Sinn Féin Ard Fheis Clár 2016 by Sinn Féin

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Dé hAoine 22 & Dé Sathairn 23 Aibreán An tIonad Comhdhála, Baile Átha Cliath

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 April The Convention Centre, Dublin

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Ard Fheis Clár 2016 Dublin

FRIDAY 22nd APRIL 16.30 Registration 18.00 Opening Address 18.15 Building the Peace – Motions 1-5 page 5 19.00 Keynote Address from Martin McGuinness MLA 19.15 Health – Motions 6-18 page 6 20.00 Keynote Address from Mary Lou McDonald TD 20.15 Water Charges – Motion 19 page 10 20.30 International – Motions 20-27 page 10 21.00 Close

SATURDAY 23rd APRIL 9.00 Registration 10.00 Environment and Transport – Motions 28-29 page 13 11.00 Keynote Speeches carried Live by RTE 13.00 Lunch 13.30 2016 and a United Ireland – Motions 45-57 page 15 14.30 A Fair Recovery – Motions 58-75 page 19 15.30 Party Development – Motions 76-89 page 24 16.15 Public Services – Motions 90-113 page 29 17.15 Rural Ireland – Motions 114-124 page 34 18.00 Tea 18.30 ‘Ceiliúradh Céad Bliain’ – A celebration of the centenary of the Easter Rising, including music, drama and guest speakers. 20.30 Presidential Address by Gerry Adams TD 21.00 Close

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

STANDING ORDERS 1. Standing Orders shall be adopted at the commencement of each Ard Fheis. 2. A Steering Committee and at least four tellers shall be approved by the Ard Fheis at the commencement of each Ard Fheis. Delegates or persons nominated for officership or membership of the Ard Chomhairle shall not be eligible to act as Tellers. 3. The length of time allocated to each section and therefore the timetable of the Ard Fheis will be determined in advance of the Ard Fheis by the Chairperson of the Steering Committee in consultation with the Ard Fheis Committee. The timetable and list of Chairperson (s) for Ard Fheis shall be adopted by the Ard Fheis at its commencement. 4. The Steering Committee will determine the length of time to be allocated to speakers prior to the beginning of each section of the Ard Fheis. The Steering Committee shall ensure that preference be given to the proposers of motions and amendments being taken in each section. 5. During debates priority will be given to properly nominated and accredited delegates. The Steering Committee may, at its discretion, allow for properly affiliated party members who are not delegates to speak provided there are no delegates waiting to speak at the time. The Steering Committee at its discretion may permit visitors accredited by the Ard Chomhairle to address the Ard Fheis for a specified time. Those addressing the Ard Fheis must when speaking give their names and the name of the body and area they are representing. 6. On the motion being moved “that the question be put” the Chairperson shall have no option but to put that motion to a vote of the delegates present. In the event of the motion being carried, the Chairperson, after allowing time as allocated by the Steering Committee under Standing Order 4 to the proposer of the motion or any amendment/ addendum under discussion, shall have no option but to put the resolution or amendment to a vote.

7. Emergency Motions (i.e. resolutions referring to events or decisions which emerged after the deadline for submission of motions as per Rule 12d of the Constitution and Rules) must be handed in writing to the Ard Fheis Committee at Head Office not less than 7 days before the scheduled start of the Ard Fheis. Emergency resolutions shall be accepted at the discretion of the Steering Committee. 8. Other Emergency Motions or Emergency Amendments(resolutions referring to events which occur while the Ard Fheis is in session) may only be put to the Ard Fheis at the discretion of the Steering Committee and shall require the suspension of Standing Orders to allow the adoption of the resolution onto the Ard Fheis Clár. 9. ‘Points of Order’ will be allowed at the discretion of the Chairperson and shall be limited to 30 seconds. 10. The Ruling of the Chairperson must be accepted at all times. A challenge to the decision of the Chairperson requires the suspension of Standing Orders in order that a motion of no confidence in the Chair is taken. 11. A motion for the suspension of Standing Orders must be submitted in writing to the Steering Committee outlining the reason for such a motion before that motion can be put to the floor. The length of time given to the discussion of such a motion will be at the discretion of the Steering Committee. A vote to suspend Standing Orders requires a two-thirds majority of delegates present in the hall. Standing Orders must be reinstated again by two-thirds of the delegates present in the hall when the reason for the suspension has been dealt with before the Ard Fheis can proceed. Standing Orders must be suspended at the commencement of the Ard Fheis to allow the adoption onto the Ard Fheis Clár, Emergency Motions, Amendments and Addenda as indicated to the delegates by the Steering Committee.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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SANAS DON ARD FHEIS (GLOSSARY OF TERMS) An féidir le teachtaí dul isteach sa halla anois chun ullmhú vótáil ar na rúin... Can delegates please enter the hall and prepare to vote on motions..... An féidir leis na háiritheoirí cinntiú go bhfuil siad san áit ceart don vóta Can tellers ensure that they are in position for the vote. I bhfábhar / those in favour. In aghaidh / those against Tá sé glactha / the motion is passed Tá sé caillte / the motion is lost An féidir le daoine a gcartaí a chur in airde? / Could delegates indicate clearly with their cards? Rúin Éigeandála / Addenda / Aguisíní (Emergency Motions/Addenda/Amendments) Áiritheoirí (Tellers) An bhfuil moltóir agam don liosta? / Is there a proposer for the list? An bhfuil cuiditheoir agam? / Is there a seconder? Orduithe Seasta (Standing Orders) Spreagaitheasc (Keynote Address) Aoichainteoirí (guest speakers) Áistarraingíodh na rúin.... / Motions ...... are withdrawn Anois beidh aoichainteoir idirnáisúnta / We will now have an international speaker Tá an Ard Fheis chun tosnú, tá mé ag glaoch ar teachtaí, baill Ard Chomhairle agus cuairteoirí suíocháin a ghlacadh san halla. The Ard Fheis is about to start, can I call on delegates, Ard Chomhairle members and visitors to come into the main hall, so that the debate can begin on time.

Tá mé ag iarraidh anois ar teachtaí a bhfuil sé de rún acú labhairt sa roinn seo den Ard Fheis chun scuaine a dhéanamh ar thaobh an phóidiam anseo. I am now calling for speakers. Could delegates who wish to address this section of the Ard Fheis please form a queue near the podium. Tá córas aistriúcháin comhuaineach ar fáil do dhuine ar bith atá ag iarraidh éisteacht leis an mhéid atá á rá as Gaeilge. Feicfidh sibh na cluaisíní ansin ar an taobh Simultaneous translation will be done of speeches in Irish. Headphones are available at the side of the hall for those who have difficulty understanding our national language. Tá an díospóireacht oscailte. Ba mhaith liom ciúnas sa halla. The debate is now open, quiet in the hall please. An féidir leis an Choiste Stiúrtha an teachta deireanach a ainmniú agus an féidir le daoine bheith comair. Could the Steering Committee identify the last speaker in this section and could speakers please be brief. Sin deireadh leis an roinn seo den Ard Fheis ar .... That completes the ........... section of the Ard Fheis. Beidh an céad roinn eile ar ...... The next section deals with motions on .....

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Friday Night

Building the Peace 1.

This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s absolute commitment to the development of reconciliation and healing in Ireland. Both are central to shaping a future which will assist our society to move forward.

We believe reconciliation must be built upon • An acceptance of equality, respect and parity of esteem; • An acceptance of different political narratives and aspirations; • A determination to challenge sectarianism, sectarian segregation, and all forms of intolerance, prejudice and bigotry. Sinn Féin is committed to the enhancement of reconciliation by comprehensively dealing with the past. Reconciliation and healing will depend upon functioning and accountable political institutions, as well as courageous political leadership which sets an example for wider society. We believe that all political institutions and instruments of public policy must be committed to standards of leadership, values and targets, which will guarantee good relations and reconciliation. Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that all Government departments, councils and public bodies have a clear and agreed reconciliation focus evidenced in a commitment to equality across all aspects of public policy. We reaffirm our resolve to engage with both the British and Irish governments to bring forward proposals which will assist in the development of reconciliation. We call for the formulation of a dedicated reconciliation strategy under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council. To that end this Ard Fheis adopts the policy document Towards an Agreed and Reconciled Future. Ard Chomhairle

That this Ard Fheis: • Upholds the rights of families to access to legacy investigations and inquests which are fully compliant with Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights and which are adequately funded by the British Government. • Challenges the systemic delay in the PSNI’s disclosure process and the lack of co-operation by the British Ministry of Defence in identifying and locating military personnel for legacy inquests. • Challenges and strongly opposes the British Government’s proposed blanket veto on onward disclosure of information to families. • Continues to promote workable and acceptable alternatives to the British Governments ‘National Security’ clauses as outlined in their draft legislation tabled at the ‘Fresh Start’ negotiations. • Supports the entitlement to a pension for all victims with severe injuries or disablement arising out of our recent conflict. • Commends the production of Gender Principles for Dealing with the Legacy of the Past as a progressive contribution to the debate on dealing with the past, and supports the application of these principles and a wider gender lens in dealing with the legacy of the past. Six-County Cúige Colin West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

This Ard Fheis opposes totally the British Government’s plans to repeal the 1998 Human Rights Act (HRA). The 1998 Act gives effect to the European Convention on Human Rights and grants access to the European Court of Human Rights. The HRA is interwoven completely into the fabric of the Good Friday Agreement and guarantees a broad spectrum of rights. These include (via the Convention) the right to life, the prohibition of torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and Article 8, the right to respect of private life. This Ard Fheis acknowledges that several cases have been brought against the British state for abusing or negating the Convention on human rights and

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie the HRA is a vital springboard from which these cases can be launched. The Act also ensures that state actors can be held to account. This Ard Fheis welcomes the publication of legal opinion authored by Doughty Street Chambers and Kevin Winters Law Firm on the effects of a repeal of the Human Rights Act. This opinion states clearly that a repeal of the Human Rights Act is an assault on the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to act, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, and challenge the British Government on its plan to repeal the HRA and renew calls for the introduction of a Bill of Rights specific to the post-conflict conditions of the North of Ireland. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae

This Ard Fheis: • Commends the Sinn Féin negotiations team in securing the Fresh Start Agreement. • Acknowledges the political steps forward in delivering stable, functioning power-sharing institutions. • Recognises the importance of the financial support put in place by the Executive to assist the most vulnerable in society, the disadvantaged, the sick and those with disabilities. • Acknowledges the additional financial commitment that they were able to secure from the British Government. • Expresses its disappointment at the failure of the British Government to live up to its responsibilities to ensure that families receive the maximum amount of disclosure in terms of legacy investigations and inquests which comply with human rights principles and conventions. Ard Chomhairle

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish and British governments to deliver on their commitments set out in the Good Friday and subsequent agreements. In particular we call on them to introduce: • A Bill of Rights; • An all-Ireland Charter of Rights, and establish a Joint Committee of Human Rights, North and South; • An all-Ireland Civic Forum; • A review of all-Ireland bodies; • A full public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane; • Acht na Ghaeilge. North Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

Health 6.

This Ard Fheis is committed to progressively addressing health issues on an allIreland basis. The health issues we face do not stop at the Border and it makes sense to develop island-wide interventions. We also believe the development of island-wide provision is especially fundamental to meeting the needs of patients with rare conditions or conditions so limited in number that it is difficult to sustain service provision on a partitioned basis. Sinn Féin representatives have been to the fore in championing greater cooperation and integration of health services for the good of everybody, for example: • Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin in Dublin will host the paediatric heart surgical unit for the island. This will eliminate the need for children to travel from the North to England for more specialised procedures than those available in Belfast. Approximately 140 children a year from the North and 400 from the South will benefit from this service ensuring that skills levels are maintained by all surgical and support staff. • The provision of an all-island Deep Brain Stimulation Service is to be rolled out relying on collaboration between neurology services in the South and neurosurgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. This service was not available in the 26 Counties and patients’ only

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

recourse had been the Treatment Abroad Scheme which meant prohibitive travel and accommodation costs for some. • A planned Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, which will provide services to patients in the north-west of the island including from the 26 Counties and a joint cardiology unit between Altnagelvin Hospital and Letterkenny Hospital in Donegal. Sinn Féin is determined to develop to its fullest the potential of all-Ireland cooperation in the field of healthcare. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

This Ard Fheis believes that Irish Government and Northern Executive should take a more effective approach to addressing mental health issues and tackling suicide in our communities. This Ard Fheis believes proper investment and better co-ordination of services is required to tackle the crisis that exists in mental health, a crisis that has been exacerbated by the recession through cuts to services and added strains on people finding themselves in difficulties. This Ard Fheis supports the Prioritising Mental Health Sinn Féin policy document launched in February 2016 and calls for measures including: • Increased and ring-fenced funding for mental health services; • Implement and fund the Vision for Change and Connected for Life strategies in the 26 Counties; • The improvement of provision for age appropriate care for children and young adults with mental health issues; We also call for mental health services to be properly recognised and fully integrated into policy decisions and funding allocations in the Six Counties. This Ard Fheis also encourages members to undertake suicide prevention training. National Youth Committee

This Ard Fheis recognises that the health system in the 26 Counties is in a state of crisis. Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil have presided over a two-tier, failing health service. This has resulted in a fundamental inequality in how patients are treated, differentiated on ability to pay and location. There is also a lack of capacity in the system to deal with demographic pressures in Emergency Departments and maternity services. This is not acceptable. Inability to pay should not deny anyone the opportunity to lead a full, long and healthy life. This Ard Fheis endorses Sinn Féin’s Plan for Universal Healthcare, including its proposals to: • Increase investment in the health system and end the two-tier public/private system and deliver a new universal public health system for Ireland; • Introduce greater capacity by recruiting 6,600 additional frontline health workers, increase the number of beds, and provide more services in the community and 3,800 additional nursing home places to tackle the recurring trolley crisis; • Increase the mental health budget and complete the roll-out of Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses; • Eliminate private activity in public hospitals while replacing this revenue stream. We propose to incrementally reduce and ultimately eliminate health user charges - from GP fees to charges for prescription drugs - all in a strategic way and as resources allow; • Roll out free GP care for all, beginning with the extension of automatic medical cards to every child with a serious illness or disability, secure medical cards for adults with disabilities, and extending free GP care to the remainder of the population by approximately 230,000 additional people a year; • Abolish prescription charges; • Maximise the potential of all-Ireland cooperation in the field of healthcare. Ard Chomhairle Patrick Conroy Cumann, Castlerea

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 9.

www.sinnfein.ie This Ard Fheis strongly supports the health system in the Six Counties remaining a public health service free at the point of delivery. Our vision for health includes creating a fair, sustainable and collaborative public health and social care system that puts the ethos of public service, compassion and dignity at the heart of delivering care a system that is dedicated to the eradication of health inequalities and unmet need which delivers the best possible outcomes for patients, fairness for health workers and also improves the lives of our citizens as a whole. This Ard Fheis believes that the ‘marketisation’ and privatisation of health care is wrong, and that the complexity of the current structure diverts much needed financial resources away from frontline services. This Ard Fheis calls for: • Removal of the ‘internal market’ within our health structures, specifically the commissioning/provider split; • Introduction of a health inequalities component to the capitation funding formula. This Ard Fheis believes that improving health outcomes for patients is inextricably linked to improving conditions for health workers. This Ard Fheis supports: • Re-establishment of the Health Partnership Forum; • Implementation of recommendations by the College of Emergency Medicine on unscheduled care; • Living Wage for public sector workers; • Implementation of the Assembly Health Committee’s recommendations on workforce planning, which would make substantial savings by reducing dependency on agency workers and locums. Derry City Comhairle Ceantair

10.

This Ard Fheis fully endorses the newly published Sinn Féin health policy document, Better for Health – A Sinn Féin Plan for Universal Healthcare, and commends its adoption and implementation to the new Government in Dublin. We commend Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD for his years of committed work in the Health portfolio and for his stewardship of this important portfolio over a succession of Dáil terms. We acknowledge the input of the health policy development team established by Deputy Ó Caoláin and commend the focused work and final product of their research and deliberations. We urge full familiarisation of our health policy proposals by our elected representatives and key party activists and look forward to having the opportunity to implement our proposals in full as lead party in a future Government arrangement. Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair

11.

This Ard Fheis notes the widespread prevalence of conflicts of interest of those who have been enlisted to evaluate food safety in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and that this has served to discredit the evaluations on safety the Authority undertakes and leads to a serious lack of trust from consumers on these subjects. The EFSA has a long catalogue of conflicts of interest of its panel experts, including for the aspartame evaluation, whilst also relying considerably on industry-funded studies. These actions undermine the legitimacy of the EFSA in the eyes of the public and has led to worrying questions surrounding its independence and ability to make conflict-free objective decisions on food safety. This Ard Fheis therefore demands that the EFSA must comply with stricter rules on conflict of interest including longer ‘cooling-off’ periods before industry scientists can work on the advisory panels and vice versa, a better examination and implementation of the declaration of interests and public access to studies they use. Seán Corcoran Cumann, Kiltimagh

12.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Oireachtas Minister for Education to place on a statutory footing a schools education programme on good mental health awareness and well-being, to be delivered at primary and post-primary schools. George Plant Cumann, Cashel John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Tralee

www.sinnfein.ie 13.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to implement a direct-payments strategy for people with disabilities to begin a roll-out of individualised funding initiatives across the country. Direct payments are about giving persons with disabilities choice and control over the services and supports that they receive. They offer flexibility and empower people to make decisions about their own lives. West Galway Comhairle Ceantair

14.

Transgender people face significant barriers to accessing appropriate health care, particularly in terms of mental health and transition services, which put substantial strain on trans people and their families. Access to relevant health services dramatically improves the mental health and well-being of trans people. There are currently very limited trans-specific health services in Ireland and very few outside of Dublin. This Ard Fheis recognises that trans people face significant barriers in Irish society and are not able to avail of medically necessary health services. We call on representatives to make trans health care a priority and ensure that health services are sufficiently available across the island. Kevin Barry/Frank Stagg Cumann, Dublin North Inner City

15.

This Ard Fheis calls for the establishment of Huntington’s Disease (HD) specific multi-disciplinary clinics which are crucial to advance research and improve standards of care on an all-Ireland basis and for sustainable funding for HDAI and HDANI. Tom Kealy Cumann, Celbridge

16.

This Ard Fheis calls for the Ard Chomhairle to review, in consultation with the wider party, Sinn Féin’s policies on the issue of cannabis specifically and drugs generally, taking account of examples in other jurisdictions where permissive regulations relating to cannabis for medical use have evolved. This review should also examine the language used to reference cannabis in order to draw a distinction between it and drugs with more individually addictive and socially harmful effects. Martin Forsythe Cumann, Glencullen/Sandyford Seán Corcoran Cumann, Kiltimagh James Connolly Cumann, Cahir

17.

This Ard Fheis recognises that obesity in the 26 Counties has doubled over the past 20 years. Currently, two thirds of adults and one in four children are overweight or obese. In just one year the childhood obesity treatment programme at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin experienced a 400% increase in referrals of children under five. Of the estimated €1.13billion annual cost of obesity, 35% (or almost €400 million) is attributed to direct health care costs. This Ard Fheis expresses its anger at the mismanagement of the health service budget. In particular, we call for a proper structure regarding obesity treatment to be prioritised. Resources must be put in place to ensure an effective service in this area. This Ard Fheis recognises the significant challenge facing society in tackling obesity and calls for public health measures including: • Increasing funding for Healthy Ireland; • Restricting television marketing of unhealthy food and drinks to after 7pm; • Introducing a sugary drinks tax; • Exploring the exclusion of new fast-food outlets which offer foods that are high in fat, salt or sugars being built or from operating within close proximity of gates, sites or boundaries of schools, parks or playgrounds, excluding premises zoned town centre. Wicklow Comhairle Ceantair Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann, Kildare Town

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 18.

www.sinnfein.ie This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to make outside services available, for example from the National Rehabilitation Hospital, to in-patients in the acute hospital system who are waiting for a more appropriate step-down bed or community service while they are in the hospital system. This is especially important for patients with brain injuries as early intervention is key for their rehabilitation. Smith/Savage Cumann, Castleknock

Water Charges 19.

This Ard Fheis recognises that the introduction of household water charges was the brainchild of the Fianna Fáil-led administration who agreed the policy as part of the European Union/European Central Bank/International Monetary Fund Troika bailout programme in 2010; and that: • Household water charges are a regressive tax which have been followed through on, and imposed by the previous Fine Gael/Labour Government as a cornerstone of their austerity policy agenda; • Commends the Right2Water campaign and the hundreds of thousands of households across the state who continue, in a determined manner, to resist the imposition of household water charges, which are both unnecessary and unfair; • Welcomes the adoption of the Boylan Right2Water Report by the EU Parliament which, amongst other things, calls on the European Commission to enshrine access to water as a human right in EU law, permanently exclude water services from internal market rules and trade negotiations, to not promote privatisation of water and to respect Member States’ choice of water ownership; • Supports the need for reliable, high-quality public services and infrastructure, including water and sewerage services, which are economically sustainable and democratically accountable; This Ard Fheis reaffirms the demand to abolish household water charges and Irish Water and calls on the Irish Government to: • Establish an Independent Commission on Water Services to examine the most appropriate public ownership model to replace Irish Water and to report back to the Dáil within nine months after charges have been abolished; • Stop the metering project and redirect the remaining monies into direct investment in the upgrade of the water and sewerage infrastructure; • Underpin the new model for a water service in legislation; • Hold a referendum to enshrine the public ownership of Ireland’s water service in the Constitution; • Roll out a major water conservation programme in conjunction with local authorities. This Ard Fheis further calls for: • The development of an all-Ireland strategy on water provision; • The Northern Executive and Irish Government to collaborate on the delivery of services the establishment of joint river basin management in Border regions, joint capital investment and in infrastructure and procurement. Ard Chomhairle

International Solidarity 20.

This Ard Fheis recognises the key role that Irish America has played in Irish republican history, including Irish America’s central role in the 1916 Rising and its ongoing contribution today in helping secure and develop the Peace Process and advance the cause of Irish unity. This Ard Fheis therefore sends its thanks and solidarity to our “exiled children in America” and across the world and looks forward to achieving the Republic of 1916 with their ongoing help and assistance and gratefully acknowledges the support of Friends of Sinn Féin USA and Canada. Elizabeth O’Farrell Cumann, Portobello/Kevin Street

21.

On 17 October 2011, an international conference for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Basque Country took place in Donostia/San Sebastian. International representation included former Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan and Sinn

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Féin President Gerry Adams TD. ETA’s declaration of a definitive cessation was announced a few days later, creating a unique and historic opportunity to address the causes as well as the consequences of the conflict. In July 2014, ETA released a further statement announcing a winding down of its military structures and commencement of a process to deal with the issue of arms. Nevertheless, all attempts by ETA to move forward in a process to deal definitively with the issue of arms have been blocked by the Spanish authorities. On 1 March of this year Arnaldo Otegi, Secretary General of SORTU and the main leader of the new strategy for peace, was released after the complete fulfilment of a court decision sentencing him to six years and six months of imprisonment. This Ard Fheis welcomes the release of Arnaldo Otegi and expresses its support for the strategy of peace and sovereignty developed by the Basque pro-independence coalition. This Ard Fheis endorses the international campaign on Basque prisoners “Bring Them Home - Free Them All” and calls on the Spanish and French authorities to implement the following measures: • The ending of the policy of dispersal (an arbitrary measure applied to Basque political prisoners) and the immediate transfer to prisons closer to their families as a first step to an early release process of all politically-motivated prisoners; • The immediate release of seriously-ill prisoners who, according to current legislation, should be freed to receive adequate treatment for their illnesses; • The immediate release of prisoners eligible for parole. This Ard Fheis further calls on the Irish Government and the political institutions to take an active role in demanding the Spanish Government shift its current policy of obstruction that is diminishing this historical opportunity and to instead promote and support a process of dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Basque Country. Ard Chomhairle

22.

This Ard Fheis notes the continuing struggle of the Catalan Government and people to establish a binding referendum on independence and calls on the Spanish Government to legislate to allow for the people of Catalonia to hold this binding referendum on independence. National Youth Committee

23.

This Ard Fheis acknowledges the sterling work carried out in the past 12 months by Martina Anderson MEP as Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Palestine and continues to support her in using that position to highlight the injustices being inflicted on the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for freedom and statehood. This Ard Fheis sends solidarity greetings to the Palestinian people living under occupation or in exile. This Ard Fheis condemns the continuing annexation of Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem which contravenes international law and the Geneva Convention of 1949. We demand the implementation of United Nation resolutions and the enforcement of international law. This Ard Fheis calls for the immediate lifting of the punitive and illegal siege of Gaza, the opening of all border crossings as well as the sea port of Gaza, and the extension of the fishing zone. We believe the deliberate bombing of civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools constitutes a war crime and therefore ought to be investigated by the International Criminal Court. This Ard Fheis urges full support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. We particularly demand that the Irish Government immediately stops procuring armaments and military equipment from Israeli manufacturers. This Ard Fheis welcomes the motions that were supported both in the Seanad and the Dáil calling on the Irish Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. We call on the Irish Government to do this without further delay. Derry City Comhairle Ceantair

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 24.

www.sinnfein.ie This Ard Fheis notes the continued improvements in the normalisation of the relationship between Cuba and the USA. We reiterate our call for the USA to unconditionally and fully lift its illegal blockade of Cuba. This Ard Fheis also notes the positive advances in the Colombia peace negotiations. However, it is aware of the gross human rights abuses and the barriers to the democratic process that remain. It supports all efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Colombia and calls on the Colombian Government to ensure that human rights and the democratic process are respected. We also note with concern the continued efforts of the right-wing in Venezuela to undermine the Bolivarian revolution and to destroy the social progress that the country has made in recent years. Devlin Plunkett Cumann, Templeogue/Terenure

25.

This Ard Fheis reiterates our policy of critical engagement with the EU and reaffirms our support for the campaign for the North of Ireland to remain in the EU. Sinn Féin will continue to work with progressive allies in Europe to enhance the positives of the European Union, combat the negatives and hold the institutions to account. Sinn Féin will continue to resist the dilution of national sovereignty and protect the competencies of the Member States. Sinn Féin will resist any encroachment on Irish neutrality. Sinn Féin will oppose and campaign against any attempts by the British Government to withdraw from the EU. Increased or full withdrawal by the British state from the EU, has negative implications for Ireland, North and South. It would represent a major set-back for the political process in the North, and directly challenge the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement as an internationally-binding treaty. It would also undermine all-Ireland co-operation and harden partition. A Brexit is opposite to the interests of local people. The combined financial loss of EU investment, subsidies and funds to the North of Ireland (and the Southern Border counties) arising from a Brexit would be in the region of £2.5 billion. This Ard Fheis moves that in the event of Britain leaving the EU, an immediate referendum on Irish unity be triggered. Ard Chomhairle

26.

This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to Irish neutrality and an independent foreign policy. We note the Irish Government’s refusal to support the Neutrality Bill tabled by Sinn Féin in the Dáil which called for a referendum on enshrining neutrality in Bunreacht na hÉireann and to immediately halt the use of Irish airports, ports, and airspace by foreign militaries to wage war. Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Tallaght Central National Youth Committee

27.

This Ard Fheis notes with concern the refugee and humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and Europe. It states its opposition to any EU deal which will see the mass deportation of asylum seekers and calls on the Irish Government to ensure that Ireland plays a leading role in tackling this humanitarian crisis and to open new legal channels for refugees to be resettled safely in Ireland. It notes Sinn Féin’s commitment to amend the International Protection Bill 2015 to address deficiencies in relation to children’s rights, family reunification, and access to work and education. Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Tallaght Central

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Saturday Morning

Environment 28.

This Ard Fheis empathises with all those - including private households, businesses and the farming community - who have been devastated by recent flooding throughout the country. We call on the Irish Government to implement a River Shannon Management Agency with overall responsibility for development of the Shannon and a strategy to address these issues immediately. Flood defences and drainage need to be put in place to ensure this situation cannot arise in the future. It further calls on the Irish Government to put in place an accessible compensation package to support people to restore their damaged properties and to compel insurance companies to fulfil their contractual agreements with those who are covered and to continue to provide insurance to these people in the future. East Clare Cumann

29.

This Ard Fheis: • Acknowledges the effective preparation and action initiated by Assembly Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill in responding to the winter flooding; • Recognises her presence on the ground and her engagement with flood victims; • Commends the property flood protection scheme launched by Minister O’Neill in January which provides domestic and non-domestic properties with up to 90% grant aid towards flood alleviation measures; • Acknowledges the hardship payment which the minister has made available to farmers and small businesses who were significantly impacted by the most recent phase of flooding; • Notes the independent review which the minister has initiated to consider how future flooding may be combatted and calls for an allisland strategy to ensure effective planning and sharing of resources and information. South & East Tyrone Comhairle Ceantair

30.

This Ard Fheis: • Supports the need to advance global commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting goals of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C; • Recognises the progress made at the UN Conference of Parties of the Climate Change Convention held in Paris in December 2015, involving world leaders, 196 countries and NGO campaigns, including those from Ireland North and South; • Strongly believes that addressing climate change has to prioritise citizens’ fundamental human rights and those of future generations over the vested interests of big business or individual states. This Ard Fheis recognises that: • The 26 Counties is the most emission efficient dairy producer and the fifth most emissions efficient beef producer in the EU; • Ireland can become a world leader in the production, management and marketing of low-carbon, high-quality, and sustainable food; • We must increase research into technologies to reduce emissions from agriculture, increase our capacity, and train our farmers; • We must develop all-island interconnected clean energy and transport systems and build new technologies first for use in Ireland but also to provide us with significant export opportunities; • The objective of adaption is to reduce vulnerability to climate change, thereby reducing its negative impacts but also enhancing our capabilities in capturing any benefits of climate change across the island. Calls on the Irish Government and the Northern Executive to take an allisland approach to managing our energy requirements, our transport needs, our agriculture and farming, forests and natural resources to maximise the potential of adapting to a changing global environment and avail of new economic opportunities. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie

31.

This Ard Fheis calls for a ban on wild animal act circuses. Animal act circuses are currently banned in many countries and by local councils. This Ard Fheis would like to see a national ban on both local authority and private land. Virginia/Mullagh Cumann, Cavan Wolfe Tone Cumann, Naas

32.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to immediately implement legislation which would seek to impose strict setback distances on wind turbine developments stipulating that renewable energy that is produced in Ireland should be for the benefit of Irish energy consumer. This Ard Fheis urges the Irish Government and local authorities to take seriously the genuine concerns of communities regarding the risks posed by wind farm development to health, the environment, the countryside and rural livelihoods. These authorities must not allow corporate profit to be prioritised before the rights of Irish citizens West Waterford Cumann

33.

