Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 Bí le Shinn Féin Bí le Téacs: Seol an focal SINN FEIN ansin d’ainm agus seoladh chuig : 51444 (26 Chondae) 60060 (6 Chondae) Ar Líne: www.sinnfein.ie/join-sinn-fein Ríomhphost: admin@sinnfein.ie Sinn Féin, 44 Cearnóg Pharnell, Baile Átha Cliath 1, Éire. Fón: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Sinn Féin, 53 Bóthar na bhFál, Béal Feirste, BT 12PD, Éire. Fón: 028 90 347350 Fax: 028 90 347386
Join Sinn Féin Join by Text: Text the word SINN FEIN followed by your name and address to: 51444 (26 counties) 60060 (6 counties) Join online: www.sinnfein.ie/join-sinn-fein Email: admin@sinnfein.ie Sinn Féin, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland. Tel: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Sinn Féin, 53 Falls Road, Belfast, BT 12PD, Ireland. Tel: 028 90 347350 Fax: 028 90 347386
Dé HAoine 6ú & Dé Sathairn 7ú Márta, Doire Friday 6th & Saturday 7th March, Derry SFAF cover english 2015.indd 1
24/02/2015 10:09
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Ard Fheis 2015 Clár 2015 DERRY
FRIDAY 6th MARCH 16.00 Registration 18.00 Opening Address by Gearóid Ó hÉara 18.15 Delivering a Fair Recovery – Anti-Austerity, Dealing With Debt and Fair Taxation – Motions 1-17 page 5 19.00 Keynote Address from Martin McGuinness Shaping our Future Through Reconciliation - Rev. Steve Stockman and Fr. Martin Magill 19.30 A Republic for All – Motions 18-43 page 9 2016 - Towards a United Ireland Building the Peace 20.30 Party Development, Constitution and Rules – Motions 44-65
page 15
SATURDAY 7th MARCH 10.00 Investing in Transport – Motions 66-71 page 20 11.00 Keynote Speeches - Carried Live by RTE and BBC Including speaker from Marriage Equality and Palestinian Ambassador 13.00 Lunch 14.00 Delivering a Fair Recovery - Getting Ireland Back to Work – Motions 72-82 page 21 Including a speech from ICTU President, John Douglas 15.00 Delivering a Fair Recovery – A New Deal for Rural Ireland – Motions 83-103 page 25 16.00 Delivering a Fair Recovery – Investing in Public Services Health – Motions 104-125 page 29 The Way Forward in Education – Motions 126-135 page 32 Ending the Housing Crisis – Motions 136-149 page 34 17.00 Tea 18.00 18.45 19.15 19.45 20.25 20.30
International Solidarity – Motions 150-156 page 37 Includes speakers from Palestine, the ANC and the Basque Country A Republic for All – Political Reform and Equality – Motions 157-190 page 39 Policing and Justice – Motions 191-206 page 46 An Ghaeilge – Motions 207-218 page 50 Introduction to Presidential Address by Michelle Gildernew Presidential Address by Gerry Adams
21.00 Close
1
SF Clar 2015.indd 1
24/02/2015 17:07
SINN FÉIN ARD FHEIS 2015 2
SF Clar 2015.indd 2
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
STANDING ORDERS 1. Standing Orders shall be adopted at the commencement of each Ard Fheis.
discussion, shall have no option but to put the resolution or amendment to a vote.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
3
SF Clar 2015.indd 3
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
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
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.
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)
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.
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)
Tá an díospóireacht oscailte. Ba mhaith liom ciúnas sa halla. The debate is now open, quiet in the hall please.
Spreagaitheasc (Keynote Address) Aoichainteoirí (guest speakers)
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.
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.
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 .....
4
SF Clar 2015.indd 4
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Delivering A Fair Recovery
Anti-Austerity, Dealing with Debt and Fair Taxation 1. This Ard Fheis notes: • Sinn Féin is totally opposed to the introduction of domestic household water charges and believes that they can be defeated. • Sinn Féin in government blocked the introduction of domestic water charges in the Six Counties and is committed to reversing them, if in government, in the 26 Counties. • There is widespread public concern that the introduction of domestic water metering and water charges, and the establishment of Irish Water will eventually lead to the privatisation of water services. • The massive waste of public money spent on establishing Irish Water, including over €85million on consultants, €539million to date on installing water meters, over €5million in legal fees, and millions more in administration. This Ard Fheis commends: • The Right2Water campaign and people across Ireland for their ongoing public opposition to the introduction of water charges. • The publication by the party’s Leinster House team of legislation to repeal water charges and of a Bill (the 34th Amendment to the Constitution Bill, 2014) to allow for a referendum to amend Article 40 of Bunreacht na hÉireann in order to ensure the right of the people to water by retaining public ownership of water services and infrastructure. • The decision of the Six-County Executive to stop water meters being retro-fitted in houses. • The nomination of Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan as author of the ‘European Citizens’ Initiative Right to Water’ report. This Ard Fheis calls for: • The immediate repeal of water charges legislation. • The holding of a Constitutional referendum to keep water services in public ownership. • The dismantling of Irish Water and its replacement by a new model of governance, funding and delivery within full public ownership and democratic control and accountability.
Cork Comhairle Ceantair Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin Robert Emmet Cumann, Tipperary Martin Forsyth Cumann, Dublin Michael J Marren Cumann, Sligo Hogan/Riain/Loinsigh Cumann, Limerick James Connolly Cumann, Dublin West Waterford Cumann, Waterford Cumann na Máighe, Donegal Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Dublin Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Mayo East Clare Cumann, Clare Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Clare Hughes and O’Reilly Cumann, Cork Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
2.
This Ard Fheis sends solidarity greetings to the Detroit Water Brigade in their battle to end water shut-offs to homes in Detroit.
James Connolly Cumann, Dublin
3.
This Ard Fheis proposes that public water pumps should not be shut off by Irish Water as they are a traditional source of water and should be protected as a part of our heritage.
Kevin Coen/Martin Savage Cumann, Sligo
4.
This Ard Fheis restates its firm opposition to the austerity programmes of the Tory Government in Britain as implemented in the North of Ireland by way of cuts to the block grant and welfare cuts, and to the Fine Gael/Labour Government austerity agenda in the South. 5
SF Clar 2015.indd 5
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis commends the Sinn Féin 2015 pre-Budget submission entitled “Repair, Renew, Rebuild” for the 26 Counties. The document sets out to repair communities, rebuild the economy and renew society. The Budget submission lays out how Sinn Féin would abolish the local property tax and water charges and our programme for investing in disability services, health and education. It is anti-austerity, protects the most vulnerable and would create jobs. Proposals include: • Putting money back into the pockets of ordinary workers through the abolition of the Property Tax and by stopping water charges. • Investing an additional €202.6million in disability services and supports. • Prioritising investment in health and education to make back-to-school more affordable and recruit an additional 1,000 nurses and midwives. • Help stop forced emigration of our young people and restore equality by restoring the Jobseeker payment for those under 26 over two years. • Begin a social housing programme that is fit for purpose thereby creating thousands of jobs. • Reducing salaries and allowances of high-earners in the public sector and Oireachtas.
Ard Chomhairle
5.
This Ard Fheis opposes the cuts in funding to Women’s Networks and other community services for women across the state, acknowledges and commends the valuable services provided by this sector to women (particularly those who may be isolated or vulnerable due to family or other circumstances) and calls on the Government to ensure that an adequate level of funding is maintained to allow these services to continue.
Midlands/North-West Cúige
6.
This Ard Fheis reaffirms its opposition to austerity and social welfare cuts, both North and South, and is committed to: - Changing the way Budgets are finalised by governments to ensure that the full impact of social welfare, service and tax proposals, including indirect taxes, properly inform decision making so that every Budget actively seeks to narrow the gap in incomes in society. - Tackling the inadequacy of social welfare rates of payment to protect against poverty. - Radically transforming the social protection system into one that acts with a progressively reformed taxation system to achieve a more economically equal society and to preserve justifiable living standards over one’s lifetime, including periods of disability, caring, homemaking, unemployment and retirement.
Ard Chomhairle Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
7.
This Ard Fheis condemns the practice of the Department of Social Protection in the cutting of social welfare payments for individuals unilaterally and without warning or explanation.
8.
This Ard Fheis: • Opposes the tax changes announced by this Fine Gael/Labour Government in Budget 2015 which mean the One-Parent Family Tax Credit will now only be available to the primary carer of a child and not both parents who share custody. This Ard Fheis recognises: • The good work done by our team in Leinster House in opposing and raising awareness of this change. • That this change has created a hierarchy of parenting. • That this is for many unmarried, separated or divorced parents the biggest single austerity measure that they have faced throughout the past six years. • That those who had previously availed of the credit and have been hit by the changes may find it more difficult to keep up with agreed maintenance payments. Calls on: • Sinn Féin to bring forward proposals to ensure that all parents who actively care for their children can avail of this credit and not just the primary carer.
Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dublin
6
SF Clar 2015.indd 6
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie 9.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government and the Northern Assembly to establish a repatriation fund for Irish people who have died or been killed abroad, and whose family have no access to funds to alleviate financial concerns at a very distressful time.
Newry Comhairle Ceantair
10.
This Ard Fheis expresses total opposition to the Westminster-imposed HGV Road User Levy currently being enforced by the Department of Environment in the North. This acts as a barrier to trade and commerce within the island of Ireland and ignores the particular circumstances of hauliers and the needs of businesses, both North and South. Further to this, this Ard Fheis calls on both administrations on the island, both Irish Government and Northern Executive, under the aegis of the North/South Ministerial Council, to undertake a study aimed at building up the evidence base with regard to the negative impact that the introduction and enforcement of this levy is having on the all-Ireland economy.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six-County Cúige
11.
This Ard Fheis: • Deplores the failure of the Irish Government to apply for a retrospective recapitalisation of the pillar banks and calls on the Government to do so, making a full and robust argument why the Irish people should recoup the monies pumped into these banks. • Rejects out of hand any payments to junior bondholders as part of the liquidation process at IBRC. • Condemns the aggressive and unreasonable approach the banks have taken with families struggling with mortgage arrears and the Government and Central Bank facilitation of this unacceptable approach. • Believes, seven years after the banking collapse, that the Government has failed to rebuild a functioning banking system. The effects of this failure are seen in exorbitant interest rates being charged by Irish banks. • Supports a vision of an Irish banking sector that is competitive and sustainable with a state bank playing a key role. • Believes the role of local and public banks such as the Sparkassen model in Germany needs to be examined, including looking at how these banks could be funded. • Believes in strong regulation of the banking sector to prevent abuses and irresponsible behaviour, including excessive salaries, bonuses and remuneration. • Calls for greater powers for the Financial Services Ombudsman to protect the rights of consumers when dealing with financial institutions.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, Cork Midlands/North-West Cúige
12.
This Ard Fheis reasserts its support for the credit union movement and its social ethos. • We express our disappointment at the inflexible approach taken by the regulator and Central Bank on some regulatory issues which fails to take into account the unique social and community ethos of the Credit Union movement. • Pledges to work with the Credit Union Movement to ensure its unique role in Irish society is not undermined.
Martin Forsyth Cumann, Dublin
13.
This Ard Fheis proposes that the bankruptcy legislation should be harmonised North and South.
14.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the commitment made to devolve Corporation Tax varying powers to the Assembly in the Six Counties. We acknowledge that the devolution of Corporation Tax varying powers is only one step towards the comprehensive devolution of economic power from Britain to the North. We call on the incoming Ard Chomhairle to carefully consider any variation in tax rates to ensure that increased tax revenue advantages the local economy ordinary citizens benefit through the creation of sustainable, well-paying jobs and economic growth.
Buncrana Cumann, Donegal
Seán McCartney Cumann, Belfast Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Galway
7
SF Clar 2015.indd 7
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn FĂŠin Ard Fheis 2015 15.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis, while supporting the principle of devolution of the power to set corporation tax rates to the Six County Assembly, recognizes that the role of a democratic socialist party should be to argue for more effective implementation of current rates of corporation tax, north and south, and rejects a reduction in corporation tax which would increase the profits of global corporations.
Clancy/O’Callaghan Cumann, Limerick
16.
This Ard Fheis notes that the policy Carbon Tax increases has led to an increase in fuel poverty. We therefore call on the Irish Government to restore three weeks fuel allowance as a means of protecting the most vulnerable for these unfair tax increases.
Mulvoy/Campbell Cumann, Galway
17.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government and EU to exempt the volunteer rescue services from having to pay VAT on their rescue equipment which they need in order to maintain the high standard of emergency work that they carry out.
Bobby Sands Cumann, Kerry Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway
8
SF Clar 2015.indd 8
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
A Republic For All
2016 - Towards a United Ireland 18. In the context of the present ‘Decade of Centenaries’, this Ard Fheis agrees that Sinn Féin should work with others to progress an initiative which aims to achieve by Easter 2016 a national joint statement by leaders of political parties, churches and religious groupings, business and trade unions, cultural, community and voluntary organisations which sets out a shared commitment to mutual respect and tolerance whereby centenary commemorative events are organised to be inclusive for all sections of our people while at the same time recognising the right of every side to respectively engage in their own commemorations on the basis of dignity, respect and without offence.
Ard Chomhairle
19.
This Ard Fheis calls for the use of the words of the 1916 Proclamation, coming into the centenary period, as a means of capturing ‘The Spirit of 1916’ and to feature where possible on printed material, including election material, to support the struggle for ‘An Ireland of Equals’. This Ard Fheis also recognises the interest worldwide in commemorating the 1916 Rising amongst the Irish Diaspora and encourages events to be held overseas in 2016 as well as in Ireland. This Ard Fheis calls for legacy projects to be carried out that remember the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in a meaningful and educative manner and calls on the party’s elected members to make representations to their respective elected bodies with proposals for such, including the naming or renaming of buildings, parks and other such amenities after the patriots of 1916. Primary among these is the preservation of the historic battlefield site at Moore Street. This Ard Fheis pledges Sinn Féin to do all it can to preserve and develop the site into a fitting memorial alongside the 1916 relatives and other likeminded campaigners.
Ard Chomhairle Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin
20.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to supply adequate funding to city and county council Heritage Offices for the 1916 Centenary Commemorations.
Mulvoy/Campbell Cumann, Galway
21.
This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising to Irish republicans and proposes that no member of either the British royal family or the British Government be invited to any official state ceremonial event as this would be an insult to the memory of the fallen heroes of the 1916 and their families.
22.
This Ard Fheis recognises: • The sovereign right of the Irish People to National Self-determination and independence • The legacy of partition has been conflict, division and inequality • Partition continues to impede economic growth and undermine public services and reconciliation • That Irish Unity is viable, achievable and in the best interests of all. • That a peaceful and democratic pathway to Irish unity now exists. The Ard Fheis commits to • Promote dialogue to highlight the economic, social and democratic case for Irish Unity. • Build cross border and all-Ireland working at the Dáil, Assembly, Europe and Councils • Continue the process of national reconciliation • Campaign for a Border Poll as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement • Make good the promise of Proclamation to deliver a Republic for all our Citizens.
Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford
Ard Chomhairle
23.
This Ard Fheis believes: • Partition is unjust, uneconomic and inefficient. • The Good Friday Agreement was endorsed by the vast majority of people in Ireland, North and South, provides the ground rules for peaceful and democratic constitutional change through concurrent Border polls North and South. 9
SF Clar 2015.indd 9
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
• Almost 17 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, it is time for the people North and South to exercise their democratic right to vote on Irish reunification and commends those in Queen’s University Belfast for their recent referendum initiative. • A united, equal and inclusive Ireland is in the best interests of all our people, our economy and the process of reconciliation. This Ard Fheis reaffirms: • Our ability and commitment to achieve a united Ireland on the basis of peaceful, political and democratic strategies. • The importance of continued discussion and engagement with all those who oppose the Peace Process and Irish reunification. This Ard Fheis calls for: • The Irish and British governments to ensure that all the citizens of Ireland can exercise their democratic power to carve out a new future in a united Ireland by calling concurrent Border polls in the lifetime of the next Assembly and Dáil term. • A full, open and honest debate on the benefits of Irish unity and the costs of continued partition. • The Oireachtas to prioritise building a new, united, equal and inclusive Ireland and to develop and publish a Green Paper for Irish Unity. • Sinn Féin to continue to maximise support for Irish unity through all sections of society and internationally and to intensify the campaign for a united Ireland as the core objective of the party, requiring increased commitment and activism on the issue.
Ard Chomhairle Seán English Cumann, Offaly Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dublin Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Burns/McKerr/Toman Cumann, Armagh
24.
This Ard Fheis notes that the people of Scotland engaged in an informed and respectful debate in the recent referendum on independence and have made their choice. The turnout in the referendum in Scotland demonstrated the power of engagement and democracy. Their decision shows that the people are sovereign and that change is possible. The Union is no longer fixed; it is in the ownership of the people. It is now up to the Westminster-based parties to make good on their promises of full fiscal and policy transfer to Scotland. This Ard Fheis also notes that British Prime Minister David Cameron promised that powers to be transferred to Scotland would also be extended to the Stormont Executive. This promise should be acted upon without further delay. This Ard Fheis calls for the people of Ireland to be provided the opportunity in a Border poll to determine the constitutional position. That is the democratic way forward.
Ard Chomhairle
25.
This Ard Fheis calls for the promotion of the national flag, anthem and the Proclamation of 1916 to be rolled out in schools across the country where there is community support.
McGrath/O’Brien Cumann, Waterford Ruth Hackett Cumann, Kildare Barry/Doyle Cumann, Kildare
26.
Sinn Féin calls on the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann to ensure that any train stations named after those involved in the 1916 Rising displays those names prominently, including the name of Roger Casement more prominently at the entrance to Casement Station in Tralee.
John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Kerry
Building the Peace 27. This Ard Fheis restates the absolute centrality of implementing all outstanding issues arising from the Good Friday, Weston Park, St Andrews and Hillsborough Castle Agreements. These include: • The British Government’s responsibility to hold an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane. 10
SF Clar 2015.indd 10
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
• The implementation of Acht na Gaeilge. • The expansion of the All-Ireland Implementation Bodies and policing agenda. • Establishment of a Civic Forum and an All-Ireland Consultative Forum. • The implementation of a Bill of Rights. We believe that the political process and institutions in the North can only progress with unconditional commitment to power-sharing and partnership government. Comprehensive agreement on all of these is integral to the existence of sufficient funding to make the North’s economy function. This requires: • A viable block grant. • Fiscal levers to generate revenue and economic stimulus. The British Government’s austerity policies and welfare cuts agenda are politically regressive and economically destabilising. The North of Ireland remains a special case. This Ard Fheis endorses the need for a properlyresourced reconstruction, regeneration and reconciliation plan for the North.
Ard Chomhairle Burns/McKerr/Toman Cumann, Armagh
28.
This Ard Fheis applauds the efforts of those from within the trade union movement in Ireland and internationally, the local business sector and wider civic society who have attempted to positively support the achievement of a comprehensive agreement during the recent Stormont talks. Democratic politics in the North has been weakened due to the marginalisation of civic society from the political process. Sinn Féin reaffirms the necessity for civic society to have a central influence in relation to the peace and political processes. We reiterate our call for the establishment of a Civic Forum and AllIreland Consultative Forum as important contributions to the enhancement of political inclusion and participation.
