's commitment to the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel's occupation of Palestine. Conference calls for: -The expulsion of the Israeli Labor Party from the Socialist International -The expulsion of Young Israeli Labor as an observer member of Young European Socialist (ECOSY) -The expulsion of Young Israeli Labor from the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) -A event to be held at the 2011 congress of the Party of European Socialists on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign Conference mandates the International Officer: To pursue the above actions at a party and international level. Conference calls for: -The boycott of Cement Roadstone Holdings (CRH) for its high level investment in Israel, including in the construction of Israel's Apartheid Wall. Conference supports: -Increased cooperation between Labour Youth and other pro-Palestinian groups in Ireland and further afield, including the newly established group, Sadaka. Conference mandates Labour Youth: -To engage next year in campaigns across colleges for official Student Union backing of the BDS campaign, including disaffiliation from Israeli students’ union and full banning of Israeli products from Students’ Union businesses. -To campaign to increase awareness of the BDS movement, the apartheid nature of the Israeli state and calls for the boycott of CRH
-To push for greater support for the BDS campaign within the Labour Party as a whole.
Irish Aid Conference proposes a reassessment of the countries supported by Irish Aid and an extension into more developing countries outside Africa. Conference proposes that graduates be offered a three to six months voluntary work placement scheme within Irish Aid projects. The scheme would provide much needed experience for graduates in their chosen field of work that would be unique in the face of competition for jobs from graduates from across the world, as well as providing much needed expertise to these projects and increasing the esteem of Irish Aid and Irish graduates both at home and abroad.
Roma Community in France Conference condemns the recent actions of the French government in relation to the mass deportation of members of the Roma community. Conference believes that this amounts to a violation of EU law as it discriminates against one ethnic minority. Conference agrees that should similar action be taken by the Irish government, Labour Youth would be at the forefront of a campaign to oppose it.
Proposed visit by Queen Conference notes the intention of Queen Elizabeth II to visit Ireland next year. Conference welcomes the intention of Queen Elizabeth II to visit Ireland next year as a further sign of the healthy relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Conference respects that the United Kingdom is both a constitutional monarchy and a liberal democracy.
Israel & Palestine Conference condemns in the strongest possible manner the disgraceful behaviour of the Israeli Defence Forces earlier in the year. Conference notes that their attack on a humanitarian flotilla was unjust and shameful and that the shooting dead of several aid workers was a criminal act. Conference notes that the current talks surrounding the conflict, with the US acting as a mediator, are a farce as the majority of Palestinian organisations are excluded.
Conference notes that Hamas and others have been involved in unjust behaviour also, however for peace to ever emerge all sides (including Hamas) must be included in peace negotiations Conference calls on the NYE to continue to campaign for a full academic, cultural and commercial boycott of Israel. Conference calls on the Irish Government to expel the Israeli Ambassador until such a time as Israel stops its orchestrated discrimination against the Palestinian people. Conference calls on the NYE to get involved with the ICTU campaign on this issue.
Copenhagen Declaration Conference ratifies an amended version of the Copenhagen Declaration, with Labour Youth's changes underlined (Appendix 1).
ECOSY Conference believes: That international solidarity and cooperation are essential to socialism and that in the long-term they provide the only true possibility for the achievement of many progressive causes. Conference believes: That this cooperation and solidarity should be institutionalised as well as being rhetorical. Conference further notes: That pan-European cooperation offers particular hope in this regard. Conference regrets: The current poor internal situation of the Young European Socialists (ECOSY) Conference believes: That in spite of this organisations such as ECOSY continue to offer the best hope for the improvement of international solidarity and the furthering of international causes. Conference believes: That through the actions of members of Labour Youth and other sister parties ECOSY's current problems can be resolved and its potential fulfilled. Conference therefore reaffirms: Its continued to commitment to active membership and participation in ECOSY as central to the cause of Labour Youth.