This Ard Fheis restates its ongoing opposition to bin charges and opposes the introduction of a pay-by-weight system by Environment Minister Alan Kelly in the dying days of the Fine Gael/Labour Government. This Ard Fheis recognises the particular difficulties this will cause for the 70,000 carers across the state who cannot recycle medical waste material, for example nappies, disposable sheets, wipes and plastic syringes. We view this new waste collection charging regime as yet another stealth tax on households. As soon as the department imposes the pay-by-weight system, we demand it be suspended until an Independent Commission be appointed to proof the measure and assess impacts upon carers as well as other groups such as those on low incomes, those in receipt of state benefits and those who suffer from ill health or a disability and make their findings known. Tom Kealy Cumann, Celbridge

34.

This Ard Fheis, in light of recent plans to build new nuclear facilities on the west coast of Britain, calls on Sinn Féin to continue to highlight the concern from the people of Ireland, especially those on the east coast, in relation to the nuclear power plant at Sellafield and any further construction of nuclear power plants in Britain. Keenan/Doherty Cumann, Carrickmacross Mitchell/Sands Cumann, Carrickmacross

35.

This Ard Fheis rejects the Irish Government’s policies in the Keeping Communities Safe (KCS) document. The policy document (published in 2013) relates to the fire service and is primarily a cost-cutting exercise which would have serious implications for the safety of members of the fire service and the general public. The KCS policy document recommended a 20% reduction of crew levels and a change from automatic fire calls to discretionary calls, giving authorities the power to decide which emergencies to respond to. We support the stances taken by SIPTU and the Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association in their opposition to the document. This Ard Fheis also reiterates its support for an All-Ireland National Fire Authority. Steenie Mulvey Cuman, Bray

36.

This Ard Fheis supports giving retained firefighters the option to transfer to a different position within any local authority or the wider public service, upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 55 years, or the extended age of 58 on the principle of merit. Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford

Transport 37.

In the face of rising insurance prices denying young people mobility and pricing vulnerable people off the road, this Ard Fheis will commit to a root and branch reform of liability laws in Ireland to bring them into line with international norms. Margaret Joyce Cumann, Clifden

www.sinnfein.ie 38.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

This Ard Fheis call on the authorities in the North to introduce the metric system for all traffic and related road signage to bring it in line with the rest of the island and also look to create an all-Ireland body to standardise speed limits and road traffic signs. Clarke/Smith/Doherty Cumann, Finglas

39.

This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the impact that two different policies on air passenger duty/tax, North and South, has on the potential growth of the tourism sector in the North; • Notes the lack of air passenger routes out of the North compared to the rest of the country; • Calls on the Northern Executive to explore the viability of abolishing the air passenger duty. Gerard Casey Cumann, Rasharkin

Saturday Afternoon

2016 and a United Ireland Making Irish Unity a Reality 40.

This Ard Fheis recognises that 2016 – the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising – is a time to reflect upon the unrealised promise of the Proclamation. 100 years ago, men and women from across Ireland and the Diaspora came together to draw up a framework for a sovereign, independent Irish Republic and set out to achieve it. This Ireland, a true Ireland of Equals remains unrealised – but it is achievable. Irish unity is viable, achievable and in the best interests of all. Therefore this Ard Fheis calls on the: • Irish Government to bring forward a Green Paper on Irish unity and to begin the political planning for unification; • Irish Government to initiate a referendum on Presidential voting rights for citizens in the North of Ireland and the Irish Diaspora; • Oireachtas to introduce automatic Dáil membership for Northern MPs and, pending this, to immediately introduce speaking and consultative rights for Northern MPs and Assembly members in the Dáil and Seanad; • Oireachtas to agree the appropriate mechanism to facilitate a process of national dialogue to bring together all parties and key sectors representative of civic society on the island to consult together on our political future, including the issues of unity, peace and reconciliation. Ard Chomhairle

41.

This Ard Fheis, in the centenary year of the 1916 Rising, remembers the sacrifices made by all generations of republicans in pursuit of the ideals of the Proclamation. We welcome the fact that hundreds of thousands of citizens participated in commemorative events in every county. We recognise that we have a duty not only to celebrate and commemorate the events 100 years ago - but also to recognise that the goals of the revolution have yet to be realised and the goals of the Proclamation are yet to be achieved. The Republic of Easter Week 1916 was an all-Ireland republic – one that granted citizens inalienable political, social and economic rights; one that guaranteed religious and civil liberty; provided the foundation stone of a truly democratic republic elected by all her men and women; and allowed for the Irish nation to take its place among the sovereign nations of the world. We recognise that these ideals have not yet been realised and we recommit ourselves to being the generation that delivers that Republic. Ard Chomhairle

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 42.

www.sinnfein.ie This Ard Fheis recognises that: • The Good Friday Agreement was endorsed by the vast majority of people in Ireland, North and South, and provides the ground rules for peaceful and democratic constitutional change through referenda on Irish unity; • It is time for the people, North and South, to exercise their democratic right to vote on Irish reunification; • It is the Irish and British governments’ duty to ensure that all the citizens of Ireland can exercise their democratic rights by calling referenda on Irish unity in the lifetime of the next Assembly and Dáil terms. Louth Comhairle Ceantair

Remembering Our Past 43.

This Ard Fheis: • Welcomes the recent High Court victory by Moore Street campaigners (which ruled in favour of them and against the Government) which prevents the demolition of the Moore Street battlefield site and now ensures its designation as a national monument under the protection of the state; • Acknowledges the dedication of the concerned relatives of the 1916 leaders and those who have supported their campaign over many years to save Moore Street and the laneways of history which were the last outpost of the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Army of the Irish Republic in 1916 from demolition by developers; • Recognises the significant public support across the island of Ireland and the Diaspora for the full preservation of the national monument and the development of the surrounding GPO/Moore Street area into an historic revolutionary quarter and battlefield site; • Condemns the Fine Gael/Labour Government for their outright refusal while holding office to use the legislative powers at their disposal to designate as a national monument the GPO/Moore Street area of historical and national importance, which should become of social, cultural and economic benefit to Dublin and the rest of Ireland. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to: • Immediately rescind the Ministerial Order that allows for the demolition of numbers 13, 18 and 19 Moore Street; • Introduce a preservation order for the entire Moore Street National Monument; • Work with Dublin City Council, 1916 relatives and all relevant stakeholders to implement an urban framework plan for the area; • Meet with and work through the Dublin City Council Moore Street Forum and the Moore Street Advisory Committee to achieve this; • Develop a commemorative centre as part of a wider scheme for the regeneration of this historic quarter; • Rejuvenate street and market trading; • Go back to the drawing board and with relevant stakeholders agree the development of the GPO/Moore Street area as a national monument, to be preserved and developed under the protection of the state as a 1916 historic revolutionary quarter which can be a fitting tribute to the men and women of 1916. Ard Chomhairle

44.

This Ard Fheis supports calls for having a new bank holiday designated in law as Lá na Poblachta/Republic Day on April 24th annually. This Ard Fheis also supports the establishment of a Bórd Lá na Poblachta to organise the events in commemoration, and in appreciation, of the contribution to the Irish nation over the centuries by many who gave their lives and liberty in the pursuit of an Irish Nation free from the occupation of a foreign power. Robert Emmet Cumann, Thurles Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford Christy Dixon Cumann, East Wall

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

This Ard Fheis, in the centenary year of the 1916 Easter Rising, calls for prominent streets in Dublin and elsewhere to be renamed after the heroes of Easter Week. Christy Dixon Cumann, East Wall

An Ghaeilge and Culture 46.

This Ard Fheis commends the work of Sinn Féin and Irish-language activists who are championing our language rights across the island, including: • The establishment of Gaeltacht quarters, the further efforts made to introduce Acht na Gaeilge at the Executive, the promotion of Irishlanguage-medium education by Sinn Féin Education Minister John O’Dowd and the roll-out of the Líofa campaign by Sinn Féin Culture, Arts & Leisure Minister Carál Ní Chuilín in the North; • Participation in the Dearg le Fearg campaign, and the prioritisation of the language in Sinn Féin’s Alternative Budget and manifesto in the South; • Production of the all-Ireland Sinn Féin Irish Language Discussion Document. This comprehensive, rights-based document contains detailed proposals relating to re-generating Gaeltacht areas, education and public sector reform, promoting the language in the media, and creating the widest possible opportunities for the public to learn and use the language. We recognise that by promoting respect for difference participation in the Irish language can contribute to the realisation of an agreed, multi-cultural, united Ireland. This Ard Fheis calls for the party to undertake a consultation process with the Irish-language community and wider society following which the party will publish a finalised Irish Language Policy Document. Ard Chomhairle Phil Meehan Cumann, Leitrim

47.

This Ard Fheis commends the work of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Minister for Education in promoting and supporting the Irish language and reaffirms our commitments to support: • The introduction of Acht na Gaeilge; • The introduction of an Irish-language strategy; • The Irish-Medium Education to ensure that all children will have the opportunity to learn through the medium of Irish; • An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge with capital funding; • Chomhairle na Gaelscolaíochta; • The roll-out of the Líofa campaign; • Outreach assistance for parents in Irish-medium school catchment areas to encourage parents to use Irish with their children; • Development of the Gaeltacht Quarter in west Belfast and the establishment of a rural Gaeltacht at Carn Togher; • Gael Acadamh; • Continued funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund. Andersonstown Martyrs Cumann, West Belfast

48.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the commitment of Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Carál Ní Chuilin and the GAA to the building of a new state-of-the-art provincial stadium in Casement Park. We welcome the announcement of a forthcoming consultation by the GAA and look forward to the resolution of all existing difficulties. We believe the investment of over £71million in the redevelopment of Casement Park will have a significant economic impact on west Belfast. Moreover, the inclusion of social clauses in the contract will create employment prospects for local people. Black Mountain West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

49.

This Ard Fheis supports the formation of an all-Ireland soccer team to represent the Irish nation on the international stage. Vol Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, West Cork

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 50.

www.sinnfein.ie This Ard Fheis supports the Irish Government’s signing and ratifying of the Faro Convention. The aim of the convention is to strengthen civil society and democracy by emphasising every person’s right of engaging with the cultural heritage of their choice. To this end, the convention encourages communities to work together for the good of their shared cultural heritage, one of the pioneering elements of the convention. Drumm/Doherty/Clarke Cumann, Clondalkin

Equality 51.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the historic result of the 2015 referendum in the 26 Counties on marriage equality and commends the Sinn Féin team in the Assembly for bringing this issue to the fore and their ongoing work on this issue. We recognise that the fundamental right to marriage equality must now be progressed in the North and calls for legislation in the Assembly to allow equal marriage rights for all citizens in the Six Counties. Sheena Campbell Cumann, Corduff Smith/Savage Cumann, Castleknock Devlin Plunkett Cumann, Templeogue/Terenure

52.

This Ard Fheis calls for a referendum for an amendment to Article 15 2 of Bunreacht Na hÉireann to provide for the inalienable entitlement of women to equal positions of governance as men in both the Dáil and Seanad. The proposed amendment is as follows with the additional wording in italics ARTICLE 15 2° The Oireachtas shall consist of the President and two Houses, viz.: a House of Representatives to be called Dáil Éireann and a Senate to be called Seanad Éireann both of which will be constituted of equal numbers of men and women. MacDiarmada Gilgunn Cumann, North Leitrim

53.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to adopt Directive 2013/33/EU and fully participate in the legal revisions for the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). Both Directive 2013/33/EU and revisions for the CEAS would ensure equitable treatment of asylum seekers and their families, including the opportunity to work. This Ard Fheis also reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to oppose the direct provision system and calls for its abolition and instead support a not-for-profit model that enshrines principles of dignity, autonomy and integration. Murt/Quilter Cumann, Athenry

54.

This Ard Fheis recognises that unmarried fathers do not have any automatic legal rights in respect of their children and that in Ireland having your name on the birth certificate does not, in itself, give you any legal rights in respect of your child. This Ard Fheis proposes that Sinn Féin should aim to introduce legislation that would give fathers full and automatic rights in respect of their children in terms of guardianship, custody and access to their children, subject to the best interests of the child. Martin Hurson Cumann, UCC

55.

This Ard Fheis calls on the party to support the Independent Broadcasters’ Association policy on the promotion and funding of independent radio in Ireland, including: • Formal recognition of the significant public service broadcasting (PSB) contribution of independent radio stations; • A new fund to support and develop PSB on independent radio stations; • Amendment of Section 108 of the 2009 Broadcasting Act to define and limit the commercial mandate of RTÉ. This Ard Fheis further calls for loosening of restrictions and reduction of barriers to the development of independent radio stations. This Ard Fheis also calls on the party to bring these policy points to the Oireachtas or European Parliament as appropriate. Michael J. Marren Cumann, South Sligo

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Political Reform 56.

This Ard Fheis: • Reaffirms our support for radical political reform which puts the interests of citizens first rather than those of the ‘golden circles’ and elites in Irish society. • Commends the TDs appointed to lead our party’s campaign on political reform which is based on the proposals approved at the 2014 Ard Fheis in the document Towards a New Republic, and who have participated in the sub-committee on Dáil reform since the general election. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to: • Introduce meaningful radical reforms which can command public trust and confidence in politics and public life, including the Dáil, Seanad, Executive and state bodies; • Recognise that the Government referendum held in October 2013 on Seanad abolition, and which was rejected by the people, demands the need to prioritise real reform of that institution which is elitist, undemocratic and unacceptable in its current form; • Fundamentally tackle the culture of cronyism and patronage within political and public life and bring about reform with openness, fairness and accountability at the heart of Irish politics. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

57.

This Ard Fheis reiterates its calls for voting rights for emigrants in elections North and South. We call for all Irish citizens to be afforded their right to vote in Presidential elections, and by way of a reserved constituency in Dáil elections as per our Towards a New Republic document on political reform. Furthermore, this Ard Fheis calls on the British Government to bring forward similar legislation to allow emigrant citizens in the North of Ireland to have similar rights for Westminster and Assembly elections. Charles J. Kickham Cumann, Nenagh

A Fair Recovery 58.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the recent publication of three major reports setting out the economic benefits of Irish reunification. These are Modelling Irish Unification undertaken by KLC Consulting, the Report on the All-Island Economy by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and The Economic Case for Irish Unity by economist Michel Burke. This Ard Fheis notes that there would be a considerable economic benefit from political and economic reunification. There is a potential €35.6billion boost in an all-island GDP in the first eight years of reunification arising from: • Harmonisation of tax rates • Removing barriers to trade and movement of goods • Introducing one currency • Ending the duplication of government services • An integrated all-island approach to drive investment and economic growth. This Ard Fheis calls on the North-South Ministerial Council to establish a committee specifically tasked with harmonising and maximising economic cooperation. Ard Chomhairle

59.

This Ard Fheis notes that for the last five years Fine Gael and Labour introduced Budget after Budget that protected high-earners. To pay for this they placed a huge burden on the average worker and family and left thousands of Irish people on hospital trolleys and 1,500 children in emergency accommodation. Instead of investing in our economy and ensuring all citizens are afforded a decent quality of life and the opportunity of a good job, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour cut taxes to benefit the rich to the detriment of the average worker. These are the type of policies that caused the economic crisis in the first place. This Ard Fheis also notes that during the recent general election Fine Gael,

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie Labour and Fianna Fáil were caught out cooking the books to inflate their spending plans, leaving their economic plans in tatters. Sinn Féin wants a stable and balanced economy that will deliver for society. We want to move away from the boom-and-bust cycles perpetuated by these other parties. We want to ensure that any recovery is a fair one that benefits most the people hardest hit by austerity. We want to ensure that future economic policy is designed to ensure Ireland can reach its full potential and that no future generation of Irish children will again face the spectre of forced emigration. This must include: • The design of our tax system; • Our industrial strategy; • Our social protection net; • The treatment of our workers; • Our housing market; • The provision of our public services, including health, education and childcare. This Ard Fheis believes that this type of economic policy will deliver a recovery that is fair and sustainable. Our priorities include: • Decent work for decent pay; • A fair and progressive tax system that benefits all workers; • Delivery of strong public services, including universal healthcare and education; • Ensuring that if a worker loses their job they are protected from poverty and enabled to return to work or assist in their community. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

60.

This Ard Fheis commends the work of our Assembly ministerial team over the last five years in standing up to Tory austerity and putting forward a credible economic alternative. In particular we commend: • Creating more than 40,000 jobs and securing £3.5billion in Foreign Direct Investment; • Stopping the introduction of water charges; • Keeping prescriptions free for everyone; • Maintaining grants and affordable fees for students; • Securing over £500 million to support those in need, including vulnerable children and adults; • Protecting essential public services; • Delivering the largest rural development programme the North has ever seen. This Ard Fheis is committed to growing the economy and: • Creating more and better jobs over the next five years through inward investment and supporting local job creation; • Delivering a fair and balanced distribution of economic development and job creation; • Supporting a Living Wage, including as a first step making the public sector a Living Wage employer; • Increasing all-Ireland co-operation and harmonisation of services; • Fighting Tory austerity and protecting our public services. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae

All-Ireland Economy 61.

This Ard Fheis recognises the growing consensus among the business and academic community of the economic arguments in favour of a united Ireland and that the continuance of the Border is a barrier to economic growth and prosperity in Ireland. We recognise that these barriers, while most keenly felt in the Border counties, have all-Ireland effects. The imposition of different currencies, legal and tax systems and legislatures on either side of the Border make no economic sense and impedes Ireland reaching its full potential. The economic benefits of Irish unity would include: • A greatly increased market that can help build indigenous businesses

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

and reduce the over-reliance on multinational corporations and foreign direct investment; Taking advantage of synergies in key sectors in the economies North and South which are currently hindered by the Border; Delivering better public services by reducing the inefficiencies created by duplication of services and allowing for expertise accumulated in sectors such as health to be utilised across the island. South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair

62.

This Ard Fheis call for the establishment of a single island-wide economic agency to drive economic policy and strategy. This agency would integrate the IDA, InvestNI and InterTrade Ireland and would be responsible for: • Co-ordinating economic development on an all-island basis; • Implementing an all-island investment and jobs strategy; • In the absence of a single all-island Economic Department, ensuring that the relevant departments in the Irish Government and Executive engage in joint planning from inception to delivery and evaluation. Louth Comhairel Ceantair

63.

This Ard Fheis call for the development of a Border Economic Development Zone to revitalise the Border region. This Ard Fheis recognises: • The need to address the peripheral nature of the cross-Border economy through the development of a Border Economic Development Zone to harmonise trade, maximise returns for Border businesses and increase investment and employment ensuring the island economy drives forward the socio-economic revitalisation of the Border region which benefits for the whole island; • Establishing a Border Economic Development Zone requires the prioritisation and advancement of critical infrastructure projects, particularly roads, rail and broadband; expansion by IDA Ireland and InvestNI of the existing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) base and a more determined priority given to locating new FDI in the Border region; focused investment and support for micro businesses and SMEs; removal of transaction costs including banking, telecommunications, and administration costs for cross-Border trade; the removal of regulatory barriers to doing business on the Border; • Greater promotion of the concept of the Border Economic Development Zone to build awareness of and support for the initiative; • A co-ordinated development strategy for the cross-Border region (this could draw on the work of the ICBAN Regional Strategic Framework which was a first step in designing a coordinated development strategy for the central Border areas); • A joined up approach to funding in the Border Development Zone bulding on the INTERREG 111 finding for the three cross-Border network bodies which showed how proposals can be developed in an integrated strategic fashion; • Publish an annual State of the Border Development Zone report to present the current economic status of the Border economy and opportunities for growth and development. Midlands North West Cúige

64.

This Ard Fheis recognises the key role infrastructure has to play in bringing about further integration of the all-Ireland economy. To this end we recognise the need to progress on: • The A5 project and Narrow Water Bridge; • Developing an island-wide rail network, including the upgrading of the Dublin-Belfast line to allow for reduced travel times and to adjust scheduling to more business-friendly hours; • The completion of the Ulster Canal project; • Further development of all-Ireland energy and water infrastructure. South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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Anti-Austerity 65.

This Ard Fheis: • Condemns the austerity cuts imposed to public services by the British Tory government on the Executive Budget in the North and by the Fine Gael/Labour Government in the South; • Voices our strong opposition to the stripping out of local services, including the closure of Garda stations, post offices, transport routes, roads maintenance, and the emergency crisis citizens face daily in both health and housing across the 26 Counties; • Commends our representatives in the Assembly on their record of investment and delivery in providing decent frontline public services despite deep financial cuts to the Executive’s Budget imposed by the British Tory Government; • Calls on this Ard Fheis to champion the all-Ireland agenda in defending our public services, opposing any privatisation agenda and fighting for the more public investment, the reversal of rural neglect and to bring economic recovery to every home across Ireland. Black Mountain West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

66.

This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the public concern, in Ireland, North and South, surrounding the sales and purchase process of the Northern loan book (Project Eagle) by the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA); • Commends the work of our Assembly colleagues who have worked diligently as part of the Assembly Finance Committee Inquiry in order to defend the public interest and investigate the issues relating to this debacle; • Reaffirms the importance to which NAMA must command full public trust and confidence in securing best value for the taxpayer in the 26 Counties. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to: • Establish an Independent Commission of Investigation under the relevant Act to conduct a full and proper examination of the facts surrounding the sales and purchase process of the Northern loan book portfolio (Project Eagle) and its related matters; • Establish a deadline for completion of the report by the Commission of Investigation into NAMA and that its findings be debated by the 32nd Dáil within two weeks of the publication of its report. Ard Chomhairle

67.

This Ard Fheis notes that: • SMEs are heavily dependent on bank financing but access to credit remains extremely difficult; • The National Broadband Plan has still not benefitted or allowed access to better internet speeds for SMEs; • Exorbitant rates have negatively impacted SMEs. This Ard Fheis calls for an inter-departmental review, led by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, to consider a fairer system for calculating commercial rates for small businesses. John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Tralee

68.

This Ard Fheis commends the Local Banks for Local Business Sinn Féin discussion document published last year. This document proposes Local Public Banks to ensure appropriate and sufficient provision of banking services to all customers and promote local economic development and investment. The profit motive and the consequent greed which has been the sole basis of much of the Irish banking system for decades has damaged Irish society for generations and a community-based and owned system is required to operate alongside the traditional banks to provide a more balanced banking system. Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann, Kildare Town

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

This Ard Fheis commits Sinn Féin to use all available influence to: • Instigate a referendum on both the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the US and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada; • Remove Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) from both the TTIP and CETA agreements; • Ensure that the terms of the living agreement cannot breach domestic legislation; • Protect agriculture, workers’ rights, environmental, food and regulatory standards, SMEs, health and public services (particularly the NHS) in all trade negotiations. This Ard Fheis also affirms that we will not support any trade agreement that includes Investor-State Dispute mechanisms and Sinn Féin does not support any trade mechanism that allows domestic law to be superseded by corporate interest. This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Irish Government to: • Call for the ending of the ongoing TTIP negotiations between the EU and the US; • Use their vote on the Council of Ministers to oppose the ratification of CETA; • Initiate a public debate on the consequences of CETA and TTIP on the island of Ireland. This Ard Fheis recognises that: • The introduction of TTIP would lead to the lowering of EU standards; • Increased trade in shale gas through TTIP could increase the contentious practice of fracking in both the US and EU; • The inclusion of Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) could allow companies to challenge fracking bans in domestic legislation. National Youth Committee

Workers’ Rights 70.

This Ard Fheis commemorates the central role played by the Irish Citizen Army, members of the Irish Transport & General Workers’ Union and the Irish Women Workers Union in the 1916 Rising. Shortly before the Easter Rising, James Connolly asked “What is a Free Nation?” and replied: “The peaceful progress of the future requires the possession by Ireland of all the national rights now denied to her. Only in such possession can the workers of Ireland see stability and security for the fruits of their toil and organisation.” One hundred years later, in the wake of austerity-prolonged recession, industrial unrest is mounting once again. In advance of the 1918 general election, Sinn Féin produced a handbill declaring: “That where Irish resources are being developed or where industries exist, Sinn Féiners shall make it their business to secure that workers are paid a living wage.” A century later, the fundamental challenges for workers remain the same – fair pay, secure hours and adequate safeguards against exploitation. Women, migrant workers and young people remain particularly vulnerable, with those working in the retail, hospitality and care sectors faring the worst. This Ard Fheis calls for an end to the exploitation of low-hour contract workers through the introduction of Fair Hours Legislation, for mandatory trade union recognition and for the right to collective bargaining. We will strengthen compliance and enforcement of employment and workers’ rights and ban the blacklisting of trade union members and organisers. We also call for future public sector pay and pensions negotiations, North and South, to prioritise low-to middle-income workers, work towards pay equalisation, tackle the casualisation of employment and narrow the income gap between those at the top and those at the bottom. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 71.

www.sinnfein.ie This Ard Fheis supports and encourages the introduction of a ‘Living Wage’ across the economy, both north and south, and as a first step towards its introduction we would make the public sector a Living Wage employer. Court West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Galway City Central

72.

This Ard Fheis supports the introduction of paid leave in the workplace for victims of domestic violence. Economic independence plays a crucial role in enabling individuals in that position to extricate themselves from the situation. Employees who have exhausted paid leave are at risk of losing their jobs and economic independence. A study carried out by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that showed 20% of employees take leave every year as a result of domestic violence and 2% have lost their job as a result. Dublin Cúige

73.

This Ard Fheis recognises that gardaí, nurses and teachers play a vital role in our society, yet many of the newer entrants have been penalised by the twotier pay structure brought in by the last Fine Gael/Labour Government. This Ard Fheis supports the demand that this unfair system be replaced with a fairer system that rewards people based on their work and is not defined by when they began their career. Steenie Mulvey Cuman, Bray

Social Welfare 74.

This Ard Fheis believes that, in the interest of equality, both adults should have equal right to information and access to monies attached to a joint social welfare claim for married or co-habiting couples so some semblance of independence can be maintained and to avoid one partner who may be in active addiction, or abusive and controlling, having full control of the money and calls on the Irish Government to explore practical options for social welfare reform in order to greater protect the autonomy, independence and best interests of all members of households in receipt of social welfare. Tommy Kavanagh Cumann, The Commons, Tipperary

75.

This Ard Fheis wants to ensure our older citizens are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Older people have made and continue to make valuable contributions to their communities, wider society and their country throughout their lives. This Ard Fheis would: • Protect free travel and not curtail it; • Ensure older people are treated with dignity and respect within a single-tier public health service; • Protect the state pension and reverse cuts implemented in the previous Fine Gael/Labour Government term which targeted older people; • Support older people to remain in their own homes by increasing home help hours and respite hours; • Ensure there is adequate provision of sheltered housing and care home places for all those who need them. Comerford/Adrien Cumann, Portmarnock/Malahide

Party Development, Constitution and Rules 76.

To add the following to the Sinn Féin Constitution as Section 12. a) An Investigation Committee shall be established in order to hear complaints and recommend disciplinary action, where it considers necessary, against members of the party. b) The Investigation Committee shall be comprised of one member nominated from each cúige and three others nominated by an Ard Chomhairle. c) The Investigation Committee may co-opt other members should the work load require it. d) Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall have the power to suspend a member

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

for a temporary or specified period, and the case will be referred immediately to the Investigation Committee for consideration. e) The Investigation Committee shall function in accordance with the disciplinary procedures which shall be agreed by an Ard Chomhairle. f) The disciplinary procedures shall set out the methodology of the Committee and the disciplinary measures which may be taken against members. g) An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to sanction a member including by suspension or expulsion. h) Any member disciplined shall have a right of appeal to an appeals panel, as described in the disciplinary procedures. And to change reference to “Code of Conduct” in 5.1h of the Sinn Féin constitution to “Charter of Ethics”. Ard Chomhairle Michael J. Marren Cumann, South Sligo

77.

To delete the following sections from the Sinn Féin Rules. 2. AN ARD CHOMHAIRLE 2.1 Disciplinary powers in relation to members of the organisation a. An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Upon notice of dismissal, the member or body shall have the right to appeal to An Ard Chomhairle which may set up an inquiry team to examine the case. c. In the event of an Ard Chomhairle inquiry, the member or body concerned must receive from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team. d. The suspension of a member or body for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed e. On completion of the inquiry, Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall submit a report to An Ard Chomhairle. f. Having considered the report’s findings, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation. g. Where allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault are made against any member of the organisation, they should be referred directly to Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí and An tArd-Rúnaí. 2.2 Disciplinary powers in relation to Ard Chomhairle members a. Members of An Ard Chomhairle absent from three consecutive meetings without an excusing cause automatically forfeit membership of An Ard Chomhairle. b. An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss or suspend any Ard Chomhairle member before a duly convened meeting called for that purpose. c. Upon notice of dismissal, the member shall have the right to appeal to An Ard Chomhairle which shall set up an inquiry team to examine the case. d. In the event of An Ard Chomhairle inquiry, the member concerned must receive from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry. e. On completion of the inquiry, Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall submit a report to An Ard Chomhairle. f. Having considered the report’s findings, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a twothirds majority, to dismiss the member from An Ard Chomhairle or, if it deems it justifiable, from the organisation. g. Where a member is dismissed, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to co-opt a substitute. h. The suspension of an Ard Chomhairle member for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie 3. COMHAIRLE CÚIGE 3.5 Cúige disciplinary procedures a. An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Under direction from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, and subject to future ratification by An Chomhairle Cúige and where there is an urgent and immediate need for executive action to be taken, the officer board of An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or unsuitability. This shall not affect the right to appeal of the member or body. c. Before being dismissed, however, the member or body must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by An Chomhairle Cúige. d. The member or body concerned must receive from the Cúige Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team e. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to An Chomhairle Cúige. Having considered the report’s findings, An Comhairle Cúige shall have the power, by a two thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation. f. Any member or body that has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of An Chomhairle Cúige has the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle. g. The suspension of a body or member thereof for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed h. Differences arising in a Comhairle Cúige or between Comhairlí Cúige where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Ard Chomhairle. 4. COMHAIRLÍ CEANTAIR 4.5 Comhairle Ceantair disciplinary procedures a. An Chomhairle Ceantair shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Before being dismissed, however, the member or body must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by An Chomhairle Ceantair. c. The member or body concerned must receive from An Chomhairle Ceantair Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team d. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to An Chomhairle Ceantair. Having considered the report’s findings, An Chomhairle Ceantair shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation. e. Any member or body that has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of An Chomhairle Ceantair has the right of appeal to An Chomhairle Cúige. f. The suspension of a body or member thereof for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed g. Differences arising in a Comhairle Ceantair or between Comhairlí Ceantair where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Chomhairle Cúige. 5. CUMAINN 5.6 Cumann disciplinary procedures a. The Cumann shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any of its members for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Before being dismissed, however, the member must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by the Cumann. c. The member concerned must receive from the Cumann Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team d. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to the Cumann. Having considered the report’s findings, the Cumann shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member from the organisation. e. Any member who has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of a Cumann has the right of appeal to An Chomhairle Ceantair. f. The suspension of a member for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed. g. Differences arising in a Cumann or between Cumainn where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Chomhairle Ceantair and, if necessary, from there to An Chomhairle Cúige, subject to the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle. h. Any member of a Cumann holding that any particular decision of a Cumann is contrary to the principles, objectives or policy of the organisation may require a statement of such a decision, signed by the Cathaoirleach, Rúnaí and objector to be sent for consideration to An Chomhairle Ceantair and, if necessary, An Chomhairle Cúige, subject to the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle. Ard Chomhairle

78.