Ard Chomhairle Desmond White Cumann, Cavan
29.
This Ard Fheis: • Notes the differential impact that the conflict had on women in Irish society (the ramifications of which are still unresolved, as demonstrated by the high levels of domestic and sexual violence and abuse). • Expresses disappointment that the important role women have to play in peace building has been too often neglected. • Recognises that the ‘real’ involvement of women in the development of a peaceful and fruitful future is not only critical but absolutely essential. • Calls for the immediate implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
Six-County Cúige
30.
This Ard Fheis acknowledges the work done by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains to recover the remains of those known as “the Disappeared”. We recognise that while important progress has been made in dealing with this particular tragedy from our past, more needs to be done to bring closure for all the bereaved families. We reiterate our appeal for any additional information which may help the Independent Commission to fulfil its mandate to be provided to the Commission.
Ard Chomhairle
31.
This Ard Fheis affirms that any future process to engage on the legacy of the conflict must be: • Independent from all conflict actors. • Victim-centred. • Cross-jurisdictional. • Compliant with international human rights principles, frameworks and guidelines. • Resourced by the British Treasury.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Derry Comhairle Ceantair Martin Forsyth Cumann, Dublin
11
SF Clar 2015.indd 11
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 32.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis is opposed to the establishment of the Legacy Investigations Branch as a replacement for the Historical Enquiries Team. The Legacy Investigations Branch is an integral part of PSNI Crime Operations and lacks the independence to be Article 2 (European Convention on Human Rights) compliant. It will not be able to gain the public confidence essential to dealing with legacy issues.
Six-County Cúige
33.
This Ard Fheis registers its concerns about the following: - Key staff in the PSNI Legacy Support Unit, which filters and redacts all relevant documentation for coroners’ inquests, are former RUC Special Branch officers. - The PSNI has hosted ‘Legacy Information Evenings’ which are designed to give advice to former or retired RUC officers on matters of anonymity and screening, witness compellability, legal representation at inquests and access to statements, notebooks and interview notes - Comments by former and current senior PSNI officers at these evening sessions outlining their determination to protect the reputation of the RUC Accordingly, this Ard Fheis calls for: - An independent mechanism to manage disclosure of documents held by the PSNI and other state agencies. - Recognition of the conflict of interest issues pertaining to former members of the RUC Special Branch and their role in filtering documentation for coroners’ inquests. - All state agencies to release all necessary documentation immediately. - Retired RUC officers to co-operate fully with inquests and all related legacy processes.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
34.
This Ard Fheis notes with serious concern the emergence of an aggressive strategy by the British Government to absolve itself of its human rights obligations. This strategy has been clearly designed to facilitate impunity for state actors and to prevent a wider investigation of their conflict practices and policies. This Ard Fheis calls on the British Government to: • Acknowledge their role as a combatant and end their obfuscation and denial of past conflict actions. • Acknowledge and fulfil their human rights obligations in respect of past conflict actions, policies and practices.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
35.
This Ard Fheis recognises the immense suffering and loss of all victims. This Ard Fheis calls on the Stormont Executive to ensure that the Victims and Survivors Service provides a victimcentred package of services tailored to the individual needs of each victim and survivor. This Ard Fheis also rejects any attempts to change the definition of a victim and hold firms that there should be no deviation from 2006 Victims Order.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
36.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Ard Chomhairle to establish an all-island legacy co-ordination group which will: • Support various campaigning groups and individuals who work on legacy and dealing with the past. • Develop a work programme that will organise educational events, inform future legal challenges, assist in highlighting legacy matters, and support ongoing awareness of historic abuses. • Support and provide direction to organisational structures in each cúige area. • Positively articulate and uphold the republican narrative regarding the causes and consequences of the conflict.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
12
SF Clar 2015.indd 12
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie 37.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
This Ard Fheis: • Extends solidarity and support to the 14 citizens known as ‘The Hooded Men’ who were arrested and brutally tortured by the British Army following the introduction of internment in August 1971. • Commends the courage and dedication of these men in their campaign for justice and for successfully securing agreement from the Irish Government that they will now request the European Court of Human Rights to revise its judgment in the case of ‘The Hooded Men’. • Calls on the Irish Government to ensure that it prepares the most thorough, exhaustive, well-argued case that it can in support of the 14 men and of the Government’s challenge before the European Court of Human Rights.
Ard Chomhairle Watters Brothers Cumann, Louth
38.
This Ard Fheis notes the serious delays being placed on the inquests of victims of collusion (including that of Gerard Casey murdered in Rasharkin) due to the failure of the British Government and Department of Justice to properly resource investigations. This Ard Fheis calls on Justice Minister David Ford to take steps immediately to ensure that these inquests are prioritised in the interest of the victims and their families.
Gerard Casey Cumann, Antrim
39.
This Ard Fheis sends its solidarity to the Carberry family in their ongoing battle for the truth in the state execution of their father, Stan Snr.
Beechmount Cumann
40.
This Ard Fheis believes that the political process in the North has been undermined by heightened sectarianism, polarisation and increased racism. In the absence of serious political engagement, wider society needs to urgently explore what more can be done to break this division and create trust. A positive, critical mass supporting reconciliation needs to be mobilised in Irish society. There is no hierarchy of humanity. Acknowledgement of all suffering without recrimination is an important gesture. In the absence of political agreement in dealing with the past this will require huge grace and generosity. Political difference should not be contested on the hurt or suffering inflicted by and upon all sides. This Ard Fheis agrees that collective expressions of remorse and regret for death and injury during the conflict would assist in a healing process and fostering mutual understanding and respect. Ard Chomhairle Derry City Comhairle Ceantair
41.
All citizens have a right to live free from all forms of sectarian harassment, bigotry and intolerance. For as long as the attitudes and agents of sectarianism remain unchallenged, division and polarisation will be perpetuated, intolerance and bigotry will continue, and, the potential for instability and conflict will be a constant. This Ard Fheis calls for full implementation of the Northern Executive’s ‘Together Building a United Community’ strategy to be supported with the entrenchment of a legal definition of sectarianism within anti-sectarian legislation. This should include robust incitement to hatred provisions. These new legislative instruments should be guaranteed the full support of the criminal justice system.
Ard Chomhairle
42.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Northern Executive and Assembly to: • Adopt a dedicated anti-sectarianism policy by the Assembly, local authorities and all public sector bodies in the North. • Devise strategies with trade unions and employees in the private sector to promote policies and initiatives to challenge sectarian behaviour and discrimination in the workplace and make employees aware of relevant legislation. 13
SF Clar 2015.indd 13
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie • Encourage every successful bidder for government contracts and public funding in the private, community and voluntary sectors to adopt an anti-sectarian policy within management policy, and include sectarian awareness training for staff and volunteers. • Ensure sectarian awareness training is provided for all government staff, all law enforcement officers, within schools, and youth diversionary projects in the North. • Implement publicity campaign across the Six Counties to raise awareness of the damage caused by sectarianism highlighting the consequences of bigoted attitudes and behaviour.
43.
Ard Chomhairle
This Ard Fheis restates the need for direct face-to-face, sustained and meaningful dialogue between those who seek to parade and those who live, work and trade in areas through which they seek to parade. We reaffirm our support for the Parades Commission in its endeavours to resolve outstanding disputes. We reiterate the need for an urgent review of current parading legislation to identify gaps and weaknesses in common law as a precursor to the drafting of robust legislation which ensures enforceability in law in relation to breaches of Parades Commission determinations.
Ard Chomhairle
14
SF Clar 2015.indd 14
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Party Development 44.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the recent plans for increasing the party membership and the number of cumainn, to improve skills training and political education delivery, and to achieve a 50/50 gender balance in party membership by 2020. This Ard Fheis calls on all members of the party to do their part in achieving these goals in order to help deliver on our goals of Irish unity and equality for all.
Ard Chomhairle
45.
This Ard Fheis commends the work of the Sinn Féin LGBTI group over the past year and encourages Sinn Féin members to get involved with the group and get active on LGBTI issues within their local areas. This Ard Fheis also commits to further mainstreaming LGBTI issues within the party structures over the coming year.
Martin Forsyth Cumann, Dublin Bob Smith Cumann, Dublin James Connolly Cumann, Dublin Sheena Campbell Cumann, Down
46.
This Ard Fheis recognises that society forces individuals to adopt a manner of social expression based on sex which many individuals feel is inconsistent with their gender identity. This Ard Fheis calls for a more gender-inclusive process in all cases where Sinn Féin inquire as to the gender of incoming or current members. This Ard Fheis therefore calls for a third gender option of “other” to be included in all Sinn Féin forms.
Devlin/Plunkett Cumann, Dublin Dublin Cúige
47.
This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of mental health not just across broader society but also amongst its members, staff, officers and public representatives so much so that that this party commits to the provision of mental health supports within the organisation.
James Connolly Cumann, Dublin Bob Smith Cumann, Dublin
48.
This Ard Fheis calls for the development of cross-Border twinning between cumainn to promote mutual support, understanding and political development.
Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dublin Hughes and O’Reilly Cumann, Cork
49.
This Ard Fheis proposes that the lines of communication between cumainn and the party nationally be improved to facilitate individuals and cumainn when they require instant and updated information in dealing with media and political opponents’ propaganda and attacks on us. This Ard Fheis also seeks to improve communications among and between the party membership, leadership and the general public. Upgrading the website contact details would facilitate easier access for members and those seeking Sinn Féin information. An improved website is a vital tool for encouraging prospective members to join and for current members to be more active. Other communications improvements could be built into a public relations strategy that includes ‘one voice’ messaging during critical political campaigns and responses to crises.
Michael J Marren Cumann, Sligo Tom Shevlin/Joe McDonnell Cumann, Roscommon
50.
This Ard Fheis calls for the party to review and update its policies on bullying in line with best practice and for training to be provided to tackle this issue.
Hughes and O’Reilly Cumann, Cork
51.
Recognising the leadership being offered by all existing local authority Sinn Féin group leaders, this Ard Fheis proposes that the methodology of appointment of local authority Sinn Féin group leaders be reviewed with a view to enhancing the appointments’ transparency.
Martin Forsyth Cumann, Dublin
15
SF Clar 2015.indd 15
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 52.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis notes that: • The political landscape in Ireland and across Europe is changing. • There is the potential to break the monopoly on government in the 26 Counties which has been held by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil since the foundation of the state. • Sinn Féin is now the biggest party on the island and is seeking a mandate to deliver a fair recovery, to safeguard public services, to deliver a republic for all and a united Ireland. • Sinn Féin will not go into a Fianna Fáil-led or Fine Gael-led government following the general election. This Ard Fheis commits Sinn Féin to form broad alliances with like-minded parties and independents to ensure that austerity is opposed North and South, that there is a fair recovery, and to maximise the potential for an anti-austerity government in the 26 Counties.
Dublin Republican Youth Carndonagh/Malin Cumann, Donegal Tom Shevlin/Joe McDonnell Cumann, Roscommon Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford Burns/McKerr/Toman Cumann, Armagh Carroll/Ashe Cumann, Dublin Shortis/Scanlon Cumann, Kerry James Connolly Cumann, Dublin Keenan/Doherty Cumann, Monaghan Volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, Cork East Clare Cumann, Clare Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Dublin Bobby Sands Cumann, Kerry Barry/Doyle Cumann, Kildare
53.
This Ard Fheis calls for progressive, pro-Agreement parties in the Six Counties to agree, alongside Sinn Féin, an electoral pact to maximise the number of progressive and pro-Agreement candidates returned in the coming Westminster elections.
Cúige na 6 Chontae
54.
This Ard Fheis has no confidence in the current Fine Gael/Labour Government and recognises this Government has lost its mandate and is limping from crisis to crisis. The Government has mishandled: • The setting up of Irish Water and the introduction of water charges which should be scrapped. • The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and penalty point controversies which led to the resignation of the Minister for Justice, the former Garda Commissioner and the Secretary General at the Department of Justice. • Allegations of cronyism in the allocation of primary health care centres by the previous Minister for Health. • The removal of discretionary Medical Cards. • The botched Seanad referendum. • The recent Seanad by-election. They have clearly demonstrated that they are a Government in crisis, a Government that does not have the confidence of the people. What is necessary is an immediate general election to elect a Government capable of governing in the interests of citizens.
Waterford Comhairle Ceantair Bobby Sands Cumann, Kerry
55.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the enormous growth in support for the party, particularly in the 26 Counties, over the past year. Acknowledges the many challenges we face as we draw up our election manifesto and prepare for the real possibility of leading the first-ever Left government in the history of the 26-County state. Call for the reinstatement of the three-day Ard Fheis from 2016 to allow more time for discussing and debating the many important decisions we will be committing the party to.
McLaughlin/Cahill Cumann, Dublin
16
SF Clar 2015.indd 16
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie 56.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
This Ard Fheis welcomes the success of recent internal conferences for members, activists and elected representatives in encouraging open political discussion and discussing the party’s political strategy, but notes that many of these events are being held in hotels or other businesses. This Ard Fheis urges the organisers of party conferences, events and conventions to try to use community facilities for these events whenever possible and available, helping to ensure our events financially support critical community infrastructure.
Emmet/Clarke Cumann, Dublin
57.
This Ard Fheis calls on all Sinn Féin members and elected representatives to attend the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown, and that other areas not organise events that may clash with the Féile Wolfe Tone which takes place on June 20th and 21st this year. This Ard Fheis also agrees that representatives of the cumann in the host area will be involved in the ceremony at Wolfe Tone’s grave at the Wolfe Tone Commemoration.
Wolfe Tone Cumann, Kildare
58.
This Ard Fheis proposes that our national flag should be shown due respect and not be thrown around by the party’s elected representatives and their supporters.
Piarais McCan Cumann, Tipperary
59.
This Ard Fheis continues the Sinn Féin policy of bilingualism for publications, where possible. Sinn Féin undertakes to increase its output in Gaeilge and believes that the question of output in Gaeilge would best be taken forward by an incremental approach involving engagement between An tOifigeach Náisiúnta Gaeilge and party leadership, structures and members. This Ard Fheis recognises the need to take effective steps to Gaelicise Sinn Féin. We believe that this will be enabled by the production of a discussion paper to raise internal awareness and to encourage widespread support for this aim. This Ard Fheis agrees that, on the back of this discussion paper, a draft five-year Gaelicisation development strategy within Sinn Féin should be prepared by An tOifigeach Náisiúnta Gaeilge and that this should be presented for adoption as policy to the 2016 Ard Fheis. In the meantime, we encourage all Sinn Féin representatives and those working in a paid capacity for the party to attend Irish language classes if they are not fluent in the language.
Ard Chomhairle Martin Forsyth Cumann, Dublin Mulvoy/Campbell Cumann, Galway
60.
That this Ard Fheis recognises best practice whereby cumainn operate bilingually. We request that all party structures support this endeavour and encourage other cumainn to follow suit.
Wolfe Tone Cumann, Kildare
Constitution and Rules
NB. Below for the Constitution and Rules section, bold italics are additions and strikethroughs are deletions. All other text is current constitutional text.
61.
Amendment to section 6.2.1.b of the Sinn Féin Constitution and 3.2.b of the Rules as follows: Each Comhairle Cúige shall elect three four representatives to An Ard Chomhairle. An Annual General Meeting shall take place at least a fortnight prior to An Ard Fheis. The outgoing officers and three Ard Chomhairle representatives and two delegates from each cumann and Comhairlí Ceantair shall attend and elect an officer board and three four Comhairle Cúige representatives to An Ard Chomhairle. The Annual General Meeting shall formulate policy for the ensuing year. At least one of the three representatives should be a woman and at least one should be a man. Two of the four representatives shall be women and two shall be men.
Smith/Farrell/Griffith Cumann, Dublin
62.
Amendment to 5.4a of the Sinn Féin Constitution 5.4 Affiliation fee and funds a. The financial year of Sinn Féin shall be the calendar year ending December 31st. A cumann affiliation fee of €95 must be paid during the month of January with a deadline of January 31st of each year. Cumainn based in third-level institutions shall be exempt from this fee.
Martin Hurson Cumann, Cork
17
SF Clar 2015.indd 17
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 63.
www.sinnfein.ie
Addition to section 6.2.5g of the Sinn Féin constitution outlining the powers of an Ard Chomhairle ix. To enact and enforce party rules and procedures that shall be binding on all party structures and members, including but not limited to, election procedures, disciplinary procedures, membership procedures and the party Code of Conduct.
Ard Chomhairle
64.
Delete the following sections of the Party Rules 2. AN ARD CHOMHAIRLE 2.1 Disciplinary powers in relation to members of the organisation a. An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Upon notice of dismissal, the member or body shall have the right to appeal to An Ard Chomhairle which may set up an inquiry team to examine the case. c. In the event of an Ard Chomhairle inquiry, the member or body concerned must receive from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team. d. The suspension of a member or body for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed e. On completion of the inquiry, Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall submit a report to An Ard Chomhairle. f. Having considered the report’s findings, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation. g. Where allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault are made against any member of the organisation, they should be referred directly to Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí and An tArd-Rúnaí. 2.2 Disciplinary powers in relation to Ard Chomhairle members a. Members of An Ard Chomhairle absent from three consecutive meetings without an excusing cause automatically forfeit membership of An Ard Chomhairle. b. An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss or suspend any Ard Chomhairle member before a duly convened meeting called for that purpose. c. Upon notice of dismissal, the member shall have the right to appeal to An Ard Chomhairle which shall set up an inquiry team to examine the case. d. In the event of An Ard Chomhairle inquiry, the member concerned must receive from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry. e. On completion of the inquiry, Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall submit a report to An Ard Chomhairle. f. Having considered the report’s findings, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power, by a twothirds majority, to dismiss the member from An Ard Chomhairle or, if it deems it justifiable, from the organisation. g. Where a member is dismissed, An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to co-opt a substitute. h. The suspension of an Ard Chomhairle member for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed. 3. COMHAIRLE CÚIGE 3.5 Cúige disciplinary procedures a. An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Under direction from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, and subject to future ratification by An Chomhairle Cúige and where there is an urgent and immediate need for executive action to be taken, the officer board of An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or unsuitability. This shall not affect the right to appeal of the member or body. c. Before being dismissed, however, the member or body must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by An Chomhairle Cúige. d. The member or body concerned must receive from the Cúige Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team e. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to An Chomhairle Cúige. 18
SF Clar 2015.indd 18
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Having considered the report’s findings, An Comhairle Cúige shall have the power, by a twothirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation. f. Any member or body that has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of An Chomhairle Cúige has the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle. g. The suspension of a body or member thereof for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed h. Differences arising in a Comhairle Cúige or between Comhairlí Cúige where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Ard Chomhairle. 4. COMHAIRLÍ CEANTAIR 4.5 Comhairle Ceantair disciplinary procedures a. An Chomhairle Ceantair shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Before being dismissed, however, the member or body must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by An Chomhairle Ceantair. c. The member or body concerned must receive from An Chomhairle Ceantair Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team d. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to An Chomhairle Ceantair. Having considered the report’s findings, An Chomhairle Ceantair shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation. e. Any member or body that has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of An Chomhairle Ceantair has the right of appeal to An Chomhairle Cúige. f. The suspension of a body or member thereof for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed g. Differences arising in a Comhairle Ceantair or between Comhairlí Ceantair where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Chomhairle Cúige. 5. CUMAINN 5.6 Cumann disciplinary procedures a. The Cumann shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any of its members for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability. b. Before being dismissed, however, the member must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by the Cumann. c. The member concerned must receive from the Cumann Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team d. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to the Cumann. Having considered the report’s findings, the Cumann shall have the power, by a two-thirds majority, to dismiss the member from the organisation. e. Any member who has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of a Cumann has the right of appeal to An Chomhairle Ceantair. f. The suspension of a member for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed. g. Differences arising in a Cumann or between Cumainn where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Chomhairle Ceantair and, if necessary, from there to An Chomhairle Cúige, subject to the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle. h. Any member of a Cumann holding that any particular decision of a Cumann is contrary to the principles, objectives or policy of the organisation may require a statement of such a decision, signed by the Cathaoirleach, Rúnaí and objector to be sent for consideration to An Chomhairle Ceantair and, if necessary, An Chomhairle Cúige, subject to the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle. 65. Amendment to 5.1b of the Sinn Féin Rules 5.1b. Its officers should consist of a Cathaoirleach (ex-officio member of all committees), Leas-Chathaoireach, Rúnaí, two Cisteoirí, Oifigeach Comhionannais (Equality Officer), Oifigeach na Gaeilge and an Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí, and shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting held on written notice at least a month prior to An Ard Fheis.