Appendix 1 – Amended Copenhagen Declaration The Copenhagen Declaration We, the undersigned, commit ourselves to advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all people according to the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo, 1994), the Platform for Action of the International Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) and the Millennium Development Goals. We acknowledge that: 1. Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5, to improve maternal health is the most offtrack of all the MDGs. MDG 5a seeks to reduce the maternal mortality ratio 75% by 2015 but no significant progress has been made since 1990. Between 1990 and 2006, the ratio of maternal deaths had declined by only 6%; 2. • • • billion
MDG 5b, to achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015, is also off-track: 215 million women still have an unmet need for contraception; 75 million women have unintended pregnancies every year; Demand for contraception is estimated to increase 40% by 2015 when the world’s 1 young people enter their reproductive years;
3. Young people, in particular girls, are especially vulnerable, as: • Pregnancy is one of the leading causes of death for young women in developing countries between 15 and 19 years of age; • Gender-based discrimination leads to lower access to education and an increased risk of sexual abuse, child marriage, early pregnancy, poverty, harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, trafficking, forced labour and HIV infection; • Young people under 25 account for half of all new HIV infections and in some countries the risk of a girl being infected is 3 times that of a boy the same age; • 14 million teenagers give birth every year, facing higher risks of maternal and child mortality and social exclusion; 4. Annually half a million women die during pregnancy and another 7 million women experience serious health consequences. The majority of these women come from developing countries; 5. Each year approximately 20 million women have unsafe abortions, and 3 million of the estimated 8.5 million who need care for subsequent health complications do not receive it, and 70 thousand women die as a result; 6. There are 33 million people in the world living with HIV and there is an annual 8 million shortfall in condoms needed to provide adequate protection;
7. It is estimated that fulfilling the unmet need for modern family planning methods would cost 3.6 billion US dollars in addition to the 3.1 billion US dollars spent using current methods, for a total cost of 6.7 billion US dollars annually; 8. Even though HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights are interlinked, it seems budget allocations have favoured HIV/AIDS and neglected sexual and reproductive health and rights; 9. Comprehensive sexuality education and access to family planning services are integral to reducing maternal mortality rates and the number of unsafe abortions. We believe that: 10. All people, including young people, have the right to make free and informed choices about their sexual and reproductive lives. This includes the right to information, youthfriendly services, and the supplies necessary to implement those choices. In particular, we believe that all women should have the right to access safe and legal abortion services within their own countries. 11. Youth participation is essential to decision-making processes as we currently have the largest youth population in the world’s history: one in four people are under 25 years old and 1.06 billion people are aged between 19 and 25. The participation of young decisionmakers in the formulation of policy and legislation aimed at young people is therefore crucial; 12. It is not possible to achieve the MDGs, especially the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, if we do not tackle reproductive health issues as a crucial part of economic development. This means intensifying efforts to promote women’s rights, gender equality and implement greater investment in education and health, including reproductive health and family planning, and promoting the economic independence and empowerment of women. We believe that sexual education should be provided in secondary schools to educate young people about sexual health, contraception and crisis pregnancies; 13. Meeting the unmet need for contraception, and providing the recommended package of maternal health care is cost effective. It saves the lives of women and children and saves society money for medical care; 14. Maternal mortality rates can be reduced by ensuring the provision of local and affordable antenatal healthcare; 15. Everyone, independent of her or his sexual orientation, is entitled to attain the highest standards of sexual and reproductive health and secure reproductive rights and express his or her sexual identity free from coercion and criminalisation. We commit ourselves to:
16. Promote sexual and reproductive health and rights as a human right- including the right to access safe and legal abortion- as well as an element of equal opportunity and development; 17. Support mechanisms that allow for the participation of young people in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights and the Millennium Declaration; 18. Call upon the appropriate political structures to advance the implementation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in developing countries 19. Call upon the appropriate political structures and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Development to increase funding for sexual and reproductive health as part of overseas development aid; 20. Promote the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM) entirely where it exists worldwide; 21. Call upon civil society and non-governmental organisations to actively take part in the decision making process to ensure necessary transparency and good governance. We recommend to members of parliament, European governments and EU Institutions: 22. Deliver on their commitments as outlined in the Cairo Programme of Action (ICPD) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular their commitments concerning sexual and reproductive health in the field of public support to development assistance; 23. Play a leading role on the international stage to highlight the important role of sexual and reproductive health and rights in achieving the MDGs; 24. Ensure that EU member states are working towards their commitment of allocating at least of 0.7% of their GDP to development; 25. Increase specific funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of overseas development aid; 26. Ensure that EU member states policy commitments on MDG5 are reflected in financial agreements with developing countries by including more systematic reproductive health related performance indicators; 27. Provide universal access to information, comprehensive sexuality education, family planning services, abortion services, and affordable contraceptives; 28.
Strengthen efforts to achieve gender equality;
29. Recognise that HIV prevention is part of a greater effort to protect and promote health, especially sexual and reproductive health and rights; 30. Hold governments of developing nations accountable for corruption in the management of development aid. The need for civic and social support is a crucial part of public opinion and political decisions. This is the reason for our commitment. We sign this declaration to formalise our commitment to the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Europe and in the world. Sources: 1. International Planned Parenthood Federation, Contraception at a Crossroads, London: International Planned Parenthood, 2008. 2. Singh S et al., Adding It Up: The Costs and Benefits of Investing in Family Planning and Maternal and Newborn Health, New York: Guttmacher Institute and United Nations Population Fund, 2009. 3. United Nations Population Fund, State of the World Population 2005, New York: United Nations Population Fund 2005 4. http://www.who.int/making_pregnancy_safer/topics/mdg/en/index.html