To amend section 5.2c to read: 5.2c: In the case of a selection convention, all cumann members who have served their probationary period shall have a vote to select a candidate subject to the criteria set out in the rules and regulations governing membership and the rules established by the Election Unit. Margaret Skinnider Cumann, Drumcondra

79.

To amend section 5.2c to read: 5.2c: For the purpose of voting at selection conventions only those who are members of a Cumann, and have attended a minimum of 60% of Cumann meetings in the 12 months immediately preceding the selection convention can vote. In relation to the above, the only exceptions would be due to employment, illness, extenuating personal circumstances, or due to their role as an elected representative. James Fintan Lalor Cumann, Portlaoise

80.

Addition to section 6.7.1 of the Sinn Féin constitution k. No Cumann shall be formed without having both male and female membership. Portglenone Cumann, Antrim

81.

This Ard Fheis calls for better engagement and consultation with local party memberships and structures regarding electoral and candidate strategies in their own area and that the views and opinions of the members be central to any decisions taken. Sinn Féin members eligible to vote in constituency selection conventions should be able to participate fully in all aspects of the selection process. MacDiarmada/Gilgunn Cumann, North Leitrim

82.

This Ard Fheis commends the National 1916 Commemoration Committee and local party commemoration committees who have ensured that the 1916 commemorative events, including the O’Donovan Rossa funeral re-enactment and the Mansion House event were great successes. The commemorative programme was visual, open to all and appropriate to celebrate the heroic man and women involved 100 years ago, and the vision contained in the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was front and centre to all events. We believe that a similar approach to centenary events should continue throughout the decade of centenaries and that the party ensures that the ideals of the Proclamation are to the forefront of our commemorative programme. James Connolly Cumann, Ballyfermot

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 83.

www.sinnfein.ie This Ard Fheis recognises the need for a renewed emphasis on recruiting women into the party and acknowledges the target of achieving 50/50 gender balance within the party by the end of 2020. We recognise that these targets need to be reflected at all levels of the party including on committees, officer boards and cumann membership. Colin West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Cargan Cumann, North Antrim

84.

This Ard Fheis commends the economic policies put forward by the party in the Dáil and Assembly elections. These are based on economic growth, job creation, investment in infrastructure and public services within a responsible fiscal borrowing and tax framework. This Ard Fheis welcomes the co-operation with other left-of-centre parties and social movements to advance above policy objectives as part of the Right2Change movement and presenting a credible alternative to the Establishment parties . We urge all those involved to continue to fight for fairness and equality of opportunity for all citizens on the island, including those in rural Ireland. Desmond White Cumann, Loch Gowna

85.

This Ard Fheis re-iterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to the Gaelicisation of our party structures and organisation. We recognise the work of party activists to promote the use of the Irish language within the party and the goodwill generally of our party membership. This Ard Fheis also acknowledges that whilst goodwill is an important resource, there is a need for a practical and strategic approach to internal language planning within Sinn Féin. This Ard Fheis endorses the document Gaelicisation of Sinn Féin and calls for the party to undertake an internal consultation process on its targets and objectives. Caraher/Caherty Cumann, Baile Úr

86.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the ongoing work of the party in building support for Irish unity and in particular the work of the United Ireland Committee. We call on all party cumainn and members to build upon this important work at a local level by building support for Irish unity in their own communities. Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dún Laoghaire

87.

This Ard Fheis removes the out-dated whip system from all elected Sinn Féin representatives other than for issues outlined in an election manifesto. Gallagher/Foy Cumann Droim Conrach

88.

This Ard Fheis, recognising the need for the party to grow its membership, calls on the incoming Ard Chomhairle to arrange a national 32-county recruitment drive and select a time of year for a national recruitment campaign. This Ard Fheis also recognises the challenges of a growing party and the need for those at all levels of the party to be aware of their responsibilities in keeping membership records up to date and ensure all new applicants are properly processed and adequately engaged with as per party rules and best practice and that all members are aware of the roles and responsibilities as party members. Logue/Marley Cumann, Crumlin Dublin Cúige

89.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the increase in the number of Sinn Féin TDs elected to the Dáil and looks forward to a strong team of Sinn Féin MLAs elected to the Assembly. As an all-Ireland party, this Ard Fheis commends a collective leadership approach with regard to Sinn Féin spokespersons representing our policies to citizens. We recognise the recent appointment of national spokespersons on a number of key issues, such as workers’ rights, united Ireland and the diaspora, and commends this approach to better highlight issues and develop policy on an all-Ireland level. Desmond White Cumann, Loch Gowna

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Public Services Housing 90.

This Ard Fheis endorses the Sinn Féin Better for Housing document as a comprehensive and radical plan to address the need for housing and tackling homelessness, no longer leaving housing policy in the hands of private developers. Among the key proposals are to: • Build 100,000 new social and affordable homes; • Ensure 20% social and affordable housing on all new developments; • Introduce legislation to limit the rate that banks can charge - even a 1% reduction would save mortgage holders an average of €2,000 a year on a €200,000 mortgage; • Abolish the Local Property Tax; • Provide rent certainty; • Introduce a tenant’s rights charter; • Alongside the introduction of rent regulation, revise the caps on rent subsidies; • Make extra money available for emergency housing in 2016. Boland/Harford Cumann, Balbriggan James Fox Cumann, Ratoath Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dún Laoghaire Charlie McGlade Cumann, Drimnagh

91.

This Ard Fheis believes that social housing is essential to ensuring that everyone has a decent affordable home. This Ard Fheis calls for a major house building programme in the Six Counties over the next ten years to deal with the housing list and build social homes in areas of greatest need. We will work within the Assembly and Executive to maintain the Housing Executive as a key provider of social housing and believe that the Housing Executive must be given the power to build new homes. Court West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

92.

This Ard Fheis: • Utterly condemns the Fine Gael/Labour Government for standing over the worst housing and homelessness crisis since the foundation of the state; • Believes that it is a combination of right-wing policies which favour the wealthy along with a political culture that rewards gambling and speculation over investment in housing that is at the root cause of the current crisis; • Decries the complete lack of political will or leadership which has led to a situation where this state, held up by the political class as a country in “recovery”, has upwards of 5,715 homeless people, of which 1,830 are children; • Acknowledges the detrimental impact that homelessness has on a person’s physical and mental health and in particular on children who struggle daily with a lack of sleep, lack of healthy food, no space to do homework or to play and the social exclusion that comes with having to move out of the home area and the inability to ask friends to visit emergency accommodation – all of this negatively impacts on the lives of children and families; • Commends charitable organisations, community groups and housing agencies for the work they are doing to assist people who are homeless or living in housing distress. Accordingly this Ard Fheis: • Calls for those in government to wake up to this unprecedented crisis and take immediate steps to stem the tide of homelessness in this supposed First World country; • Endorses the party’s proposals for an ambitious social housing build as the only credible, longterm solution to the housing crisis; • Calls for an additional €30 million to be made available to local authorities to emergency house the homeless;

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie •

• •

Supports the introduction of a statutory limit on how long somebody can be in emergency accommodation without being moved on to transitional or permanent housing; Calls for the implementation of a fair rent system to stem the flow of tenants into homelessness; Demands a cast-iron commitment from the incoming Government not to cut homeless services. Elizabeth O’Farrell Cumann, Portobello/Kevin Street

93.

This Ard Fheis recognises that an all-Ireland approach to housing policy is essential and endorses the approach outlined in the Better for Housing document, with measures such as: • Enabling those on social housing lists to move from one jurisdiction to the other, particularly around the Border regions; • Joint inspectorates for scrutinising construction materials and standards, and co-operation between departments on regulation procedures; • Establish an island-wide Housing Ombudsman to provide an administrative remedy short of the courts, in the interests of speedier and less-expensive resolution of housing disputes and redress of violations of the right to housing; • Enshrine the right to adequate housing in any future Constitution for a United Ireland. Ard Chomhairle Paddy Wright Cumann, Athy

94.

This Ard Fheis condemns the selling off of mortgages to vulture funds which are contributing to the housing and homelessness crises through their profiteering, speculation and ruthless practices. This Ard Fheis stands by the victims of such vulture capitalism. This Ard Fheis would: • Amend the Residential Tenancy Act to restrict the grounds on which such funds can serve notices to quit, providing for greater security of tenure for tenants; • Establish a full review of the preferential tax regime enjoyed by major vulture funds operating in Ireland to end incentives for sharp practices and tax avoidance, neither of which is in the public interest. Parle/Crean/Hogan/Gleeson Cumann, Wexford West Waterford Cumann

95.

This Ard Fheis deplores the Irish Government’s failure to respond to the Irish League of Credit Unions Social Housing Funding Proposal to lend €5billion in ‘off balance sheet’ finance directly or through a Special Purpose Vehicle to Approved Housing Bodies enabling the delivery of an additional 26,000 units by 2021. We support the Irish League of Credit Unions’ stated commitment to invest members’ funds in a productive and economically-rewarding purpose, creating thousands of jobs and addressing a key social issue that affects the communities which credit unions serve. This Ard Fheis calls on the Government to immediately engage with the Irish League of Credit Unions to secure this significant and urgently-needed capital investment to address the ongoing housing crisis. Sheena Campbell Cumann, Corduff

96.

This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment, in addition to the €2.2billion additional capital spend we would invest in social and affordable housing over and above the Government’s commitments, to examine the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle to provide ‘off balance sheet’ investment for social housing working with local authorities and approved housing bodies. Donegal Comhairle Ceantair

97.

This Ard Fheis recognises that current 26 County legislation surrounding all rental and tenancy agreements in the state (including state accommodation schemes such as HAP) does not give tenants an adequate contractual cooling-

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

off period such as that found in legislation pertaining to the formulation of private contacts for utility and other residential services. This Ard Fheis recognises that the only way to gauge the suitability, quality and safety standards of an accommodation product is to actually be resident in it at which time any formed rental or tenancy contracts are immensely difficult to terminate, especially when the withholding of deposits is threatened by other parties in the contract such as landlords or property agents. This Ard Fheis calls on Sinn Féin on all parts of the island to explore the feasibility of enacting legislation that will allow any residents entering into a new rental or tenancy contract or agreement, be it governmental or private, to be allowed a seven-day cooling-off period in which the tenant may leave the property with full deposits returned provided that the property is returned in the same condition as it was received. This Ard Fheis recognises that this measure would allow tenants to fully gauge the impact of substandard accommodation issues such as inadequate heating and insulation systems, draughts, mould, social conditions in the area, noise pollution issues and possible internal dwelling pollution issues, amongst other possible issues. This Ard Fheis also recognises that this measure will put more pressure on landlords and property agents to provide quality and habitable accommodation products to their customers. Tommy Kavanagh Cumann, The Commons, Tipperary

98.

This Ard Fheis calls for local authorities across the 26 Counties to make it compulsory to have RAS and HAP scheme properties checked regularly or at the request of the tenant by the local authority to ensure that landlords are maintaining the properties to required living standards. Too often this is not the case where tenants are signed up to five-year contracts without ever seeing a landlord or council and are left living in appalling conditions. Seán Treacy Cumann, Roscrea

99.

This Ard Fheis proposes the establishment in the 26 Counties of a Tenants’ Association. We are one of the few states without one. Paddy Wright Cumann, Athy

100.

This Ard Fheis demands that Chairperson Mr Dennis Mc Carthy and the expert panel appointed to investigate Muscovite Mica effects on households in Donegal and Mayo conclude their report by May 31st 2016 (i.e. end of period allotted by previous government) This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to: • Prioritise and ensure an effective and comprehensive remediation scheme is provided to all affected householders; • Provide a fully funded, supported and simplified Muscovite Mica Redress scheme for homeowners. Carndonagh/Malin Cumann, Donegal

101.

This Ard Fheis acknowledges that property management fees are an added financial burden on tenants/owner-occupiers of properties managed under a property management company. This Ard Fheis calls for Sinn Féin to explore ways to alleviate this burden through a range of measures including looking at a costed tax relief for management fees for tenants/owner occupiers. Martin Forsythe Cumann, Glencullen/Sandyford

102.

This Ard Fheis condemns the collaboration between government and banks that allows the eviction of families from their homes due to financial difficulties caused by failed austerity policies and the greed of the very same banks. We call for greater legal protections and supports for families being evicted from their family homes and on the incoming Ard Chomhairle to commence a campaign involving trade unions and other interested parties to defend these families and to continue to offer alternative policies that protect the family home. Logue/Marley Cumann, Crumlin

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie

Education 103.

This Ard Fheis commends Executive Education Minister John O’Dowd for his work in helping to ensure that young people are provided with the best chance of success through improved educational outcomes and better school infrastructure. He has invested £1.2billion in new school builds and upgrading classroom facilities and has overseen a substantial investment in Irish-Medium Education and in Integrated Education. He has also: • Provided additional Pre-School Places • Provided for Nurture Units for Early Years Development • Provided Resources for Breakfast Clubs and Homework Clubs • Broadened criteria to ensure more pupils are entitled to Free School Meals and School Uniform Grants • Protected the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) from being abolished. This Ard Fheis calls on the incoming Executive Education Minister to introduce an Early Care and Childhood Development Act to give clear focus and direction to a childcare strategy, delivering the best outcomes for children and their families through provision which is appropriate to both a child’s age and stage of development. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae

104.

This Ard Fheis congratulates all those involved in the West Belfast Partnership Board-led community-based education initiative and welcomes publication of the report which highlights the remarkable improvements in education attainment as a result of the initiative. We call on the Department of Education and the Education Authority to disseminate the findings of the report to all education stakeholders. Lenadoon Cumann

105.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to recruit an additional 1,450 Special Needs Assistants into the education system. Without the support from much-needed SNAs, children with special needs across the country are not receiving the full education and vital services they are entitled to.

106.

This Ard Fheis: • Reaffirms Sinn Féin manifesto commitments to campaign for an end to religious discrimination in schools and its commitment to uphold the ideals of the 1916 Proclamation; • Believes there must be new rules introduced to ensure that all publicly-funded schools are prevented from discriminating against children on religious grounds; • Commends the work of Jonathan O’Brien TD, the Dáil Sinn Féin Education spokesperson in highlighting this issue, holding the Government to account and attempting to have the necessary changes made; • Commits itself to developing an education system based on equality that is fit for the needs of modern Ireland and its children.

Vol Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, West Cork

James Connolly Cumann, Cahir North Clare Cumann Tipperary Comhairle Ceantair

107.

This Ard Fheis condemns the threats of significant funding cuts to three Institutes of Technology following a new assessment process carried out by the Higher Education Authority. Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dundalk Institute of Technology and the National College of Art and Design are already in financially-vulnerable positions as they cope with savage cuts in state funding firstly from a Fianna Fáil-led administration, and then by a Fine Gael-led administration. The proposed additional cuts will cause further hardship to these institutions and their students, and will add to the spiral of decline in third-level education in this state. O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Castlebar

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Childcare 108.

This Ard Fheis recognises that quality, reliable and affordable childcare has many benefits for the economy, for society and for individual families. It also ensures children are enabled to develop and learn to the best of their abilities. This Ard Fheis endorses the Sinn Féin policy document, Better for Childcare including the proposals to: • Extend maternity benefit by 6 weeks and allow that portion to be taken by either parent at the end of the current 26 weeks’ maternity leave; • Deliver 52 weeks of maternity or parental leave, to be achieved by increasing maternity benefit by 5 weeks in each of the subsequent years of government; • Increase the rate of maternity benefit paid to allow mothers to avail of their leave without financial hardship; • Cap maximum fees for childcare costs at €180 per week and move to €150 per week over the term of a government; • Aim for a 60% degree-led ECCE workforce by 2025, as recommended by the EU; • Provide an additional 1,000 SNAs to the ECCE Programme and additional needs training for all childcare employees working with children with special needs; • Increase capitation grants for the Free Pre-School Year. Thomas Ashe Cumann, Ashbourne

Policing and Justice 109.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the initiative taken on cross-Border policing as a result of the Fresh Start Agreement and endorses the renewed focus on tackling cross-jurisdictional crime, including the focus on the well-being and safety of local communities in the Border area. In particular we call for: • Greater co-ordination and co-operation between An Garda Siochána and the PSNI in tackling organised crime and criminality as agreed in A Fresh Start; • Greater co-operation between police and Community Safety Partnerships in the North and Joint Policing Committees in the South. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae

110.

This Ard Fheis recognises that communities across the 26 Counties have felt the serious impact of cutbacks to An Garda Síochána imposed by Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil since 2010. Elderly people and families in rural communities in particular are living in fear. This Ard Fheis would: • Recruit 3,000 extra gardaí over a government term to restore An Garda Síochána force levels to 14,250, or pre-crisis levels; • Reverse the closure of Garda stations; • Empower the Policing Authority to oversee the implementation of recommendations from Garda Inspectorate reports over recent years, in partnership with the management of An Garda Síochána; • Strengthen the role of the Policing Authority and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in the oversight of An Garda Síochána; • Legislate for increased powers and resources to be provided to Joint Policing Committees; • Introduce a Sentencing Council that issues sentencing guidelines to the judiciary to ensure accountability and consistency in sentencing, particularly for repeat offenders; • Invest the money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau back in frontline services in the communities worst affected by crime. Jimmy Joe Reynolds Cumann, Mohill

111.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the advent of Community Planning in local government in the Six Counties and the input of Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) into the wider plans for the social and economic wellbeing of local areas. We urge Sinn Féin members on PCSPs to become fully

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie engaged in this process. We also caution against any purely council-centred approach to community safety as policing and police accountability is central to the social well-being of an area. This Ard Fheis welcomes recent initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour through bringing a focus to social and economic and also to enforcement issues. None of these aspects can be neglected if the blight of anti-social behaviour in local areas is to be tackled successfully. Six-County Cúige

112.

This Ard Fheis recognises and condemns the ongoing inequality of citizenship of our political ex-prisoner community in Ireland today and fully supports the campaign by Coiste na nIarchimi for the expunging of all records of political exprisoners for conflict-related convictions. O’Carolan Kilmartin Cumann Dungiven

113.

This Ard Fheis commits the party to introducing amendments to existing harassment legislation to cover instances of online impersonation and sexual harassment. Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway City West

Rural Ireland

Rural Development 114.

This Ard Fheis recognises that: • People in the West of Ireland are tired of being treated as secondclass citizens fed up with under-investment and angry at the lack of jobs and opportunities in the region; • Austerity and apathy from Brussels and Dublin have devastated rural Ireland, causing dire levels of marginalisation, unemployment and mass emigration; • A fair recovery must mean a balanced recovery – it must mean a recovery in the West; • All of Ireland would benefit from balanced regional development. We welcome and endorse Sinn Féin’s policy document A New Deal for the West which sets out a clear vision for the West of Ireland and includes proposals for investment in jobs, public services and infrastructure. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to: • Introduce rural equality legislation; • Introduce a spatial enterprise and infrastructural strategy backed up with financial stimulus to halt and reverse the decline of rural communities, particularly in the West; • Commit to significant investment to protect and enhance public services in the West; • Recognise and support traditional industries in the West, particularly cooperatives, through explicit legislation to ensure sustainable growth and development in the region; • Introduce measures to assist emigrants wishing to return to the West of Ireland. This Ard Fheis commits Sinn Féin representatives and activists across the West of Ireland to continue to campaign and work to deliver A New Deal for the West. Midlands North West Cúige

115.

This Ard Fheis commends Assembly Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill’s stewardship of the Agriculture and Rural Development portfolio over the past five years, her focus on all-island integration and co-operation (particularly her efforts in championing the need for equal rights and opportunities for rural dwellers) and her support for the various farming sectors which are currently facing challenges due to global market volatility. We acknowledge Michelle O’Neill’s efforts in: • Securing the largest-ever Rural Development Programme (£623million) which will provide new job opportunities, rural investment, farming grants, broadband provision and greater allisland tourist and community integration;

www.sinnfein.ie • •

•

• • •

•

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

The decentralisation of her department’s HQ to Co Derry, becoming the first Executive department to relocate outside greater Belfast; Her approach to CAP reform in ensuring a fairer allocation to all farmers and particularly those farming less-favourable areas, as well as her support for young farmers through the Young Farmers’ Scheme and education/training provided through CAFRE (Agricultural College); Obtaining Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status for the Six Counties and advancing BSE Negligible Risk Status which will advance trade and new market opportunities; Advancing agri-food sales, exports and creating new job opportunities as part of her Going for Growth strategy; Supporting the fishing industry and negotiating quota uplifts in recent EU Fishery Council meetings; Maximising the £20million Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation framework which has delivered farm family health checks, rural transport, care for the elderly, benefits/welfare advice, rural borewells to the most vulnerable and socially isolated across rural communities; Legislating for the Rural Needs Bill which will compel all Executive departments and statutory bodies to consider the needs of rural citizens when devising and implementing policy. South & East Tyrone Comhairle Ceantair

Agriculture 116.

This Ard Fheis recognises that an all-Ireland approach is needed to our agricultural and fishing industries to ensure that these industries are not only sustainable but reach their full potential with measures such as: • North and South to work together to secure new export markets for local produce, including dairy, beef, poultry and pork and work closely with our counterparts in the European Parliament to maximise opportunities; • An all-island approach to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) negotiations at EU level; • The EU having to recognise the island as one economic unit when it comes to the allocation of EU funds and the application of policy (a crucial aspect of this would have to be a recognition of the need to recognise, through funding and policy formulation, the special needs of the Border regions to have their agricultural economies fully integrate); • Bringing forward an all-island Shellfish Strategy; • The introduction of an all-island agri-food regulator to ensure that producers receive a fair return for their produce. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae H-Block Martyrs Cumann, Wexford

117.

This Ard Fheis: • Notes the ongoing difficulties which country of origin labelling is having on all-island trade, particularly beef and lamb; • Opposes the penalties which are in place by processors which discriminate against cross-Border trade; • Notes Michelle O’Neill’s determination and Simon Coveney’s refusal to resolve this issue and calls on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Coveney to work with his counterpart to give approval to an ‘Island of Ireland’ voluntary label; • Pledges that Sinn Féin in Government will introduce legislation to increase transparency in the meat industry. Boland/Harford Cumann, Balbriggan

118.

This Ard Fheis supports sustainable and well-managed afforestation projectsbut calls for better local regulation and consultation to be put in place to avoid blanket planting of forestry in areas where such planting is not appropriate, especially in parts of the West of Ireland where it is having a negative impact on local communities. If we are serious about building sustainable rural communities we must ensure that farmers in these communities have equal

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie access to funds when land becomes available. This Ard Fheis supports people’s concerns on forestry in order to prevent the decline and eradication of local communities. James Crossan Cumann, Leitrim

Fisheries 119.

This Ard Fheis calls for the implementation of the recommendations that were laid out in the Marine Taxation Review 2015 submitted by Indecon to the Marine Review Steering Group relating to Sea Fisheries. Kerry Comhairle Ceantair

120.

This Ard Fheis notes that it is estimated that only 20% of registered seafarers in Ireland qualified for the Seafarer´s Allowance Scheme in its present state. This Ard Fheis calls for: • A review of the scheme to make sure that it is made more widely available; • Seafarers aboard fishing vessels to no longer be explicitly excluded from the Seafarer´s Allowance; • Review under the scheme on the definition of what constitutes an “international voyage”; • To instead include “a voyage that involves time spent outside Irish territorial waters” or to include “journeys starting and finishing in home ports” as this would allow seafarers employed on vessels such as research vessels and ferries to qualify for the support. Kerry Comhairle Ceantair

121.

This Ard Fheis calls for the retention of the Irish Seafarers Educational Assistance Scheme and the provision of a higher percentage of funding to be made available to successful applicants to the National Maritime College of Ireland as it would potentially facilitate an increase in the number of maritime professionals trained in Ireland and hence benefit domestic marine industries. Ireland South Cúige

122.

This Ard Fheis expresses concern surrounding the current system of taxation of fishermen and notes that the majority of fishermen in Ireland are treated as self-employed for tax purposes. This consequently limits access to social security, increases the administrative burden for fishermen and removes entitlements to employee tax credit and seafarers’ allowance. This Ard Fheis therefore calls for an immediate review of the taxation system of fishermen which would include extending employee tax credits and the seafarer allowance for fishermen. Ireland South Cúige

123.

This Ard Fheis will work at a European level for a total ban on all super trawlers entering or operating in Irish territorial waters. Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway City West

124.

This Ard Fheis supports moving towards onshore closed containment systems for salmon farming as soon as they are commercially viable and that open sea cages should only be allowed where there is widespread local support and no threat to wild salmon stocks. Murt/Quilter Cumann, Athenry

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Ard Fheis Clár 2016 Átha Cliath

AOINE 22 AIBREÁN 16.30 Clárú 18.00 Oscailt na hArd Fheise 18.15 Ag Tógáil na Síochána – Rúin 1-5 Leathanach 41 19.00 Spreagaitheasc ó Martin McGuinness MLA 19.15 Sláinte – Rúin 6-18 Leathanach 42 20.00 Spreagaitheasc ó Mary Lou McDonald TD 20.15 Muirir Uisce – Rúin 19 Leathanach 46 20.30 Dlúthpháirtíocht Idirnáisiúnta – Rúin 20-27 Leathanach 46 21.00 Deireadh

SATHARN 23 AIBREÁN 9.00 Clárú 10.00 An Comhshaol agus Iompar – Rúin 28-29 Leathanach 49 11.00 Spreagaitheasc á gcraoladh beo ag RTE 13.00 Lón 13.30 2016 & Éire Aontaithe – Rúin 45-57 Leathanach 51 14.30 Téarnamh Cothrom – Rúin 58-75 Leathanach 55 15.30 Forbairt an Pháirtí, Bunreacht agus Rialacha – Rúin 76-89 Leathanach 60 16.15 Seirbhísí Poiblí – Rúin 90-113 Leathanach 65 17.15 Éire Tuaithe – Rúin 114-124 Leathanach 70 18.00 Tae 18.30 ‘Ceiliúradh Céad Bliain’ – Ceiliúradh ar Chomóradh Céad Bliain Éirí Amach na Cásca ina mbeidh ceol, drámaíocht agus aoíchainteoirí ann. 20.30 Óráid an Uachtaráin Gerry Adams TD 21.00 Deireadh

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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A FHEARA AGUS A MHNÁ NA hÉIREANN : In ainm Dé agus ghlúnta na marbh óna bhfaigheann sí a seantraidisiún mar náisiún, tá Éire, trínne, ag gairm a clainne chun a brataí agus ag bualadh buille ar son a saoirse. Tar éis di eagar agus oiliúint a chur ar a cuid fear trína heagraíocht rúnda réabhlóideach, Bráithreachas Phoblacht na hÉireann, agus trína heagraíochtaí míleata oscailte, Óglaigh na hÉireann agus Arm Cathartha na hÉireann, tar éis di a riailbhéas a thabhairt go foighneach chun foirfeachta agus feitheamh go rúndaingean leis an bhfaill í féin a fhoilsiú go tráthúil, tá sí ag glacadh na faille sin anois, agus le tacaíocht óna clann atá ar deoraíocht i Meiriceá agus ó chomhghuaillithe calma san Eoraip, ach ag seasamh di ar a neart dílis féin ar an gcéad ásc, tá sí ag bualadh buille agus í lándóchasach go mbéarfaidh sí bua. Dearbhaímid gur ceart ceannasach dochloíte é ceart mhuintir na hÉireann ar dhílse na hÉireann agus ar chumhacht gan chosc ar chinniúint na hÉireann. Forghabháil an chirt sin atá á himirt le fada ag pobal agus rialtas eachtrannach, níor mhúch sí an ceart sin ná ní féidir é a mhúchadh go brách ach le díothú mhuintir na hÉireann. Gach glúin dár tháinig, dhearbhaigh muintir na hÉireann a gceart ar shaoirse agus ar fhlaitheas náisiúnta; sé huaire le trí chéad bliain anuas a dhearbhaigh siad faoi airm é. Ag seasamh dúinn ar an gceart bunaidh sin agus á dhearbhú arís dúinn faoi airm os comhair an tsaoil, fógraímid leis seo Poblacht na hÉireann ina Stát Ceannasach Neamhspleách agus cuirimid ár mbeo féin agus beo ár gcompánach airm i ngeall lena saoirse, lena leas agus lena móradh i measc na náisiún. Dlíonn Poblacht na hÉireann, agus éilíonn leis seo, dílseacht mhuintir uile na hÉireann, idir fhir agus mhná. Ráthaíonn an Phoblacht saoirse chreidimh agus saoirse shibhialta, comhchearta agus comhdheiseanna dá saoránaigh uile, agus dearbhaíonn gur rún di féachaint chuig séan agus sonas an náisiúin uile agus gach páirte de, clanna uile an náisiúin a chaomhnú go cothrom, gan beann aici ar na difríochtaí ar chothaigh Rialtas coimhthíoch go cúramach iad agus a dheighil mionlach ón tromlach san am a chuaigh thart. Go dtí go dtiocfaidh an uain, de neart ár n-arm, Rialtas Náisiúnta buan a bhunú, a dhéanfaidh ionadaíocht do mhuintir uile na hÉireann agus a thoghfar le vótaí a cuid fear agus ban uile, déanfaidh an Rialtas Sealadach, a bhunaítear leis seo, gnóthaí sibhialta agus míleata na Poblachta a riar ar iontaobhas thar ceann na muintire. Cuirimid cúis Phoblacht na hÉireann faoi choimirce Dhia Mór na nUilechumhachtaí, a n-impímid A bheannacht ar ár n-airm, agus guímid gan aon duine a bheas ag fónamh sa chúis sin easonóir a tharraingt uirthi le mílaochas, le mídhaonnacht ná le díbhearg. Ar uair seo na cinniúna, ní foláir do náisiún na hÉireann a chruthú lena mhisneach agus lena riailbhéas, agus le toil a chlainne iad féin a íobairt mar mhaithe leis an gcoiteann, gur fiú é an dán ró-uasal dá ngairtear é. Arna shíniú thar ceann an Rialtais Shealadaigh,

TOMÁS S. Ó CLÉIRIGH, SEÁN Mac DIARMADA, TOMÁS Mac DONNCHADHA, P. A. Mac PIARAIS, ÉAMONN CEANNT, SÉAMAS Ó CONGHAILE, SEOSAMH PLUINCÉAD.