Lawlor/Mulvihill/Clashmealcon Martyrs Cumann, Kerry
19
SF Clar 2015.indd 19
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Investing in Transport 66.
This Ard Fheis recognises that: • There is great potential for the development of Greenways in urban and rural areas using track beds in particular. • Railways were used in the past as a means of connecting people in remote areas and the Greenway Network would serve to bring this system of connections back into use. • The Greenway Network has economic implications. A 43km Greenway built on the track bed of the Great Western Railway in Co Mayo attracts c200,000 cyclists per annum and injects €7.2million into the local economy. • Providing an extensive network of safe places to cycle would encourage more cycling and more numbers to take up cycling which is a healthy activity. • From an engineering perspective, the foundations of the Greenway Network would be already in place and, apart from securing the agreement of local landowners, their use should be a relatively cost-effective means of creating an extensive cycling network across the 32 Counties. This Ard Fheis calls on the Department of Regional Development in the Six Counties and the Department of Environment, Local Communities & Local Government in the 26 Counties to work in partnership to conduct a feasibility study to scope the potential of creating a network of Greenways across Ireland through the utilisation of track beds from disused railways, canal tow paths and other suitable structures such as the Great Northern Railway line.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Gerard Casey Cumann, Antrim
67.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the increase in the number of people cycling and calls for further investment to be made in cycling infrastructure to make it a safer transport option; calls for greater funding to be allocated to the Department for Regional Development Cycling Unit and for that unit to start to implement significant changes to the infrastructure in the North as a matter of urgency.
North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair Beechmount Cumann
68.
This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of regional road and rail infrastructure connecting our major cities both to ensure people have access to work and to trade and also the importance it can have to ensuring that people can live healthy lives. In light of this recognition, calls for the development of the A5 and A6 roadworks to ensure that the people of the north-west have greater access to on both the eastern and western sides of our island. In particular, recognising that Dungiven sits on the main arterial route between the City of Derry and Belfast, the Dungiven section of the A6 scheme should be advanced without delay, with all lines of potential funding to be explored, in particular the EIB. Further calls on the Irish Government to commit the necessary funding, as the Northern Executive has done, to ensuring that the A5 road network linking the north-west to Dublin is fully completed. This Ard Fheis also calls on the Irish Government to fully commit to its part in the building of the Narrow Water Bridge.
Cúige na 6 Chontae Billy Reid Cumann, Tyrone Sheena Campbell Cumann, Down
69.
This Ard Fheis notes with real concern the rise in the number of road fatalities this past 12 months and calls for an all-Ireland approach and co-operation between both jurisdictions to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
70.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Minister for Health to allow free medical examination for all OAPs applying to renew their driving licence.
Logue/Marley Cumann, Dublin
71.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Minister for Health to make transport available to all intellectually/physically disabled citizens attending day services. This Ard Fheis also calls on the Minister for Transport to work towards a situation where all school buses to be wheelchair accessible.
Logue/Marley Cumann, Dublin
20
SF Clar 2015.indd 20
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Delivering a Fair Recovery - Getting Ireland Back to Work 72.
This Ard Fheis: • Recognises Sinn Féin’s commitment to job creation and retention and existing policy strategies to increase employment and develop a unified, prosperous, sustainable and socially-just economy. • Commits to build on existing jobs policies with a renewed job creation strategy that will focus on the Economics of Growth focussing on strategic stimulus investment, opening up public procurement to indigenous SMEs and microbusinesses, securing and developing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that supports the growth of indigenous enterprises, develop an ambitious ecommerce strategy, and address the barriers to the growth of balanced regional enterprise development.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Thomas Ashe Cumann, Ashbourne
73.
This Ard Fheis recognises that: • The economies of both the North and South of Ireland are interlinked and interdependent but they are not aligned. • There are no advantages for an island nation of 6.4million people on the edge of Europe having separate tax regimes, regulatory and legal systems, disparate economic development agencies and programmes, divergent and competing investment strategies and economic policies. • The Northern economy is peripheral to both the British economy and the political machinations of Westminster. • The debate on EU membership, the British HGV levy, and the current welfare cuts agenda represent but a few examples of British policy development that has ignored the needs of the people of the North and the island. This Ard Fheis believes: • The economy will grow significantly when the costs of partition are removed and the full potential of an integrated island economy is unleashed. • A united Ireland government would have the full authority and flexibility to put in place the optimal choice of macroeconomic policies to ensure stability and to choose the best options for funding infrastructure projects across Ireland. • Realising the vision of a united Ireland economy requires the full and active participation of the Irish Government, the Northern Executive and Assembly. • The absence of fiscal powers in the North prevents the Executive developing an indigenous fiscal regime that would bring about the required economic change and assist the development of a single island economy. This Ard Fheis calls for: • The full devolution of fiscal powers to the Executive and Assembly. • A commitment from the British and Irish governments and the Northern Executive to produce a plan and timescale for a fully integrated island economy. • A commitment from the Irish Government and Northern Executive for a plan and timescale for the delivery of integrated public services across the island. • Departments in both jurisdictions to identify shared projects from planning stage to completion with emphasis on identifying the benefits of shared understanding and ownership, including scope, delivery, targets and expected outcomes. • A ‘Border Economic Development Zone’ to zone to harmonise trade and maximise returns for Border businesses. • The upgrading of island-wide infrastructure, including completing the A5, Narrow Water Bridge and developing an island-wide rail network.
Ard Chomhairle Burns/McKerr/Toman Cumann, Armagh
74.
Recognising that Sinn Féin is committed to championing the voice and rights of Ireland’s young people through its analysis of critical youth issues and Youth Guarantee document, ‘Youth Matters: Not For Export’, this Ard Fheis: • Calls for continued commitment at all levels, from community and local, to state-wide and European, in order to seriously address the youth unemployment crisis and the social exclusion that results from it. 21
SF Clar 2015.indd 21
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie • Recognises that the youth jobs crisis is not limited to a lack of jobs for young people but also a crisis regarding the type of employment available; that precarious work, fixedterm and zero-hour contracts create instability in young people’s lives, make young workers vulnerable to exploitation and provide no job security or future prospects. • Also recognises that young people are entitled to respectful payment for work done rather than free labour, as has been the case in most JobBridge and Gateway work placements which have been largely ineffective in upskilling or providing any long-term work opportunities and that these anti-youth policies should be replaced with positive and progressive work schemes. • Agrees that forcing unemployed labour to leave the state through the implementation of policies which penalise young people through drastic cuts on dole payment when no jobs are available, and the ever-increasing college and apprenticeship fees, amounts to little more than forced emigration. • Emphasises that the Irish Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan – which is meant to guarantee a job, apprenticeship, or training offer to for all young people under 25 – must not become a revolving door system of young people leaving ill-suited placements only to return to the Live Register and be placed again on another short-lived placement. • Calls on the Irish Government to create provision within the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan for young people with a disability, young lone parents or carers, and young people who are not engaged in the employment services.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Billy Reid Cumann, Omagh Midlands/North-West Cúige
75.
Acknowledging that: • Public procurement constitutes a spend of £2.6billion and €8.5billion per annum in the North and South respectively. • Comprehensive reforms are needed to maximise the social benefit of and provide the strongest possible prevention of corruption in the awarding of public contracts. This Ard Fheis: • Affirms the party’s continuing support for social clauses in public procurement contracts as a powerful tool for getting best value out of each public euro/pound spent, and as a multi-tasking instrument of public policy. • Commends Sinn Féin ministers in the Assembly for their ongoing inclusion of social clauses in the public procurement contracts under their responsibility. • Commends the Sinn Féin Social Procurement Bill, 2013, which legislates for the mandatory inclusion of social clauses in all public procurement contracts for goods or services including capital construction, as outlined in the Bill, worth in excess of one million euro, and has attracted the support of all parties in Leinster House. • Congratulates the Sinn Féin Dublin City Council Group for passing a motion on including social procurement clauses in council contracts, and commends this initiative to our elected activists in other local authorities. • Supports full implementation of the three new EU Public Procurement Directives adopted in January 2014 that, among other worthy features, ensure public contracts can lawfully be used to meet social goals while still taking account of price considerations and providing that any company failing to comply with contractual social clause obligations may be lawfully excluded from public procurement procedures on this basis.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin Colin Comhairle Ceantair Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
76.
This Ard Fheis notes that the procurement process involved in securing public contracts for large capital projects is fraught with difficulties and is vulnerable to failure at a cost of £/€ millions to the public purse and calls on all government departments and councils across the island to safeguard against the mishandling of and poor practice in public procurement processes for public contracts exceeding £10million/€12million. This should be done by putting in place an independent mechanism to monitor the procurement process and ensure its viability, robustness and ultimate success. This mechanism 22
SF Clar 2015.indd 22
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
would assist departments and councils in determining the need for intervention in the case where a process was in danger of failing. 77.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
This Ard Fheis notes that: • The system of Public Private Partnership (PPP) procurement, in the 26 Counties has been wrought with inequalities and a lack of transparency. • That, too often, communities in dire need of regeneration have been let down by this fundamentally flawed system which in a lot of cases served only the vested interests of property speculators. • That significant barriers exist which exclude small businesses from the tendering process for public contracts. Accordingly, this Ard Fheis calls for: • The strengthening of social clauses within public contracts. • The immediate removal of the barriers that exist which exclude small businesses from the tendering process for public contracts and the removal of criteria and the red tape excluding indigenous retail businesses from applying for many forms of grant aid. • A wide-ranging review of the Irish experience of PPP procurement. In particular this should include a review of the equitability, fairness and transparency of the award of public construction contracts and look at improving the role of local and regional construction companies, tradespersons and labour in an effort to provide a boost to small and medium construction companies.
Erris Cumann, Mayo Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin
78.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to: • Protect Irish interests in the ongoing Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations between the EU and the US. • Take all measures to remove Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) from the agreement. • Take all measures to ensure that the terms of the living agreement cannot breach Irish legislation. • Publish the findings of the Copenhagen Economics study on TTIP’s potential impact on Ireland. • Initiate a public debate on the consequences of TTIP on Ireland. • Take all measures to protect Irish agriculture in TTIP negotiations. Sinn Féin also affirms that we will not support any trade agreement that includes Investor-State Dispute mechanisms. Sinn Féin recognises with vigilance the construction of a Regulatory Co-operation Council through TTIP and affirms the position that this body’s authority and remit should allow only for recommendation. Implementation of recommendations should be administered by those elected by and accountable to the citizens of Europe. Sinn Féin does not support any trade mechanism that allows Irish law to be superseded for corporate interest. This Ard Fheis welcomes the launch of our national campaign highlighting the potential consequences of TTIP on Ireland and recognises the work of activists and representatives involved in this issue. Midlands/North-West Cúige Patrick Cannon Cumann, Dublin Derry Comhairle Ceantair Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Swinford Cumann, Mayo
Decent Work and a Living Wage 79. This Ard Fheis supports and endorses the document ‘Sinn Féin – Campaigning for a Living Wage’, which puts forward proposals to: • Implement the EU Directive on Part-Time Working giving workers the option of increasing their working hours. • Prioritise pay policies that address low pay in the public and private sector. • Deliver policies that tackle excessive pay and remuneration in the public and private sector. 23
SF Clar 2015.indd 23
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie • Acknowledges that a living wage must be underpinned by addressing low pay, the provision of decent public services, robust employment rights and a fair and progressive taxation system. • Establish strong wage floors in the delivery of collective bargaining and wage-setting mechanisms.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae West Galway Comhairle Ceantair John O’Reilly Cumann, Galway Gleeson Cumann, Wexford Desmond White Cumann, Cavan O’Neill/De Barra Cumann, Cork Colin Comhairle Ceantair Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin Mick Murray Cumann, Dublin Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
80.
This Ard Fheis: • Recognises that meaningful job activation schemes, with measurable outcomes and in keeping with international best practice, remain a key mechanism to job creation strategy. • Notes that both the Gateway local authority labour activation scheme and Tús Community Work Placement Initiative, in forcing vulnerable citizens under threat of penalty in the form a reduction or suspension of welfare benefits, contravenes Article 1.1 and 2.1 of the International Labour Organisation C029 Forced Labour Convention, ratified by the Irish Government on 2 March 1931 and the Westminster Government on 3 June 1931. • Expresses concern at the disregard for this convention demonstrated by the implementation of both the Gateway and Tús schemes. This Ard Fheis: • Calls on the Irish Government and Northern Assembly, in an all-Ireland 32-county approach, to commit to ensuring that all policy is compliment with state ratified International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. • Requests that both the Irish Government and Northern Assembly make provision for a procedure which allows that all citizens have the right and privilege to seek review of any potential breach of ILO conventions. • Requests that in the event that a potential breach of any ILO convention is brought to the attention of the Irish Government or the Assembly, that appropriate measures are taken to investigate, through consultation with the ILO, said query and any necessary policy amendments or reforms introduced accordingly.
Six County Cúige
81.
This Ard Fheis supports the ending of discrimination in hiring practices by making it illegal to use physical appearance as a criterion in employment.
Martin Forsyth Cumann, Dublin
82.
This Ard Fheis calls for the Sinn Féin Leinster House Jobs and Workers’ Rights spokespersons to review the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term) Work Act, 2003, in consultation with trade unions to ensure robust legislative provisions are in place to protect workers from abuse of such contracts by employers
Traolach Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork
24
SF Clar 2015.indd 24
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Delivering a Fair Recovery – A New Deal for Rural Ireland 83.
This Ard Fheis acknowledges the efforts made by the Six-County Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill for ensuring equality of Single Farm Payments in terms of the recent CAP reform negotiation, which rectifies an historic imbalance which has impacted greatly on hill farmers. We commend her decisions to maximise the Young Farmers’ Scheme, creating a single region, and her decision to ensure a more rapid transition towards flat-rate payment of Single Farm Payments. We call on the current Government in Dublin to follow Minister Michelle O’Neill’s example to ensure that all historic imbalances which negatively impact on the farming practices of our small farmers in deprived areas are rectified.
Ard Chomhairle
84.
This Ard Fheis endorses the principle that all farmers should receive a fair and equitable price for their produce. • Notes the current difficulties affecting the beef and dairy sectors. • Endorses the efforts made by Six-County Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill in developing an all-island produce label, and securing new trade markets recognising the rigorous standards and traceability measures in place and sharing of data islandwide by Government departments and which guarantee quality produce.; Opposes: • The variation and difference of beef prices offered by processors North and South. • The discrimination of 26-County-sourced cattle by Northern-based beef processors which they have offensively labelled ‘NOMAD’ by way of the recent introduction of penalties. • The reluctance of national retailers to source all-island produce. Calls on retailers to remove all specifications which negatively impact on the all-island agri-food trade. Seeks the introduction of an all-island agri-food regulator to ensure that producers receive a fair return for their produce.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
85.
This Ard Fheis notes that: • Large meat factories and supermarket chains are currently being allowed to dictate market prices for beef. • This has led to a situation where beef farmers are at crisis point, being denied a fair price for their produce. • The impact on the sustainability of farmers’ income has been detrimental. This Ard Fheis calls on the Minister for Agriculture in the South, Simon Coveney, to intervene and give our beef farmers the protection and help that they need to ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods This Ard Fheis notes that beef is tracked from field to fork in this country and that this is not the case in terms of the costs and profits incurred and gained throughout the process. Accordingly, this Ard Fheis calls for: • All information regarding costs, charges and profits by every commercial entity and/or government body throughout the entire beef/dairy production cycle to be a matter of public record.
Bobby Sands Cumann, Kerry Robert Emmet Cumann, Tipperary
86.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to address the issue of mapping in relation to the farming community and that the retrospective application of penalties under the new digitised mapping system be stopped.
Swinford Cumann, Mayo
87.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to address the issues relating to farm inspections so as to ensure farmers receive adequate notice of pending inspections and adequate time to carry out any remedial works.
Swinford Cumann, Mayo
25
SF Clar 2015.indd 25
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 88.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis recognises that the Irish Government’s proposed GLAS scheme unfairly discriminates against commonage farmers and calls on the Government to amend the scheme so that commonage farmers will be eligible to apply to the scheme on an equal footing to other farmers.
Midlands/North-West Cúige
89.
This Ard Fheis condemns the continuous erosion of farm family incomes and demands the: (a) Reversal of 2012 and 2013 changes to Farm Assist where increases in the assessment of means were introduced and child disregards were abolished. (b) Abolition of retrospective penalties which unjustly require farmers to pay for discrepancies in the mapping system approved by the Department of Agriculture. (c) The scrapping of the 50% Collective Agreement Proposal for Commonage/Hill Farmers.
Erris Cumann, Mayo
90.
This Ard Fheis supports: • That Sinn Féin – in opposition or in Government as a principle of fairness and equity for all – will seek to adjust the distribution of the single farm payments to provide a reasonable income for all farming families regardless of size. That Sinn Féin declare as unworkable the totally unnecessary, bureaucratic and illogical restrictions put on the entry requirements of GLAS scheme as it applies to West of Ireland hill farmers. This amounts to a deliberate mechanism to restrict payments to certain categories of farmers and increase the payments to large lowland farmers favoured by the present minister. • That the compensatory payments for ‘Hen Harrier’ designated areas as previously agreed be paid to all farmers so restricted and end the deliberate deprivation caused by the non-payment to farmers whose land is so restricted. • That Sinn Féin as a principle of fairness and equity ensures by its policies that all socially redistributive payments are paid on the basis of need and not greed.
East Clare Cumann, Clare
91.
The Ard Fheis recognises the fact that, once lost, plant varieties are essentially irreplaceable and acknowledges the role played by farmers, horticulturalists and gardeners in protecting traditional food production systems and biodiversity. This Ard Fheis also commends the work of all seed saver groups across Ireland and internationally who contribute to contribute to future food security through the protection of genetic diversity in plants and crops. While we welcome suitable health and safety regulations and consumer protections, this Ard Fheis is opposed to legislation which threatens the above-named groups through unnecessary costs or restrictive bureaucracy at the expense of small farmers and producers and rejects any form of seed patenting. This Ard Fheis also calls for inclusion in relevant legislation of rules specific to organic varieties which recognise that organic plants adapt to their environments over time.
Midlands/North-West Cúige
92.
This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the difficulties experienced by Irish fishermen in securing a viable livelihood due to both natural and regulatory barriers. • Acknowledges that the Irish fishing industry has been poorly represented by the Irish Government at EU level in recent decades. • Notes that, since the mid-1990s, there has been a sharp and steady decline in commercial fishing. This has caused considerable economic hardship for fishermen. Accordingly, this Ard Fheis calls for: • An end to the exclusion of fishermen from the Seafarers’ Allowance Scheme in the 26 Counties. • The party to campaign for the introduction of a Single Boat Payment at European level. Furthermore, this Ard Fheis calls on the party to formulate a Commercial Fisheries Policy Document. The policy should address the main issues, which are: • Lack of Irish quota – this has resulted in Irish fishing vessels being unable provide an adequate financial return for owners and crews. 26
SF Clar 2015.indd 26
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
• Lack of income – fishermen and their families are already struggling financially and a direct income reduction of €31.46million is predicted for 2015. • Lack of political support – has had the effect of alienating coastal community populations from the present political process. • Imposition of penalties and Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority heavy-handed tactics and penalties have resulted in the criminalisation of fishermen for minor infringements. • Distribution of quota (mackerel and herring) – unfairly distributed among our fisheries ports, mainly due to past political cronyism. • Discard – because of the need to keep within regulation, fishermen are forced to dump perfectly saleable fish back into the sea. The Irish Government and EU are now trying to end this practice by introducing regulations which, fishermen say, are unworkable.
Ireland South Cúige McGrath/O’Brien Cumann, Waterford
93.
This Ard Fheis will oppose any attempt to introduce a ‘rod licence’ or similar taxation on recreational sea anglers.
Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dublin
94.
This Ard Fheis supports the ban on commercial fishing of sea bass in Irish waters and will oppose any attempt to overturn current legislation.
Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dublin
95.
This Ard Fheis condemns the selling off of Arramara Teoranta, a valuable state asset, by Údarás na Gaeltachta and demands that the current Irish Government reaffirms the seaweed harvesting rights of indigenous seaweed cutters, landowners and local communities in order to maximise the benefits to local areas using a fair trade model.
Erris Cumann, Mayo
96.
This Ard Fheis notes the need to protect the integrity of the landscape, natural resources and areas of natural beauty in rural areas. This Ard Fheis calls for flexible rural planning policy incorporating realistic and mindful planning criteria that addresses the needs of non-farming rural dwellers in order to promote vibrant rural communities that can sustain and grow the rural population.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair Cumann na Máighe, Donegal
97.
This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the value and worth of the LEADER rural development programme in supporting local community development and rural diversification across Ireland. • Supports the principle of community-led local development. • Mandates Sinn Féin to campaign for the continuance of community control in the implementation of the LEADER programme.
Ireland South Cúige
98.
This Ard Fheis recognises the impact of the end of the National Rural Broadband Scheme for many households and communities across the state, identifies the roll-out of an adequate broadband network across the state to be a priority, and calls on the Irish Government to ensure the necessary investment to provide an effective broadband service across the state.
Midlands/North-West Cúige Bobby Sands Cumann, Kerry Erris Cumann, Mayo
99.
This Ard Fheis holds that companies such as Eircom, National Roads Authority, Iarnród Éireann, etc. that are entrusted to provide essential infrastructure should not be permitted to discriminate against less-populated and remote areas. Companies who fail to deliver a service that is advertised and available as a state service should sanctioned by a Government-appointed regulator.
Cumann na Máighe, Donegal
27
SF Clar 2015.indd 27
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 100.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis recognises that there are major differences in the emergency ambulance response times across the 26 Counties. In the west of Ireland for certain life-threatening cases, 55% of incidents were responded to outside the target window. The representative body of the Ambulance Service has cited a lack of personnel and vehicles, as well as a reduction in rostered hours as a cause of serious delays. This Ard Fheis supports the funding of an additional two ambulances and personnel for each of the four regions.
North Clare Cumann, Clare
101.
This Ard Fheis notes the importance of the local post office in communities, especially in rural areas. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to negotiate a comprehensive review of the Postal Services Directive, including its implementation across EU Member States and the outcomes in terms of postal services and associated social benefits. This Ard Fheis also calls on the Irish Government to hold the European institutions accountable for ensuring that transparent and effective impact assessments for rural proofing the Postal Services Directive become available to Ireland and other Member States. We further call on the Irish Government to do all within its current capabilities to maintain and enhance the rural post office network.
Midlands/North-West Cúige Gleeson Cumann, Wexford
102.
This Ard Fheis calls on the incoming Ard Chomhairle to address issues of regional disparity by developing a comprehensive equality-based strategy to enhance investment in infrastructure and employment opportunities across the west of the island. In terms of the Six Counties, this Ard Fheis calls for the development of a strategy to see the Programme for Government commitment towards tackling regional disparity implemented with regards to lack of infrastructure and employment opportunities west of the Bann and with a particular focus upon the north-west (including Donegal) and including continued support for the implementation of the ‘One Plan’ for the regeneration of Derry City and region.
Derry Comhairle Ceantair
103.
This Ard Fheis: • Commends the decision by Six-County Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle O’Neill to relocate her departmental headquarters to the north-west. • Notes that this is the first Six-County departmental headquarters to be located outside the greater Belfast area. • Acknowledges the economic benefits this will have for the local area. • Calls on Sinn Féin to adopt a policy which advocates a fairer distribution of public sector jobs.
Armagh Comhairle Ceantair
28
SF Clar 2015.indd 28
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Delivering a Fair Recovery – Investing in Public Services
Health 104. This Ard Fheis: - Notes that the Irish health system needs root and branch reform so that citizens can access an equitable system that is focused on the health needs of the population with a major focus on equal access to primary care. - Calls for a fully enforceable right to health and healthcare to be enshrined in a future all-Ireland Charter of Rights and a future United Irish Constitution, and seek in the meantime to amend the current 1937 Irish Constitution to include these rights. - Calls for a review of progress with the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’ in the 26 Counties and ‘Transforming Your Care’ in the Six Counties with a definite roadmap towards their full implementation, including a health inequalities framework and an assessment of current services, the NGO sector and how best to integrate them. - Calls for further development in North-South co-operation on health issues including the introduction of services not currently accessible on the island of Ireland, such as children’s cardiac services, addiction services and co-operation on mental health and child exploitation. - Calls for significant investment in disability services that have been cruelly and continually cut by €159million since 2008 to ensure an appropriate and equitable service for all. - Calls for an adequate number of consultants, nursing and allied health professional staff in hospitals and primary care to reverse the massive cuts to these numbers over past years and adequate workforce planning processes to offset an over-reliance on agency staff. - Calls for further reform of the Medical Card system in the 26 Counties, including a streamlining and a redesigning of a less onerous application process, one that takes the difficulties of those with health issues into account, with specific guidelines for children with serious illnesses. - Calls for the earliest possible provision of primary care that is totally free at the point of service and is also available to all asylum seekers on the island of Ireland. - Reaffirms our commitment to a single tier system of publicly-funded healthcare, free at the point of delivery, and paid for through fair and progressive taxation. - Calls for under 16s to be included in the mental capacity legislation being brought forward in the Six Counties.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Seamus Mac Sionnaigh Cumann, Meath
105.
This Ard Fheis proposes that the valuable research that exists on state databases be used when planning and implementing care for people who require it. Health promotion should be paramount in care and the use of the health document. ‘Health Fairness for All’ should be implemented. Primary care was an intrinsic part of that 2001 document but, 13 years later, there are only seven primary care units. This would not suggest fairness for all. Funds need to be made available for primary care infrastructure where patient focus is in health using best practice and evidence practice.
Paddy Wright Cumann, Kildare
106.
This Ard Fheis proposes that personal medications brought into a hospital with a patient are not destroyed. Instead, a means be identified to return the medications to the patient’s home or, if appropriate, to be dispensed to the patient in the hospital.
Kevin Coen/Martin Savage Cumann, Sligo
107.
This Ard Fheis supports registered nurses throughout the state in their opposition to the substantial increase in registration fees to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and, furthermore, calls for full transparency from the NMBI.
Dublin Cúige
29
SF Clar 2015.indd 29
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 108.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis, in light of the recent abuse scandals in care facilities, condemns the recent HSE directive that all Care of the Elderly facilities will now have a depleted ratio of registered Nurses and furthermore call on the Health Service Executive to re-engage with the nursing unions on this matter.
Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Dublin
109.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to undertake a root and branch reform of the Health Service Executive Management and administration to make responsibility and accountability central. Also that the necessary disciplinary procedures are taken against personnel who fail patients through negligence or other such actions and that care provided at its facilities always respects the rights and autonomy of patients under HSE care.
Mayo Comhairle Ceantair
110.
This Ard Fheis calls for specialist weekend A&E facilities to ensure that drink-related issues are diverted away from critical A&E services so as to minimise the impact on these services during weekends.
John O’Reilly Cumann, Galway West Galway Comhairle Ceantair
111.
This Ard Fheis expresses its anger at the mismanagement of the health service budget in the North, calls on the Health Minister to review health spending priorities (particularly the payment of bonuses to already highly-paid staff) and ensure that Health Trust areas have the proper resources needed in order to deliver an effective and efficient health service for all our citizens.
Billy Reid Cumann, Tyrone
112.
This Ard Fheis calls for an all-Ireland approach to tackling cervical cancer and also the lowering of the screening age following the tragic passing of Sorcha Glen.
Derry City Comhairle Ceantair
113.
This Ard Fheis recognises the urgent need for the funding, treatment, research, acknowledgement, education and awareness of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS).
Duhallow Martyrs Cumann, Cork
114.
115.
This Ard Fheis supports the retention of the only dedicated Multiple Sclerosis Respite Centre in the North. It further notes the importance that appropriate respite provision gives to MS sufferers and their families and calls on the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety to publicly commit to retaining, enhancing and promoting the only MS Respite Centre to people across all five Health Trust areas.
Joe Cahill Cumann, Antrim North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair
This Ard Fheis recognises that people on sickness/disability depend heavily on expensive medication and treatment and that where people with sicknesses such as Crohn’s disease and MS (that have irregular patterns) a Medical Card is essential even where they may be able to return temporarily to work.
Cumann na Máighe, Donegal
116.
This Ard Fheis calls on members of Sinn Féin and its leadership to sign the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter. This charter recognises 1. People with MND have the right to an early diagnosis and information. 2. People with MND have the right to access quality care and treatments. 3. People with MND have the right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect. 4. People with MND have the right to maximise their quality of life. 5. Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and wellsupported. The five-point charter sets out what good care looks like for people with MND and their care workers, and is designed to raise awareness and understanding of this devastating disease.
Andersonstown Martyrs Cumann
30
SF Clar 2015.indd 30
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie 117.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Due to the lack of funding for home care packages, there is a tendency for hospitals to discharge elderly patients into privately-owned residential nursing home care. This Ard Fheis proposes that, when a hospital is discharging a vulnerable elderly patient to residential nursing home care for quality of life reasons, and in consultation with the patient and their family, consideration be given to funding adequate home care packages directly from Hospital Transitional Funding or directly allocated funding. This would allow many elderly people to remain within and be part of the community for months if not years longer than is currently the case.
Kevin Coen/Martin Savage Cumann, Sligo
118.
This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the value of the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), which advocates for over 595,000 Irish people who live with a disability and participates in the European Disability Forum (EDF), which represents the interests of the 80million people in Europe who are disabled. • Supports the vision of an Ireland and a Europe where society values every disabled person and where the fundamental freedom exists to exercise the rights reflected in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. • Mandates Sinn Féin to campaign for a European Directorate for Disability Inclusion and the appointment of a European Vice-President dedicated to disability issues. • Supports the campaign of the DFI and EDF for a suite of practical and legal protections against the negative impacts of austerity on people with disabilities.
Ireland South Cúige
119.
This Ard Fheis: - Calls for a review of progress with the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’ (AVFC) in the 26 Counties and ‘Transforming Your Care’ in the Six Counties and a definite roadmap towards their full implementation, including a health inequalities framework and an assessment of current services and those provided by the NGO sector and how best to integrate them - Calls for further development of suicide prevention initiatives and supports; the funding of the roll-out of Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses in primary care and liaison nurses in A&E units; and the extension of counselling at primary care level. - Recognising the slow pace of implementation of AVFC as one of its main weaknesses and noting the Government’s austerity programme as a key factor: - Calls for mental health funding to be increased to the target of 10% of the overall health spend in line with AVFC to ensure that at least a quarter of the 12,000 posts proposed by AVFC, and currently unfilled, are filled with appropriate urgency.
Ard Chomhairle Clonmult Martyrs Cumann, Cork Traolach Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
120.
This Ard Fheis recognises the disgraceful lack of investment by successive governments in mental health services, particularly in the adolescent age group. We therefore recommend the development and implementation of a mental health awareness programme to be rolled out in all second-level schools across the state as a matter of urgency.
Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford Barrett/MacCurtain Cumann, Cork Dublin Cúige
121.
This Ard Fheis calls for the regulation of E-cigarettes across the island, including a ban on their use in workplaces and the sale of them to minors.
Gerard Casey Cumann, Antrim
122.
This Ard Fheis affirms Sinn Féin’s current policy on abortion and further: • Acknowledges that the issue of fatal foetal abnormalities is a very serious and complex aspect of the abortion issue that requires compassion. • Notes that the law, North and South, prevents women with fatal foetal abnormality pregnancies from accessing legal abortion services in Ireland should they wish to do so; 31
SF Clar 2015.indd 31
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie notes the further stress that can result from having to travel to access services; that many women cannot afford to travel to access these services; and that others do not have the required immigration status that allows them to travel. • Calls for legal frameworks to be introduced North and South that would allow women to access abortion services under these limited circumstances. • Believes in cases where a woman wishes to continue with the pregnancy she should be fully supported in that decision and all efforts should be made to ensure appropriate care and consideration. • Calls for the introduction of an all-Ireland protocol on pre-natal diagnostic screening in pregnancy.
Ard Chomhairle James Connolly Cumann, Dublin
123.
This Ard Fheis calls for all children who are diagnosed with fatal illnesses or disabilities before they are born to receive the full protection of the state and that abortion not be permissible under law in these circumstances.
Barrett/MacCurtain Cumann, Cork
124.
That this Ard Fheis supports the calls for the repeal of the 8th Amendment of Bunreacht na hEireann. Sinn Féin pledges to campaign in favour of this in any future referendum on the issue.
125.
This Ard Fheis believes that women’s reproductive rights, and control over a woman’s body and sexuality are entirely a matter for the woman concerned in each particular circumstance.
James Connolly Cumann, Dublin
Pádraig Pearse Cumann, Derry
The Way Forward in Education 126. This Ard Fheis: - Commends our Assembly and Dáil spokespersons on Education for their work in highlighting educational inequalities and work in attempting to end two-tier education systems. - Welcomes the continued co-operation between Departments of Education on the island through their work on the North/South Ministerial Council. - Further calls for greater collaboration of the Departments of Education and relevant statutory bodies to meet the educational needs of all children on the island and particularly those along the Border Corridor.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Thomas Ashe Cumann, Ashbourne Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
127.
Sinn Féin calls on the Irish Government to reverse the cuts and to provide adequate and longterm funding for the Education Completion Programme which gives vital support to children at risk of early school leaving in projects such as after-school programmes, breakfast clubs, homework clubs and summer projects.
Patrick Cannon Cumann, Dublin
128.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Six-County County Minister for Employment and Learning to urgently introduce a new system to meet the needs of young people with special employment and educational needs post-19. This Ard Fheis also calls on the Minister for Employment and Learning to make more effective the department’s strategy for helping young people not in education, employment and training.
Cúige na 6 Chontae
129.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Department of Education and Skills in the 26 Counties to restore 100% resource hours to all pupils with special educational needs.
Carndonagh/Malin Cumann, Donegal
32
SF Clar 2015.indd 32
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie 130.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
This Ard Fheis welcomes the establishment of the new Education Authority under the Sinn Féin Minister for Education in the North and calls on the Six-County Executive to legislate to include community representation on the new body.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
131.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Department of Education in the 26 Counties to instruct all schools that they should have a unisex approach to school uniforms and that all students, irrespective of their gender identity, should have the choice of wearing either a skirt or trousers.
Devlin/Plunkett Cumann, Dublin
132.
This Ard Fheis: • Welcomes the publication of the ‘Irish-Medium Post-Primary Review’ by the Sinn Féin Education Minister in the Assembly, which builds on the experiences of the Irishmedium sector throughout the island in expanding post-primary provision. • Further welcomes the granting of proposals for the new Colaiste Dhoire in Dungiven. • Calls on the 26 Counties to address the needs of students who wish to be educated through the medium of Irish in the forthcoming legislation on school admissions. • Calls on both administrations, North and South, to continue to develop and support Irish-medium primary and post-primary provision across the island.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Gerard Casey Cumann, Antrim
133.
This Ard Fheis calls for the retention of the requirement for Leaving Certificate Irish for thirdlevel courses in universities in the 26 Counties.
Ard Chomhairle
134.
This Ard Fheis: - Opposes the decision by the North’s Minister for Employment and Learning to threaten to cut places for students in further and higher education. - Calls on the management of the universities in the North not to reduce the number of student places. - Condemns consistent cuts to the 26 Counties’ third-level sector implemented by the Minister for Education and Skills and notes the 10% drop in academic staff from 2008 to 2012 while student numbers rose by 12% from 2009-2013 with per-student Government funding for third level now less than a decade ago, something which has serious implications for the quality of learning and teaching. - Reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment to publicly-funded third-level education and calls for no further increases to the student contribution payable in the 26 Counties
Cúige na 6 Chontae
135.
This Ard Fheis recognises the high levels of unemployment in the south-east and the low levels of third-level and fourth-level educational attainment in the region and support the provision of a university in the south-east to service and meet the needs of the community and notes: • That the south-east is the only region on the island without a university. • The stalling of the IT Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology merger and application for Technological University status. • A failure on behalf of Government to properly validate and resource progression towards a university in the region. • That any university in the region must meet the highest standards and criteria and take its place among the top universities on the island. This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Irish Government to: • Recommit to a university in the south-east. • Oversee the carrying out of a fully independent validation of the ability of IT Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology to meet the Technological University criteria. • Engage with and work with all stakeholders to ensure that a university is provided in the region in the most appropriate, practical and timely way.