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

ORDUITHE SEASTA 1. Glacfar leis an Orduithe Seasta ag tosach na

7. Ní mór do rúin éigeandála (sé sin rúin a

hArd Fheise.

dhéanann tagairt d’imeachtaí nó cinniúintí a tharla i ndiaidh an spriocdáta do rúin de réir Riail 12d de

2. Faomhóidh an Ard Fheis Coiste Stiúrtha agus

Bhunreacht agus Rialacha an Pháirtí) ní mór iad

ceapfar ceathrar áiritheoir ar a laghad ag tús gach

a thabhairt i bhfoirm scríofa do Choiste na hArd

Ard Fheis. Ní bheidh aon duine a ainmnítear le

Fheise, san Ard Oifig, seacht lá ar a laghad roimh

haghaidh thoghchán na noifigeach nó na hArd

tús na hard Fheise. Glacfar le rún éigeandála ar

Chomhairle incheaptha ina áiritheoir.

dhiscréid an Choiste Stiúrtha.

3. Roimh an Ard Fheis beartóidh Cathaoirleach an

8. Ní féidir rúin nó leasaithe eigeandá eile - a

Coiste Stiúrtha - I gcomhairle le Coiste na hArd-

dhéanann tagairt d’imeachtaí a tharlaíonn agus

Fheise - cé mhéid ama a thabharfar do gach roinn.

an Ard Fheis faoi lán seol seachas ar dhiscréid an

Glacfar leis an amchlár agus na Cathaoirligh don

Choiste Stiúrtha agus ní mór na hOrdaithe Seasta a

Ard Fheis seo ag tús n hArd Fheise.

chur ar fhionraí chun an rún a cheadú ar Chlár na hArd Fheise.

4. Beartóidh an Coiste Stiúrtha cé mhéid ama a thabharfar do gach roinn den chlár, agus tabharfar

9. Ceadófar ‘pointí oird’ ar dhiscréid an

príoracht do mholtóirí rún agus leasaithe i ngach

chathaoirligh agus ní cheadófar níos mó ná 30

roinn.

soicind dóibh.

5. Le linn díospóireachtaí tabharfar tús áite do

10. Caithfear glacadh le rialú an chathaoirligh

theachtaí atá ainmnithe agus creidiúnaithe mar is

I gcónaí. Ní mór na Ordaithe Seasta a chur ar

ceart. Is féidir leis an Choiste Stiúrtha, mas rogha

leataoibh chun dushlán a thabhairt do rialú an

leis é, cead cainte a thabhairt de bhaill den pháirtí

Chathaoirligh agus vóta mímhuiníne a ghlacadh

atá creidiúnaithe mar is ceart ach nach bhfuil

ann.

ina dteachtaí, sé sin muna bhfuil teachtaí ar bith ag fanacht le labhairt ag an am.Ar dhiscréid an

11. Ní mór rún scríofa ag iarraidh na hOrdaithe

Coiste Stiúrtha ceadófar do chuairteoirí labhairt

Seasta a chur ar leataobh a thabhairt don Choiste

atá creidiúnaithe ag an Ard Chomhairle leis an Ard

Stiúrtha ag míniú fáth an rúin sula gceadófar

Fheis I gcóir am ar leith. Agus teachtaí ag labhairt

é. Sonrófar am áirithe don rún ar dhiscréid an

ní mór dóibh a n-ainmneacha a lua mar aon leis an

Choiste Stiúrtha. Ní mór móramh dhá dtrian de

aonad agus an ceantar a bhfuil siad ag déanamh

na teachtaí atá I láthair le hiad a chur i leataobh.

ionadaíochta thar a gceann.

Ní mór móramh dhá dtrian de na teachtaí atá I láthair leis na hOrdaithe Seasta a thabhairt isteach

6. Nuair a mholtar an rún “go gcuirtear an cheist” ní

arís nuair atá an ábhar faoi chaibidil reitithe sula

bheidh de rogha ag an gcathaoirleach ach an rún

bhféadfaí an Ard Fheis leanúint ar aghaidh. Ní mór

a chur faoi bhráid na dteachtaí. Má ghlactar leis an

na hOrdaithe Seasta a chur ar leataobh ag tús na

rún, caithfidh an cathaoirleach, tar éis am cainte a

hArd Fheise ionas gur féidir rúin, agus leasaithe

cheadú do mholtóir agus do chuiditheoir rúin nó

eigeandála agus aguisíní don Chlár a cheadú de

leasaithe de réir fhorálacha Ordú Seasta 4, an rún

réir treoir an Choiste Stiúrtha.

nó leasú a chur chun vóta.

Sinn FĂŠin Ard Fheis 2016

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Oíche Dé hAoine

Ag Tógáil na Síochána 1.

Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo tiomantas daingean Shinn d’fhorbairt an athmhuintearais agus an chneasaithe in Éirinn. Tá siad araon lárnach le todhchaí nua a mhúnlú a chabhróidh lenár sochaí bogadh ar aghaidh. Creidimid go gcaithfidh an t-athmhuintearas bheith tógtha ar na nithe seo a leanas: • Glacadh le comhionannas, meas agus paireacht ghradaim; • Glacadh le hinsintí polaitiúla agus mianaidhmeanna éagsúla; • Diongbháilteacht dúshlán a thabhairt don seicteachas, don deighilt sheicteach agus do gach cineál éadfhulaingthe. Tá Sinn Féin tiomnaithe d’fheabhsú an athmhuintearais trí phlé go cuimsitheach leis an am a chuaigh thart. Braithfidh an t-athmhuintearas agus an cneasú ar institiúidí polaitiúla feidhmiúla agus cuntasacha, chomh maith le ceannasaíocht pholaitiúil chróga a thugann eiseamláir don tsochaí níos leithne. Creidimid go gcaithfidh gach institiúid agus polasaí polaitiúil bheith tiomanta do chaighdeáin cheannasaíochta, luachanna agus spriocanna a ráthaíonn deachaidreamh agus athmhuintearas. Tá Sinn Féin tiomanta a chinntiú go bhfuil gach roinn Rialtais, comhairle agus eagras poiblí dírithe go soiléir agus go comhaontaithe ar an athmhuintearas, agus é mar fhianaise air sin go bhfuil tiomantas ann don chomhionannas i ngach gné den pholasaí poiblí. Athdhearbhaímid ár ndiongbháilteacht plé le rialtas na Breataine agus rialta na hÉireann araon le moltaí a thabhairt chun tosaigh a chuideoidh le forbairt an athmhuintearais. Éilímid go gceapfar straitéis thiomnaithe athmhuintearais faoi choimirce na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas. Chuige sin glacann an Ard-Fheis seo leis an doiciméad polasaí I dTreo Todhchaí Chomhaontaithe agus Réitithe. Ard-Chomhairle

Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Seasamh le cearta teaghlach fiosrúcháin oidhreachta a fháil a chomhlíonann go hiomlán Alt 2 (ceart ar bheatha) an Choinbhinsiúin Eorpaigh um Chearta an Duine agus atá maoinithe go dóthanach ag rialtas na Breataine. • Dúshlán a thabhairt don mhoill chórasach i bpróisis nochtaithe an PSNI agus don easpa comhoibrithe ag Roinn Cosanta na Breataine pearsanra míleata a ainmniú agus a aimsiú le haghaidh fiosrúcháin oidhreachta. • Dúshlán a thabhairt do chrosadh cuimsitheach Rialtas na Breataine ar nochtadh eolais amach anseo do theaghlaigh agus cur ina choinne sin. • Leanúint ar aghaidh ag cur chun cinn roghanna eile inoibrithe agus inghlactha seachas clásail Rialtas na Breataine um ‘Shlándáil Náisiúnta’ mar a rianaítear ina ndréachtreachtaíocht a cuireadh síos ar chlár ag na caibidlí um ‘Thús Úr’. • Tacú le teidlíocht ar phinsean do gach íospartach le gortuithe nó míchumas dáiríre mar gheall ar ár gcoimhlint dheireanach. • Ceapadh Prionsabal Inscne a thréaslú le déileáil le hOidhreacht an Ama a Chuaigh Thart mar chion forásach sa díospóireacht ar dhéileáil leis an am a chuaigh thart, agus tacú le feidhmiú na bprionsabal seo agus le dearcadh inscne níos leithne nuair atáthar ag déileáil leis an am a chuaigh thart. Cúige na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair Chollann

Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo go hiomlán i gcoinne phleananna Rialtas na Breataine an tAcht um Chearta an Duine 1998 (ACD) a aisghairm. Tugann Acht 1998 éifeacht don Choinbhinsiún Eorpach um Chearta an Duine agus tugann sé cead rochtana ar an gCúirt Eorpach um Chearta an Duine. Tá an ACD fite fuaite le Comhaontú Aoine an Chéasta agus ráthaíonn sé réimse leathan ceart. Ina measc seo tá (tríd an gCoinbhinsiún) an ceart ar bheatha, cosc ar chéasadh, íde agus Alt 8, an ceart ar mheas ar shaol príobháideach. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur tugadh roinnt cásanna in éadan an stáit Bhriotanaigh as an gCoinbhinsiún um Chearta an Duine a mhí-úsáid nó a shéanadh

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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agus is preabchlár é an ACD ónar féidir na cásanna seo a lainseáil. Deimhníonn an tAcht freisin gur féidir gníomhairí stáit a choinneáil cuntasach. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh fhoilsiú tuairime dlíthiúla a thug Doughty Street Chambers agus Gnólacht Dlí Kevin Winters ar na héifeachtaí a bheadh ag aisghairm an Achta um Chearta an Duine. Sonraíonn an tuairim seo go soiléir gur ionsaí ar spiorad Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta a bheadh ann dá n-aisghairmfí an tAcht um Chearta an Duine. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann gníomhú, mar chomhráthóir Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta, agus dúshlán Rialtas na Breataine a thabhairt maidir lena phlean an ACD a aisghairm, agus éilimh a athnuachan maidir le Bille Ceart a thabhairt isteach atá sonrach do dhálaí iarchoimhlinte Thuaisceart Éireann. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Tréaslú a dhéanamh leis an bhfoireann caibidlí Shinn Féin as an gComhaontú um Thús Úr a fháil. • Aitheantas a thabhairt do na céimeanna polaitiúla chun tosaigh maidir le hinstitiúidí comhroinnte cumhachta socair, feidhmiúla a chur ar fáil. • Aitheantas a thabhairt don tábhacht a bhaineann le tacaíocht airgeadais atá curtha ar fail ag an bhFeidhmeannas le cuidiú leis na daoine is soghonta sa tsochaí, le daoine faoi mhíbhuntáiste, le daoine tinne agus le daoine atá faoi mhíchumas. • Aitheantas a thabhairt don tiomantas airgeadais breise a bhí siad in ann a fháil ó Rialtas na Breataine. • A díomá a chur in iúl maidir le teip Rialtas na Breataine a fhreagrachtaí a chomhlíonadh maidir lena chinntiú go bhfaighidh teaghlaigh an nochtadh is mó maidir le fiosrúcháin oidhreachta a chomhlíonann prionsabail agus coinbhinsiúin um chearta an duine. Ard-Chomhairle

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar Rialtas na Breataine a ngealltanais atá leagtha amach i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta agus i gcomhaontuithe eile a chomhlíonadh. Go háirithe éilímid orthu na nithe seo a leanas a thabhairt isteach: • Bille Ceart; • Cairt Ceart uile-Éireann, agus Comhchoiste um Chearta an Duine, Thuaidh agus Theas, a chur ar bun; • Fóram Saoránach uile-Éireann; • Athbhreithniú ar Fhorais Trasteorann; • Fiosrúchán poiblí iomlán ar dhúnmharú Pat Finucane; • Acht na Gaeilge. Comhairle Ceantair Thuaisceart Béal Feirste

Sláinte 6.

Tá an Ard-Fheis seo tiomanta tabhairt faoi shaincheisteanna sláinte go forásach ar bhonn uile-Éireann. Ní stadann na saincheisteanna a dtugaimid aghaidh orthu ag an Teorainn agus déanann sé ciall idirghabhálacha uile-Éireann a fhorbairt. Creidimid freisin go bhfuil forbairt soláthair uile-Éireann go háirithe ríthábhachtach le freastal ar riachtanais othar a bhfuil riocht tearc acu nó riocht atá chomh tearc sin go bhfuil sé deacair soláthar seirbhíse a choinneáil ar bhonn críochdheighilte. Bhí ionadaithe de chuid Shinn Féin ar thús cadhnaíochta ag cur chun cinn na comhoibre agus comhtháthú seirbhísí sláinte ar mhaithe le gach duine, mar shampla: • In Ospidéal Mhuire do Leanaí, Cromghlinn, i mBaile Átha Cliath beidh ionad máinliach croí péidiatraiceach don oileán. Cuirfimid deireadh leis an ngá do leanaí taisteal ón Tuaisceart go Sasana le haghaidh gnáthaimh níos speisialaithe ná mar atá ar fáil i mBéal Feirste. Bainfidh timpeall 140 leanbh sa bhliain ón Tuaisceart agus 400 ón Deisceart tairbhe as an tseirbhís seo, rud a chinnteoidh go gcoinneoidh gach ball foirne máinliach agus tacaíochta leibhéil scileanna. • Tá soláthar Seirbhíse leis an Inchinn Dhomhain a Spreagadh le rolladh amach, ag brath ar chomhoibriú idir seirbhísí néareolaíochta sa Deisceart agus néaramháinliachta ag Ospidéal Ríoga Victoria i mBéal Feirste. Níl an tseirbhís seo ar fáil sna 26 Chontae agus ní raibh de rogha ag othair ach an Scéim um Chóir

www.sinnfein.ie

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Leighis Thar Lear, agus b’ionann sin agus costais taistil agus lóistín i bhfad ró-ard do chuid daoine. • Aonad beartaithe ag Ospidéal Allt Uí Dhuibhleacháin, Doire, a chuirfidh seirbhísí ar fáil d’othair in iarthuaisceart an oileáin, lena n-áirítear ó na 26 Chontae, agus comhaonad cairdeolaíochta idir Ospidéal Allt Uí Dhuibhleacháin agus Ospidéal Leitir Ceanainn i nDún na nGall. Tá rún daingean ag Sinn Féin féidearthacht an chomhoibrithe uile-Éireann i réimse an chúraim sláinte a fhorbairt a oiread agus is féidir. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir do Rialtas na hÉireann agus don Fheidhmeannas sa Tuaisceart chur chuige níos éifeachtaí a bheith acu maidir le tabhairt faoi shaincheisteanna a bhaineann le meabhairshláinte agus dul i ngleic leis an bhféinmharú inár bpobail. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil infheistíocht cheart agus comhordú níos fearr ag teastáil le dul i ngleic leis an ngéarchéim mheabhairshláinte atá ann, géarchéim atá déanta níos measa ag an ngéarchéim mar gheall ar chiorruithe ar sheirbhísí agus ar bhrúnna breise ar dhaoine a dtarlaíonn sé dóibh bheith i gcruachás. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an doiciméad polasaí de chuid Shinn Féin Tús Áite don Mheabhairshláinte a lainseáladh i bhFeabhra 2016 agus éilíonn sí bearta lena n-áirítear: • Maoiniú méadaithe agus imfhálaithe do sheirbhísí meabhairshláinte; • Na straitéisí Fís don Athrú agus Nasctha don Saol sna 26 Chontae; • Soláthar a fheabhsú do chúram atá oiriúnach ó thaobh aoise de do leanaí agus d’aosaigh shoghonta a bhfuil saincheisteanna meabhairshláinte acu; Éilímid freisin go n-aithneofar go cuí seirbhísí meabhairshláinte agus go gcomhtháthófar iad go hiomlán i gcinntí polasaí agus leithdháiltí maoinithe sna Sé Chontae. Molann an Ard-Fheis do bhaill freisin tabhairt faoi oiliúint ar chosc an fhéinmharaithe. An Coiste Náisiúnta Óige

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil an córas sláinte sna 26 Chontae i ngéarchéim. Tá Fine Gael, an Lucht Oibre agus Fianna Fáil tar éis bheith i mbun seirbhíse sláinte ina bhfuil dhá shraith agus atá ag teip uirthi. Mar gheall air seo tá éagothroime bhunúsach sa chaoi ina bpléitear le hothair, atá bunaithe ar an gcumas íoc agus ar áit cónaithe. Chomh maith leis sin tá easpa cumais sa chóras le plé le brúnna déimeagrafacha i Ranna Éigeandála agus seirbhísí máithreachais. Níl sé seo inghlactha. Níor cheart go séanfaí, de cheal iad a bheith in ann íoc, an deis d’aon duine saol iomlán, fada agus folláin a bheith acu. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le Plean Shinn Féin don Chúram Sláinte Uilíoch, lena mholtaí seo a leanas san áireamh: • Infheistíocht sa chóras sláinte a mhéadú agus deireadh a chur leis an gcóras sláinte dhá leibhéal poiblí/príobháideach agus córas sláinte poiblí nua uilíoch a chur ar fáil d’Éirinn; • Níos mó cumais a thabhairt isteach trí 6,600 oibrí sláinte nua ar an túslíne a earcú, ag méadú líon na leapacha, ag cur ar fáil níos mó seirbhísí sa phobal agus 3,800 áit bhreise i dtithe altranais le dul i ngleic le géarchéim na dtralaithe a fheictear arís agus arís eile; • An buiséad don mheabharshláinte a mhéadú agus rolladh amach Altraí Measúnaithe Géarchéime Féinbháis a chríochnú; • Deireadh a chur le gníomhaíocht phríobháideach in ospidéil phoiblí agus ag an am céanna an sruth ioncaim a ionadú. Molaimid muirir d’úsáideoirí sláinte a laghdú go hincriminteach agus, sa deireadh, deireadh a chur leo – ó tháillí dochtúra ghinearálta go muirir le haghaidh drugaí oidis – agus sin go léir ar bhealach straitéiseach de réir mar a cheadaíonn acmhainní; • Cúram dochtúra ghinearálta saor in aisce a rolladh amach do chách, ag tosú le cártaí leighis uathoibríocha a thabhairt do gach leanbh ar a bhfuil tinneas nó míchumas dáiríre, cártaí leighis a fháil d’aosaigh faoi mhíchumas, agus cúram dochtúra ghinearálta a thabhairt don chuid eile den phobal ag an ráta timpeall 230,000 duine breise sa bhliain. Cuirfimid deireadh le muirir oidis; • Féidearthacht an chomhoibrithe uile-Éireann i réimse an chúraim sláinte a fhorbairt a oiread agus is féidir. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Patrick Conroy, an Caisleán Riabhach

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 9.

www.sinnfein.ie Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go láidir leis an gcóras sláinte sna Sé Chontae fanacht mar sheirbhís sláinte phoiblí atá saor in aisce ag an bpointe seachadta. Inár bhfís don tsláinte tá córas poiblí cúraim sláinte agus shóisialta a chruthú atá cothrom, inbhuanaithe agus comhoibríoch, agus a chuireann éiteas na seirbhíse poiblí, na comhbhá agus na dínite i gcroílár an tsoláthair cúraim. Córas atá tiomnaithe le deireadh a chur le míchothromaíochtaí sláinte agus riachtanas nár comhlíonadh, rud a chuirfidh na torthaí is fearr ar fáil d’othair, cothrom na féinne d’oibrithe sláinte agus a fheabhsóidh saol ár saoránach ar fad. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil ‘margú’ agus príobháidiú an chúraim sláinte mícheart, agus go gcuireann castacht na struchtúr reatha acmhainní airgeadais, a bhfuil géarghá leo, ar mhalairt slí ar shiúl ó sheirbhísí na túslíne. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Deireadh a chur leis an ‘margadh inmheánach’ inár struchtúir shláinte, go sonrach an scoilt idir coimisiúnú agus soláthraí; • Comhpháirt a bhaineann le míchothromaíochtaí a thabhairt isteach san fhoirmle le haghaidh maoiniú caipitíochta. Creidean an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil torthaí sláinte a fheabhsú d’othair dlúthnasctha le dálaí a fheabhsú d’oibrithe sláinte. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo lena leanas: • An Fóram Comhpháirtíochta Sláinte a athbhunú; • Moltaí an Choláiste Míochaine Éigeandála maidir le cúram neamhsceidealaithe a chur i bhfeidhm; • Pá maireachtála d’oibrithe na hearnála poiblí; • Moltaí Choiste Sláinte an Tionóil ar phleanáil don lucht saothair a chur i bhfeidhm, rud a dhéanfaidh coigiltis shubstaintiúla trí spleáchas ar oibrithe gníomhaireachta agus ar dhochtúirí ionaid a laghdú. Comhaire Ceantair Dhoire

10.

Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go hiomlán le doiciméad polasaí nua-fhoilsithe Shinn Féin, Níos Fearr don tSláinte – Plean Shinn Féin don Chúram Sláinte Uilíoch, agus molann sí don Rialtas nua i mBaile Cliath glacadh leis agus é a chur i bhfeidhm. Tréaslaímid le hurlabhraí ár bpáirtí, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, as ucht na mblianta d’obair dhílis atá déanta aige sa réimse sin agus as a cheannaireacht sa chúram tábhachtach seo i dtéarmaí Dála as a chéile. Aithnímid ionchur na foirne forbartha polasaí sláinte a chuir an Teachta Ó Caoláin ar bun agus tréaslaímid obair fhócasaithe agus toradh deiridh a dtaighde agus a bplé. Molaimid dár n-ionadaithe tofa agus do phríomhghníomhaithe páirtí eolas iomlán a chur ar ár bpolasaí sláinte agus táimid ag súil leis an deis ár moltaí a chur i bhfeidhm go hiomlán mar phríomhpháirtí i socrú Rialtais amach anseo. Comhairle Ceantair Mhuineacháin

11.

Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo an iomad coimhlintí leasa acu siúd atá ceaptha le sábháilteacht bia a mheasúnú san Údarás Eorpach um Shábháilteacht Bia (ÚESB) agus gurb é a thoradh seo amhras a tharraing ar na measúnuithe ar shábháilteacht a dhéanann an tÚdarás agus mar gheall air sin tá easpa mhór muiníne ó chustaiméirí maidir leis na hábhair seo. Tá liosta fada coimhlintí leasa ag an ÚESB i measc phainéal a shaineolaithe, lena n-áirítear an measúnú aspairtéime, agus tá sé ag brath cuid mhór ar staidéir atá maoinithe ag an tionscal. Baineann na gníomhartha seo as faoi dhlisteanacht an ÚESB i súile an phobail agus mar gheall air seo tá ceisteanna ann atá ina ndíol imní faoina neamhspleáchas agus faoina chumas cinntí oibiachtúla saor ó choimhlint a dhéanamh. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo, mar sin, go gcaithfidh an ÚESB cloí le rialacha níos déine maidir le coimhlint leasa, lena n-áirítear tréimhse fuaraithe níos faide sular féidir le heolaithe ón tionscal bheith ag obair ar na painéil chomhairliúcháin agus vice versa, an dearbhú leasa a bheith scrúdaithe agus curtha i bhfeidhm níos fearr agus rochtain phoiblí ar na staidéir a úsáideann siad. Cumann Sheáin Uí Chorcoráin, Coillte Mach

12.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Aire Oideachais an Oireachtais clár oideachais scoileanna ar dhea-fheasacht mheabhairshláinte agus folláine a chur ar bhonn reachtúil, le cur ar fáil i mbunscoileanna agus in iar-bhunscoileanna. Cumann George Plant, Caiseal Cumann Sheáin Sheosaimh Uí Shíthigh, Ciarraí

www.sinnfein.ie 13.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann straitéis um íocaíochtaí díreacha a chur i bhfeidhm do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas le tús a chur le rolladh amach tionscnamh maoinithe aonair ar fud na tíre. Is é atá i gceist le híocaíochtaí díreacha roghanna agus smacht a thabhairt do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas ar na seirbhísí agus na tacaíochtaí a fhaigheann siad. Tugann siad solúbthacht agus cumasaíonn siad daoine le cinntí a dhéanamh faoina saol féin. Comhairle Ceantair na Gaillimhe Thiar

14.

Tá constaicí suntasacha roimh dhaoine trasinscneach cúram sláinte cuí a rochtain, go háirithe maidir le meabhairshláinte agus seirbhísí aistrithe, a chuireann brú mór ar dhaoine transinscneacha agus ar a dteaghlaigh. Cuireann rochtain ar sheirbhísí sláinte bainteacha feabhas suntasach ar mheabhairshláinte agus ar fholláine daoine transincneacha. Faoi láthair tá seirbhísí sláinte go sonrach do dhaoine transincneacha an-teoranta in Éirinn, agus is beag ar fad atá ann taobh amuigh de Bhaile Átha Cliath. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil constaicí suntasacha roimh dhaoine trasinscneacha i sochaí na hÉireann agus nach bhfuil siad in ann tairbhe a bhaint as na seirbhísí sláinte riachtanacha. Éilímid ar ionadaithe tosaíocht a dhéanamh de chúram sláinte do dhaoine trasinscneacha agus a chinntiú go bhfuil seirbhísí sláinte ar fáil go leordhóthanach ar fud an oileáin. Cumann Kevin Barry/Frank Stagg, Lár na Cathrach Thuaidh Baile Átha Cliath

15.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbunófaí clinicí ildisciplín at le haghaidh Ghalar Huntington go sonrach. Tá siad seo ríthábhachtach leis an taighde a thabhairt chun cinn agus le caighdeáin cúraim a fheabhsú ar bhonn uile-Éireann agus le haghaidh maoiniú inbhuanaithe do HDAI agus HDANI. Cumann Tom Kealy, Cill Droichid

16.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Ard-Chomhairle athbhreithniú a dhéanamh, i gcomhairle leis an bpáirtí trí chéile, ar pholasaithe Shinn Féin ar cheist an channabais go sonrach agus drugaí go ginearálta, ag cur san áireamh samplaí i ndlínsí eile mar ar fhorbair rialacháin cheadaitheacha maidir le cannabas le húsáid le haghaidh leighis. Ba chóir don athbhreithniú seo breathnú freisin ar an teanga a úsáidtear le tagairt do channabas le hidirdhealú a dhéanamh idir é agus drugaí eile lena mbaineann níos mó andúile i ndaoine agus dochair sa tsochaí. Cumann Martin Forsythe, Gleann Cuilinn/Áth an Ghainimh Cumann Sheáin Uí Chorcoráin, Coillte Mach Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonghaile, an Chathair

17.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil an murtall sna 26 Chontae tar éis méadú faoi dhó le 20 bliain anuas. Faoi láthair tá dhá thrian d’aosaigh agus leanbh as ceathrar róthrom nó murtallach. I mbliain amháin, go díreach, bhí 400% de mhéadú i líon na leanaí faoi chúig a cuireadh chuig an gclár cóire leighis murtaill leanaí in Ospidéal Leanaí Shráid Temple i mBaile Átha Cliath. As an gcostas measta €1.13 billiún a bhaineann le murtall, baineann 35%, nó beagnach €400 milliú, go díreach le costais cúraim sláinte. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo in iúl a fearg mar gheall ar dhrochbhainistíocht bhuiséad na seirbhíse sláinte. Go háirithe, éilímid go ndéanfaí tosaíocht de struchtúr ceart maidir le cóir leighis don mhurtall. Caithfear áiseanna a chur i bhfeidhm lena chinntiú go bhfuil seirbhís éifeachtach ann sa réimse seo. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an dúshlán suntasach atá roimh an tsochaí dul i ngleic leis an murtall agus éilímid bearta sláinte poiblí, lena n-áirítear: • Maoiniú a mhéadú d’Éire Fholláin; • Margaíocht bianna agus deochanna míshláintiúla ar an teilifís a shrianú go dtí tar éis 7pm; • Cáin ar dheochanna siúcraithe a thabhairt isteach; • Breathnú chosc ar shiopaí nua mearbhia a chuireann ar fáil bianna ina bhfuil a lán saille, salainn nó siúcraí a thógáil nó bheith ag feidhmiú cóngarach do geataí, do láithreacha nó ó theorainneacha scoileanna, páirceanna nó clóis súgartha, seachas lár an bhaile ina bhfuil zón ann le haghaidh áitrimh. Comhairle Ceantair Chill Mhantáin Cumann Mhairtírigh na Mainistreach Léithe, Baile Chill Dara

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 18.

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Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann seirbhísí lasmuigh a chur ar fáil, mar shampla ón Ospidéal Náisiúnta Athshlánaithe, d’othair chónaitheacha sa chóras ospidéal géarmhíochaine atá ag fanacht le leaba ar chéim síos níos oiriúnaí nó seirbhís phobail a fhad is go bhfuil siad sa chóras ospidéil. Tá sé seo go speisialta tábhachtach d’othair a bhfuil gortú inchinne acu nó tá idirghabháil luath ríthábhachtach dá n-athshlánú. Cumann Smith/Savage, Caisleán Cnucha

Muirir Uisce 19.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur sainsmaoineamh é muirir uisce an rialtais a raibh Fianna Fáil ina bhun, gur aontaigh siad an polasaí mar chuid den chlár tarrthála ó Troika an Aontais Eorpaigh/Bhanc Ceannais na hEorpa/an Chiste Airgeadaíochta Idirnáisiúnta in 2010; agus: • Gur cáin aischéimnitheach iad muirir uisce ar lean rialtas Fhine Gael/Luchta Oibre a bhí ann ar aghaidh á forchur agus a bhí ina bunchloch dá gclár déine; • Tréaslaímid leis an bhfeachtas Ceart ar Uisce agus na céadta míle teaghlach ar fud an stáit atá fós ag cur in aghaidh go diongbháilte muirear uisce, nach bhfuil gá leo agus atá míchothrom; • Fáiltímid le glacadh le Tuairisc Boylan ar Cheart ar Uisce ag Parlaimint AE a éilíonn, i measc rudaí eile, ar an gCoimisiún Eorpach rochtain ar uisce a dhaingniú mar cheart daonna i ndlí an AE, seirbhísí uisce a eisiamh go buan ó rialacha margaidh inmheánacha agus ó chaibidlí trádála, gan príobháidiú uisce a chur chun cinn agus meas a léiriú ar rogha na mBallstát i leith úinéireacht uisce; • Tacaímid leis an ngá le seirbhísí agus le hinfreastruchtúr iontaofa, ardchaighdeáin, lena n-áirítear seirbhísí uisce agus séarachais, atá inbhuanaithe ó thaobh an gheilleagair de agus cuntasach go daonlathach; Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an t-éileamh deireadh a chur le muirir uisce tí agus le hUisce Éireann agus éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann a leanas a dhéanamh: • Coimisiún Neamhspleách a bhunú ar Sheirbhísí Uisce le breathnú ar an múnla is oiriúnaí le haghaidh úinéireacht phoiblí le teacht in ionad Uisce Éireann agus le tuairisciú ar ais don Dáil laistigh de naoi mí tar éis deireadh a bheith curtha le muirir; • Stad a chur leis an tionscadal méadraithe agus an t-airgead atá fágtha a athdhíriú in infheistíocht dhíreach in uasghrádú an infreastruchtúir uisce agus séarachais; • Taca a chur faoin múnla nua le haghaidh seirbhís uisce i reachtaíocht; • Reifreann a reáchtáil le húinéireacht phoiblí sheirbhí uisce na hÉireann a dhaingniú sa Bhunreacht; • Mórchlár caomhnaithe uisce a rolladh amach i gcomhar le húdaráis áitiúla. Chomh maith leis sin éilíonn an Ard-Fheis a leanas: • Straitéis uile-Éireann ar sholáthar uisce a fhorbairt; • Feidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt agus Rialtas na hÉireann comhoibriú ar sholáthar seirbhísí, bunú comhbhainistíocht abhantracht i réigiúin na Teorann, comhinfheistíocht caipitil agus infheistíocht in infreastruchtúr agus soláthar. Ard-Chomhairle

Dlúthpháirtíocht Idirnáisiúnta 20.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an ról tábhachtach a d’imir Gaeil Mheiriceá i stair phoblachtánais na hÉireann, lena n-áirítear ról lárnach Ghaeil Mheiriceá in Éirí Amach 1916 agus a gcion reatha ag cuidiú Próiseas na Síochána a dhaingniú agus a fhorbairt agus cúis aontacht na hÉireann a chur chun cinn. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo, mar sin, a buíochas agus a beannachtaí dlúthpháirtíochta chuig “ár gclann dhíbrithe i Meiriceá” agus ar fud an domhain agus táimid ag súil le Poblacht 1916 a bhaint amach lena gcabhair agus lena gcuidiú leanúnach agus aithnímid go buíoch tacaíocht Chairde Shinn Féin SAM agus Cheanada. Cumann Elizabeth O’Farrell Portobello/Sráid Chaoimhín

21.

Ar an 17 Deireadh Fómhair 2011 bhí comhdháil idirnáisiúnta le haghaidh Réiteach na Coimhlinte i dTír na mBascach in Donostia/San Sebastian. I measc ionadaithe idirnáisiúnta bhí iar-Rúnaí Ginearálta NA Kofi Annan agus Uachtarán Shinn Féin Gerry

www.sinnfein.ie

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Adams TD. D’fhógair ETA stad deifinideach cúpla lá ina dhiaidh sin, ag cruthú deis uathúil agus stairiúil le tabhairt faoi chúiseanna chomh maith le iarmhairteanna na coimhlinte. I mí Iúil 2014 d’eisigh ETA ráiteas eile ag fógairt go gcuirfear deireadh lena struchtúir mhíleata agus go dtosófar próiseas le déileáil le ceist na n-arm. Mar sin féin, tá gach iarracht ag ETA bogadh chun tosaigh i bpróiseas le déileáil go deifinideach le ceist a gcuid arm blocáilte ag údaráis na Spáinne. Ar an 1 Márta i mbliana ligeadh amach Arnaldo Otegi, Rúnaí Ginearálta SORTU agus príomhcheannaire na straitéise nua don tsíocháin, tar éis cinneadh cúirte sé bliana agus sé mhí príosúnachta a dhaoradh air a chur i gcrích go hiomlán. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh saoradh Arnaldo Otegi agus cuirimid in iúl ár dtacaíocht don straitéis síochána agus flaithis atá forbartha ag an gcomhghuallaíocht Bhascach ar son an neamhspleáchais. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an bhfeachtas idirnáisiúnta do phríosúnaigh Bhascacha Tabhair Abhaile Iad - Saor Iad go léir agus éilímid ar údaráis na Spáinne agus na Fraince na bearta seo a leanas a chur i bhfeidhm: • Deireadh a chur leis an bpolasaí scaipthe (beart gan chúis a chuirtear i bhfeidhm ar phríosúnaigh pholaitiúla Bhascacha amháin) agus iad a aistriú láithreach go príosúin níos gaire dá dteaghlaigh mar chéad chéim i bpróiseas le gach príosúnach de spreagadh polaitiúil a shaoradh go luath; • Gach príosúnach atá go dona tinn a shaoradh, ar chóir, de réir reachtaíochta reatha, iad a shaoradh le cóir leighis dhóthanach a fháil dá dtinneas. • Príosúnaigh atá i dteideal parúil a shaoradh láithreach. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar na hinstitiúidí polaitiúla ról gníomhach a ghlacadh ag éileamh ar Rialtas na Spáinne a pholasaí reatha a athrú, is é sin bac a chur, rud atá ag laghdú na deise stairiúla seo, agus éilímid orthu ina áit sin próiseas comhphlé a chur chun cinn agus tacú leis le síocháin chóir agus bhuan a bhaint amach i dTír na mBascach. Ard-Chomhairle

22.

Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo streachailt leanúnach Rialtas agus muintir na Catalóine reifreann ceangailteach ar neamhspleáchas a fháil agus éilímid ar Rialtas na Spáinne reachtaíocht a achtú le ligean do mhuintir na Catalóine an reifreann ceangailteach seo ar neamhspleáchas a reáchtáil. An Coiste Náisiúnta Óige

23.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tsárobair atá déanta le 12 mhí ag Martina Anderson BPE mar Chathaoirleach ar Thoscaireacht na Palaistíne sa Pharlaimint Eorpach agus leanaimid ar aghaidh ag tacú léi agus í ag úsáid an phoist sin le haird a tharraingt ar an éagóir atá á déanamh ar mhuintir na Palaistíne ina streachailt dhlisteanach ar son na saoirse agus le stát a bheith acu. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo beannachtaí dlúthpháirtíochta chuig muintir na Palaistíne atá ag maireachtáil faoi smacht forghabhála nó ar deoraíocht. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo gabháil leanúnach thalamh na Palaistíne ar an mBruach Thiar agus in Iarúsaléim Thoir a sháraíonn an dlí idirnáisiúnta agus Choinbhinsiún na Ginéive 1949. Éilímid feidhmiú rúin na Náisiún Aontaithe agus forfheidhmiú dlí idirnáisiúnta. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis go dtógfar léigear pionósach agus mídhleathach Ghaza, go n-ósclófar gach trasnú teorann chomh maith le calafort Ghaza, agus go sínfear an limistéar iascaireachta. Creidimid gur coir chogaidh é infreastruchtúr mar ospidéil agus scoileanna a bhuamáil d’aon turas agus mar sin gur chóir don Chúirt Choiriúil Idirnáisiúnta é a fhiosrú. Molann an Ard-Fheis tacaíocht iomlán a thabhairt don fheachtas Baghcait, Dífheistihe agus Smachtbhannaí. Éilímid go háirithe go stopfaidh Rialtas na hÉireann láithreach ag fáil armála agus trealamh míleata ó dhéantúsóirí Israelacha. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis na rúin ar tugadh tacaíocht dóibh sa Seanad agus sa Dáil araon ag éileamh ar Rialtas na hÉireann aitheantas foirmiúil a thabhairt do Stát na Palaistíne ar bhonn theorainneacha 1967 le hOirthear na hIarúsaléime mar phríomhchathair. Eilímid ar Rialtas na hÉirean seo a dhéanamh gan a thuilleadh moille. Comhaire Ceantair Dhoire

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 24.

www.sinnfein.ie Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo na feabhsuithe leanúnacha i normálú an chaidrimh idir Cúba agus SAM. Athdhearbhaímid ár n-éileamh ar SAM a imshuí neamhdhlteathach a thógáil go hiomlán. Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo na céimeanna chun tosaigh i gcaibidlí síochána na Colóime. Ach is eol dúinn na mí-úsáidí tromchúiseacha chearta an duine agus na constaicí atá ann fós roimh an bpróiseas daonlathach. Tacaímid le gach iarracht síocháin bhuan a bhaint amach sa Cholóim agus éilímid ar Rialtas na Colóime a chinntiú go léirítear meas ar chearta an duine agus ar an bpróiseas daonlathach. Nótálaimid freisin le himní iarrachtaí leanúnacha na heite deise sa Veiniséala baint as faoin réabhlóid Bholavárach agus an dul chun cinn sóisialta atá déanta ag an tír le blianta beaga anuas a scrios. Cumann Devlin Plunkett, Teach Mealóg/Tír an Iúir

25.

Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo ár bpolasaí bheith rannpháirteach go criticiúil leis an AE agus athdheimhnímid ár dtacaíocht don fheachtas do Thuaisceart na hÉireann fanacht san AE. Leanfaidh Sinn Féin ar aghaidh ag obair le comhghuaillithe forásacha san Eoraip leis na gnéithe dearfacha den Aontas Eorpach a fheabhsú, troid in aghaidh na dtréithe diúltacha agus na hinstitiúidí a choinneáil cuntasach. Leanfaidh Sinn Féin ar aghaidh ag cur in aghaidh lagú an fhlaithis náisiúnta agus ag cosaint chumas na mBallstát. Cuirfidh Sinn Féin in aghaidh aon sárú ar neodracht na hÉireann. Cuirfidh Sinn Féin i gcoinne aon iarracht ag Rialtas na Breataine tarraing amach as an AE. Bheadh impleachtaí diúltacha ann d’Éirinn, Thuaidh agus Theas, dá leanfadh astarraingt stát na Breataine as an AE nó dá dtarraingeoidís amach as ar fad. Céim siar mhór a bheadh ann don phróiseas polaitiúil sa Tuaisceart, agus bheadh sé ina dhúshlán díreach do shláine Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta mar chonradh ceangailteach idirnáisiúnta. Bhainfeadh sé as faoi chomhoibriú uile-oileáin chomh maith agus dhaingneodh sé an chríochdheighilt. Bheadh imeacht na Breataine i gcoinne leas an phobail áitiúil. Is é an cómhéid a chaillfí in infheistíocht AE, foirdheontais agus cistí do Thuaisceart na hÉireann (agus na contaethe cois teorann sa Deisceart) mar gheall ar an mBreatain imeacht as an AE ná timpeall £2.5 billiún. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo, má imíonn Breatain as an AE, go gcuirfí tús le haontacht na hÉireann láithreach. Ard-Chomhairle

26.

Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo tiomantas Shinn Féin do neodracht na hÉireann agus polasaí eachtrannach neamhspleách. Nótálaimid diúltú Rialtas na hÉireann tacú leis an mBille um Neodracht a chuir Sinn Féin síos ar chlár sa Dáil, ina bhfuil éileamh ar reifreann leis an neodracht a dhaingniú i mBunreacht na hÉireann agus le stad a chur láithreach le húsáid aerfoirt, calafoirt agus aerspás na hÉireann ag lucht míleata eachtrannach le cogadh a fhearadh. Cumann Markievicz/Ryan, Tallacht Láir An Coiste Náisiúnta Óige

27.

Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo le himní an ghéarchéim teifeach agus dhaonnúil sa Mheánoirthear agus san Eoraip. Cuirimid in iúl go bhfuilimid in aghaidh aon socrú AE faoina ndéanfaí olldíbirt ar lucht iarrtha tearmainn agus éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann a chinntiú go bhfuil ról ceannasach ag Éirinn ag dul i ngleic leis an ngéarchéim dhaonnúlach seo agus cainéil nua dhleathacha a oscailt do theifigh lena n-athlonnú go sábháilte in Éirinn. Nótálaimid gealltanas Shinn Féin an Bille um Chosaint Idirnáisiúnta 2015 a leasú le tabhairt faoi na heaspaí maidir le cearta leanaí, athaontú teaghlach, agus rochtain ar obair agus oideachas. Cumann Markievicz/Ryan, Tamhlacht Láir

www.sinnfein.ie

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Maidin Dé Sathairn

An Comhshaol 28.

Tá comhbhá ag an Ard-Fheis seo leo siúd go léir – teaghlaigh phríobháideacha, gnólachtaí agus an pobal feirmeoireachta san áireamh – a bhí scriosta ag tuilte ar fud na tíre le deireanas. Éilímid ar Rialtas na hEireann Gníomhaireacht Bhainistíochta Abhainn na Sionainne a chur i bhfeidhm le freagracht fhoriomlán as forbairt na Sionainne agus as straitéis le tabhairt faoi na saincheisteanna seo láithreach. Caithfear cosaintí tuilte agus draenáil a chur i bhfeidhm lena chinntiú nach féidir le cás mar seo tarlú arís. Thairis sin éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann pacáiste cúitimh so-rochtana le tacú le daoine lena maoin dhamáistithe a athshlánú agus lena thabhairt ar chomhlachtaí árachais a gcomhaontuithe conartha leo siúd atá clúdaithe a chomhlíonadh agus leanúint ar aghaidh ag cur árachais ar fáil do na daoine seo amach anseo. Cumann an Chláir Thoir

29.

Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Aithnímid ullmhúchán agus gníomhaíocht éifeachtach an Aire Talmhaíochta Tionóil Michelle O’Neill ag freagairt do na tuilte sa gheimhreadh; • Aithnímid a láithreacht ar an talamh agus a cuid oibre le daoine a bhí thíos leis na tuilte; • Tréaslaímid leis an Aire O’Neill as an scéim cosanta maoine ó thuilte a lainseáil sí i mí Eanáir, a thugann cabhair i ndeontas suas le 90% do mhaoin bhaile agus ghnó i dtreo bearta maolaithe tuilte; • Aithnímid an íocaíocht chruatain atá curtha ar fáil ag an aire d’fheirmeoirí agus do ghnólachtaí beaga ar imir na tuilte is deireanaí tionchar mór orthu; • Nótálaimid an t-athbhreithniú neamhspleách atá tionscnaithe ag an aire le machnamh a dhéanamh ar conas a fhéadfaidh troid in éadan tuilte amach anseo agus éilimid straitéis uile-oileáin le pleanáil éifeachtach agus comhroinnt acmhainní agus eolais a chinntiú. Comhairle Ceantair Thír Eoghain Theas & Thoir

30.

Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Tacaímid leis an ngá gealltanais dhomhanda astaíochtaí de gháis ceaptha teasa a thabhairt chun cinn agus spriocanna a bhaineann le méadú na meánteochta domhanda a choinneáil go maith faoi 2°C a chomhlíonadh; • Aithnímid an dul chun cinn déanta ag Chomhdháil Pháirtithe AE den Tionól ar Athrú Aeráide a tionóladh i bPáras i mí na Nollag 2015, ina raibh ceannairí domhanda, 196 thír agus feachtais neamhrialtais páirteach, lena n-áirítear iad siúd ó Éirinn Thuaidh agus Theas; • Creidimid go láidir nuair atáthar ag tabhairt faoin athrú aeráide go gcaithfear tús áite a thabhairt do bhunchearta daonna agus cearta na nglún amach anseo thar leasanna dílsithe an ghnó mhóir nó stát aonair. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuil na 26 Chontae ar an táirgeoir déiríochta is lú éifeachtúlacht ó thaobh astúcháin de agus an cúigiú táirgeoir is éifeachtúla mairteola ó thaobh astúcháin de san AE; • Is féidir le hÉirinn bheith ar thús cadhnaíocht an domhain i dtáirgeadh, bainistiú agus margaíocht bia ar bheagán carbóin, ar ardchaighdeán agus atá inbhuanaithe; • Caithfimid níos mó taighde a dhéanamh ar theicneolaíochtaí le hastúcháin a laghdú ó thalmhaíocht, ár gcumas a mhéadú agus ár bhfeirmeoirí a oiliúint; • Caithfimid córais fuinnimh agus iompair ghlana uile-oileáin idirnasctha a fhorbairt agus teicneolaíochtaí nua a thógáil ar dtús le húsáid in Éirinn ach chomh maith leis sin le deiseanna suntasacha easpórtála a thabhairt dúinn; • Is é cuspóir an athoiriúnaithe leochaileacht i leith athrú aeráide a laghdú, ag laghdú, mar sin, a thionchair dhiúltacha ach ag an am céanna ag feabhsú ár gcumas aon bhuntáistí ó athrú aeráide a cheapadh ar fud an oileáin. Éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar Fheidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt cur chuige uileoileáin a ghlacadh lenár riachtanais fuinnimh, ár riachtanais iompair, ár dtalmhaíocht agus ár bhfeirmeoireacht, foraoiseacha agus acmhainní nádúrtha a bhainistiú leis an bhféidearthacht is mó a bhaint amach as athoiriúnú le haghaidh comhshaol domhanda atá ag athrú agus tairbhe a bhaint as deiseanna nua eacnamaíocha. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 31.

www.sinnfein.ie

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo cosc ar shorcais ina bhfuil ainmhithe fiáine. Tá sorcais ina bhfuil ainmhithe faoi chosc faoi láthair ina lán tíortha agus ag comhairlí áitiúla. Ba mhaith leis an Ard-Fheis seo cosc náisiúnta a bheith orthu ar thalamh údarás áitiúil agus ar thalamh príobháideach. Cumann Achadh an Iúir/an Mhullaigh, an Cabhán Cumann Wolfe Tone, Nás

32.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann reachtaíocht a chur i bhfeidhm láithreach a d’fhéachfadh le hachair curtha siar a chur i bhfeidhm go dian ar fhorbairtí tuirbíní gaoithe, ag sonrú go gcaithfidh fuinneamh inathnuaite a ghintear in Éirinn bheith chun sochair don tomhaltóir fuinnimh in Éirinn. Áitíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar údaráis áitiúla glacadh go dáiríre le fíor-imní pobal áitiúil faoi rioscaí ó fhorbairt feirmeacha gaoithe don tsláinte, don chomhshaol, don tuath agus do shlite beatha faoin tuath. Caithfidh na húdarais seo gan a cheadú go mbeidh tús áite ag brabús corparáideach ar chearta shaoránaigh na hÉireann. Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar

33.

Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo in iúl arís go gcuirimid i gcoinne muirir bruscair agus go gcuirimid i gcoinne an chórais íoctha de réir meáchain a thug an tAire Alan Kelly isteach i laethanta deiridh an rialtais dheireanaigh sna 26 Chontae. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na deacrachtaí ar leith a chruthóidh seo do na 70,000 cúramóir ar fud an stáit nach féidir leo ábhar dramhaíola leighis a athchúrsáil, mar shampla clúidíní, bráillíní aon uaire, ciarsúir agus steallairí plaisteacha. Breathnaímid ar an réimeas nua bailithe dramhaíola seo a ghearrann muirir mar cháin théaltaitheach eile ar theaghlaigh. Má tá an roinn meáite ar an gcóras íoctha de réir meáchain éilímid go gcuirfear ar fionraí é go dtí go gceapfar Coimisiún Neamhspleách leis an mbeart a thástáil agus an tionchar ar chúramóirí, chomh maith le grúpaí eile mar dhaoine ar ioncam íseal, daoine a fhaigheann leasanna stáit agus daoine a bhfuil drochshláinte nó míchumas acu, a mheasúnú agus a dtátail a chur in iúl. Cumann Tom Kealy, Cill Droichid

34.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo, i bhfianaise pleananna le deireanas áiseanna nua núicléacha a thógáil ar chósta thiar na Breataine, ar Shinn Féin leanúint ar aghaidh ag caitheamh solais ar imní mhuintir na hÉireann, go háirithe ar an gcósta thoir, maidir leis an ionad núicléach ag Sellafield agus aon ionaid cumhachta núicléacha eile a thógáil sa Bhreatain. Cumann Keenan/Doherty, Carraig Mhachaire Rois Cumann Mitchell/Sands, Carraig Mhachaire Rois

35.

Diúltaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo polasaithe Rialtas na hÉireann sa doiciméad Keeping Communities Safe (KCS). Baineann an doiciméad polasaí, a foilsíodh in 2013, leis an tseirbhís dóiteáin agus is cleachtas ciorraithe costas go príomha a mbeadh impleachtaí móra aige do shábháilteacht bhaill na seirbhíse dóiteáin agus don phobal i gcoitinne. Sa doiciméad polasaí KCS moltar criúnna a ísliú de 20% agus athrú ó ghlaonna dóiteáin uathoibríocha go glaonna roghnacha, ag tabhairt an chumhachta d’údaráis a shocrú cé acu éigeandála a bhfreagróidh siad orthu. Tacaímid le seasamh SIPTU agus Cumann Dóiteáin agus Seirbhísí Éigeandála na hÉireann agus iad ag cur i gcoinne Keeping Communities Safe. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo chomh maith ár dtacaíocht d’Údarás Náisiúnta Dóiteáin Uile-Éireann. Cumann Steenie Mulvey, Bré

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Iompar 37.

Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an rogha a thabhairt do chomhraiceoirí dóiteáin coinnithe aistriú go post nua laistigh d’aon údarás áitiúil nó an tseirbhís phoiblí níos leithne nuair a bhaineann siad amach an aois scoir éigeantach, 55 bliana d’aois, nó an aois shínte, 58, ar bhonn fiúntais. Cumann Chéitinn/Uí Sheachnasaigh, Port Láirge

Agus praghsanna árachais ag méadú, ag séanadh ar dhaoine óga soghluaisteacht agus ag cur daoine soghonta den bhóthar mar gheall ar phraghas, geallfaidh an Ard-Fheis seo athchóiriú ar dhlithe dliteanais ó bhun go barr in Éirinn lena dtabhairt cothrom le noirm idirnáisiúnta. Cumann Margaret Joyce, an Clochán

www.sinnfein.ie 38.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar na húdarais sa Tuaisceart an córas méadrach a thabhairt isteach do gach comhartha tráchta agus gach comhartha bóthair bainteach lena dtabhairt cothrom leis an gcuid eile den oileán agus chomh maith le heagras uile-Éireann a chruthú le teorainneacha luais agus comharthaí tráchta bóthair a chaighdeánú. Cumann Clarke/Smith/Doherty, Fionnghlas

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Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo • an tionchar atá ag dhá pholasaí éagsúla ar dhleacht/cháin paisinéirí aeir, Thuaidh agus Theas, ar fhás féideartha na hearnála turasóireacht sa Tuaisceart; • nótálaimid an easpa bealaí paisinéirí aeir amach as an Tuaisceart i gcomparáid leis an gcuid eile den tír; • éilíonn sé ar Fheidhmeannas Thuaisceari Éireannach amharc isteach i ndeireadh a chur le dleacht paisnéirí eitleán. Cumann Gerard Casey, Ros Earcáin

Tráthnóna Dé Sathairn

2016 & Éire Aontaithe

Aontacht na hÉireann a Fhíorú 40.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur am é 2016 – cothrom 100 bliain ó Éirí Amach na Cásca – le machnamh a dhéanamh ar ghealltanas an Fhorógra nár cuireadh i gcrích. 100 bliain ó shin tháinig fir agus mná ó fud fad na hÉireann agus ón Diaspóra le chéile le creatlach a tharraingt le chéile do Phoblacht fhlaitheasach, neamhspleách agus chuaigh siad i mbun gnímh le hí a bhaint amach. Níor baineadh an Éire seo, Éire na gComhionann go fíor, amach fós – ach is féidir. Tá aontas na hÉireann inbhuanaithe, inbhainte amach agus le leas gach duine. Mar sin éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Ar Rialtas na hÉireann Páipéar Glas ar aontacht na hÉireann a thabhairt isteach le tús a chur le pleanáil phraiticiúil le haghaidh athaontú; • Ar Rialtas na hÉireann reifreann a thionscnamh ar chearta vótála uachtaránachta do shaoránaigh i dTuaisceart na hÉireann agus sa Diaspóra Éireannach; • Ar an Oireachtas ballraíocht Dála uathoibríoch a thabhairt isteach do Bhaill Parlaiminte sa Tuaisceart agus, ag feitheamh leis seo, cearta cainte agus comhairliúcháin a thabhairt isteach do Bhaill Parlaiminte sa Tuaisceart agus Baill Tionóil sa Dáil agus sa Seanad; • Ar an Oireachtas an mheicníocht chuí a chomhaontú le próiseas comhphlé náisiúnta a éascú le gach páirtí agus príomhearnálacha ionacaíoch ar an tsochaí shibhialta ar an oileán dul i gcomhairle a chéile maidir lenár dtodhchaí pholaitiúil, lena n-áirítear na saincheisteanna aontacht, síocháin agus athmhuintearas. Ard Chomhairle

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Cuimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo, i mbliain seo an chomórtha ar Éirí Amach 1916, ar na híobairtí a rinne gach glúin de phoblachtánaithe agus iad sa tóir ar na hídéil a bhí san Fhorógra. Cuirimid fáilte roimh na céadta míle saoránach a ghlac páirt sna hócáidí comórtha i ngach contae. Aithnímid go bhfuil dualgas orainn ní amháin chun na hócáidí a tharla 100 bliain ó shin a cheiliúradh agus a chomóradh – ach aithnímid go bhfuil spriocanna na réabhlóide le fíorú go fóill agus go bhfuil spriocanna an Fhorógra le baint amach go fóill. Poblacht uile-Éireann a bhí i bPoblacht 1916 – ceann ina mbeadh cearta polaitiúla, sóisialta agus eacnamaíocha ag saoránaigh; ceann ina mbeadh saoirse chreidimh agus shibhialta; a chuir bunchloch le poblacht cheart dhaonlathach tofa ag a cuid fear agus ban; agus a thug deis do náisiún na hÉireann a háit a ghlacadh i measc thíortha ceannasacha an domhain. Aithnímid nár cuireadh na hídéil seo i gcrích go fóill agus táimid tiomanta in athuair le bheith mar ghlúin a chuireann Poblacht ar bun. Ard Chomhairle

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 42.

www.sinnfein.ie Aithníonn an Ard Fheis seo • Gur thacaigh tromlach de mhuintir na hÉireann, thuaidh agus theas, le Comhaontú Aoine an Chéasta agus go réitíonn sé an bealach le haghaidh athruithe bunreachtúla ar bhonn síochánta agus daonlathach trí reifrinn ar aontacht na hÉireann; • Gur mithid do phobal na tíre, thuaidh agus theas, a gceart daonlathach vótáil ar athaontú na hÉireann a fheidhmiú. • Gur dualgas Rialtas na hÉireann agus Rialtas na Breataine é féachaint chuige go mbeidh faill ag saoránaigh na hÉireann go léir a gcearta daonlathacha a fheidhmiú trí reifrinn ar aontacht na hÉireann a ghairm le linn shaolré an chéad Tionóil agus na céad Dála eile. Comhairle Ceantair an Lú

Ag cuimhneamh ar an am atá caite 43.

• Fáiltíonn an Ard Fheis seo roimh bhua fheachtasóirí Sráid an Mhúraigh san Ardchúirt (a rialaigh ar a son i gcoinne an Rialtais) a choscann scartáil ar láthair chatha Shráid an Mhúraigh agus anois cinntíonn sé go n-ainmneofar é mar shéadchomhartha náisiúnta faoi chosaint an stáit; • Aithníonn an Ard Fheis seo tiomantas na ndaoine sin atá gaolta le ceannairí 1916 agus iad siúd a thacaigh lena bhfeachtas le blianta fada anuas Sráid an Mhúraigh agus lánaí na staire a shábháil, sráideanna a bhí mar urphost deiridh na Cheanncheathrúna Ginearálta Arm na Poblachta 1916 ó scartáil na bhforbróirí. • Aithníonn an Ard Fheis seo tacaíocht shuntasach an phobail ar fud na tíre agus i measc an diaspóra do chaomhnú iomlán an tséadchomhartha náisiúnta agus forbairt cheantar Ard-Oifig an Phoist/Shráid an Mhúraigh mar cheathrú stairiúil de chuid na réabhlóide agus láthair chatha. • Cáineann an Ard Fheis seo Rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre as diúltú scun scan an chumhacht reachtúil a bhí ar fáil dóibh agus iad i gcumhacht ceantar Ard-Oifig an Phoist/Shráid an Mhúraigh a ainmniú mar shéadchomhartha náisiúnta a bhfuil tábhacht stairiúil agus náisiúnta ag baint leis, ceantar ar chóir dó bheith le leas sóisialta, cultúrtha agus eacnamúil Bhaile Átha Cliath agus an chuid eile d’Éirinn. Iarrann an Ard Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann: • Ordú an Aire a cheadaíonn scartáil uimhreacha 13,18 agus 19 Sráid An Mhúraigh a chealú láithreach; • Ordú caomhnaithe a thabhairt isteach do Shéadchomhartha Náisiúnta Shráid an Mhúraigh ar fad; • Oibriú le Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath, gaolta 1916 agus na páirtithe leasmhara ar fad plean le haghaidh creat uirbeach a chur i bhfeidhm don cheantar; • Bualadh le Fóram Shráid an Mhúraigh de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath agus Coiste Comhairleach Shráid an Mhúraigh agus oibriú i gcomhar leo chun an cuspóir seo a bhaint amach; • Ionad comórtha a fhorbairt mar chuid de scéim níos leithne le haghaidh athnuachan na ceathrún stairiúla seo; • Trádáil sráide agus margaidh a fheabhsú; • Dul ar ais i mbun pleanáil bhunaidh agus le páirtithe leasmhara aontú ar fhorbairt cheantar Ard-Oifig an Phoist/Shráid an Mhúraigh mar shéadchomhartha náisiúnta, le bheith caomhnaithe agus forbartha faoi chosaint an stáit mar cheathrú réabhlóideach stairiúil ar féidir leis a bheith mar chomhartha ómóis d’fhir agus mná 1916. Ard Chomhairle

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Tacaíonn an Ard Fheis seo le héilimh do shaoire bainc nua ainmnithe go dlíthiúil mar Lá na Poblachta ar 24 Aibreán gach bliain. Tacaíonn an Ard Fheis seo freisin le bunú Bórd Lá na Poblachta chun na himeachtaí a eagrú a dhéanfaidh comóradh, agus léireoidh meas ar an méid a rinne na daoine sin a thug a saol agus a saoirse chun Náisiún Éireannach a bhaint amach a bhí saor ó fhorghabháil tír choimhthíoch. Cumann Robert Emmet, Durlas Cumann Keating/Sands, Port Láirge Cumann Christy Dixon, An Balla Thoir

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Éilíonn an Ard Fheis seo sa bhliain a bhfuil comóradh céad bliain Éirí Amach 1916 ann, go n-ainmneofaí príomhshráideanna i mBaile Átha Cliath agus in áiteanna eile i ndiaidh laochra Sheachtain na Cásca. Cumann Christy Dixon, An Balla Thoir

An Ghaeilge agus Cultúr 46.