Waterford Comhairle Ceantair
33
SF Clar 2015.indd 33
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Ending the Housing Crisis 136. This Ard Fheis: • Notes the continuing crisis in housing and homelessness with over 98,000 households on housing waiting lists and record numbers in emergency accommodation or sleeping rough. • Rejects the 26-County Government’s recent housing strategy which is a plan which will fail to deliver for the hundreds of thousands of citizens in need of housing in this state and continues to place the responsibility for housing on the private and voluntary sectors. It also completely fails to contain any measures to address the homelessness crisis with no major investment in housing announced despite Government spin. • Strongly believes that a solution to the housing crisis is possible and that we can end long-term homelessness and rough sleeping if the political will exists to do so. Sinn Féin commits to: • Invest €1billion on top of Government spending to begin building at least 6,600 homes in 18 months, creating jobs and taking pressure off private rental properties. • Introduce a Rent Control Scheme which will ensure rents stabilise and protect against unfair increases. • Protect tenants’ deposits by establishing a Deposit Retention Scheme run by the Private Residential Tenancies Board. • Tie homeless spending to need and ensure that adequate emergency accommodation is put in place. • Ensure follow-on accommodation is put in place for those coming out of homelessness and emergency accommodation. • Amend Housing Assistance Payment rules so that recipients retain their position on the principle housing list • Ensure full drawdown of Traveller accommodation funding by local authorities. • Make it illegal to discriminate against recipients of rent support payments. • Enshrine the right to housing in Bunreacht na hÉireann.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Devlin/Plunkett Cumann, Dublin Thomas Ashe Cumann, Ashbourne Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
137.
That this Ard Fheis establishes an All-Ireland Housing Group to review and advise on housing policy, review and advise on present social housing delivery, review and advise on the unregulated private rented sector (including upward-only pricing and achieving a better balance between tenant and landlord), effective rural housing strategy, reviewing all relevant housing legislation, the role of housing associations and to advise on other housing matters.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Cúige na 6 Chontae Traolach MacSuibhne Cumann, Cork
138.
This Ard Fheis recognises the serious problems that exist in planning which have consistently allowed the building of huge housing estates without proper infrastructure to allow communities to grow. We commit our elected representatives to ensure that any planning for housing has adequate infrastructure as part of the application.
Court Comhairle Ceantair Cúige na 6 Chontae
139.
This Ard Fheis commends the work of residents’ associations across the Island who strive to make their communities safer and better places to live. We recognise the under-resourcing of these groups by statutory and housing authorities and commit the party to campaign for a better deal for these community groups.
Court Comhairle Ceantair Cúige na 6 Chontae
34
SF Clar 2015.indd 34
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie 140.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
This Ard Fheis calls for a Sinn Féin campaign for legislation to allow the state to set controls on rents and other costs that are against the common good of society.
Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin
141.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to prioritise the investigation of the (muscovite mica) Mica defective block issue by the Department of the Environment and local government and to provide a financial redress scheme for all affected householders.
Carndonagh/Malin Cumann, Donegal
142.
This Ard Fheis commits itself to actively campaign in the North for the retention of a single housing authority to: • Ensure the delivery of social housing remains in public hands. • Deliver strategic planning for housing services, including homelessness. • Tackle sectarianism in the building and delivery of social housing. • Ensure that all social housing is planned on the basis of social need. • See the delivery of a partnership with communities which strengthens community participation in all levels of housing.
Cúige na 6 Chontae Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
143.
This Ard Fheis calls for the Irish Government to build social houses which will be the responsibility of each local council in the 26 Counties. This will address and ensure we can develop communities in a modern and successfully way. Initially with a major 5 year program we should successfully be able to address many of the deficits left by governments who cared to help only the bond holders and those who served their needs.
Paddy Wright Cumann, Kildare
144.
This Ard Fheis acknowledges the financial strain imposed on a number of local authorities as a result of the winding down of the Land Aggregation Scheme. In the midst of a housing crisis, we are calling on Government to provide adequate funding to local councils to construct social housing so as to fully utilise lands that are planned and serviced for such a use.
Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Galway
145.
This Ard Fheis supports an affordable house building programme, where houses can then be sold to first-time buyers at cost price (land plus building cost). There will be stipulations that no one can own more than one, they cannot be used for private rented accommodation, and can only be resold at the original cost price adjusted for inflation. The money recouped from the sale of these homes is then reinvested into building more houses. The same outlay will continue to provide new homes into the future.
Traolach Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork
146.
This Ard Fheis calls for stricter vetting of local authority tenants as there are loopholes for repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour to be housed in local authority housing.
Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin
147.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to recognise that the current rent supplement thresholds are not fit for purpose and to take immediate steps to bring them in to line with current market rents. This Ard Fheis also calls for increased powers and resources for the Private Rented Tenancies Board to ensure that the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords are upheld.
Devlin/Plunkett Cumann, Dublin Patrick Cannon Cumann, Dublin Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Clare
148.
This Ard Fheis: • Notes that over 4,000 men, women and children are currently living within the direct provision system while they await decisions on their asylum applications; many, 35
SF Clar 2015.indd 35
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
• •
• •
including children, have lived within this system for over seven years, with most residents having lived within the system for t hree years or more. Takes account of the fact that asylum seekers are not entitled to seek or enter into employment and are unable to access further education;. Recognises that the direct provision system gives parents little freedom to make decisions about the upbringing of their children and little opportunity to live a normal family life. Recognises that reception measures for persons claiming asylum must respect human dignity. Mandates Sinn Féin to oppose the direct provision system, calling for its abolition and instead support reception measures that enshrine principles of dignity, autonomy and integration.
Ireland South Cúige Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Castlebar, Mayo
149.
This Ard Fheis recognises the right of the Traveller community to travel throughout Ireland without any onerous or undue restrictions being placed upon them. In this regard we recognise that more transient/halting sites and group housing schemes should be made available with appropriate facilities at these sites. We also call on this Ard Fheis to recognise that the Traveller community have built up an ancient right to sell their goods and wares especially at fairs throughout Ireland. In this regard, we believe that they should be allowed to do so and be accommodated by local authorities in this regard.
Martin Hurson Cumann, UCC
36
SF Clar 2015.indd 36
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
International Solidarity 150.
This Ard Fheis notes the historic referendum held in Catalonia on 9 November 2014 and calls on the Spanish Government to legislate to allow for Catalonia to hold a binding referendum on independence.
Ard Chomhairle
151.
This Ard Fheis endorses the appointment of a national spokesperson on the Diaspora for the party and calls on Sinn Féin to: • Establish a party working group through the office of the national spokesperson to develop policy on Diaspora matters. • Liaise and consult with stakeholders on the development of the policy. • Ensure that the policy being developed is included in any Programme for Government that the party would devise and implement. • In the interim, the Irish Government is held to account and encouraged to take on any policy initiatives Sinn Féin brings forward. • The party, through our membership and elected representatives, keeps Diaspora issues on the agenda and looks for positive reforms in the institutions and organisations within which we are represented.
Ard Chomhairle
152.
This Ard Fheis condemns all forms of state terror in light of the 9 December 2014 US Senate report into the CIA’s illegal and brutal treatment of its prisoners.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
153.
On 17 October 2011, an International Conference for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Basque Country took place in Donostia/San Sebastian. International representation included former Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams. As an outcome of the conference, the Declaration of Aiete was presented. This declaration proposed a process of dialogue and negotiation and a prior declaration of a definitive cessation of armed activity from ETA. 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 their military structures and commencement of a process to deal with the issue of arms. This new scenario, however, requires more steps to progress towards a political solution to the conflict. The cessation of armed activity, winding down of ETA military structures and a commencement of a process dealing with the issue of arms must be responded to with political measures to create the conditions for achieving a just and lasting peace. This Ard Fheis calls on the Spanish and French authorities to implement the following measures to consolidate the Basque peace process: - The end of the policy of dispersal (an arbitrary measure applied to Basque 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 prisoners eligible for parole. - 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 Arnaldo Otegi and all those imprisoned for their political views or political activity in political parties, youth organisations, social movements or in the media. - The dismissal of the processes related to these issues, as well as the removal of all European arrest warrants that may have been issued for actions of the same type. 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 Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
37
SF Clar 2015.indd 37
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 154.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis welcomes the appointment of Martina Anderson MEP as Chair of the Palestinian Delegation of the European Parliament and supports her in using that position to highlight the injustices being inflicted on the Palestinian people in their quest for freedom and statehood. This Ard Fheis condemns the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip over 50 days in July and August 2014 that resulted in the deaths of over 2,200 Palestinians, of whom 519 were children under the age of 12. 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 War Crimes Tribunal. We call for the immediate lifting of the punitive and illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, the opening of all border crossings, as well as the sea port of Gaza and the extension of the fishing zone. This Ard Fheis condemns the continuing Israeli 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 Nations resolutions and the enforcement of international law. Furthermore, we condemn the highly provocative Israeli incursions into the AlHaram al-Sharif compound in East Jerusalem, one of the three most important sites in Islam. This Ard Fheis extends our continuing solidarity with the people of Palestine and urges full support for the boycott and divestment (BDS) campaign of Israeli goods and services. We demand particularly that the Irish Government ends immediately its procurement of armaments from Israeli arms manufacturers. This Ard Fheis welcomes the motions that were supported in both the Seanad and the Dáil calling on the Irish Government to formally recognise the State of Palestinian on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. We call on the Irish Government to do this without further delay.
Ard Chomhairle Mick Murray Cumann, Dublin Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Smith/Farrell/Griffith Cumann, Dublin Ireland South Cúige Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
155.
This Ard Fheis welcomes continued progress in the Colombian peace process negotiations. We call on President Santos to use his re-election to ensure that the Colombian Government will finalise and implement a negotiated and durable peace process with FARC. We regret the decision of the Dáil to pass the EU Free Trade Agreement with Colombia. This Agreement will not benefit the average Colombian economically and the human rights clauses are not strong enough considering the Colombian Government’s disgraceful human rights record.
Ard Chomhairle
156.
This Ard Fheis sends solidarity greetings to the Argentine Government in their fight against private vulture funds who are undermining their debt restructuring deals and trying to bankrupt the country. This Ard Fheis reiterates our support for self-determination of those governments in South America and Central America and the Caribbean to pursue policies on which they were elected free from outside intervention and internal destabilisation. We applaud those whose policies are effectively tackling poverty, inequality and racism in the region. This Ard Fheis also notes the re-election of Evo Morales as President of Bolivia and his continuation of carrying out progressive socio-economic reforms which are reducing poverty and inequality in the country. We also note that the democratically-elected Government in Venezuela continues to face attempts by some in the right-wing opposition to destabilise the country through economic and directly violent means.
Ard Chomhairle
38
SF Clar 2015.indd 38
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
A Republic for All – Political Reform and Equality 157.
This Ard Fheis reaffirms its support for equality in all of its forms and its support for marriage equality for the LGBTI community. This Ard Fheis calls for: • All members of Sinn Féin to campaign vigorously in favour of marriage equality in the referendum scheduled for the 26 Counties this year. • For legislation to be enacted in the Assembly to allow the same rights for LGBTI citizens in the Six Counties • Opposes attempts by the DUP to pass their so-called ‘Conscience Clause’ which would seek to deny equal rights to LGBTI citizens. Ard Chomhairle Pádraig Pearse Cumann, Derry Devlin/Plunkett Cumann, Dublin Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
158.
This Ard Fheis: - Recognises that the economic crisis has rightly focused attention on serious deficiencies within the political system and that citizens have become justifiably disillusioned with a political system that has failed them, which is too far removed from their everyday lives and is incapable of resolving current difficulties or delivering for ordinary citizens. - Envisages that, in a real Republic, citizens would have rights and that society would be organised around these rights on core republican and democratic values, ensuring equality for all. - Every sector would be regulated transparently so that all its institutions and agencies would be accountable. - Condemns the Fine Gael/Labour Coalition for their abject failure in fulfilling its promises on reforming politics and our institutions, a failure which has been underscored by a series of debacles and blatant cronyism, including the Seanad by-election and the McNulty affair which have all compounded the lack of public trust in politics. Calls on the Irish Government to: - Modernise public sector governance in the wider context of political reform, including public appointments which must be open, transparent and competitive, based on merit rather than cronyism. - End the use of guillotines on legislation and debate - Implement the Good Friday Agreement commitment of an All-Ireland Civic and Consultative Forum. - Introduce immediate speaking and consultative rights for Northern MPs and Assembly members in the Dáil and Seanad. - Reverse the undemocratic practice of Cabinet committees taking executive decisions exclusively to formal meetings of the Government itself (including the four-member Economic Management Council. - Urgently expedite the recommendations from the Constitutional Convention to referenda stage and allow citizens to now have their say, including reducing the voting age to 16; amending the women in the home clause; marriage equality; Presidential voting rights for citizens in the North and also those living outside Ireland; Dáil reform; electing the Ceann Comhairle through secret ballot); economic, social and cultural rights. Calls on the Irish Government and the Seanad Reform Working Group to: - Fully engage with all parties and groups within the Oireachtas but also broader civic society, to consider how best to reform the Seanad to ensure that it becomes a fully inclusive, representative and accountable institution. - Introduce direct election by way of universal franchise of all Irish citizens. - Introduce Northern and Diaspora representation. - Introduce 50 per cent women members. - Ensure representation of marginalised minority groups within Irish society.
Ard Chomhairle Wolfe Tone Cumann, Kildare
159.
This Ard Fheis calls for legislation whereby any citizen of voting age can, by obtaining a required amount of signatures, trigger a referendum within a specific time frame.
Thomas Ashe/Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Longford
39
SF Clar 2015.indd 39
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 160.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis notes that: • Too often the system of pensions and expenses for elected politicians at both a state and local authority level is often excessive and disproportionate. • Some recent reforms in the system of pensions for elected politicians in the 26 Counties are incomplete, insofar as they are not retrospectively applied. • In particular there is a group of 119 former Oireachtas Ministers in receipt of double pensions under the former system. Accordingly, this Ard Fheis calls for: • A cap on the salaries, expenses and pensions of all members of the Oireachtas and local authorities. • The retrospective application of all new pension arrangements for the highest.
Cork City Comhairle Ceantair Volunteer Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, Cork Lawlor/Mulvihill/Clashmealcon Martyrs Cumann, Kerry
161.
This Ard Fheis calls for of the pension system for public representatives to be brought into line with the experience of ordinary workers where there is no receipt of a pension until the legal retirement age. In the 26 Counties this would involve the retrospective application of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, which currently applies the legal retirement age only to those new entrants after 1st January 2013.
Hogan/Riain/Loinsigh Cumann, Limerick
162.
This Ard Fheis reaffirms the existing party position on independent public bodies (also known as Quasi-Non-Governmental Organisations or “quangos”), as follows: - Sinn Féin is opposed to the creation of unnecessary quangos, in particular where the mandated work could be appropriately carried out within a Government department or other existing public body. - We recognise, however, that certain public functions are best carried out by a public body that is independent from Government, in particular where Constitutional and other fundamental rights of citizens are at issue and/or where the public interest should be protected from vested interests. - We affirm that this is the test we apply to determine whether to support or oppose the continuing existence of the current independent public bodies or the creation of new independent public bodies. - In all cases, public funding of such bodies should be dependent on full transparency and accountability for their use of public funds and ensure that the terms of remuneration for management does not exceed the equivalent in the Civil Service. - Likewise, public appointments to management boards and/or CEO positions within these bodies should be subject to an open and transparent process. All such appointments must be merit-based and operate under affirmative action principles to ensure increased diversity. - The Ard Fheis resolves that Sinn Féin in Government will undertake a review of all such bodies with a view to retaining only those who meet the above criteria and bringing all other functions back under Government Departmental auspices.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann na Máighe, Donegal
163.
Recognising that there is presently a Constitutional limit to the number of ministers that can sit in Cabinet in the 26 Counties (set at 15), this Ard Fheis: - Calls on the Ard Chomhairle to review previous policy commitments to additional ministries or junior ministries in the 26-County Executive, and to do this at the earliest opportunity in 2015. - Resolves to defer making further policy commitments regarding proposed Cabinet positions until this analysis can be completed; - Further resolves that a cost-benefit analysis should always be undertaken before recommending Government Departmental reorganisation to ensure that the potential benefit to the people sufficiently outweighs the cost of ensuing disruption to the delivery of substantive work by the Department/s concerned.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
164.
This Ard Fheis recognises the important role of the Constitution as the most fundamental 40
SF Clar 2015.indd 40
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
guarantee of the rights of every citizen and also recognises that true equality in Irish society cannot be realised whilst the Constitution fuses the competing interests of religion and government for the people. Sinn Féin therefore commits to removing all religious references from Bunreacht na hÉireann, guaranteeing the freedom of conscience and religious thought of every citizen and creating a system of government which derives its authority from those it serves, the people of Ireland.
Cumann na Máighe, Donegal
165.
This Ard Fheis believes that Sinn Féin is committed to the separation of church and state in all circumstances as the basis for building a genuinely democratic and inclusive republic and therefore commits to excluding all religious instruction and all personal faith beliefs from the formulation and endorsement of law and policy across this island.
Pádraig Pearse Cumann, Derry
166.
This Ard Fheis calls on central and local government to fully implement flexible working and working from home arrangements where appropriate and recognises that this will lead to: • Less travel for commuters, especially in rural areas. • Better productivity. • Less sickness absence. • Significant office and estate savings. • Environmental benefits. • Reduced congestion.
North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair
167.
This Ard Fheis recognises the substantial contribution young people make to our society. It further notes the extension of voting rights to people aged 16 and 17 for the recent referendum on Scottish independence and welcomes the positive impact this had on participatory democracy in Scotland. This Ard Fheis therefore calls for the voting age for all future elections and referenda on this island to be lowered to 16.
Six-County Cúige Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
168.
This Ard Fheis proposes that to provide truly democratic electoral results, the Ard Chomhairle should explore the possibility of bringing in a mandatory voting scheme. This should be based on the Australian model and should be introduced on a 26-County basis.
Piarais McCann Cumann, Tipperary
169.
This Ard Fheis calls for the amendment of the Electoral Act, 1992, to allow citizens of Ireland resident outside of the state both franchise and registration as electors in Presidential, Dáil, European and local government elections: • An amendment to Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Electoral Act, 1992 whereby the requirement for citizens of Ireland to be ‘ordinarily resident’ in the State is removed entirely from the Statute thus allowing emigrants to register to vote in Presidential, Dáil, European and Local Government elections. • An addition to Section 14 of the aforementioned act to provide for the entry of nonresident citizens on the postal voters list. Pending an amendment of the statute, this Ard Fheis notes the Revenue Commissioners criteria for ‘ordinary residence’ and claims that this definition be used to qualify Irish citizens to vote who are living outside the state up to the commencement of their fourth year of absence.
Mac Diarmada/Gilgunn Cumann, Leitrim
170.
This Ard Fheis calls for a redrawing of local electoral boundaries to take account of community units or rural parishes being in the one LEA and that distance is a criterion in drawing up LEAs.
Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell, Clare
171.