Molann an Ard Fheis seo obair Shinn Féin agus gníomhaithe Gaeilge atá ag cur ár gceart teanga chun cinn ar fud an oileáin, ina measc: • Bunú na gceathrúna Gaeltachta, na hiarrachtaí breise a rinneadh le hAcht na Gaeilge a thabhairt isteach ag leibhéal an Fheidhmeannais, cur chun cinn an ghaeloideachais ag an Aire John O’Dowd de chuid Shinn Féin agus seoladh fheachtas Líofa sa Tuaisceart ag an Aire Carál Ní Chuilin de chuid Shinn Féin; • Rannpháirtíocht i bhfeachtas Dearg le Fearg agus beartú tosaíochta na Gaeilge i mBuiséad Malartach agus Forógra Shinn Féin sa Deisceart; • Cruthú Plécháipéis uile oileánda Shinn Féin ar an nGaeilge Tá moltaí mionsonraithe sa cháipéis chuimsitheach ceartbhunaithe seo a bhaineann le hathnuachan ceantar Gaeltachta, oideachas agus leasú na hearnála poiblí, ag cur na teanga chun cinn sna meáin, agus ag cruthú na ndeiseanna is forleithne agus is féidir chun cuidiú leis an bpobal an teanga a fhoghlaim agus a úsáid. Aithnímid gur féidir le rannpháirtíocht sa Ghaeilge cur le fíorú Éireann aontaithe, ilchultúrtha trí meas ar an ilghnéitheacht a chur chun cinn. Iarrann an Ard Fheis seo ar an bpáirtí tabhairt faoi phróiseas comhairliúcháin le pobal na Gaeilge agus an pobal i gcoitinne, ina dhiaidh sin foilseoidh an páirtí an leagan deiridh de Cháipéis Pholasaí don Ghaeilge. Ard Chomhairle Cumann Phil Meehan, Liatroim

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Molann an Ard Fheis seo obair an Aire Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta agus an Aire Oideachais as an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn agus as tacú léi agus athdhearbhaímid ár ngealltanais: • Tacú le hAcht na Gaeilge a thabhairt isteach; • Tacú le straitéis Ghaeilge a thabhairt isteach; • Earnáil an Ghaeloideachais a fhás lena chinntiú go mbeidh deis ag gach páiste foghlaim trí mheán na Gaeilge; • Tacú le Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge trí mhaoiniú caipitil; • Tacú le Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta; • Tacú le feachtas Líofa a leathnú amach; • Tacú le cuidiú breise a sholáthar do thuismitheoirí i scoilcheantair Gaeloideachais chun tuismitheoirí a spreagadh le Gaeilge a úsáid lena bpáistí; • Tacú le forbairt na Ceathrún Gaeltachta in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste agus le bunú Gaeltacht Tuaithe i gCarn Tóchair; • Tacú le Gael Acadamh i gcónaí; • Tacú le maoiniú do Chiste Craoltóireachta na Gaeilge i gcónaí. Cumann Mhairtirigh Bhaile Andarsain, Béal Feirste Thiar

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Fáiltíonn an Ard Fheis seo le tiomantas an Aire Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta Carál Ní Chuilin agus Cumann Lúthchleas Gael staidiam cúige úrscothach a thógáil i bPáirc Mhic Easmaint. Fáiltímid roimh fhógairt an chomhairliúcháin a reáchtálfaidh an CLG agus táimid ag súil le réiteach ar cibé deacrachtaí atá le socrú fós. Creidimid go mbeidh tionchar eacnamúil suntasach ag an £71 milliún atá á infheistiú i bPáirc Mhic Easmaint ar Iarthar Bhéal Feirste. Chomh maith leis sin, cruthóidh na clásail shóisialta atá sa chonradh deiseanna fostaíochta don phobal áitiúil. Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh Béal Feirste Thiar

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Tacaíonn an Ard Fheis seo le bunú fhoireann peile uile Éireann le hionadaíocht a dhéanamh thar cheann an náisiúin ar an ardán idirnáisiúnta. Cumann Óglaigh Dhiarmuid Uí Néill, Iarthar Chorcaigh

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie

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Tacaíonn an Ard Fheis seo leis na 26 Contae Coinbhinsiún Faro a shíniú agus a dhaingniú. Is é aidhm an choinbhinsiúin treisiú le saol an phobail agus leis an daonlathas trí bhéim a leagan ar cheart an uile duine baint a bheith acu lena rogha féin oidhreachta cultúrtha. Chuige sin molann an coinbhinsiún do phobail oibriú le chéile ar mhaithe lena n-oidhreacht chultúrtha roinnte. Tá pobail ag obair ar mhaithe le hoidhreacht chultúrtha, a dtugtar pobail oidhreacht chultúrtha orthu, ar cheann d’eilimintí ceannródaíochta an choinbhinsiúin. Cumann Drumm/Doherty/Clarke , Cluain Dolcáin

Cothroime 51.

Fáiltíonn an Ard Fheis seo roimh thoradh stairiúil reifreann 2015 sa Deisceart ar chothromas pósta agus molann sí foireann Shinn Féin sa Tionól as an gceist seo a chur chun cinn agus as a n-obair leanúnach ar an ábhar seo. Aithnímid go gcaithfear an ceart bunúsach ar chothromas pósta a chur chun cinn sa Tuaisceart agus iarrann sí reachtaíocht sa Tionól a cheadóidh cearta cothromas pósta do shaoránaigh uile na Sé Chontae. Cumann Sheena Campbell, An Corr Dubh Cumann Smith/Savage, Caisleán an Chnoic Cumann Devlin Plunkett, An Teampall Óg/ Tír an Iúir

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Éilíonn an rún seo ar Shinn Féin tacú le Reifreann ar leasú ar Alt 15 2 de Bhunreacht Na hÉireann le go mbeidh teidlíocht chéanna gan srianta ag mná agus atá ag fir ar áiteanna rialúcháin i nDáil Éireann agus i Seanad Éireann. Beidh an méid seo a leanas sa rún atá molta, leis an bhfoclaíocht seo a leanas i gcló iodálach ALT 15 2 San Oireachtas beidh an tUachtarán agus Dhá Theach, viz.: Teach Teachtaí ar a dtabharfar Dáil Éireann agus Seanad ar a dtabharfar Seanad Éireann agus beidh an líon céanna fear agus ban ann. Cumann MacDiarmada Gilgunn, Liatroim Thuaidh

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Iarann an Ard Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann glacadh le Treoir 2013/33/EU agus a bheith rannpháirteach sna leasuithe dlíthiúla ar an gComhchóras Tearmainn Eorpach (CTE). D’fhéachfadh Treoir 2013/33/EU agus na leasuithe ar CTE chuige go gcaithfí níos cothroime le hiarrthóirí tearmainn agus a dteaghlaigh, deiseanna a bheith ag obair san áireamh. Treisíonn an Ard Fheis seo gealltanas Shinn Féin cur in éadan córas an tsoláthair dhírigh agus iarrann sé go gcuirfí ar ceal é agus ina áit tacú le samhail neamhbhrabúis a bhfuil prionsabail dínite, neamhspleáchais agus imeasctha lárnach inti. Cumann Murt/Quilter, Áth an Rí

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Aithníonn an Ard Fheis seo nach bhfuil cearta dlíthiúla go huathoibríoch ag aithreacha neamhphósta maidir lena bpáistí agus nach dtugann ainm ar an teastas breithe cearta dlíthiúla ar bith duit ann féin i dtaca le do pháiste. Molann an Ard Fheis seo gur chóir do Shinn Féin reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach a thabharfadh cearta iomlána agus uathoibríocha d’aithreacha i dtaca lena bpáistí ó thaobh caomhnóireachta, cúraim, agus rochtana ar a gcuid páistí, ag brath ar leas an pháiste. Cumann Martin Hurson, UCC

55.

Iarann an Ard Fheis seo ar an pháirtí tacú le polasaí Chumann na gCraoltóirí Neamhspleácha ar chur chun cinn agus maoiniú raidió neamhspleách in Éirinn, ina measc: • Aitheantas foirmiúil don inchur suntasach a dhéanann staisiúin neamhspleácha raidió maidir le craoltóireacht seirbhíse poiblí (CSP); • Ciste nua chun tacú le CSP ar staisiúin neamhspleácha raidió; • Leasú ar Rannán 108 den Acht Craoltóireachta 2009 chun sainiú agus teorannú a dhéanamh ar shainordú tráchtála RTÉ. Iarrann an Ard Fheis fosta go scaoilfí na srianta agus go laghdófaí na bacainní ar fhorbairt staisiún neamhspleách raidió. Iarrann an Ard Fheis seo ar an pháirtí na pointí polasaí a chur faoi bhráid an Oireachtais nó Pharlaimint na hEorpa de réir mar is cuí. Cumann Michael J. Marren, Sligeach Theas

www.sinnfein.ie

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Athchóiriú Polaitíochta 56.

• Dearbhaíonn an Ard Fheis seo ar dtacaíocht d’athchóiriú polaitíochta radacach a dhéanann tosaíocht de leas na saoránach seachas lucht na gciorcal órga agus scothaicme na hÉireann. • Molann an Ard Fheis seo ar dTeachtaí Dála a ceapadh chun feachtas an pháirtí maidir le hathchóiriú polaitíochta a stiúradh. Tá seo bunaithe ar na moltaí a faomhadh ag Ard Fheis 2014 sa cháipéis ‘I dtreo Poblacht Nua’. Bhí na teachtaí seo rannpháirteach i bhfochoiste athchóirithe na Dála ó tharla an t-olltoghchán. Iarrann an Ard Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann: • Athchóirithe bríocha radacacha a thabhairt isteach a spreagfaidh iontaobh agus muinín an phobail sa pholaitíocht agus sa saol poiblí, an Dáil, an Seanad, an Feidhmeannas agus comhlachtaí stáit san áireamh; • Aithint go n-éilíonn reifreann an Rialtais ar scór an tSeanaid a reáchtáladh i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2013 agus a dhiúltaigh an pobal, an gá le tosaíocht a dhéanamh d’athchóiriú réalaíoch na hinstitiúide sin atá dírithe ar an scothaicme, atá neamhdhaonlathach, agus do-ghlactha sa riocht ina bhfuil sí faoi láthair; • Dul i ngleic le cairdeas fabhair agus agus patrúnacht sa saol polaitiúil agus poiblí agus athchóiriú a chur chun cinn le hoscailteacht, cothromas agus freagracht i gcríolár pholaitíocht na hÉireann. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

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Treisíonn an Ard Fheis seo lena héilimh ar chearta vótála d’eisimircigh i dtoghcháin Thuaidh agus Theas. Iarraimid go dtabharfaí a gceart vótála i dtoghcháin Uachtaránachta do shaoránaigh na hÉireann go léir, agus mar thoghcheantar teoranta i dtoghcháin Dála faoi mar a leagadh amach inár gcáipéis ar athchóiriú polaitíochta ‘I dtreo Poblacht Nua’. Chomh maith leis sin, iarrann an Ard Fheis seo ar Rialtas na Breataine reáchtaíocht chomhchosúil a thabhairt chun cinn a ligfidh do shaoránaigh eisimirceacha i dTuaisceart na hÉireann na cearta céanna a bheith acu do thoghcháin Westminster agus Tionóil. Cumann Charles J Kickham, An tAonach

Téarnamh Cothrom 58.

Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh fhoilsiú trí mhórthurascáil le deireanas a leagann amach na buntáistí sláinte a bhaineann le hathaontú na hÉireann. Is iad seo Modelling Irish Unification le KLC Consulting, Report on the All-Island Economy le Comhchoiste an Oireachtais ar Phoist, Fionntraíocht agus Nuálaíocht, agus The Economic Case for Irish Unity leis an eacnamaí Michael Burke. Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo go mbeadh buntáiste mór eacnamaíoch ó athaontú polaitiúil agus eacnamaíoch. D’fhéadfadh €35.6 billiún de threisiú a bheith in OTI uile-oileáin sna chéad ocht mbliana d’athaontú, ag eascairt ó: • Comhchuibhiú rátaí cánach • Constaicí roimh thrádáil agus gluaiseacht earraí a bhaint ar shiúl • Aon airgeadra amháin a thabhairt isteach • Deireadh a chur le dúbláil seirbhísí rialtais • Cur chuige comhtháite uile-Éireann le hinfheistíocht agus fás eacnamaíoch a thiomaint. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas coiste ar bun a mbeidh de shaintasc aige comhoibriú eacnamaíoch a chomhoiriúnú agus a uasmhéadú. Ard-Chomhairle

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Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo gur thug Fine Gael agus an Lucht Oibre le cúig bliana anuas buiséad tar éis buiséid isteach a thug cosaint do lucht ardioncaim. Le híoc as seo chuir siad ualach mór ar an ngnáthoibrí agus teaghlach agus d’fhág siad na mílte Éireannach ar thralaithe ospidéil agus 1,500 leanbh i lóistín éigeandála. Seachas infheistiú inár ngeilleagar agus a chinntiú go gceadaítear dea-cháilíocht beatha agus an deis ar phost maith, ghearr Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael agus an Lucht Oibre cánacha chun tairbhe daoine saibhre agus chun aimhleasa don ghnáthoibrí. Is iad seo go díreach na cineálacha polasaithe ba chúis leis an ngéarchéim eacnamaíochta sa chéad dul síos. Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo freisin gur rugadh ar Fhine Gael, an Lucht Oibre

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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agus Fianna Fáil le linn an olltoghcháin le deireanas ag cúbláil na gcuntas le háibhéil a dhéanamh ar a bpleananna caiteachais, ag fágáil a bpleananna eacnamaíocha in aimhréidh. Is é atá ó Shinn Féin geilleagar socair cothromaithe a dhéanfaidh soláthar don tsochaí. Táimid ag iarraidh bogadh ar shiúl ó na timthriallta borradh agus cliseadh a choinníonn na páirtithe eile seo ag dul. Táimid ag iarraidh a chinntiú go bhfuil cibé téarnamh a bheidh ann cothrom agus go mbeidh sé chun tairbhe na ndaoine is mó atá atá buailte ag an déine. Táimid ag iarraidh a chinntiú go bhfuil polasaí eacnamaíoch amach anseo deartha lena chinntiú gur féidir le hÉirinn a féidearthacht iomlán a bhaint amach agus nach mbeidh ar ghlúin leanaí Éireannacha amach anseo aghaidh a thabhairt ar mallacht is imirce éigeantach ann. Caithfidh seo a leanas a bheith ar chuid de: • Dearadh ár gcórais cánach; • Ár Straitéis tionscail; • Ár n-eangach coimirce sóisialta; • An chaoi a bpléitear lenár n-oibrithe; • Ár margadh taithíocht; • Soláthar ár seirbhísí poiblí, lena n-áirítear sláinte, oideachas agus cúram leanaí. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go dtabharfaidh an cineál seo polasaí eacnamaíoch téarnamh atá cothrom agus inbhuanaithe. I measc ár dtosaíochtaí tá: • Obair chuibhiúil ar son pá cuibhiúil; • Córas cánach cothrom forásach chun tairbhe gach oibrí; • Seirbhísí poiblí láidre a chur ar fáil, lena n-áirítear cúram sláinte agus oideachas uilíoch; • A chinntiú, má chailleann oibrí a phost nó a post, go gcosnaítear iad ón mbochtaineacht agus go gcuirtear ar a gcumas filleadh ar an obair nó cuidiú ina bpobal. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

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Tréaslaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo obair ár bhfoirne aireachta Tionóil le cúig bliana anuas agus iad ag seasamh an fhóid in éadan dhéine na dTóraithe agus ag cur a mhalairt de rogha eacnamaíoch atá inchreidte. Go háirithe, déanfaimid tréaslaímid: • Níos mó ná 40,000 post a chruthú agus £3.5 billiún a fháil in infheistíocht dhíreach eachtrannach; • Muirir uisce a stad; • Oidis a choinneáil saor do gach duine; • Deontais agus táillí inacmhainne a choinneáil do mhic léinn; • Níos mó ná £500 milliún a fháil le tacú leo siúd atá faoi anás, lena n-áirítear leanaí agus aosaigh atá soghonta; • Seirbhísí poiblí ríthábhachtacha a chosaint; • An clár forbartha tuaithe is mó a chonacthas sa Tuaisceart riamh a chur ar fáil. Tá an Ard-Fheis seo tiomanta an geilleagar a fhás agus: • Níos mó post agus poist níos fearr a chruthú sna cúig bliana seo romhainn trí infheistíocht isteach agus tacú le cruthú post áitiúil; • Dáileadh eacnamaíoch agus cruthú post cothrom agus cothromaithe a chur i gcrích; • Tacú le Pá Maireachtála mar chéad chéim le fostóir Pá Maireachtála a dhéanamh den earnáil phoiblí; • Comhoibriú uile-Éireann agus comhchuibhiú seirbhísí a mhéadú; • Troid i gcoinne dhéine na dTóraithe agus ár seirbhísí poiblí a chosaint. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

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Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an comhdhearcadh atá ag fás i measc phobal an ghnó agus na hacadúlachta maidir leis na hargóintí eacnamaíocha i bhfách le hÉire aontaithe agus go bhfuil an Teorainn ag leanúint ar aghaidh ina chonstaic roimh fhás eacnamaíoch agus rathúnas in Éirinn. Cé gur déine na constaicí seo sna contaetha cois teorann, aithnímid go bhfuil tionchar acu ar fud na hÉireann. Níl ciall eacnamaíoch ar bith le hairgeadra, córais dlí agus cánach agus reachtais éagsúla ar dhá thaobh na Teorann agus cuireann sé bac ar Éirinn a féidearthacht iomlán a bhaint amach. I measc bhuntáistí eacnamaíocha aontacht na hÉireann bheadh: • Margadh go maith méadaithe a bheadh ina chuidiú le gnólachtaí dúchasacha

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

a thógáil agus an róspléachas ar chorparáidí ilnáisiúnta agus infheistíocht eachtrannach dhíreach a laghdú; • Buntáiste a bhaint as sineirgí i bpríomhearnálacha sna geilleagair sa Tuaisceart agus sa Deisceart a bhfuil bac orthu faoi láthair mar gheall ar an Teorainn; • Seirbhísí poiblí níos fearr a chur ar fáil trí neamhéifeachtúlachtaí atá ann mar gheall ar dhúbláil seirbhísí a laghdú agus trí ligean do shaineolas a cruinníodh in earnálacha mar shláinte a úsáid ar fud an oileáin. Comhairle Ceantair Ard Mhacha Theas

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Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbunófar gníomhaireacht amháin ar fud an oileáin le polasaí agus straitéis a thiomáint chun cinn. Chomhtháthódh an ghníomhaireacht seo an ÚFT, InvestNI agus InterTrade Ireland agus bheadh sé freagrach as: • Forbairt eacnmaíoch ar bhonn uile-oileáin a chomhordú; • Straitéis uile-oileáin infheistíochta agus post a chur i bhfeidhm; • In uireasa Roinn Eacnamaíochta amháin uile-oileáin, a chinntiú go bhfuil na ranna bainteacha i Rialtas na hÉireann agus san Fheidhmeannas páirteach i gcomhphleanáil ó thús go soláthar agus measúnú. Comhairle Ceantair an Lú

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Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo Limistéar Forbartha Geilleagair Teorann le réigiún na Teorann a athbheochan. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • An gá le tabhairt faoina imeallaí atá an geilleagar trasteorann trí Limistéar Forbartha Geilleagair Teorann a chruthú le trádáil a chomhchuibhiú, le brabús a uasmhéadú do ghnólachta Teorann agus le hinfheistíocht agus fostaíocht a mhéadú, rud a chinnteoidh go dtiomnóidh geilleagar an oileáin chun tosaigh i dtreo athbheochan socheacnamaíoch réigiún na Teorann a bheadh ina bhuntáiste don oileán ar fad. • Le Limistéar Forbartha Geilleagair Teorann a chur ar bun beidh gá le tús áite a thabhairt do thionscadail chriticiúla infreastruchtúir agus iad a chur chun cinn, go háirithe bóithre, iarnród agus leathanbhanda; ÚFT Éireann agus InvestNI leis an mbonn Infheistíochta Eachtrannaí Dírí reatha a leathnú agus tús áite níos deimhní a thabhairt do IED nua a lonnú i réigiún na Teorann; infheistíocht agus tacaíocht fhócasaithe do mhicreaghnólachtaí lena n-áirítear baincéireacht, teileacumarsáid, agus costais riaracháin don trádáil trasteorann; constaicí rialála roimh ghnó a dhéanamh ar an Teorainn a bhaint ar shiúl; • Cur chun cinn níos mó choincheap Limistéir Forbartha Eacnamaíoch Teorann le feasacht agus tacaíocht a thógáil ar an agus don tionscnamh; • Straitéis forbartha chomhordaithe don réigiún trasteorann (d’fhéadfadh seo tarraingt ar obair Chreatlach Straitéiseach Réigiúnach an ICBAN a bhí ina chéadchéim i straitéis forbartha chomhordaithe a dhearadh do cheantair lárnacha na teorann); • Cur chuige comhcheangailte i leith maoiniú sa Limistéar Forbartha Teorann ag tógáil ar thátal INTERREG 111 maidir le trí eagras líonra trasteorann a léirigh conas is féidir moltaí a fhorbairt ar bhealach comhtháite straitéiseach; • Tuarascálacha ar Riocht an Limistéir Forbartha Teorann go bliantúil le stádas eacnamaíoch reatha gheilleagar na teorann agus deiseanna fáis agus forbartha a chur i láthair. Cúige Lár Tíre Thiar Thuaidh

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Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis an ról ríthábhachtach atá le himirt ag infreastruchtúr le tuilleadh comhtháthú a dhéanamh ar an ngeilleagar uile-Éireann. Chuige sin aithnímid an gá le dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar: • An tionscadal A5 agus Droichead Caol Uisce; • Líonra iarnróid ar fud an oileáin a fhorbairt lena n-airítear an líne idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Béal Feirste le gur féidir am aistir a laghdú agus le sceidealú a choigeartú go huaireanta atá níos fearr don ghnó; • Tionscadal Chanálacha Uladh a chur i gcrích; • Tuilleadh forbartha ar infreastruchtúr fuinnimh agus uisce. Comhairle Ceantair Ard Mhacha Theas

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Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Cáiním na ciorruithe déine curtha i bhfeidhm ar sheirbhísí poiblí ag rialtas Tóraithe na Breataine ar bhuiséad an Fheidhmeannais sa Tuaisceart agus ag rialtas Fhine Gael/an Luchta Oibre sa Deisceart. • Cuirimid in iúl go gcuirimid i gcoinne ciorrú seirbhísí áitiúla, lena n-áirítear stáisiúin Garda, postoifigí, bealaí iompair, cothabháil bóithre agus an ghéarchéim éigeandála a bhíonn roimh shaoránaigh gach lá i sláinte agus i dtithíocht ar fud na 26 chontae. • Tréaslaímid ár n-ionadaithe sa Tionól as a dtaifead infheistíochta agus a soláthar ag cur ar fáil seirbhísí poiblí ar an líne thosaigh in ainneoin ciorruithe déine airgeadais ar bhuiséad an Fheidhmeannais curtha i bhfeidhm ag rialtas Tóraithe na Breataine. • Éilímid ar an Ard-Fheis seo an clár oibre Uile-Éireann a chur chun cinn ag cosaint ár seirbhísí poiblí, ag cur i gcoinne aon chlár oibre um príobháidiú agus le troid ar son níos mó infheistíochta poiblí, an neamart sa tuath a aisiompú agus téarnamh eacnamaíoch a thabhairt go gach teach ar fud na hÉireann. Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh Béal Feirste Thiar

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Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Aithnímid an imní phoiblí, in Éirinn sa Tuaisceart agus sa Deisceart, maidir le próiseas díolacháin agus ceannaigh an leabhair iasachta sa Tuaisceart (Project Eagle) ag an nGníomhaireacht Náisiúnta um Bainistíocht Sócmhainní (NAMA); • Tréaslaímid obair ár gcomhghleacaithe Tionóil a d’oibrigh go díograiseach mar chuid d’Fhiosrúchán Choiste Airgeadais an Tionóil le leas an phobail a chosaint agus leis na saincheisteanna a bhaineann leis an bpraiseach seo a fhiosrú; • Athdhearbhaímid an tábhacht go gcaithfidh muinín iomlán poiblí a bheith ag NAMA agus iad ag fáil an luacha is fearr don cháiníocóir sna 26 Chontae; Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann a leanas a dhéanamh: • Coimisiún Neamhspleách Fiosrúcháin a bhunú faoin Acht bainteach le scrúdú iomlán agus cuí a dhéanamh ar na fíricí a bhaineann le próiseas díolacháin agus ceannaigh punann leabhar iasachtaí an Tuaiscirt (Project Eagle) agus na nithe a bhaineann leis; • Spriocdháta a bhunú leis an tuarascáil ag an gCoimisiún Fiosrúcháin ar NAMA a chríochnú agus go ndéanfar a tátail a phlé ag an 32ú Dáil laistigh de choicís ó fhoilsiú a tuarascála. Ard-Chomhairle

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Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuil Fiontair Bheaga agus Meánmhéide ag brath cuid mhór ar airgeadú bainc ach go bhfuil rochtain ar chreidmheas fós an-deacair; • Ní bhfuair an Plean Náisiúnta Leathanbhanda fós tairbhe as agus níor ceadaíodh dóibh rochtain ar luais idirlín níos fearr do FBM; • Bhí drochthionchar ar rátaí ró-ard ar FBM; Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo athbhreithniú idir-ranna, faoi stiúir na Ranna Post, Fiontraíochta agus Nuálaíochta, le breathnú ar chóras níos cothroime le haghaidh rátaí trádála a ríomh do ghnólachtaí beaga. Cumann John Joe Sheehy, Trá Lí

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Tréaslaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo an doiciméad plé Shinn Féin Local Banks for Local Business a foilsíodh anuraidh. Moltar sa doiciméad seo Bainc Phoiblí Áitiúla lena chinntiú go bhfuil soláthar cuí agus dóthanach seirbhísí bainc do gach custaiméir agus le forbairt agus infheistíocht áitiúil a chur chun cinn. Tá spreagthacht an bhrabúis agus an tsaint mar gheall uirthi, nach raibh de bhunús ach iad do chuid mhór de chóras baincéireachta na hÉireann ar feadh na mblianta, i ndiaidh dochar a dhéanamh ar shochaí na hÉireann ar feadh na nglún agus tá córas pobalbhunaithe ag teastáil le feidhmiú taobh leis na bainc thraidisiúnta le córas baincéireachta níos cothromaithe a chur ar fáil. Mairtírigh na Mainistreach Léithe, Baile Chill Dara

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Tiomnaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo Sinn Féin le gach tionchar atá le fáil a úsáid lena leanas a dhéanamh: • Reifreann a thionscnamh ar an gComhpháirtíocht Trádála agus Infheistíochta Trasatlantach (TTIP) le SAM agus ar an gComhaontú Cuimsitheach Eacnamaíoch agus Trádála (CETA) le Ceanada; • Socruithe Aighneas Infheistitheora Stáit (ISDS) ó na comhaontuithe TTIP agus CETA; • A chinntiú nach féidir le téarmaí an chomhaontaithe maireachtála reachtaíocht intíre a shárú; • An talmhaíocht, cearta oibrithe, caighdeáin comhshaoil, bia agus rialála, FBManna, seirbhísí sláinte agus poiblí (go háirithe an NHS) a chosaint i ngach caibidlí trádála. Deimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin nach dtacóimid le haon chomhaontú trádál ina bhfuil meicníochtaí Aighneas Infheistitheora Stáit agus ní thacaíonn Sinn Féin le haon mheicníochtaí trádála a cheadaíonn do leas corparáideach dlí intíre a shárú. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo mar sin ar Rialtas na hÉireann a leanas a dhéanamh: • Deireadh a éileamh ar chaibidlí leanúnacha TTIP idir AE agus SAM; • A vóta ar Chomhairle na nAirí le cur i gcoinne dhaingniú CETA; • Initiate a public debate on the consequences of CETA and TTIP on the island of Ireland. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo; • Gurbh é an toradh a bheadh ar thabhairt isteach TTIP(an Chomhpháirtíocht Trádála agus Infheistíochta Thrasatlantach) ná ísliú ar chaighdeáin an AE; • Go bhféadfadh tuilleadh trádála sa ghás scealla trí TTIP cleachtas conspóideach na fraiceála a mhéadú i SAM agus san AE; • Má choinnítear réitigh dhíospóide idir infheisteoirí agus an stát istigh sa socrú d’fhéadfadh go ligfeadh seo do chuideachtaí dúshlán a chur faoi choscanna ar fhraiceáil i reachtaíocht bhaile. Coiste Náisiúnta na nÓg

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Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo comóradh ar an ról lárnach a ghlac Arm Cathartha na hÉireann agus baill de Cheardchumann Oibrithe Iompair agus Ilsaothair na hÉireann chomh maith le baill de Cheardchumann Oibrithe Ban na hÉireann in Éirí Amach 1916. Go gairid roimh Éirí Amach na Cásca, chuir Séamus Ó Conghaile an cheist “Céard is Náisiún Saor Ann?” agus d’fhreagair: “Is é atá de dhíth ar dhul chun cinn síochánta na todhchaí ná seilbh na hÉireann ar na cearta náisiúnta uile a cheiltear anois uirthi. Is ina seilbh, mar sin, amháin is féidir le hoibrithe na hÉireann seasmhacht agus sláine do thorthaí a gcuid saothair agus eagraithe a fheiceáil.” Céad bliain ar aghaidh, tar éis chúlú eacnamaíochta ar chuir an déine eacnamaíoch fad leis, tá an chorraíl thionsclaíoch ag méadú arís eile. Roimh thoghchán ginearálta 1918, d’fhoilsigh Sinn Féin bileog a d’fhógair: “San áit a bhfuiltear ag déanamh forbartha ar acmhainní Éireannacha nó san áit ar ann do thionscail, cuirfidh lucht Shinn Féin rompu a chinntiú go n-íocfar íosphá maireachtála le hoibrithe.” Céad bliain níos déanaí níl athrú tagtha ar bhundúshláin na n-oibrithe - pá cothrom, uaireanta oibre cinnte agus cosaint leordhóthanach in aghaidh an dúshaothraithe. Tá mná, oibrithe ar imircigh iad agus daoine óga ach go háirithe i mbaol fós, agus is iad siúd atá ag obair sa réimse miondíola, i réimse an fháilteachais agus an chúraim is measa as. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfí deireadh le dúshaothrú oibrithe a bhíonn ag obair ar chonarthaí uaireanta oibre ísle trí Reachtaíocht Uaireanta Oibre Cothroma a thabhairt isteach agus éilíonn, leis, aitheantas éigeantach do cheardchumainn agus an ceart chun cómhargála. Láidreoimid comhlíonadh agus cur i bhfeidhm chearta fostaíochta agus oibrithe agus cuirfimid cosc ar dhúliostaí a mbeadh baill de cheardchumainn agus eagraithe orthu. Éilímid chomh maith go dtabharfadh idirbheartaíocht ar phá agus ar phinsin na roinne poiblí amach anseo, Thuaidh agus Theas, tosaíocht d’oibrithe ar thuarastail ísle is mheánacha, tosaíocht do chothromú an phá, do dhul i ngleic le díbhuanú na bhfostaithe agus do laghdú na bearna eatarthu sin ag an mbarr agus iad sin ag an mbun. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

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Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le híosphá maireachtála agus déanann sé tabhairt isteach an íosphá seo i ngach cuid den eacnamaíocht ar fad a ghríosú, ó thuaidh agus ó dheas, agus mar chéad chéim sa phróiseas seo dhéanfaimis cinnte go mbeadh an roinn phoiblí mar fhostaí a íocann an íosphá maireachtála. Comhairle Ceantair Chúirt Iarthar Bhéal Feirste Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Lár Chathair na Gaillimhe

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Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le saoire íoctha a thabhairt isteach sa láthair oibre dóibh siúd a bhfuil foréigean baile fulaingthe acu. Glacann an neamhspleáchas eacnamaíoch ról ríthábhachtach le daoine aonracha atá sa suíomh sin a chumasú le hiad féin a fhuascailt as an gcás sin. Na hoibrithe sin a bhfuil saoire íoctha ídithe acu tá siad i mbaol a bpostanna agus an neamhspleáchas eacnamaíoch atá acu a chailliúint. Dar le taighde a rinne Comhdháil na gCeardchumann glacann 20% d’fhostaithe saoire gach bliain ag éirí as an bhforéigean baile agus chaill 2% a bpostanna dá bharr. Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath

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Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil ról ríthábhachtach le glacadh ag gardaí, altraí agus ag múinteoirí in ár sochaí, ach ina ainneoin seo go bhfuiltear ag gearradh pionóis ar dhaoine atá tar éis teacht isteach sna gairmeacha seo de bharr go bhfuil an dá scála pá ann, scála ar thóg an rialtas deireanach de chuid Fhine Gael agus Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre isteach é. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis leis an éileamh go gcuirfí córas níos cothroime in áit an chórais mhí-fhéaráilte seo, córas a thabharfadh luach saothair do dhaoine bunaithe ar an obair a dhéanann siad agus nach saineofaí iad ag an mbliain ar thosaigh siad seo a ngairmeacha. Steenie Mulvey Cumann, Bré

Leas Sóisialach 74.

Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo, ar mhaithe leis an gcomhionannas, gur cheart go mbeadh comhcheart ag an mbeirt dhuine fásta ar fhaisnéis agus rochtain ar airgead atá ceangailte le comhéileamh ar leas sóisialach, do lánúineacha pósta nó atá ina gcónaí lena chéile, ionas gur féidir rian den neamhspleáchas a choinneáil sa chás ina mbeadh páirtnéir amháin gafa le handúil ghníomhach, ag baint mí-úsáide as an duine eile nó le rósmacht ar an duine eile, agus smacht iomlán a bheith aige nó aici ar an airgead agus éilíonn ar Rialtas na hÉireann roghanna praiticiúla maidir le leasú leasa shóisialaigh a fhiosrú chun gur mó an chosaint a thabharfar d’fhéinriar, do neamhspleáchas agus leas gach ball de na teaghlaigh a bhfuil leas sóisialach á fháil acu. Tommy Kavanagh Cumann, The Commons, Tiobraid Árann

75.

Teastaíonn ón Ard-Fheis seo a chinntiú go gcaitear le saoránaigh aosta le meas agus leis an dínit atá ag dul dóibh. Tá daoine aosta tar éis cur agus cuireann fós go mór leis na comhphobail ina maireann siad chomh maith leis an tsochaí mhór, a dtír agus i rith an tsaoil ar fad dóibh. Dhéanfadh an Ard-Fheis seo: • An taisteal saor a chosaint agus gan baint uaidh; • A chinntiú go gcaitear le daoine aosta le dínit is le meas laistigh de chóras sláinte poiblí aonleibhéil; • An pinsean stáit a chosaint agus ciorruithe a bhí dírithe ar dhaoine aosta a cuireadh i bhfeidhm ag an rialtas deireanach ag Fine Gael/Páirtí an Lucht Oibre a chur ina gceart; • Tacú le daoine níos sine fanacht ina dtithe féin trí uaireanta cúntóirí baile agus faoisimh a mhéadú; • A chinntiú go bhfuil soláthar leordhóthanach de scith-thithíocht agus d’áiteanna i dtithe cúraim dóibh sin a dteastaíonn a leithéid uathu. Cumann Comerford/Adrien, Port Mearnóg/ Mullach Íde

Forbairt an Pháirtí, Bunreacht agus Rialacha 76.

An méid seo a leanas a chur le Bunreacht Shinn Féin, faoi Roinn 12 ann. a) Bunófar Coiste Fiosrúcháin le gearáin a éisteacht agus bearta smachtaithe a mholadh, san áit a measann sé gá a bheith lena leithéid, in éadan bhaill den pháirtí. b) Beidh an Coiste Fiosrúcháin comhdhéanta de bhall amháin a ainmneofar ag gach hurn agus triúr eile a thoghfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle. c) Féadfaidh an Coiste Fiosrúcháin baill eile a chomhthoghadh sa chás go bhfágfadh an t-ualach oibre sin a bheith de dhíth. d) Beidh an chumhacht ag Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí ball a chur ar fionraí ar feadh

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

tréimhse sealadaí nó sonraithe, agus cuirfear an cás faoi bhráid an Choiste Fiosrúcháin láithreach lena mheas. e) Feidhmeoidh an Coiste Fiosrúcháin de réir na nósanna imeachta smachtaithe a aontófar ag an Ard-Chomhairle. f) Leagfaidh na nósanna imeachta modheolaíocht an Choiste amach agus na bearta smachtaithe a bhféadfar iad a ghlacfadh in éadan ball. g) Beidh an chumhacht ag an an Ard-Chomhairle pionós a ghearradh hurn ó trína hurn ó a cur ar fionraí nó trína dhíbirt nó a díbirt. h) Aon bhall a ndéanfar smachtú air nó uirthi beidh cead achomhairc aige nó aici chun painéal achomhairc, mar a leagtar amach sna nósanna imeachta smachtaithe. Agus an tagairt do “Cód Iompair” in 5.1h de bhunreacht Shinn Féin a athrú go “Cairt Eitice”. Ard Chomhairle Cumann Michael J. Marren, Sligeach Theas

77. 2. AN ARD-CHOMHAIRLE 2.1 Cumhachtaí Araíonachta maidir le Baill na hEagraíochta a. Beidh sé de chumhacht ag an Ard-Chomhairle aon choiste íochtarach nó ball ar bith a bhriseadh nó a chur ar fionraí ón eagraíocht nó ó oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, ar fhaillí nó ar mhí-oiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Ar fhógra a fháil faoi bhriseadh, beidh sé de cheart ag an mball nó ag an bhfochoiste achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an Ard-Chomhairle, a fhéadfaidh foireann fiosraithe a bhunú chun an cás a scrúdú. c. I gcás go mbeidh fiosrúchán ag an Ard-Chomhairle, ní mór don ball nó don chomhlacht lena mbaineann cóip shínithe den ghearán a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach an Pháirtí, chomh maith le fógra tráthúil maidir le clár ama agus téarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosraithe. d. Rachaidh fionraí baill nó comhlachta d’aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe as feidhm i ndiaidh sé mhí mura ndéantar é a athnuachan. e. Ar chur i gcrích an fhiosrúcháin di, cuirfidh an fhoireann fiosraithe tuairisc faoi bhráid na hArd-Chomhairle. f. I ndiaidh di a machnamh a dhéanamh ar thorthaí na tuairisce, beidh sé de chumhacht ag an Ard-Chomhairle, trí thromlach de dhá thrian, an ball nó an comhlacht a bhriseadh as an eagraíocht. g. I gcás líomhaintí maidir le ciapadh gnéasach nó maidir le hionsaí gnéasach in aghaidh ball ar bith den eagraíocht, ba chóir iad a tharchur go díreach chuig Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí agus an Ard-Rúnaí. 2.2 Cumhachtaí Araíonachta maidir le baill na hArd-Chomhairle a. Más rud é go bhfuil ball d’Ard-Chomhairle as láthair ó thrí chruinniú as a chéile gan leithscéal ceart, caillfidh sé/sí ballraíocht den Ard-Chomhairle. b. Beidh sé de chumhacht ag an Ard-Chomhairle, le tromlach de dhá thrian, aon bhall den Ard-Chomhairle a bhriseadh nó a chur ar fionraí ag cruinniú a thionólfar go ceart chun na críche sin. c. Ar fhógra a fháil faoi bhriseadh, beidh sé de cheart ag an mball achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an Ard-Chomhairle, a bhunóidh foireann fiosraithe leis an gcás a scrúdú. d. I gcás go mbeidh fiosrúchán ag an Ard-Chomhairle, ní mór don bhall lena mbaineann cóip shínithe den ghearán a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach an Pháirtí, chomh maith le fógra tráthúil maidir le clár ama agus téarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosraithe. e. Ar chur i gcrích an fhiosrúcháin di, cuirfidh Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí tuairisc faoi bhráid na hArd-Chomhairle. f. I ndiaidh di a machnamh a dhéanamh ar thorthaí na tuairisce, beidh sé de chumhacht ag an Ard-Chomhairle, le tromlach de dhá thrian, an ball a bhriseadh as an Ard-Chomhairle nó as an eagraíocht, má shíleann sí gur cóir sin. g. Nuair a bhristear ball, beidh sé de chumhacht ag an Ard-Chomhairle ionadaí a chomhthoghadh. h. Rachaidh fionraí baill d’aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe as feidhm i ndiaidh sé mhí mura ndéantar é a athnuachan.

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3. COMHAIRLE CÚIGE 3.5 Nósanna imeachta araíonachta na Comhairle Cúige a. Féadfaidh an Chomhairle Cúige aon chomhlacht íochtarach nó aon bhall de a bhriseadh nó a chur ar fionraí as an eagraíocht nó as oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, ar fhaillí nó ar mhí-oiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Faoi threoir Chathaoirleach an Pháirtí, agus faoi réir dhaingniú na Comhairle Cúige ina dhiaidh sin, agus sa chás go bhfuil géarghá le gníomh feidhmiúcháin a dhéanamh go práinneach, beidh sé de chumhacht ag bord oifigeach na Comhairle Cúige ball ar bith nó comhlacht íochtarach a bhriseadh nó a chur ar fionraí as an eagraíocht mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, ar fhaillí nó ar mhíoiriúnacht ghinearálta. Ní laghdóidh an chumhacht seo an ceart atá ag ball nó ag comhlacht achomharc a dhéanamh. c. Sula ndéanfar an ball nó an comhlacht a bhriseadh, áfach, ní mór deis a thabhairt dó/di achomharc a dhéanamh chuig foireann fiosraithe neamhspleách arna ceapadh ag an gComhairle Cúige. d. Ní mór don bhall nó don chomhlacht lena mbaineann cóip shínithe den ghearán a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach na Comhairle Cúige, chomh maith le réamheolas faoi am agus faoi théarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosraithe. e. Ar chur i gcrích an fhiosrúcháin di, cuirfidh an fhoireann fiosraithe tuairisc faoi bhráid na Comhairle Cúige. I ndiaidh di machnamh a dhéanamh ar thorthaí na tuairisce, beidh sé de chumhacht ag an gComhairle Cúige, le tromlach de dhá thrian, an ball nó an comhlacht a bhriseadh as an eagraíocht. f. Tá sé de cheart ag aon bhall nó aon chomhlacht a bhristear as an eagraíocht mar thoradh ar chinneadh na Comhairle Cúige achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an Ard-Chomhairle. g. Rachaidh fionraí comhlachta nó aon bhaill de d’aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe as feidhm i ndiaidh sé mhí mura ndéantar é a athnuachan. h. Nuair a thagann difríochtaí aníos i gComhairle Cúige nó idir Comhairlí Cúige nach féidir leis na comhlachtaí lena mbaineann iad a réiteach, tarchuirfear iad chuig an Ard-Chomhairle. 4. COMHAIRLÍ CEANTAIR 4.5 Nósanna imeachta araíonachta na Comhairle Ceantair a. Féadfaidh an Chomhairle Ceantair aon chomhlacht íochtarach nó aon bhall de a bhriseadh nó a chur ar fionraí as an eagraíocht nó as oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, ar fhaillí nó ar mhí-oiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Sula ndéanfar an ball nó an comhlacht a bhriseadh, áfach, ní mór deis a thabhairt dó/di achomharc a dhéanamh chuig foireann fiosraithe neamhspleách arna ceapadh ag an gComhairle Ceantair. c. Ní mór don bhall nó don chomhlacht lena mbaineann cóip shínithe den ghearán a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach na Comhairle Ceantair, chomh maith le réamheolas faoi am agus faoi théarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosraithe. d. Ar chur i gcrích an fhiosrúcháin di, cuirfidh an fhoireann fiosraithe tuairisc faoi bhráid na Comhairle Ceantair. I ndiaidh di machnamh a dhéanamh ar thorthaí na tuairisce, beidh sé de chumhacht ag an gComhairle Ceantair, le tromlach de dhá thrian, an ball nó an comhlacht a bhriseadh as an eagraíocht. e. Tá sé de cheart ag aon bhall nó aon chomhlacht a bhristear as an eagraíocht mar thoradh ar chinneadh na Comhairle Ceantair achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle Cúige. f. Rachaidh fionraí comhlachta nó baill d’aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe as feidhm i ndiaidh sé mhí mura ndéantar é a athnuachan. g. Nuair a thagann difríochtaí aníos i gComhairle Ceantair nó idir Comhairlí Ceantair nach féidir leis na comhlachtaí lena mbaineann iad a réiteach, tarchuirfear iad chuig an gComhairle Cúige. 5. CUMAINN 5.6 Nósanna imeachta araíonachta an Chumainn a. Féadfaidh an Cumann aon duine dá chuid ball a bhriseadh nó a chur ar fionraí as an eagraíocht nó as oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, ar fhaillí nó ar mhí-oiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Sula ndéanfar an ball nó an comhlacht a bhriseadh, áfach, ní mór deis a thabhairt dó/di achomharc a dhéanamh chuig foireann fiosraithe neamhspleách arna ceapadh ag an gCumann. c. Ní mór don bhall lena mbaineann cóip shínithe den ghearán a fháil i scríbhinn

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e. f. g.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

ó Chathaoirleach an Chumainn, chomh maith le réamheolas faoi am agus faoi théarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosraithe. Ar chur i gcrích an fhiosrúcháin di, cuirfidh an fhoireann fiosraithe tuairisc faoi bhráid an Chumainn. I ndiaidh dó machnamh a dhéanamh ar thorthaí na tuairisce, beidh sé de chumhacht ag an gCumann, le tromlach de dhá thrian, an ball a bhriseadh as an eagraíocht. Tá sé de cheart ag aon bhall a bhriseadh as an eagraíocht mar thoradh ar chinneadh Cumainn achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle Ceantair. Rachaidh fionraí baill d’aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe as feidhm i ndiaidh sé mhí mura ndéantar é a athnuachan. Nuair a thagann difríochtaí aníos i gCumann nó idir Cumainn nach féidir leis na comhlachtaí lena mbaineann iad a réiteach, tarchuirfear iad chuig an Chomhairle Ceantair agus, más gá, ar aghaidh chuig an gComhairle Cúige, faoi réir ceart achomhairc chuig an Ard-Chomhairle. Féadfaidh ball ar bith de Chumann a chreideann go bhfuil cinneadh ar bith de chuid an Chumainn ag teacht salach ar phrionsabail, ar chuspóirí, nó ar bheartas na heagraíochta, a éileamh go gcuirfí cóip scríofa den chinneadh sin, sínithe ag an gcathaoirleach, ag an rúnaí agus ag an agóideoir, chuig an gComhairle Ceantair agus, más gá, chuig an gComhairle Cúige le go ndéanfar machnamh air, agus ina dhiaidh sin, faoi réir ceart achomhairc chuig an ArdChomhairle. Ard Chomhairle

78.

Go leasófaí mír 5.2c go dtí an méid seo a leanas: 5.2c: I gcás comhdháil roghnúcháin, beidh vóta ag gach ball cumainn, a bhfuil a dtréimhse phromhaidh déanta acu, chun iarrthóir a roghnú, faoi réir ag na critéir atá leagtha amach sna rialacha agus sna rialacháin a bhaineann le ballraíocht, agus sna rialacha atá bunaithe ag an Aonad Toghcháin. Cumann Margaret Skinnider, Droim Chonrach

79.

Go leasófaí mír 5.2c go dtí an méid seo a leanas: 5.2c: Ó thaobh vóta a chaitheamh ag comhdhálacha roghnúcháin is iad siúd amháin atá ina mball de Chumann, agus a d’fhreastail ar 60%, ar a laghad, de chruinnithe an Chumainn sa 12 mhí go díreach roimh an chomhdháil roghnúcháin, a bheas i dteideal vóta a chaitheamh. Maidir leis an mhéid sin thuas, ní bheadh eisceacht ar bith ann seachas cúrsaí fostaíochta, tinnis, imthosca pearsanta maolaitheacha, nó de bharr a róil mar ionadaí tofa. Cumann James Fintan Lalor, Port Laoise

80.

Breisiúchán le mír 6.7.1 de Bhunreacht Shinn Féin k. Ní bhunófar cumann ar bith de chuid Shinn Féin gan ballraíocht idir fir agus mná a bheith ann. Cumann Portglenone, Aontroim

81.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbeidh cumarsáid agus plé níos fearr le baill agus le struchtúir ag an leibhéal áitiúil maidir le straitéisí toghchánaíochta agus iarrthóirí ina gceantar féin, agus go mbeidh tuairimí agus barúlacha na mball sin lárnach in aon chinneadh a dhéantar. Baill de Shinn Féin atá i dteideal vótáil i gcomhdhálacha roghnúcháin toghcheantair, ba chóir go mbeadh siad in ann a bheith lánpháirteach in achan ghné den phróiseas roghnúcháin. Cumann Mhic Dhiarmada/Gilgunn, Liatroim Thuaidh

82.

Go dtugann an Ard-Fheis seo ardmholadh do Choiste Comórtha Náisiúnta 1916 agus do na coistí comórtha áitiúla de chuid an pháirtí a chinntigh gur éirigh thar barr le himeachtaí comórtha 1916, ar a n-áirítear an t-athléiriú ar shochraid O’Donovan Rossa agus an ócáid i dTeach an Ardmhéara. Bhí an clár comórtha feiceálach, oscailte do gach duine agus fóirsteanach chun comóradh a dhéanamh ar na laochra, idir fhir agus mhná, a bhí amuigh 100 bliain ó shin, agus bhí an fhís atá i bhForógra Phoblacht na hÉireann chun tosaigh agus lárnach in achan cheann de na himeachtaí. Creidimid gur chóir go leanfar leis an chur chuige sin go ceann na tréimhse deich mbliana de chomórthaí agus go gcinnteoidh an páirtí go mbeidh idéil an Fhorógra go mór chun tosaigh sa chlár comórtha s’againne. Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonghail, Baile Formaid

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 83.

www.sinnfein.ie Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an gá atá le béim úr a chur ar mhná a earcú isteach sa pháirtí agus glacann leis an sprioc go mbainfear amach cothromaíocht inscne 50-50 laistigh den pháirtí faoin bhliain 2020. Aithnímid gur spriocanna iad seo a chaithfear a fheiceáil i bhfeidhm ag achan leibhéal den pháirtí, ar a n-áirítear coistí, boird oifigeach agus ballraíocht cumainn. Comhairle Ceantair Colin West Bhéal Feirste Cumann Cargan, Aontroim Thuaidh

84.

Molann an Ard-Fheis seo na polasaithe eacnamaíochta a chuir an páirtí chun tosaigh i dtoghcháin na Dála agus an Tionóil. Tá siad seo bunaithe ar an fhás eacnamaíochta, cruthú fostaíochta, infheistíocht sa bhonneagar agus sna seirbhísí poiblí laistigh de chreat stuama fioscach ó thaobh na hiasachta agus na cánach de. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an chomhoibriú le páirtithe agus gluaiseachtaí sóisialta eile ar-chlé-ón-lár chun na cuspóirí polasaí thuas a chur chun tosaigh mar chuid den ghluaiseacht Right2Change agus rogha iontaofa eile a chur ar fáil i gcoinne pháirtithe na Bunaíochta. Molaimid go láidir do gach duine atá páirteach leanúint ar aghaidh leis an troid ar son na cothromaíochta agus comhionannas deiseanna do gach saoránach ar an oileán, muintir na tuaithe san áireamh. Cumann Dheasúin de Faoite, Loch Gamhna

85.

Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo rún daingean Shinn Féin struchtúir an pháirtí agus na heagraíochta a Ghaelú. Aithnímid an obair atá á déanamh ag gníomhaithe de chuid an pháirtí úsáid na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn laistigh den pháirtí agus deathoil bhaill an pháirtí i gcoitinne. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo, cé go bhfuil an dea-thoil ina hacmhainn thábhachtach, go bhfuil gá le cur chuige praiticiúil agus straitéiseach i dtaca le pleanáil foghlaim teanga laistigh de Shinn Féin. Glacann an Ard-Fheis seo leis an doiciméad Gaelú Shinn Féin agus iarrann ar an pháirtí dul i mbun próiseas comhairliúcháin inmhéanach i dtaca lena chuid spriocanna agus cuspóirí. Cumann Caraher/Caherty, Baile Úr

86.

Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an obair leanúnach laistigh den pháirtí chun tacaíocht a mhéadú d’Éire Aontaithe agus go háirithe an obair atá idir lámha ag an Choiste le haghaidh Éire Aontaithe. Iarraimid ar gach cumann agus gach ball den pháirtí cur leis an obair thábhachtach seo ag an leibhéal áitiúil trí thacaíocht d’Éire Aontaithe a mhéadú agus a thógáil i measc a bpobail féin. Cumann Meaney/Dunne, Dún Laoghaire

87.

Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo deireadh leis an chóras seanchaite aoireachta atá i bhfeidhm do gach Ionadaí Tofa de chuid Shinn Féin, seachas do na saincheisteanna sin atá leagtha síos i bhforógra toghcháin. Cumann Uí Ghallchóir/Foy, Droim Conrach

88.

Agus muid ag aithint an ghá atá le ballraíocht an pháirtí a mhéadú, iarrann an ArdFheis seo ar an Ard-Chomhairle úrthofa feachtas earcaíochta 32 chontae a shocrú, agus am den bhliain a roghnú fá choinne feachtas náisiúnta earcaíochta. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo chomh maith na dúshláin a bhaineann le páirtí atá ag fás, agus an gá atá ann go dtuigfidh siad siúd ag gach leibhéal den pháirtí go bhfuil freagrachtaí orthu ó thaobh taifid bhallraíochta a choinneáil cothrom le dáta agus lena chinntiú go ndéantar gach iarratasóir úr a phróiseáil mar is ceart, agus go dtugtar go leor eolais dóibh i dtaca le rialacha an pháirtí agus leis an dea-chleachtas is fearr, agus go bhfuil gach ball eolach ar a gcuid rólanna agus freagrachtaí mar bhaill den pháirtí. Cumann Uí Laoghóig/Marley Cumann, Croimhglinn, Cúige Átha Cliath

89.

Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an mhéadú atá ar líon na dTeachtaí Dála atá tofa do Shinn Féin chun na Dála agus tá muid ag tnúth le foireann láidir de Bhaill Tionóil a bheith tofa chun an Tionóil. Mar pháirtí Uile-Éireann, molann an Ard-Fheis seo cur chuige comhchoiteann ceannaireachta maidir le hurlabhraithe Shinn Féin agus ár gcuid polasaithe á gcur i láthair an phobail. Aithnímid gur ceapadh urlabhraithe náisiúnta ar na mallaibh agus moltar an cur chuige seo le go mbeifí in ann béim a chur ar shaincheisteanna agus ar pholasaithe ar bhonn uile-Éireann. Cumann Dheasúin de Faoite, Loch Gamhna

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Seirbhísí Poiblí Tithíocht 90.

Glacann an Ard-Fheis seo le doiciméad an pháirtí ‘Níos fearr don Tithíocht’ mar phlean cuimsitheach agus radacach le dul i ngleic leis an riachtanas tithíochta agus leis an easpa dídine, agus gan polasaí na tithíochta a fhágáil faoi chúram forbróirí príobháideacha. I measc na bpríomh-mholtaí tá an méid seo a leanas: • 100,000 teach úr sóisialta ar phraghas réasúnta a thógáil; • A chinntiú go mbeidh 20% de thithíocht shóisialta ar phraghas réasúnta mar chuid de gach forbairt úr; • Reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach le srianta a chur leis an ráta a thig le bainc a ghearradh – fiú laghdú de 1% shábhálfadh sé €2,000 in aghaidh na bliana, ar an mheán, do shealbhóirí morgáiste a mbeadh morgáiste €200,000 acu; • Deireadh a chur leis an Cháin Mhaoine Áitiúil; • Cinnteacht chíosa a bhunú; • Cairt le haghaidh chearta tionóntaí a thabhairt isteach; • Chomh maith le rialú cíosa a thabhairt isteach, déanfar athbhreithniú ar na huasteorainneacha ar fhóirdheontais cíosa; • Airgead breise a chur ar fáil do thithíocht éigeandála in 2016. Cumann Boland/Harford, Baile Brigín Cumann James Fox, Ráth Tó Cumann Meaney/Dunne, Dún Laoghaire Cumann Charlie McGlade, Droimeanach

91.

Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil tithíocht shóisialta riachtanach lena chinntiú go mbeidh áit chónaithe shásúil agus inacmhainne ag gach duine. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfear tús le mórchlár tógála tithíochta sna Sé Chontae sna deich mbliana amach romhainn chun déileáil leis an liosta tithíochta agus áitribh chónaithe a thógáil sna háiteanna is géire riachtanais. Oibreoimid leis an Tionól agus leis an bhFeidhmeannas chun an Feidhmeannas Tithíochta a choimeád mar phríomhsholáthraí tithíochta agus creidimid go gcaithfear an chumhacht a thabhairt don Fheidhmeannas tithe nua a thógáil. Court, Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

92.

Ag an Ard-Fheis seo: • Cáinimid go huile is go hiomlán rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre as an seasamh atá glactha acu i leith na géarchéime daoine gan dídean ba mheasa dá raibh riamh ann ó bunaíodh an stát; • Creidimid gurb é bun agus barr na géarchéime reatha seo an meascán de pholasaithe de chuid na heite deise a thugann buntáiste do lucht an rachmais chomh maith leis an gcultúr polaitíochta a thugann cúiteamh don chearrbhachas agus don amhantraíocht tithíochta; • Is fuath linn an easpa tola agus ceannaireachta polaitiúla a bhfuil de thoradh air go bhfuil sa stát seo, a bhfuil an aicme pholaitiúil ag maíomh faoi go bhfuil sé ag téarnamh, suas le 5,715 daoine gan dídean ann, ar leanaí iad 1,830 acusan. • Aithnímid an drochthionchar a imrítear ar shláinte choirp agus intinne daoine má bhíonn siad gan dídean, go háirithe ar leanaí a bhíonn ag streachailt gach uile lá de dheasca easpa codlata, easpa bia shláintiúil, gan aon spás acu chun obair bhaile a dhéanamh ná chun súgradh agus an t-eisiamh sóisialta a éiríonn as a bheith díbeartha óna gceantar dúchais agus gan a bheith in ann cuireadh a thabhairt do chairde cuairt a thabhairt ar an gcóiríocht éigeandála. Imríonn na nithe seo tionchair uafásacha ar shaol leanaí agus teaghlach; • Molaimid na heagraíochtaí carthanachta, na grúpaí pobail agus tithíochta as an obair ar fad atá á déanamh acu chun cabhrú le daoine gan dídean agus le daoine atá i ngátar tithíochta. Dá réir sin, ag an Ard-Fheis seo: • Iarraimid ar an rialtas dúiseacht agus an ghéarchéim seo, nach bhfacamar riamh a leithéid sa tír seo, a aithint agus aghaidh a thabhairt air láithreach agus deireadh a chur leis an bhfadhb seo daoine a bheith gan dídean i dtír fhorbartha; • Tacaímid le moltaí uaillmhianacha an pháirtí tithíocht shóisialta a thógáil arb é an t-aon réiteach réalaíoch fadtéarmach é ar an ngéarchéim tithíochta; • Iarraimid go gcuirfear ar fáil €30 milliún do na hÚdaráis Áitiúla chun cóiríocht a thabhairt go práinneach do dhaoine gan dídean;

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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• Tacaímid le teorainn reachtúil a thabhairt isteach ar an bhfad ar ceadmhach daoine a choimeád i gcóiríocht éigeandála gan iad a bhogadh go tithíocht eatramhach nó bhuan. • Iarraimid go gcuirfear i bhfeidhm córas cíosa chothroim chun stop a chur leis an sruth daoine atá á gcur as a dtithe; • Éilímid tiomantas daingean ón chéad rialtas eile nach gciorrófar na seirbhísí do dhaoine gan dídean. Cumann Elizabeth O’Farrell, Portobello/Sráid Chaoimhín

93.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil cur chuige uile-Éireann i leith polasaithe tithíochta riachtanach agus tacaímid leis an gcur chuige atá leagtha amach sa doiciméad Better for Housing, ina bhfuil bearta amhail; • Daoine atá ar liostaí tithíochta sóisialta a chumasú le go mbeidh siad in ann gluaiseacht ó dhlínse amháin go dtí an dlínse eile, go háirithe sna réigiúin cois teorann; • Comhchigireacht a bheith ann chun ábhair agus caighdeáin tógála a scrúdú, agus comhoibriú idir ranna a bheith ann maidir le nósanna imeachta rialaithe; • Ombudsman Tithíochta uile-Éireann a bhunú chun réiteach gearrthéarmach a sholáthar, gan dul chun cúirte, ar mhaithe le réitigh níos tapúla agus níos saoire ar aighnis tithíochta agus chun cúiteamh a shocrú i gcás sárú ar an gceart chun tithíochta; • An ceart ag daoine tithíocht shásúil a bheith acu a chumhdach in aon Bhunreacht d’Éirinn Aontaithe. Ard Chomhairle Cumann Paddy Wright, Baile Átha Í

94.