This Ard Fheis calls on the party to recognise gender inequality not simply as an issue for women but also as an issue for men to address. In recognition of this we call on this Ard Fheis to endorse the UN women’s solidarity campaign ‘He for She’ and reflect this campaign in our policy making.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair
41
SF Clar 2015.indd 41
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Using Our Natural Resources for the People 172. This Ard Fheis notes that: • We are coming to the end of the era of cheap oil. • Continued dependence on fossil fuels will lead to economic instability, energy insecurity and greater levels of poverty, including fuel poverty. • The continuing environmental damage caused by the use of fossil fuels cannot continue. • Natural resources on land, sea and air should be used for the benefit of the people of Ireland and should be used in a socially responsible way. This Ard Fheis recognises the need to find alternative sources of energy and fuel that are renewable and environmentally sound in order that we: • Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. • Find a replacement for the eventual depletion of oil. • Become more energy independent and self-sufficient in order to attain energy security. This Ard Fheis calls for the development of an all-Ireland Strategy for Renewable Energy that will: • Assess all viable renewable energy sources – energy from resources that are naturally replenished within a short timescale such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat. • Promote the development of renewable energy and fuel as a means of reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and reducing levels of fuel poverty. • Promote environmental protection. • Promote a new economic sector in renewable energy. • Promote community-state ownership of renewable energy sources to ensure that the benefits from energy production remain with the people and are used for the greater good of society. • Assert the need to develop renewable energy to the advantage of the people. • Support and promote state-community ownership of energy for the benefit of those who live on this island with a system similar to the co-operative approach taken in other countries. In the case of wind energy, this Ard Fheis calls for this industry to be strictly regulated. We call for strict planning regulations when it comes to the development of wind farms.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six County Cúige
173.
This Ard Fheis supports the promotion of solar energy and also the regulation of large-scale solar farms to ensure that developments are in keeping with the local area and landscape.
Gerard Casey Cumann, Antrim
174.
This Ard Fheis notes the development of the Templederry Community Windfarm in Co Tipperary as an example which could be followed in other areas where renewable energy developments are to be carried out. Therefore, this Ard Fheis calls for the granting of planning permission to an applicant for the development of Renewable Energy Generation of 1MW or above to be conditional upon the applicant entering into an agreement with the local authority to allocate 6.25% of company shares in the said development for the direct funding of community facilities in the vicinity of the development and for the co-operative ownership by the local community of a life interest in the development, that being the 6.25% of shares. This 6.25% will be the minimum life interest the community co-operative can have in said development. The allocation of said shares and any funds earned from such shares are to be held in trust by the local authority until a community co-operative can be formed for the local area. The community co-operative shall then allocate earnings from said shares to community projects and organisations in the immediate area. All normal planning requirements are still expected and will need to be adhered to. The planning authority should ensure that the planning and design integrity of the Local Development Plan is not compromised.
Charles J Kickham Cumann, Tipperary
175.
This Ard Fheis: • Notes that the introduction of an all-Ireland Single Electricity Market (SEM) in 2007 enabled all energy generators on the island to contribute to a single energy pool. • Believes all-Ireland harmonisation should deliver efficiencies through elimination of duplication of resources and lower energy prices to consumers. 42
SF Clar 2015.indd 42
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
• Believes it is essential that those involved in the SEM Committee, the Utilities Regulator in the North, and the Commission for Energy Regulation in the South, act together for the benefit of energy consumers in both jurisdictions. • Calls for the SEM project to form part of the North-South Ministerial Council, with ministers on both sides of the Border working together to ensure that consumers receive the best deal possible.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
176.
This Ard Fheis notes: • That EirGrid is currently reviewing the GridWest and GridLink projects with a view to undergrounding the electrical cables along at least part of these routes. • That by excluding the North/South Interconnector project in any review, this means that the people of the Border region are effectively being treated as second-class citizens. Calls for: • The same consultation and engagement in the case of the North-South Interconnector project, including a detailed assessment of the project proceeding by underground cabling, as has applied in the case of the GridWest and Gridlink projects. This Ard Fheis further calls on the incoming Ard Chomhairle, Leinster House and Northern Assembly elected representatives to: • Oppose the introduction of the Eirgrid/NI Electricity North-South Interconnector by means of pylon-supported overhead power lines. • Circulate quarterly reports by the respective party spokespersons, North and South, of progress towards acceptance by the respective Government ministers and Cabinet/ Executive in both jurisdictions, and by Eirgrid and NI Electricity, of the need to proceed with this project only by way of underground cables.
Midlands/North-West Cúige Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair
177.
This Ard Fheis regrets the recent decision by the Electricity Supply Board to discontinue the pilot scheme which allowed householders to receive 9 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) of power produced. This Ard Fheis calls for the formulation of policy by the party making it easier for households to sell renewable energy to the grid. This will allow people to go carbon neutral in their energy consumption by, for example, placing solar panels on their roof and selling excess energy in the summer to the grid, leaving them with a credit for winter months, thus reducing yearly bills on families. A grant system should be considered as part of this, enabling people to install such energy-saving devices. The present pricing structure, of higher tariffs for lower electricity users, flies in the face of conservation. The regulator must abandon this system and end the punishment of households who generate their own power, or are careful users of electricity.
Traolach Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork
178.
This Ard Fheis calls for a referendum to enshrine the rights of the people of Ireland to the ownership of all natural resources and to all revenues from these natural resources to be used for the betterment of the people.
Robert Emmet Cumann, Dublin Cumann Caisleán Nua, Limerick
179.
This Ard Fheis notes the December 2014 report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland that found Irish energy prices are rising faster than the EU average, including increases of 19 per cent and 29 per cent in household and industrial electricity prices since 2010, and condemns the absence of any Government policy to address rising fuel poverty and energy prices. This Ard Fheis also reiterates its support for renewable energy and urges greater effort towards achieving Ireland’s binding EU target that 16 per cent of energy in Ireland should come from renewables by 2020. This Ard Fheis accordingly welcomes the Sinn Féin submission to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Green Paper consultation and urges the party to use this submission as the basis for the development of a comprehensive party energy policy, drawn up with the active and open participation of members.
Emmet/Clarke Cumann, Dublin
43
SF Clar 2015.indd 43
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 180.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the importance of environmental protection. • Notes that the environment of Ireland covers the entire 32 Counties and should be reflected in policy decisions. • Agrees that environmental concerns should be taken seriously, especially when implementing national infrastructural projects that impact on the environment and involve major disruption. • Calls for the establishment of an All-Ireland Environmental Protection Agency that has the necessary powers to enforce environmental protection laws.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
181.
This Ard Fheis recognises that discharges into coastal waters have less stringent control than into estuarine waters and calls for our elected representatives to work towards the reversal of the designation of Lough Foyle as coastal waters.
Cumann na Máighe, Donegal
182.
This Ard Fheis reaffirms its commitment to ban fracking in Ireland and recognises the impact such a development would have on our tourism and agricultural industries if permitted to go ahead.
North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair Carndonagh/Malin Cumann, Donegal Swinford Cumann, Mayo
183.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to exercise its duty of care to the people of Ireland and to employ all possible means to prevent the construction and commissioning of any new nuclear facility, or the recommissioning of any such existing plant, along the western seaboard of the island of Britain. Also that it undertakes to not only object but to actively oppose any such development and that it gives international leadership to other smaller nations who feel equally threatened by the course being undertaken by their more powerful neighbours.
Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair Keenan/Doherty Cumann, Monaghan Mitchell/Sands Cumann, Monaghan
184.
This Ard Fheis deplores the waste of money on the costly new postal code system which in its present design will do little if anything to facilitate the delivery of mail and risks the erosion of local townland names.
Cumann Caisleán Nua, Limerick
Rights of the Child 185. This Ard Fheis: • Calls on the Irish Government to reaffirm its commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. • Recognises the Children’s Rights Alliance criticism of Ireland for its lack of access to an adequate standard of living and the right to equality and non-discrimination for children. • Also recognises that 10% of children in the 26 Counties continued to live in consistent poverty in 2014, which puts Ireland close to the bottom of 41 developed countries in a recent report released by UNICEF. • Calls on the Irish Government to live up to the commitment it gave in the referendum on children’s rights in 2012, to take a child-centred approach to the protection of all children and to base child protection and social protection measures on what is in the best interests of the child.
Ireland South Cúige
186.
This Ard Fheis calls for the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) to be adequately funded so that services such as Rape Crisis Centres can provide appropriate long-term counselling and support services to victims of sexual abuse. Such services should remain in local control to ensure accessibility and consistent service. Sinn Féin should make this a priority whether in Opposition 44
SF Clar 2015.indd 44
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
or in Government. Other gender-based and family support services funded by Tusla should not endure any more cuts and should be adequately funded.
O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Mayo Gleeson Cumann, Wexford
187.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to implement a strategy to properly fund community crèches that have had their capacity to maintain and develop top-class childcare services affected by cutbacks to a vital community service in our neighbourhoods that has many positive results in a real community setting.
188.
This Ard Fheis: • Welcomes the anti-bullying guidelines introduced in the 26 Counties for schools and calls for them to be placed on a statutory footing and to further resource schools to implement preventative practices. • Welcomes the legislation currently in development in the Assembly to strengthen schools policies against all types of bullying, including homophobic, religious, racial and bullying against those with disabilities. • Calls for the development of an all-island cyber bullying strategy to help strengthen the positive progress already made.
Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
189.
This Ard Fheis calls for a national survey on bullying and that part of that survey will call for the redefinition of the word ‘bullying’ as defined in the Oxford English Dictionary. In addition, the reporting of bullying should be made mandatory.
Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway
190.
This Ard Fheis expresses grave concern at the scale and impact of cyber bullying and notes that the vast majority of the victims are young people although all users of social media are at risk. Notes the difficulty for legislation to penetrate the core of the problem as the Internet and social media have become such a part of everyday life for many and it is virtually impossible to monitor personal messages received in a device you have in your pocket. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government and Northern Assembly to fund pilot projects which produce targeted campaigns, run by young people, who are paid employees, to address the issue of cyber bulling and trolling, including an optional and explicitly-stated monitoring scheme for chat forums. Requests that young people are empowered to take the lead on this as they are the ones affected by this and the ones with the greatest knowledge of the medium. Finally, this Ard Fheis urges everyone to look out for the signs of cyber bulling and encourage safe and responsible Internet use.
Six County Cúige
45
SF Clar 2015.indd 45
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Policing and Justice 191.
This Ard Fheis believes that the safety of local communities throughout Ireland will be better served through enhanced co-operation, training and planning between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI. This Ard Fheis calls for the Cross-Border Policing Strategy, launched in 2010, to be reviewed and updated, including: • A joint commitment, North and South, to maximise the outcomes from the strategy for local communities. • A mechanism to capture, record and review the effectiveness of the cross-Border strategy • Developing a joint An Garda Síochána/PSNI training and best practice strategy. • Undertake a review to maximise the effectiveness of current arrangements relating to personnel exchanges, secondments, and lateral entry. • Exchanging best practice on police engagement with local communities. • Examining legislation with a view to putting forward proposals to respective departments, which would further enhance the ability of the An Garda Síochána/PSNI to work together to prevent and detect crime.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
192.
This Ard Fheis endorses the Sinn Féin submission on policing reform in the 26 Counties entitled ‘A New Beginning for Policing’. While recognising that some reform has been announced by the Irish Government, this Ard Fheis believes further and deeper reforms are needed if we are to have a truly new beginning for policing in the 26 Counties and calls for the implementation of the Sinn Féin proposals in full.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
193.
This Ard Fheis believes that work of the Policing Board, the Office of the Police Ombudsman and the Criminal Justice Inspectorate is critical to the oversight and accountability of policing. The interplay between the good functioning of these bodies and developing public confidence in policing cannot be overstated. A relatively small amount of funding in terms of the criminal justice process as a whole makes a huge contribution to public confidence; it is counter-productive and short-sighted to ask these bodies to absorb significant budget cuts. This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Six-County Minister for Justice to protect the annual budget of these bodies, even in times of budget constraints, and to remedy the gaps in the powers of the Police Ombudsman. Further, this Ard Fheis calls for any new Garda oversight bodies to have at least an equivalence of powers to those bodies in the North, in keeping with the provision of the Good Friday Agreement on human rights.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
194.
This Ard Fheis maintains and supports the right of the Irish people to peacefully protest. It deplores and condemns the actions of some members of An Garda Síochána in their actions against our citizens. It calls on the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice to address this situation immediately and for the Garda Ombudsman to investigate all complaints received from citizens in such cases.
East Clare Cumann, Clare Margaret Skinnider Cumann, Dublin
195.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the recent public comments by the PSNI Chief Constable on ‘Building Trust Through Policing with the Community’. We agree this concept is essential to completing the transformation of policing in the North. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the ethos and operational implications of ‘Policing with the Community’ is fully embraced at all levels within the PSNI. We note continued and residual resistance by sections of the police towards partnership with and accountability to local communities. There is clear need for improvement in maximising acceptance of ‘Policing with the Community’ at Neighbourhood Team, Response Unit, Tactical Support Group and local Operational Management levels. This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s support for the work of Policing and Community Support 46
SF Clar 2015.indd 46
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Partnerships, the Policing Board, and their representatives in promoting unconditional support for and acceptance of ‘Building Trust Through Policing with the Community’.
Kevin Lynch Cumann, Co Derry
196.
This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of communities and police working together in a true and equal partnership and recalls the Patten recommendation that “policing with the community should be the core function of the police service and the core function of every police station”. This Ard Fheis recognises that, in the North: • The police service needs to be delivered in constructive and inclusive partnership with the community and with the maximum delegation of authority and responsibility. • New partnerships between the police and local communities have been developed which would have been unthinkable 15 years ago and we need to see these rolled out in all areas. • Community engagement – underpinned with transparency, accountability and a commitment to international human rights standards – must continue to grow and to deepen. • ‘Policing with the Community’ needs to underpin any policing decision, whether this be a decision about policing operations, about restructuring of districts, or about how to deal with budget restraints. • No police officer should be allowed to lose contact with the core function of ‘Policing with the Community’. This Ard Fheis calls for: • ‘Policing with the Community’ to be the core function of the police service and the core function of every police station. • ‘Policing with the Community’ to be embedded in induction training and in-service training, in any performance appraisal system (including for specialist units), in any budget decisions, and in any restructuring process. • Specific measures to ensure that the public in hard-to-reach areas, or policing ‘hotspots’ feel they have the opportunity to influence policing priorities in their neighbourhood. • Meaningful engagement processes between the police, including Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and local community structures. • Creation of bespoke engagement processes between young people and the police. • Maximum consultation and transparency in the setting of district policing plan targets and the allocation of district policing resources. • A publicly-resourced community safety strategy that facilitates meaningful engagement between the PSNI, public authorities, local councils and local communities
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Colin Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Riverdale Cumann Greater Ballymurphy Cumann
197.
This Ard Fheis sends solidarity to those that have been victimised by political policing in recent times and calls for policing through political motives to come to a complete end.
Patrick Cannon Cumann, Dublin
198.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the publication in November 2014 of the ‘Stocktake Report into the 2010 Maghaberry Prison Agreement by the Independent Assessment Team’, and notes the potential which this initiative represents. We record our concern at the limited progress made to date. We reiterate our view that full implementation of the 2010 Agreement remains the means by which all issues of contention can be resolved to ensure that all prisoners, staff and families can be treated with dignity and respect. Sinn Féin will continue to be focused on these matters, including undertaking continued regular visits to the prison and liaising with all relevant parties, in particular the Justice Department, to ensure that the required changes to jail conditions are put into effect immediately.
Ard Chomhairle Six-County Cúige
47
SF Clar 2015.indd 47
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 199.
www.sinnfein.ie
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to facilitate the families of prisoners by moving prisoners to a prison closest to their home when requested in line with the European Convention on the Transfer of Prisoners. This Ard Fheis also calls on the Irish Government to build a new Dochas centre in Limerick Prison to alleviate the inhumane and Dickensian conditions in which women prisoners are held.
Dublin Cúige
200.
This Ard Fheis commends the work of Coiste na nIarchimí in its work for political ex-prisoners and their families and reaffirms that the issues of post-imprisonment need redress as laid out in the Good Friday Agreement.
Six-County Cúige
201.
This Ard Fheis calls for the restoration of library services in all prisons in the 26 Counties. Access to library services is a vital tool in the education and rehabilitation of prisoners. Depriving inmates of a library service only lessens their chances of a productive future life without crime.
O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Mayo
202.
This Ard Fheis calls for the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis to be legalised in Ireland.
203.
This Ard Fheis calls for the Ard Chomhairle to create a special committee to evaluate international reforms in drug policy and the applicability of these reforms in Ireland.
Martin Hurson Cumann, Cork Patrick Cannon Cumann, Dublin
John O’Reilly Cumann, Galway West Galway Comhairle Ceantair
204.
This Ard Fheis: • Notes that drugs, both legal highs and illegal substances, are having a devastating effects on young people, communities and society as a whole and that the true scale of this problem is far from known. • Notes that many of these substances are sold online, in person-to-person transactions and that the simple closure of so-called ‘head shops’ will not fully address this problem. • Recognises that a blanket ban on new substances will not expose the root of the problem and will not address the reason why young people turn to psychoactive substances, illegal or legal. • Recognises that an all-Ireland approach is the only way to treat this problem and criticises the British Government for opting out of EU legislation in this area. This Ard Fheis: • Calls on the Irish Government and the Assembly to empower local and community leaders to recognise the signs of drug abuse and fund targeted community programmes to help those at risk. • Believes the societal factors underlying drug abuse and the high level of legal high usage in Ireland needs to be addressed. • Requests that national and local government work with youth organisations to (through peer education and social media) raise awareness of the dangers of legal highs and address the root causes. • Asks the Government, North and South, to incorporate drugs (legal and illegal) awareness into the national curriculum and with a cross-Border element. • Encourages local government, law enforcement, medical professionals, schools and suppliers of legal highs to put forward proposals to ensure there are no more unnecessary deaths as a result from the sale of these unregulated products.
Six County Cúige Derry City Comhairle Ceantair North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair Beechmount Cumann
205.
This Ard Fheis notes last year’s motion of support for the Turn Off the Red Light campaign (TORL) but acknowledges increasing evidence that the Swedish model advocated by the TORL campaign does not work. In light of research published by Queen’s University, the UN AIDS Advisory Group on HIV 48
SF Clar 2015.indd 48
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn FĂŠin Ard Fheis 2015
and Sex Work and others, this Ard Fheis continues to condemn enforced sex work and trafficking but overturns the 2013 Ard Fheis decision to endorse the Turn Off the Red Light campaign, recognising that it is advocating failed policies that put vulnerable men and women engaged in sex work at risk. This Ard Fheis further proposes the party develops an evidence-based policy on the issue of sex work that will not make the majority of sex workers feel less safe, stigmatise them further and negatively impact service provision efforts in the area of harm reduction as research has proved in relation to the model proposed by TORL. This Ard Fheis supports tougher sentences for those who exploit sex workers and profit from human trafficking. This Ard Fheis calls for an approach that addresses the causes that lead to men and women engaging in sex work while promoting their health and safety
Emmet/Clarke Cumann, Dublin Dr Andy Cooney/Jim Gleeson Cumann, Tipperary Clifford/McCarthy Cumann, Kerry Lawlor/Mulvihill/Clashmealcon Martyrs Cumann, Kerry
206.
This Ard Fheis notes the need to address the problem of inconsistency and leniency in sentencing as an issue of significant public importance. Sinn FĂŠin therefore commits to establishing a programme of compulsory training for the judiciary to be undertaken before being permitted to sit as a judge. This Ard Fheis also calls for those requested for jury duty to receive a minimum payment and be permitted to submit vouched expenses so that they are not disadvantaged by playing their part as citizens in the judicial process.
Cumann na MĂĄighe, Donegal
49
SF Clar 2015.indd 49
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
An Ghaeilge 207.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the publishing of the draft Acht na Gaeilge by the Sinn Féin Executive Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure and calls for full engagement in the consultation process.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
208.
This Ard Fheis recognises that the Irish Government has consistently failed to adequately fund the Irish language and has reneged on numerous promises it has made on Irish-language promotion. We therefore call on the Irish Government to put an end to its cuts policy and restore the funding lost to Foras na Gaeilge (which is around 40% in real terms since it was set up in 1999) and to make the funds available to finance the implementation of the 20-year strategy for the Irish language. This Ard Fheis also calls on the Irish Government to honour its original decision to provide bilingual road signs with Irish and English on a par with each other and for the Minister for Regional Development in the Six Counties to explore the same issue in conjunction with their 26-County counterpart. This Ard Fheis also call on the Irish Government to take the necessary steps to put an end to the EU derogation on Irish, thereby ensuring that proper recognition is given to the Irish language and also creating around 190 jobs.
Ard Chomhairle Logue/Marley Cumann, Dublin
209.
This Ard Fheis recognises the important contribution that the An tUltach journal made to the preservation and promotion of the Ulster dialect of our national language since it was first committed to print 91 years ago, in January 1923. An tUltach serves the ancient territories of Ulster which is made up of 10 counties – the Six Counties, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and Louth. Foras na Gaeilge published an in-depth analysis of the printed and online journals/ newspapers 2011 which was conducted by the respected academic Dr Regina Uí Chollatáin. While this report was critical of much of the provision at that time, the report was very clear in its recommendation that An tUlach was a very professional and essential publication which should be retained in its current format (i.e. in print). This Ard Fheis supports the continuation of publication of An tUltach given its position as a mainstay in the evolution of Ulster Irish and its role in preserving and promoting Ulster Irish in the future.
Peadar McElvenna Cumann, Armagh
210.
This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the value of the Office of the Language Commissioner in holding public bodies to account on language policy. • Calls for the Language Commissioner to work with other statutory agencies and the Irish language community to contribute to language strategy. • Further calls for the Language Commissioner to be given additional powers to proactively promote the Irish language.
Ireland South Cúige
211.
This Ard Fheis commends the work of Sinn Féin activists in their constant support and promotion of An Ghaeilge. In particular, we seek to highlight the sterling work and success of the following: • An Chiste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, which is building a capital infrastructure for the Irish language throughout the North • The ongoing endeavours of Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín in supporting and promoting Irish by bringing forward an Irish-language strategy and drafting an Irish Language Act
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
50
SF Clar 2015.indd 50
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie 212.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
This Ard Fheis asks all its members to rededicate themselves to the Líofa 2015 initiative, to encourage friends, family and other party members to sign up, and commend the more than 7,000 people who have already joined. We also call on this Ard Fheis to ask all its members to have a Líofa themed event in their areas to promote the scheme and the language.
Colin Comhairle Ceantair Court Comhairle Ceantair Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
213.
This Ard Fheis calls for Sinn Féin in government to initiate the formulation of a national bilingual strategy and that as part of any such programme ensure that state resources would be allocated to providing subsidised or, where possible, free-of-charge access to adult Irish-language classes. This Ard Fheis also calls for Sinn Féin in government to initiate a full review of all commercial grants and other subsidies provided to Gaeltacht areas to assess what positive impact, if any, they have had on the promotion of the Irish language as the spoken language in Gaeltacht regions.
Smith/Farrell/Griffith Cumann, Dublin
Sports, Arts and Tourism 214. This Ard Fheis commits our party to developing a broad-ranging policy dedicated to developing and supporting arts organisations in Ireland. Such a policy would recognise the social and economic impact of the arts in the country and would give recognition to the arts as a very significant industry that merits support in the same way as agriculture or tourism are supported.
Hurson/Quirke Cumann, Galway
215.
This Ard Fheis supports the Irish Rugby Football Union’s all-Ireland bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Robert Emmet Cumann, Tipperary
216.
This Ard Fheis calls on the GAA to continue discussions with residents around the new build at Casement Park.
Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair
217.
This Ard Fheis welcomes the positive tourist potential of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and urges a continued all-island approach to tourism promotion by all tourism stakeholders.
Carndonagh/Malin Cumann, Donegal
218.
This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs to secure the necessary funding to allow for a commencement of the first phase of the physical works on the restoration of the Ulster Canal, Belturbet to Clones, to get underway in 2015. Also that the Minister secures Government approval for the seamless continuation of works into phase two, Clones to Monaghan town, and that all parties commit to completion of the restoration project, the Erne/Shannon system link to Lough Neagh, by 2021.
Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair
51
SF Clar 2015.indd 51
24/02/2015 17:07
www.sinnfein.ie
Fringe Meetings NAME OF EVENT Londonderry Bands Forum - The Culture of Marching Bands
TIME
ROOM
1-2
Studio
1-2
Diamond Room
1-2
East Wall Bar
5-6
Green Room
5-6
Studio
5-6
East Wall Bar
5-6
St Columbas Hall
5-6
Diamond Room
A presentation and discussion about how the past 35 years have seen the image and ethos of the bands culture eroded by media and political misrepresentation .The talk will outline the Londonderry Bands Forum efforts to redress this perceived inequality and provide challenges for the entire community. Speakers: Derek Moore Co-ordinator LBF, Brian Dougherty MBE, Kenny McFarland Chairperson LBF Chairperson: Geroid Ó hEára What’s the future of the Irish language? Panel discussion with Dr Helen Ó Murchú, language expert and activist plus other speakers. Palestine – Update Palestinian Ambassador, Ahmad Abdelrazek, chaired by MEP Martina Anderson ‘Beyond The Wire’. Panel: Joe Austin, founder of ‘Still Imprisoned Project’ Joe Barnes – Counsellor with ‘Tar Isteach’, North Belfast Women for Independence & Unity – A Scottish Perspective Chaired by Mary Lou McDonald We Would Have A Stronger Economy in a United Ireland A discussion of the economic benefits of a United Ireland with Michael Burke and Dr Conor Patterson Chaired by Michelle Gildernew MP TTIP: Potential Consequences for Ireland Speakers; John Hilary of War on Want and MEP Matt Carthy Collusion – The Corruption of Law in Ireland Speakers: Paul O’Connor, Director of the Pat Finucane Centre and Anne Cadwallader, case worker with the PFC and author of Lethal Allies. Using maps, photographs, diagrams and original ‘’ declassified’’ British government official documents, the Pat Finucane Centre shows that collusion was a deadly British government policy - not the work of a ‘’ few bad apples’’
52
SF Clar 2015.indd 52
24/02/2015 17:07
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Cruinnithe ar an Imeall ÓCÁID
AM
SEOMRA
Fóram Bhannaí Ceoil Dhoire – Cultúr na mBannaí Máirseála
1-2
Studio
1-2
Diamond Room
1-2
East Wall Bar
5-6
Green Room
5-6
Studio
5-6
East Wall Bar
5-6
St Columbas Hall
5-6
Diamond Room
Cur i láthair agus plé ar an dóigh ar scrios na meáin agus mí-ionadaíocht pholaitiúil íomhá agus éiteas chultúr na mbannaí le 35 bliain anuas. Sa chaint seo léireofar iarrachtaí Fhóram Bhannaí Ceoil Dhoire chun dul i ngleic leis an éagothroime seo a mheastar a bheith ann agus tabharfar dúshlán don phobal go léir. Cainteoirí: Derek Moore Comhordaitheoir LBF, Brian Dougherty MBE, Kenny McFarland Cathaoirleach LBF Cathaoirleach: Geroid Ó hEara Cad é atá i ndán don Ghaeilge? Plé páinéil leis an Dr Helen Ó Murchú, saineolaí agus gníomhaí teanga agus cainteoirí eile. An Phailistín– An scéal is déanaí Ambasadóir na Pailistíne, Ahmad Abdelrazek, Martina Anderson, FPE sa Chathaoir ‘Beyond The Wire’ Painéal: Joe Austin, bunaitheoir ‘Still Imprisoned Project’ Joe Barnes – Comhairleoir le ‘Tar Isteach’, Béal Feirste Thuaidh Mná ar son Neamhspleáchais agus Aontais – Meon na hAlban Mary Lou McDonald sa Chathaoir Bheadh geilleagar ní ba láidre againn dá mbeadh Éire Aontaithe ann Plé ar na buntáistí don Gheilleagar in Éirinn Aontaithe le Michael Burke agus Dr Conor Patterson. Michelle Gildernew, Ball Parlaiminte, sa Chathaoir TTIP: Impleachtaí a d’Fhéadfadh a bheith ann d’Éirinn Cainteoirí; John Hilary ó War on Want agus Matt Carthy, FPE Claonpháirteachas – Éillitheacht an Dlí in Éirinn Cainteoirí: Paul O’Connor, Siúrthóir ar an Pat Finucane Centre agus Anne Cadwallader, oibrí cásanna leis an PFC agus údar Lethal Allies. Trí léarscáileanna agus grianghraif, léaráidí agus buncháipéisí oifigiúla Rialtas na Breataine ina bhfuil “an fhaisnéis scaoilte ó rúnaicmiú”, léiríonn the Pat Finucane Centre gur polasaí marfach de chuid Rialtas na Breataine ba ea an claonpháirteachas – ní obair a raibh baint ag rógaire anseo is ansiúd léi.
53
SF Clar 2015.indd 53
24/02/2015 17:07
SINN FÉIN ARD FHEIS 2015 54
SF Clar 2015.indd 54
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Ard Fheis 2015 Clár 2015 Doire
AOINE 6ú MÁRTA 16.00 Clárú 18.00 Oscailt na hArd Fheise le Gearóid Ó hÉara 18.15 Téarnamh Cothrom a Sheachadadh - Frithdhéine, Plé le Fiachas agus Cánachas Cothrom – Rúin 1-17 Leathanach 57 19.00 Spreagaitheasc ó Martin McGuinness Ag Múnlú ár dTodhchaí trí Athmhuintearas – An tOir. Steve Stockman agus an tAth. Martin Magill 19.30 Poblacht do Chách – Rúin 18-43 Leathanach 61 2016 - I dtreo Éire Aontaithe Ag Tógáil na Síochána 20.30 Forbairt an Pháirtí, Bunreacht agus Rialacha – Rúin 44-65 Leathanach 67 SATHARN 7ú MÁRTA 10.00 Infheistiú in Iompar – Rúin 66-71 Leathanach 72 11.00 Spreagaithisc á gcraoladh beo ag RTÉ agus ag BBC Le Cainteoir ó Comhionannas Pósta agus an tAmbasadóir Phalaistíneach 13.00 Lón 14.00 Téarnamh Cothrom Geilleagrach a Chur i gCrích - Éire a Chur ag Obair Arís – Rúin 72-82 Le óráid ó Uachtarán Chomhdháil na gCeardchumann John Douglas 15.00 Téarnamh Cothrom a Bhaint Amach - Margadh Úr do Thuatha na hÉireann – Rúin 83-103 16.00 Téarnamh Cothrom a Chur i gCrích - Infheistíocht i Seirbhísí Poiblí Sláinte – Rúin 104-125 Leathanach 81 Bealach Chun Tosaigh san Oideachas – Rúin 126-135 Leathanach 84 Ag cur deireadh leis an nGéarchéim Tithíochta – Rúin 136-149 Leathanach 86
Leathanach 73 Leathanach 77
17.00 Tae 18.00 18.45 19.15 19.45 20.25 20.30
Dlúthpháirtíocht Idirnáisiúnta – Rúin 150-156 Leathanach 89 Le Cainteoir ón Phalaistín, ón ANC agus ó Thír na mBascach Poblacht do Chách – Athchóiriú Polaitiúil agus Cothromas – Rúin 157-190 Póilíneacht agus Ceartas – Rúin 191-206 Leathanach 98 An Ghaeilge – Rúin 207-218 Leathanach 102 Gerry Adams á chur i láthair ag Michelle Gildernew Óráid an Uachtaráin Gerry Adams TD
21.00
Deireadh na hArd Fheise
Leathanach 91
55
SF Clar 2015.indd 55
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
ORDUITHE SEASTA 1. Glacfar leis an Orduithe Seasta ag tosach na hArd Fheise.
réir fhorálacha Ordú Seasta 4, an rún nó leasú a chur chun vóta.
2. Faomhóidh an Ard Fheis Coiste Stiúrtha agus ceapfar ceathrar áiritheoir ar a laghad ag tús gach Ard Fheis. Ní bheidh aon duine a ainmnítear le haghaidh thoghchán na noifigeach nó na hArd Chomhairle incheaptha ina áiritheoir.
7. Ní mór do rúin éigeandála (sé sin rúin a dhéanann tagairt d’imeachtaí nó cinniúintí a tharla i ndiaidh an spriocdáta do rúin de réir Riail 12d de Bhunreacht agus Rialacha an Pháirtí) ní mór iad a thabhairt i bhfoirm scríofa do Choiste na hArd Fheise, san Ard Oifig, seacht lá ar a laghad roimh tús na hard Fheise. Glacfar le rún éigeandála ar dhiscréid an Choiste Stiúrtha.
3. Roimh an Ard Fheis beartóidh Cathaoirleach an Coiste Stiúrtha - I gcomhairle le Coiste na hArdFheise - cé mhéid ama a thabharfar do gach roinn. Glacfar leis an amchlár agus na Cathaoirligh don Ard Fheis seo ag tús n hArd Fheise.
8. Ní féidir rúin nó leasaithe eigeandá eile - a dhéanann tagairt d’imeachtaí a tharlaíonn agus an Ard Fheis faoi lán seol seachas ar dhiscréid an Choiste Stiúrtha agus ní mór na hOrdaithe Seasta a 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 príoracht do mholtóirí rún agus leasaithe i ngach roinn.
9. Ceadófar ‘pointí oird’ ar dhiscréid an chathaoirligh agus ní cheadófar níos mó ná 30 soicind dóibh.
5. Le linn díospóireachtaí tabharfar tús áite do theachtaí atá ainmnithe agus creidiúnaithe mar is ceart. Is féidir leis an Choiste Stiúrtha, mas rogha leis é, cead cainte a thabhairt de bhaill den pháirtí atá creidiúnaithe mar is ceart ach nach bhfuil ina dteachtaí, sé sin muna bhfuil teachtaí ar bith ag fanacht le labhairt ag an am.Ar dhiscréid an Coiste Stiúrtha ceadófar do chuairteoirí labhairt atá creidiúnaithe ag an Ard Chomhairle leis an Ard Fheis I gcóir am ar leith. Agus teachtaí ag labhairt ní mór dóibh a n-ainmneacha a lua mar aon leis an aonad agus an ceantar a bhfuil siad ag déanamh ionadaíochta thar a gceann.
10. Caithfear glacadh le rialú an chathaoirligh I gcónaí. Ní mór na Ordaithe Seasta a chur ar leataoibh chun dushlán a thabhairt do rialú an Chathaoirligh agus vóta mímhuiníne a ghlacadh ann. 11. Ní mór rún scríofa ag iarraidh na hOrdaithe Seasta a chur ar leataobh a thabhairt don Choiste Stiúrtha ag míniú fáth an rúin sula gceadófar é. Sonrófar am áirithe don rún ar dhiscréid an Choiste Stiúrtha. Ní mór móramh dhá dtrian de na teachtaí atá I láthair le hiad a chur i leataobh. Ní mór móramh dhá dtrian de na teachtaí atá I láthair leis na hOrdaithe Seasta a thabhairt isteach arís nuair atá an ábhar faoi chaibidil reitithe sula bhféadfaí an Ard Fheis leanúint ar aghaidh. Ní mór na hOrdaithe Seasta a chur ar leataobh ag tús na hArd Fheise ionas gur féidir rúin, agus leasaithe eigeandála agus aguisíní don Chlár a cheadú de réir treoir an Choiste Stiúrtha.
6. Nuair a mholtar an rún “go gcuirtear an cheist” ní bheidh de rogha ag an gcathaoirleach ach an rún a chur faoi bhráid na dteachtaí. Má ghlactar leis an rún, caithfidh an cathaoirleach, tar éis am cainte a cheadú do mholtóir agus do chuiditheoir rúin nó leasaithe de
56
SF Clar 2015.indd 56
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Téarnamh Cothrom a Sheachadadh
Frithdhéine, Plé le Fiachas agus Cánachas Cothrom 1. Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Tá Sinn Féin go hiomlán i gcoinne táillí uisce tí a thabhairt isteach agus creideann sé gur féidir iad a shárú. • Chuir Sinn Féin stop le táillí uisce tí a thabhairt isteach sna Sé Chontae agus tá sé tiomanta dá gcur ar gcúl, má bhíonn sé i rialtas, sna 26 Chontae. • Tá imní fhorleathan sa phobal gurb é an toradh a bheidh ar mhéadrú uisce tíagus ar tháillí uisce, agus ar bhunú Uisce Éireann, go ndéanfar seirbhísí uisce a phríobháidiú sa deireadh. • An cur amú ollmhór airgid phoiblí a caitheadh ar Uisce Éireann a bhunú, lena n-áirítear níos mó ná €85 milliún ar chomhairleoirí, €539 milliú go sea ar mhéadair uisce a fheistiú, níos mó ná €5 milliún ar tháillí dlí, agus na milliúin eile ar riarachán. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo: • An feachtas Right2Water agus daoine ar fud Éireann as cur i gcoinne táillí uisce a thabhairt isteach go leanúnach agus go poiblí. • Foilsiú reachtaíocht fhoireann Theach Laighean an pháirtí le táillí uisce a athghairm agus foilsiú Bille (Bille an 34ú Leasú ar an mBunreacht, 2014) le reifreann a cheadú le hAlt 40 de Bhunreacht na hÉireann a leasú le ceart na ndaoine ar uisce a chinntiú trí úinéireacht phoiblí ar sheirbhísí agus infreastruchtúr uisce a choinneáil. • Cinneadh Fheidhmeannas na Sé Chontae stad a chur le méadair uisce a bheith aisfheistithe i dtithe. • Ainmniú an FPE de chuid Bhaile Átha Cliath, Lynn Boylan, mar údar na tuarascála European Citizens’ Initiative Right to Water. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Reachtaíocht táillí uisce a aisghairm láithreach. • Reifreann Bunreachtúil a reáchtúil le seirbhísí uisce a choinneáil in úinéireacht phoiblí. • Uisce Éireann a bhaint as a chéile agus múnla nua rialachais, maoinithe agus seachadta a chur ina áit, in úinéireacht phoiblí ar fad agus faoi rialú daonlathach agus faoi chuntasacht.