Is fuath leis an Ard-Fheis seo díol morgáistí do chreach-chistí atá ag cur leis an ngéarchéim tithíochta agus leis an ngéarchéim le daoine gan dídean lena gcuid brabúsaíochta, cearrbhachais agus cleachtas gan náire. Seasann an Ard-Fheis seo le híospartaigh an chreachchaipitleachais sin. Dhéanfadh an Ard-Fheis seo: • An tAcht um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe a leasú chun srian a chur leis na forais faoinar féidir fógraí fágála a sheirbheáil, chun daingneacht tionachta níos fearr a thabhairt do thionóntaí. • Athbhreithniú iomlán a dhéanamh ar an réimeas fabhrach cánach a mbaineann na creach-chistí atá ag feidhmiú in Éirinn tairbhe astu chun deireadh a chur leis na buntáistí a thugann an chamastaíl agus seachaint cánach, nach bhfuil aon cheann díobh chun leasa an phobail. Cumann Parle/Crean/Hogan/Gleeson, Loch Garman Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar

95.

Is fuath leis an Ard-Fheis seo gur theip ar Rialtas na hÉireann glacadh le moladh Chonradh na hÉireann de Chomhair Chreidmheasa maidir le Tithíocht Shóisialta a Mhaoiniú agus €5 billiún a thabhairt ar iasacht ‘lasmuigh den chlár comhardaithe’ go díreach nó trí mheán sainchuspóirí do Chomhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta a chumasódh 26,000 aonad breise a chur ar fáil faoi 2021. Tacaímid leis an tiomantas atá tugtha ag Conradh na hÉireann de Chomhair Chreidmheasa cistí a gcuid ball a infheistiú chun críocha fónta a mbeidh leas eacnamaíoch leis amach anseo, a chruthódh na mílte post agus a rachadh i ngleic le ceist phráinneach shóisialta a bhaineann leis na pobail ar a bhfreastalaíonn na comhair chreidmheasa. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Rialtas dul i dteagmháil láithreach le Conradh na hÉireann de Chomhair Chreidmheasa chun an infheistíocht mhór chaipitil seo a bhfuil géarghá léi a ghnóthú chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar an ngéarchéim tithíochta. Cumann Sheena Campbell, An Chorr Dhubh

96.

Dearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo an athuair tiomantas seo Shinn Féin, chomh maith le €2.2 billiún de chaipiteal breise a chaitheamh go ndéanfaimis freisin infheistiú i dtithíocht shóisialta agus inacmhainne sa bhreis ar a bhfuil geallta ag an rialtas, féachaint an bhféadfaí Meán Sainchuspóirí a bhunú chun infheistíocht ‘lasmuigh den chlár comhardaithe’ a chur ar fáil do thithíocht shóisialta i gcomhar le hÚdaráis Áitiúla agus le Comhlachtaí Ceadaithe Tithíochta. Comhairle Ceantair Dhún na nGall

97.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo nach dtugann an reachtaíocht reatha sna 26 Chontae a bhaineann le comhaontuithe cíosa agus tionóntachta sa stát (lena n-áirítear scéimeanna cóiríochta stáit amhail an Íocaíocht Cúnaimh Tithíochta) tréimhse shuaimhnithe leordhóthanach do thionóntaí

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

mar atá sé le fáil sa reachtaíocht a bhaineann le conarthaí príobháideacha a chur le chéile do sheirbhísí fóntais agus cónaithe eile. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo gurb é an t-aon bhealach amháin chun oiriúnacht, cáilíocht agus caighdeán sábháilteachta táirge cóiríochta a thomhas ná a bheith i do chónaí ann, ach go bhfuil sé fíordheacair faoin tráth sin conarthaí foirmiúla cíosa nó tionóntachta a chealú, go háirithe má bhíonn bagairt ann ó pháirtithe eile sa chonradh amhail tiarnaí talún nó gníomhairí eastáit éarlais a choimeád. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis ar Shinn Féin i ngach cearn den tír iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar indéantacht reachtaíocht a achtú a cheadódh d’áitritheoirí atá ag dul isteach i gconradh nó i gcomhaontú nua cíosa nó tionóntachta, pé poiblí nó príobháideach, go dtabharfaí tréimhse shuaimhnithe seacht lá ina mbeadh cead ag an tionónta an t-áitreabh a fhágáil agus an éarlais iomlán a fháil ar ais a fhaid is go dtabharfaí an t-áitreabh ar ais mar a fuarthas é. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis go gciallódh bearta dá leithéid go mbeadh tionóntaí in ann na tionchair a bhaineann le cóiríocht fochaighdeáin a thomhas, rudaí amhail córais téite agus inslithe, seoidirí, caonach, dálaí sóisialta an limistéir, ceisteanna maidir le truailliú ó thorann agus fadhbanna eile ó thruailliú inmheánach, i measc nithe eile a d’fhéadfadh a bheith i gceist. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin, go gcuirfidh an beart seo brú níos mó ar thiarnaí talún agus ar ghníomhairí eastáit, táirgí cóiríochta atá ar chaighdeán sásúil agus atá oiriúnach chun cónaí iontu a chur ar fáil dá gcustaiméirí. Cumann Tommy Kavanagh, An Coimín, Tiobraid Árann

98.

Iarrann an Ard-Fheis ar Údaráis Áitiúla ar fud an stáit é a dhéanamh riachtanach go ndéanfadh an tÚdarás Áitiúil áitribh chónaithe sa Scéim Íocaíocht Cúnaimh Tithíochta agus sa Scéim Chóiríochta ar Cíos a sheiceáil go rialta nó ar iarratas ón tionónta lena chinntiú go bhfuil na háitribh sin á gcothabháil go caighdeáin riachtanacha chónaithe ag tiarnaí talún. Go rómhinic ní hamhlaidh a bhíonn nuair a bhíonn conarthaí cúig bliana sínithe ag tionóntaí gan tiarna talún ná comhairle ar bith a bheith feicthe riamh acu agus fágtar iad ina gcónaí i ndálaí uafásacha cónaithe. Cumann Seán Treacy, Ros Cré

99.

Molann an Ard-Fheis go mbunófar Cumann Tionóntaí. Táimid ar an mbeagán tír gan cumann dá leithéid. Cumann Paddy Wright, Baile Átha Í

100.

Éilíonn Sinn Féin go gcríochnóidh an Cathaoirleach an tUas. Denis McCarthy agus an painéal saineolaithe a ceapadh chun tionchair Míoca Moscóíte (Muscovite Mica) ar theaghlaigh i nDún na nGall agus i Maigh Eo a dtuarascáil roimh 31 Bealtaine 2016 (i.e. roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a thug an t-iar-rialtas) Iarrann Sinn Féin ar Rialtas na hÉireann: • Tús áite a thabhairt do scéim éifeachtach agus cuimsitheach feabhsúcháin do gach teaghlach lena mbaineann. • Scéim cúitimh a sholáthar atá maoinithe go hiomlán, atá simplí, agus tacaíocht cheart ann di do na teaghlaigh lena mbaineann. Cumann Charn Domhnach/Mhálanna, Dún na nGall

101.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis gur ualach airgeadais sa bhreis iad táillí bainistithe réadmhaoine ar thionóntaí/úinéirí lonnaitheacha réadmhaoine atá faoi bhainistiú cuideachta bainistíochta réadmhaoine. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Shinn Féin bealaí a lorg chun an t-ualach seo a laghdú trí raon de bhearta, lena n-áirítear féachaint ar fhaoiseamh cánach costáilte ar tháillí bainistithe do thionóntaí/úinéirí lonnaitheacha. Cumann Martin Forsythe, Gleann Cuilinn/Áth an Ghainimh

102.

Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo an comhoibriú idir an rialtas agus na bainc trínar féidir teaghlaigh a dhíbirt óna dtithe mar gheall ar dheacrachtaí airgeadais ar chruthaigh polasaithe déine ar theip orthu iad chomh maith le saint na mbanc céanna. Iarraimid cosaint agus tacaíocht níos fearr ón dlí le haghaidh teaghlaigh atá á ndíbirt óna dtithe agus iarraimid ar an Ard-Chomhairle atá ag teacht isteach tús a chur le feachtas náisiúnta ina mbíonn na Ceardchumainn agus páirithe leasmhara eile páirteach leis na teaghlaigh sin a chosaint agus polasaithe eile a sholáthar a chosnóidh tithe na dteaghlach seo. Cumann Logue, Marley, Cromghlinne

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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Oideachas 103.

Déanann an Ard-Fheis comhghairdeas leis an Aire Oideachais John O’Dowd as an obair a rinne se le cuidiú le daione óga barr feabhais a bhaint amach trí thorthaí oideachsúla níos fearr agus trí bhonneagar scoile níos fearr. Tá infheistíocht de £1.2 billiún deanta aige sa Ghaeloideachas agus san Oideachas Imeasctha. Tá an méid seo a leanas déanta aige fosta: • Áiteanna Réamhscolaíochta curtha ar fáil aige • Aonaid Chothabhála curtha ar fáil aige le haghaidh Forbairt Luathbhlianta • Acmhainní curtha ar fáil aige le haghaidh Clubanna Bricfeasta agus Obair Bhaile • Critéir leathnaithe aige lena chinntiú go mbíonn tuillleadh páistí i dteideal Béile Saor in Aisce agus Deontais le haghaidh Éide Scoile • Rinne sé cinnte de nach gcuirfí deireadh leis an Liúntas Cothábhála Scoile (EMI). Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go dtabharfadh an tAire Oideachais atá ag teacht isteach Acht Forbartha do Luathchúram agus Luathfhorbairt Pháistí a thabhairt isteach ina mbíonn fócas soiléir ann do na páistí agus ina mbíonn soláthar cuí ann atá imchuí d’aois an linbh agus do staid a fhorbartha. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae

104.

Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo comhghairdeas leo siúd uile atá páirteach i gComhpháirtíocht Iarthar Bhéal Feirste agus leis an togra oideachais phobail atá aige agus fáiltíonn roimh an tuarascáil a foilsíodh ina léirítear an feabhas iontach atá tagtha ar ghnóthachtáil oideachais mar gheall ar an togra. Éilímid ar an Roinn Oideachais agus ar an Údarás Oideachais tortha an togra a scaipeadh do pháirtithe leasmhara uile i saol an oideachais. Cumann Léana Dúna

105.

Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann 1,450 Cúntóirí Riachtanas Speisialta a earcú isteach sa chóras oideachais. Gan an tacaíocht chuí ó na Cúntóirí seo, níl páistí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta acu fud fad na tíre ag fáil an oideachais chirt ná na seirbhísí riachtanacha a bhfuil siad ina dteideal. Cumann Óglaigh Dhiarmuid Uí Néill, Iarthar Chorcaigh

106. • Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tiomantas atá déanta aige ina fhorógra le haghaidh feachtais le deireadh a chur le leatrom creidimh i scoileanna agus a thiomantas chun ídéil Fhorógra 1916 a thacú; • Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir go dtabharfaí isteach rialacha nua lena chinntiú go mbíonn cosc ar gach scoil atá maoinithe go poiblí leatrom a imirt ar pháistí mar gheall ar chúrsaí creidimh; • Molann sé obair Johnathan O’Brien, Teachta Dála, Urlabhra Shinn Féin sa Dáil ar an gceist seo, as an rialtas a choinneáil cuntasach agus as an iarracht atá déanta aige na hathruithe cuí a chur i bhfeidhm • Tugann sé tiomantas chun córas oideachais a fhorbairt atá bunaithe ar chothroime a oireann do riachtanais na hÉireann nua-aimseartha agus a páistí. Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonnghaile, Cathaoir Cumann Chláir Thuaidh Comhairle Ceantair Thiobraid Árainn

107.

Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil bagairt shuntasach ann do mhaoiniú na dtrí Institiúidí Teicneolaíochta i ndiaidh próiseas nua measúnachta bheith déanta ag an Údarás um Ard-Oideachas. Tá Institúid Teicneolaíochta na Gaillimhe-Maigh Eo, Institúid Teicneolaíochta Dhún Dealgan agus an Coláiste Ealaíne is Deartha Náisiúnta i mbaol ó thaobh cúrsaí airgeadais de cheana féin agus iad ag iarraidh na ciorruithe móra i maoiniú an stáit a láimhseáil ar dtús ó rialtas a raibh Fianna Fáil ina bhun, agus ina dhiaidh sin rialtas a raibh Fine Gael ina bhun. Cruthóidh na ciorruithe atá molta tuilleadh cruatain do na hinstitiúidí seo agus na mic léinn atá istigh iontu, agus cuirfidh sé tús le turnamh san oideachas tríú leibhéal sa stát seo. Cumann O’Malley/McEvilly, Caisleán an Bharraigh

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

Cúram Leanaí 108.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbíonn buntáistí móra ann don sochaí agus do theaghlaigh ach cúram leanaí atá d’ardchaidgheán, atá iontaofa agus atá ar phraghas réasúnta a bheith ann. Cinntíonn sé freisin gur féidir le leanaí forbairt agus foghlaim ar an mbealach is fearr dóibh. Tacaíonn Sinn Féin leis an doiciméad polasaí, “Better for Childcare” ina bhfuil moltaí chun: • Fad a chur le tréimhse leas mháithreachais le 6 seachtaine agus cead a thabhairt do cheachtar don dá thuismitheoir sin an chuid sin a ghlacadh ag deireadh na tréimhse reatha 26 seachtaine atá ceadaithe do thréimhse mháithreachais; • Tréimhse mháithreachais de 52 seachtain a sholáthar, agsu sin a thabhairt trí 5 seachtaine sa bhreis a thabhairt isteach sna blianta rialtais ina dhiaidh; • An ráta íocaíochta le haghaidh tréimhse mháithreachais a ardú ionas gur féidir le máithreacha sult a bhaint as an tréimhse gan a bheith thíos leis ó thaobh airgid de; • Teorainn a chur leis na táillí le haghaidh costais chúraim leanaí ag €180 sa tseachain agus sin a bhogadh go €150 sa tseachtain le linn thréimhse an rialtais; • Sprioc a bheith ann le haghaidh fórsa oibre ECCE a bhfuil céim ag 60% acu faoi 2025, de réir mar atá molta ag an AE; • 1,000 SNA sa bhreis a thabhairt don Chlár ECCE agus oiliúint bhreise riachtanais a sholáthar do gach fostaí cúraim leanaí atá ag obair le leanaí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta acu; • Deontais caipitíochta a ardú sa bhliain réamhscolaíochta. Cumann Thomas Ashe, Cill Dhéagláin

Póilíneacht agus Cóir 109.

Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an tionscadal ar phóilíneacht tras-teorann mar gheall ar an gComhaontú Tús Nua, agus tacaíonn sé leis an bhfócas nua atá ar dhul i ngleic le cóir tras-teorann, chomh maith le béim ar leas agus ar shábháilteacht na bpobal áituil i gceantar na teorann. Go háirithe, éilímid: • Comhordú níos fearr idir An Garda Síochána agus SPTÉ maidir le dul i ngleic le cóir eagraithe agus cóiriúlacht de réir mar a aontaíodh in Tús Nua; • Comhoibriú níos fearr idir póilíní agus Compháirtíochtaí Sábháilteachta Pobail ó Thuaidh agus Comhchoistí Póilíneachta ó Dheas. Grúpa Parliaminteach na Sé Chontae

110.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil pobail fud fad na Sé Chontae is Fiche thíos go mór leis na ciorruithe a chuir Fine Gael, an Lucht Oibre agus Fianna Fáil ar An Garda Síochána ón mbliain 2010. Tá daoine aosta agus teaghlaigh faoin tuath ag maireachtáil faoi eagla. Dhéanfadh an Ard-Fheis seo an méid seo a leanas: • D’éarcófaí 3,000 garda breise le linn thréimhse an rialtais chun leibhéil na nGardaí a ardú arís go 14,250, an líon a bhí ann roimh an ngéarchéim; • Dhéanfadh an cinneadh chun stáisiúin Ghardaí a dhruidim a aisiompú; • Thabharfaí cumhacht don Údarás Póilíneachta na moltaí ó thuarascálacha Chigireachtaí na nGardaí le cúpla bliain anuas a chur i bhfeidhm, i gcomhar le bainsitíocht An Garda Síochána; • Neartófaí ról an Údaráis Phóilíneachta agus Choimisiún Ombudsman An Garda Síochána agus maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar An Garda Síochána; • Chuirfí reachtaíocht i bhfeidhm le haghaidh tuilleadh cumhachtaí agus acmhainní a sholáthar do Chomhchoistí Póilíneachta; • Thabharfaí isteach Comhairle Iardhaortha a chuirfeadh amach treoirlínte iardhaortha chuig na breithiúna le cuntasacht a chinntiú agus le go mbeadh comhsheasmhacht ann i gcúrsaí daortha, go háirithe le haghaidh ciontóirí ardmhinicíochta; • Dhéanfaí an t-airgead an thóg an Biúró um Shócmhainní Coiriúla a infheistiú ar ais sna seirbhísí túslíne sna pobail is mó thíos faoi chóiriúlacht. Cumann Jimmy Joe Reynolds , Maothail

111.

Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an bPleanáil Phobail sa rialtas áitiúil sna sé chontae agus inchur na gComhpháirtíochtaí Sábháilteachta Póilíneachta agus Pobail (PCSP) sna pleananna a bhaineann le leas sóisialta agus eacnamaíoch na gceantar. Molaimid do bhaill Shinn Féin ar na PCSPanna dul i ngleic go hiomlán leis an bpróiseas seo. Molaimid freisin nár chóir go mbeadh cur chuige atá go hiomlán bunaithe ar an gcomhairle a bheith

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie ann maidir le cuntasacht ar chúrsaí póilíneachta agus go dtabharfar tús áite do leas sóisialta an cheantair. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh thograí le gairid le dul i ngleic le hiompar mí-shóisialta trí bhéim a chur arís ar cheisteanna sóisialta, eacnamaíocha agus forfheidhmithe. Ní féidir neamhaird a dhéanamh ar chuid ar bith de na gnéithe seo má táthar le dul i ngleic le hiompar míshóisialta i gceantair áitiúla. Cúige na 6 Chontae

112.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an mhíchothroime atá ann go fóill ar d’iarchimí polaitiúla in Éirinn agus tacaíonn go hiomlán le feachtas Choiste na nIarchimí taifid pholaitiúla iarchimí a bhaineann leis an bpolaitíocht a chur ar ceal. Cumann O’Carolan Kilmartin, Dún Geimhin

113.

Tiomáineann an Ard-Fheis seo an páirtí chun leasuithe a thabhairt isteach ar reachtaíocht reatha maidir le ciapadh chun aithris ar líne agus ciapadh gnéasach a chlúdach.

Éire Tuaithe

Cumann Hurson/Quirke, Iarthar Chathair na Gaillimhe

Forbairt Tuaithe 114.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuil daoine in Iarthar na hÉireann míshásta go bhfuil bhfuiltear ag caitheamh leo mar shaoránaigh den dara grád, agus bhfuil siad bréan den easpa infheistíochta agus go bhfuil fearg orthu faoin easpa fostaíochta agus deiseanna sa réigiún; • Scrios déine agus neamhshuim ón mBruiséil agus ó Bhaile Átha Cliath Éire Tuaithe, agus mar gheall air seo tá leibhéil arda imeallaithe, dífhostaíochta agus imirce ar ollscála; • Ní mór téarnamh cothrom bheith ann- agus téarnamh san Iarthar; • Bheadh an tír iomlán thuas le forbairt níos fearr ar bhonn réigiúnach. Fáiltímid roimh dhoiciméad polasaí Shinn Féin A New Deal for the West ina leagtar amach fís shoiléir d’Iarthar na hÉireann agus ina bhfuil moltaí le haghaidh infheistíocht cheart i gcúrsaí fostaíochta, i seirbhísí poiblí agus i mbonneagar. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann: • Reachtaíocht le haghaidh cothroimhe faoi tuath a thabhairt isteach; • Straitéis le haghaidh fiontraíocht spásúil agus bonneagair agus pacáiste airgeadais leis a thabhairt isteach le deireadh a chur leis an meath i gceantair tuaithe, go háirithe san Iarthar; • Tiomantas a thabhairt le haghaidh infheistíocht shuntasach a dhéanamh chun seirbhísí poiblí a chosaint agus a mhéadú san Iarthar; • Na tionscail thraidisiúnta a aithint agus a thacú san Iarthar, go háirithe comharchumainn, trí reachtaíocht faoi leith a chinntíonn fás inmharthana agus forbairt sa réigiún; • Bearta a thabhairt isteach le cuidiú le himircigh atá ag iarraidh pilleadh ar Iarthar na hÉireann. Tiomaineann an Ard-Fheis seo ionadaithe agus gníomhaithe Shinn Féinn ar fud Iarthar na hÉireann dul ar aghaidh leis an bhfeachtasaíocht agus leis an obair chun A New Deal for the West a sholáthar. Cúige Lár Tír Thuaidh Theas

115.

Molann an Ard-Fheis seo ceannaireacht an Aire Talmhaíochta sa Tionól, Michelle O’Neill, ar an bPunann Tamhlaíochta agus Forbairt Tuaithe le cúig bliana anuas, a fócas ar chomhtháthú agus chomhoibriú uile-oileánda (go háirithe san fheachtasaíocht atá déanta aige le haghaidh cearta agus deiseanna dóibh siúd a chónaíonn faoin tuath) agus a tacaíocht do na hearnálacha áirithe feirmeoireachta a bhfuil dúshláin mhóra rompu ar na saolta seo mar gheall ar luaineacht an mhargaidh dhomhanda. Aithnímid iarrachtaí Michelle O’Neill sna gnéithe seo a leanas: • An Clár um Fhorbairt Tuaithe is mó (£623 milliún) a fháil a sholathróidh deiseanna nua fostaíochta, infheistíocht tuaithe, deontais feirmeoireachta, soláthar leathanbhanda agus comhtháthú níos fearr turasaíochta agus pobail fud fad an oileáin;

www.sinnfein.ie

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

• Dílárnú cheanncheathrú a roinn go Co. Dhoire, an chéad roinn sa Tionól le bogadh taobh amuigh de mhórcheantar Bhéal Feirste; • A cur chuige maidir le CBT go mbeadh leithdháileadh níos cothroime ann d’fheirmeoirí agus go háirithe do na ceantair sin feirmeoireachta nach dtugtar tús áite dóibh, chomh maith lena cuid tacaíochta d’fheirmeoirí óga trí Scéim na bhFeirmeoirí Óga agus tríd an oideachas/oiliúint a chuirtear ar fáil trí CAFRE (Coláiste Talmhaíochta); • Stádas oifigiúil Saor ón mBrúsallóis (OBF) a fháil do na Sé Chontae agus Stádas ESB Riosca Diomaibhseach a thabhairt chun tosaigh a chuirfidh deiseanna nua trádála agus margaíochta chun cinn; • Díolacháin agraibhia, easpórtálacha a chur chun tosaigh, deiseanna nua fostaíochta a chruthú mar chuid dá straitéis Going for Growth; • An tacaíocht a thug sí do thionscadal na hiascaireachta agus idirbheartaíochta a dhéanamh maidir le cuótaí a ardú i gcruinnithe de chuid Chomhairle Iascaireachta an AE le gairid; • An creat le Dul i nGleic le Bochtaineacht Tuaithe agus le Leithlisiú Sóisialta ar fiú £20 milliún é a uasmhéadú agus ar tháing seiceálacha ar fheirmeacha teaghlaigh, iompar tuaithe, cúram do sheandaoine, comhairle leasa/sochar, agus toibreacha as do na daoine is mó i mbaol agus is mó ar an imeall go sóisialta ar fud ceantair tuaithe; • An reachtaíocht le haghaidh Bill um Riachtanais Tuaithe a chuirfidh ar gach roinn san Fheidhmeannas agus ar gach grúpa reachtúil amharc ar riachtanais shaoránaigh na tuaithe agus polasaithe á gceapadh agus á gcur i bhfeidhm acu. Comhairle Ceantair Thír Eoghain Theas agus Thoir

Talmhaíocht 116.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil gá le cur chuige uile-Éireann maidir lenár dtionscadail iascaireachta lena chinntiú go bhfuil na tionscail seo inbhuanaithe agus go mbaineann siad barr acmhainneachta amach le bearta ar nós: • Thuaidh agus Theas bheith ag obair le chéile chun margadh nua easpórtála a chinntiú le haghaidh táirgeadh áitiúil, lena n-áirítear déirí, mairteoil, éineoil agus muiceoil agus bheith ag comhoibriú lenár gcomhghleacaithe i bParlaimint na hEorpa chun deiseanna a uasmhéadú; • Cur chuige uile-oileánda maidir le hidirbheartaíocht CBT agus CFP ag leibhéal an AE; • Ní mór don AE an t-oileán a aithint mar aonad amháin eacnamaíoch agus maoiniú á dháileadh ón AE agus polasaí a chur i bhfeidhm (gné riachtanach de seo a bheadh ann go n-aithneofaí, trí cheapadh maoinithe agus polasaithe, an gá le riachtanais speisialta cheantair na Teorann a aithint ionas go mbeidh na heacnamaíochtaí talmhaíochta go hiomlán comhtháite); • Straitéis Shliogéisc uile-oileánda a thabhairt chun tosaigh; • Rialálaí agrai-bhia uile-oileánda a thabhairt isteach ionas gur féidir le táirgeoirí praghas maith a fháil. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae Cumann Mhairtírigh H-Block , Loch Garman

117. • Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo na deacrachtaí leanúnacha a bhíonn ar thrádáil uileoileánda mar gheall ar lipéadú na tíre tionscnaimh, go háirithe le mairteoil agus huaineoil; • Téann sé in éadan an phionóis a chuir dreamanna roimhe seo i bhfeidhm ar thrádáil tras-Teorann; • Nótálann diongbháilteacht Michelle O’Neill agus diúltú Simon Coveney an cheist seo a réiteach agus éilíonn sé ar an Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara, Coveney, bheith ag obair lena chomhghleacaí chun lipéad deonach ‘Oileán na hÉireann’ a cheadú; • Geallann sé go dtabharfaidh Sinn Féin sa rialtas reachtaíocht isteach chun follasacht i dtionscadal na feola a mhéadú. Cumann Boland/Harford, Baile Bhrigín

118.

Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis le tionscadail foraoise atá inacmhainne agus bainsitithe go maith, ach éilíonn sé go mbeidh rialú agus comhairliúchán níos fearr i bhfeidhm le nach mbeidh ollphlandáil ann i gceantair foraoise nuair nach mbíonn plandáil mar seo iomchuí, go háirithe in áiteanna in Iarthar na hÉireann, mar a bhfuil sé ag cur isteach ar phobail áitiúla. Má táimid i ndáiríre faoi phobail inbhuanaithe tuaithe a thógáil ní mór dúinn a chinntiú go mbíonn rochtain ag feirmeoirí ar an talamh seo nuair a bhíonn sé ar fáil. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

www.sinnfein.ie leis an imní a bhíonn ar dhaoine maidir le cúrsaí foraoise le nach mbeidh drochthionchar aici ar phobail áitiúla. Cumann James Crossan, Liatroim

Iascaigh 119.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfí i bhfeidhm na moltaí a leagadh amach san Athbhreithniú ar Chánachas Mara 2015 a chuir Indecon faoi bhráid an Ghrúpa Stiúrtha Athbhreithnithe Mara a bhaineann le hIascaigh Mara. Comhairle Ceantair Chiarraí

120.

Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo go meastar nach raibh ach 20% de mharaithe cláraithe na hÉireann i dteideal Scéim Liúntais Mharaithe an dóigh ina bhfuil sé.

• Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis go mbeidh athbhreithniú déanta ar an scéim ionas go mbeidh sé ar fáil ar bhealach níos leithne; • Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis nach mbeidh maraithe atá ar bord soithí mara coiscthe ar Liúntas na Maraithe; • Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis go mbeidh athbhreithniú de réir na scéime ar an sainmhíniú ar “thuras idirnáisiúnta”; • Seo a bheith ann “a voyage that involves time spent outside Irish territorial waters” nó ”journeys starting and finishing in home ports” as siocair go bheádfaí maraithe atá fostaithe soithigh mar seo agus ar shoithigh tarrthála in ann tacaíocht a fháil. Comhairle Ceantair Chiarraí

121.

Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis go gcoinnítear Scéim Chúitimh Oideachais Mharaithe na hÉireann agus go gcuirtear maoiniú níos airde ar fáil d’iarratasóirí a n-éiríonn leo chuig Coláiste Náisiúnta Mara na hÉireann as siocair go bhféadfadh sé ardú a éascú i líon na ngairmithe mara oilte in Éirinn agus go mbeadh sé, dá bhrí sin, le leas thionscadail na mara. Cúige Éireann Theas

122.

Cúis imní don Ard-Fheis seo is ea an cheist a bhaineann leis an gcóras cánach atá d’iascairí i láthair na huaire agus nótálann sé go gcaithear le bunús na n-iascairí mar fhéinfhostaithe mar gheall ar chúrsaí cánach. Coinníonn sé seo srian ar rochtain ar leas sóisialta, méadaíonn sé ualach riaracháin d’iascairí agus baineann sé ar shiúl teidlíocht do chreidmheas cánach fostaithe agus do líuntas na maraithe. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis mar sin go mbeidh athbhreithniú láithreach déanta ar an gcóras cánach a bhaineann le hiascairí agus áireofar leis seo creidmheas cánach fostaithe a shíneadh agus an liúntas maraithe d’iascairí. Cúige Éireann Theas

123.

Oibreoidh an Ard-Fheis ar leibhéal na hEorpa le go mbeidh cosc iomlán ar gach oll-long iascaireachta teacht isteach ar uiscí na hÉireann Cumann Hurson/Quirke, Iarthar Chathair na Gaillimhe

124.

Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le bogadh i dtreo chórais choimeádta ar an gcladach le haghaidh iascaireacht bhradán a luaithe agus a bhíonn siad ar fáil ar phraghas réasúnta agus nár chóir go mbeadh cead cliabh amuigh ar an bhfarraige bheith ann ach amháin sa chás ina mbíonn tacaíocht ann go forleathan go háitiúil agus nach mbíonn bagairt ar bith ann do stoic an bhradáin fháin. Cumann Murt/Quilter, Áth an Rí

www.sinnfein.ie

Dé hAoine 22 & Dé Sathairn 23 Aibreán An tIonad Comhdhála, Baile Átha Cliath

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 April The Convention Centre, Dublin