Comhairle Ceantair Chorcaí Cumann Charlie McGlade, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Roibeaird Eiméid, Tiobraid Árann Cumann Mháirtín Uí Fhearsithe Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Michael J Marren, Sligeach Cumann Uí Ógáin/Uí Riáin/Uí Loingsigh, Luimneach Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonghaile, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar, Port Láirge Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall Cumann Markievicz/Uí Riáin, Baile Átha Cliath Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh Cumann Uí Mháille/Mhic an Mhíle, Maigh Eo Cumann an Chláir Thoir, an Clár Cumann Pheadair Mhic Lannchaidh/Mhairéad Ní Fhearghail, an Clár Cumann Uí Aodha agus Uí Raghallaigh, Corcaigh Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
2.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis beannachtaí dlúthpháirtíochtachuig an Detroit Water Brigade agus iad ag streachailt le deireadh a chur le scoitheadh uisce i dtithe in Detroit.
Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonghaile, Baile Átha Cliath
3.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo nár cheart caidéil uisce phoibli a bheith scoite ag Uisce Éireann nó is foinse thraidisiúnta uisce iad agus is cóir iad a chaomhnú mar chuid dár n-oidhreacht.
Cumann Chaoimhín Uí Chomhdhain/Mháirtín Shaobhais, Sligeach
4.
Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuireann sí i gcoinne chláir dhéine Rialtas na dTóraithe sa Bhreatain mar a chuirtear i bhfeidhm i dTuaisceart na hÉireann trí chiorruithe sa bhlocdheontas agus i gciorruithe leasa, agus i gcoinne chlár oibre déine Rialtas Fhine Gael/an Luchta Oibre ó Dheas. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo aighneacht réamh-Bhuiséid 2015 Shinn Féin dar teideal Athchóirigh, Athnuaigh, Atógáil do na 26 Chontae. Is é is aidhm leis an doiciméad seo pobail a athchóiriú, an geilleagar a atógáil agus an tsochaí a athnuachan. Leagtar amach san aighneacht Buiséid conas a chuirfeadh Sinn Féin 57
SF Clar 2015.indd 57
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
deireadh leis an gcáin mhaoine áitiúil agus le táillí uisce agus ár gclár le hinfheistiú i seirbhísí míchumais, i sláinte agus san oideachas. Cuireann an aighneacht i gcoinne na déine, cosnaíonn sí na daoine is leochaile agus chruthódh sí poist. I measc moltaí tá: • Airgead a chur ar ais i bpócaí gnáthoibrithe trí dheireadh a chur leis an gCáin Mhaoine agus trí stop a chur le táille uisce. • €202.6 milliún breise a infheistiú i seirbhísí agus i dtacaí míchumais. • Tosaíocht a dhéanamh den infheistíocht sa tsláinte agus san oideachas lena dhéanamh níos inacmhainne páistí a chur ar ais ar scoil tar éis na laethanta saoire agus 1,000 altra agus bean chabhrach sa bhreis a earcú. • Cuidiú le stad a chur le himirce éigeantach ár n-aosa óig agus a comhionannas a chur ar ais i réim tríd an íocaíocht do chuardaitheoirí poist a chur ar ais do dhaoine faoi 26 bliain d’aois in imeacht dhá bhliain. • Tosú ar chlár tithíochta sóisialta atá oiriúnach don fheidhm, ag cruthú, dá réir, na mílte post. • Tuarastail agus liúntais lucht ardioncaim san earnáil phoiblí agus san Oireachtas.
Ard-Chomhairle
5.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis i gcoinne ciorruithe i maoiniú do Líonraí Ban agus seirbhísí pobail eile do mhná ar fud an stáit, aithníonn sí agus molann sí na seirbhísí luachmhara a chuireann an earnáil seo ar fáil do mhná (go háirithe iad siúd a d’fhéadfadh bheith leochaileach mar gheall ar thoscaí teaghlaigh nó eile) agus éilíonn an Ard-Fheis ar an Rialtasa a chinntiú go gcoinnítear leibhéal cuí maoinithe le ligean do na seirbhísí seo leanúint ar aghaidh.
Cúige Lár Tíre/Iar-Thuaiscirt
6.
Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuireann sí i gcoinne na déine agus ciorruithe leasa, Thuaidh agus Theas, agus ta sí tiomanta dá leanas: - An bealach a thugann rialtais Buiséid chun críche lena chinntiú go gcuireann tionchar iomlán moltaí leasa shóisialaigh, seirbhíse agus cánach, lena n-áirítear cánacha indíreacha, bonn eolais mar is ceart faoin gcinnteoireacht ionas go bhféachfar i ngach Buiséad leis an mbearna a chaolú idir na hioncaim sa tsochaí. - Tabhairt faoi leordhóthanacht rátaí íocaíochta leasa shóisialaigh le cosaint in éadan na bochtaineachta. - An córas cosanta shóisialta a athrú go radacach le go mbeidh córas ann ann a ghníomhaíonn le córas cánach atá athchóirithe go forásach le sochaí atá níos cothroime ó thaobh an gheilleagair de a bhaint amach agus le caighdeáin mhaireachtála atá inchosanta a chinntiú ar feadh saol duine, lena n-áirítear tréimhsí míchumais, cúraim, cúram baile, dífhostaíochta agus scoir.
Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
7.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo cleachtas na Roinne Coimirce Sóisialaí a cháineadh, is é sin íocaíochtaí leasa shóisialaigh a chiorrú ar dhaoine go haontaobhach agus gan rabhadh gan mhíniú.
Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
8.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo i gcoinne: • Na n-athruithe cánach a d’fhógair Rialtas seo Fhine Gael/an Luchta Oibre i mBuiséad 2015, arb iad a dtoradh nach mbeidh an Creidmheas Cánach Teaghlaigh Aon Tuismitheora ar fáil ach do phríomhchúramóra linbh, agus ní do dhá thuismitheoir a roinneann caomhnóireacht. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • An dea-obair atá déanta ag ár bhfoireann i dTeach Laighean ag cur i gcoinne an athraithe seo agus ag múscailt feasachta ina leith. • Go bhfuil ordlathas tuismitheoireachta cruthaithe ag an athrú seo. • Go bhfuil seo ar an aon bheart déine is mó atá roimh thuismitheoirí scartha nó colscartha le sé bliana anuas. • Go mbeidh sé níos deacra ag daoine a fuair an creidmheas roimhe seo, agus atá buailte ag an athrú, leanúint ar aghaidh le híocaíochtaí cothabhála comhaontaithe. Éilímid ar: • Shinn Féin moltaí a thabhairt chun tosaigh lena chinntiú gur féidir le gach tuismitheoir a thugann aire dá bpáistí go gníomhach an creidmheas seo a fháil, agus ní an príomhchúramóir amháin.
Cumann Uí Mhaine/Uí Dhoinn, Baile Átha Cliath
58
SF Clar 2015.indd 58
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie 9.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar Fheidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt ciste aisdúichithe d’Éireannaigh a fuair bás nó a maraíodh thar sáile, agus nach bhfuil a dteaghlach in ann teacht ar an airgead le buartha airgeadais a fhuascailt ag am iontach crua.
Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir
10.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo in iúl go gcuirimid go hiomlán i gcoinne an tobhaigh ar Úsáideoirí Bóthair HGV atá á bhrú ag Westminster agus á fheidhmiú ag Roinn an Chomhshaoil ó Thuaidh. Tá seo ina bhac ar thrádáil agus thráchtáil ar oileán na hÉireann agus déanann sé neamhaird ar thosca áirithe tarlóirí agus riachtanais lucht gnó, Thuaidh agus Theas. Chomh maith leis seo, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an dá lucht riaracháin ar an oileán, Rialtas na hÉireann agus Feidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt, faoi choimirce na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas, tabhairt faoi staidéar a bhfuil d’aidhm aige an bonn fianaise a thógáil maidir leis an tionchar diúltach atá ar gheilleagar an oileáin uile de bharr an tobhach seo a thabhairt isteach agus a chur i bhfeidhm.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na Sé Chontae
11.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Cásaímid teip Rialtas na hÉireann iarratas a dhéanamh ar athchaipitliú siarghabhálach na gcolúnbhanc, agus éilímid ar an Rialtas sin a dhéanamh, agus argóint imleor láidir a dhéanamh gur cheart go bhfaigheadh muintir na hÉireann ar ais an t-airgead a pumpáladh isteach sna bancanna seo. • Cuirimid i gcoinne as éadan íocaíocht do bhannóirí sóisearacha mar chuid den phróiseas leachtaithe ag IBRC. • Cáinímid cur chuige ionsaitheach agus míréasúnta na mbanc le teaghlaigh atá ag streachailt le riaráistí morgáiste agus an chaoi a bhfuil an Rialtas agus an Banc Ceannais a éascú an chuir chuige dhoghlactha seo. • Seacht mbliana tar éis chliseadh na mbanc creidimid go bhfuil teipthe ar an Rialtas córas baincéireachta feidhmeach a atógáil. Tá tionchair na teipe seo le feiceáil i rátaí úis míréasúnta ard atá á ngearradh ag bancanna ha hÉireann. • Tacaímid le fís ina bhfuil earnáil bhaincéireachta in Éirinn iomaíoch agus inbhuanaithe le banc stáit ag imirt ról tábhachtach. • Creidimid go gcaithfear breathnú ar ról bancanna áitiúla agus poiblí, leithéid mhúnla Sparkassen sa Ghearmáin, ag cur san áireamh cad é mar a d’fhéadfaí bancanna mar seo a mhaoiniú. • Creidimid gur chóir an earnáil bhaincéireachta a rialú go láidir le mí-úsáidí agus iompar neamhfhreagrach a chosc, lena n-áirítear tuarastail, bónais agus luach Ésaothair atá iomarcach. • Éilímid go mbeadh cumhachtaí níos mó ag Ombudsman na Seirbhísí Airgeadais le cearta tomhaltóirí a chosaint agus iad ag plé le hinstitiúidí airgeadais.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae Cumann an Óglaigh Diarmuid Ó Néill, Corcaigh Cúige Lár Tíre/Iar-Thuaiscirt
12.
Athdhearbhaíonn an ArdFheis seo a tacaíocht do ghluaiseacht na gcumann creidmheasa agus dá éiteas sóisialta. • Cuirimid in iúl ár ndíomá le cur chuige dolúbtha an rialaitheoir agus an Bhainc Ceannais i leith ceisteanna rialála áirithe, cur chuige nach dtugann san áireamh éiteas uathúil sóisialta agus pobail ghluaiseacht na gcumann creidmheasa. • Geallaimid go n-oibreoimid le gluaiseacht na gcumann creidmheasa lena chinntiú nach mbainfear as faoina ról uathúil i sochaí na hÉireann.
Cumann Mháirtín Uí Fhearsithe Baile Átha Cliath
13.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir an reachtaíocht ar bhancbhriseadh Thuaidh agus Theas a chomhchuibhiú.
14.
Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an ngealltanas cumhachtaí athraithe Cánach Corparáide a chineachadh don Tionól sna Sé Chontae. Aithnímid nach bhfuil i gcineachadh cumhachtaí athraithe Cánach Corparáide ach ina aon chéim amháin i dtreo cineachadh uileghabhálach na cumhachta eacnamaíche ó Bhreatain go dtí an Tuaisceart. Éilímid ar an Ard-Chomhairle nua machnamh cúramach a dhéanamh maidir le haon athrú sna rátaí cánach lena chinntiú go bhfaighidh gnáthshaoránaigh tairbhe as poist inbhuanaithe le dea-thuarastal a chruthú, as níos mó ioncaim cánach agus as fás eacnamaíoch.
Cumann Bhun Cranncha, Dún na nGall
Cumann Sheáin Mhic Cartaíne, Béal Feirste Cumann Mhairéad Uí Fhearail
59
SF Clar 2015.indd 59
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 15.
www.sinnfein.ie
Cé go dtacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an bprionsabal an chumhacht le rátaí cánach corparáide a shocrú a chineachadh do Thionól na Sé Chontae, aithnímid gurb é ról páirtí dhaonlathaigh shóisialaigh argóint a dhéanamh ar son feidhmiú níos éifeachtaí rátaí reatha cánach corparáidí, thuaidh agus theas, agus diúltaímid do laghdú i gcáin chorparáideach a chuirfeadh le brabúis corparáidí domhanda.
Cumann Mhic Lannchaidh/Uí Cheallacháin, Luimneach
16.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil méadú sa bhochtaineacht bhreosla ann de thoradh ar an mbeartas an Cháin Charbóin a ardú. Éilímid, mar sin, ar Rialtas na hÉireann trí seachtaine de liúntas breosla a thabhairt ar ais leis na daoine is leochailí a chosaint in éadan na n-arduithe cánach míchothroma seo.
Cumann Mulvoy/Mhic Cathmhaoil, Gaillimh
17.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar AE na seirbhísí tarrthála éigeandála a dhíolúnú ó CBL ar a dtrealamh tarrthála atá de dhíth orthu leis an ardchaighdeán oibre a dhéanann siad a choinneáil.
Cumann Roibeaird Uí Sheachnasaigh, Ciarraí Cumann Uí Ursáin/Uí Coirc, Gaillimh
60
SF Clar 2015.indd 60
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Poblacht do Chách
2016 - I dtreo Eire Aontaithe 18. I gcomhthéacs na ndeich mbliana seo de chomórthaí céid, comhaontaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir do Shinn Féin bheith ag obair le daoine eile le tionscnamh a thabhairt chun cinn a bhfuil d’aidhm aige comhráiteas náisiúnta ar Cháisc 2016 ó cheannairí na bpáirtithe polaitiúla, na n-eaglaisí agus grúpaí creidimh, lucht gnó agus ceardchumann, an chomhphobail chultúrtha agus eagraíochtaí deonacha, a bheartaíonn comhthiomantas don chómheas agus don chaoinfhulaingt, le go mbeidh ócáidí comórtha céid eagraithe le bheith uileghabhálach do gach cuid dár bpobal agus, ag an am céanna, ag aithint an chirt atá ag gach taobh tabhairt faoina gcomóradh féin ar bhonn dínite, measa agus gan mhasla.
Ard-Chomhairle
19.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go n-úsáidfí focail Fhorógra 1916, ag dul isteach i dtréimhse chomórtha an chéid, le ‘Spiorad 1916’ a cheapadh agus le bheith le feiceáil nuair is féidir ar ábhar clóite, lena n-áirítear ábhar toghcháin, le tacú leis an streachailt ‘Éire na gCothrom’ a bhaint amach. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an spéis dhomhanda atá in Éirí Amach 1916 a chomóradh i measc dhiaspóra na nÉireannach agus spreagaimid imeachtaí thar sáile i 2016 chomh maith le hÉirinn. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go dtabharfar faoi thionscadail oidhreachta i gcuimhne comóradh 100 bliain Éirí Amach na Cásca ar bhealach bríoch agus oideachasúil agus éilímid ar bhaill thofa an pháirtí aighneacht a dhéanamh dá n-eagrais thofa faoi seach le tograí dá leithéid, lena n-áirítear foirgnimh, páirceanna agus áiseanna eile mar seo a ainmniú nó a athainmniú as tírghráthóirí 1916. Ar na príomhthionscadail ta caomhnú na láithreach catha stairiúil ar Shráid Uí Mhórdha. Geallann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfaidh gach rud is féidir leis leis an suíomh a chaomhnú agus a fhorbairt ina chuimhneachán cuí i gcomhar le gaolta mhuintir 1916 agus lucht feasachta eile atá ar aon intinn.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Charlie McGlade, Baile Átha Cliath
20.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann maoiniú imleor a chur ar fáil d’Oifigí Oidhreachta cathrach agus contae d’ócáidí comórtha 1916.
Cumann Mulvoy/Mhic Cathmhaoil, Gaillimh
21.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo a thábhachtaí is atá comóradh 100 bliain Éirí Amach na Cásca do Phoblachtánaigh na hÉireann agus molaimid nach dtabharfaí cuireadh d’aon bhall de theaghlach ríoga na Breataine nó de Rialtas na Breataine chuig aon searmanas oifigiúil stáit nó bheadh seo ina mhaslach do chuimhne na laochra a fuair bás in 1916 agus dá dteaghlaigh.
Cumann Chéitinn/Uí Sheachnasaigh, Port Láirge
22.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis a leanas: • Ceart ceannasach mhuintir na hÉireann ar fhéinchinntiúchán náisiúnta agus neamhspleáchas. • Is é oidhreachta na críochdheighilte coimhlint, deighilt agus éagothroime • Tá an chríochdheighilt go fóill ina bhac ar fhás eacnamaíoch agus baineann siad as faoi sheirbhísí poiblí agus athmhuintearas • Tá aontas na hÉireann inbhuanaithe, inbhainte amach agus le leas gach duine • Tá bealach síochánta agus daonlathach go haontas na hÉireann ann anois. Tiomnaíonn an Ard-Fheis dá leanas: • An comhphlé a chur chun cinn leis an gcás eacnamaíoch, sóisialta agus daonlathach ar son aontas na hÉireann • Obair trasteorann agus uile-Éireann a thógáil sa Dáil, sa Tionól, san Eoraip agus i gComhairlí • Leanúint ar aghaidh i bpróiseas an athmhuintearais náisiúnta • Feachtasaíocht ar son vótáil teorann a bhfuil foráil ina leith i gComhaontú Aontú an Chéasta • Gealltanas an Fhorógra Poblacht dár saoránaigh go léir a chur ar fáil a chur i gcrích.
Ard-Chomhairle
23. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Tá an chríochdheighilt míchóir, mí-eacnamaíoch agus neamhéifeachtach. • Thug tromlach mór mhuintir na hÉireann, thuaidh agus theas, tacaíocht do Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta. Tugann sé seo na bunrialacha la haghaidh athrú bunreachtúil síochánta daonlathacha trí votálacha teorann comhthráthacha thuaidh agus theas. 61
SF Clar 2015.indd 61
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
• I ndiaidh beagnach 17 ó Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta, tá sé in am do mhuintir na hÉireann a gceart daonlathach a fheidhmiú ar vótáil ar athaontú na hÉireann, agus molaimid na daoine in Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste, as a dtionscnaimh reifrinn le deireanas. • Tá Éire aontaithe, chothrom agus chuimsitheach le leas ár muintire ar fad, ár ngeilleagair agus phróiseas an athmhuintearais. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Ár gcumas agus ár dtiomantas Éire aontaithe a bhaint amach ar bhonn straitéisí síochánta, polaitiúla agus daonlathacha. • An tábhacht a bhaineann le plé agus páirtíocht leanúnach leo siúd go léir atá i gcoinne phróiseas na síochána agus athaontú na hÉireann. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go gcinnteoidh Rialtas na hÉireann agus Rialtas na Breataine gur féidir le gach saoránach in Éirinn a gcumhacht dhaonlathach le todhchaí nua a dhearadh in Eirinn aontaithe trí vótálacha teorann comhthráthacha a éileamh le linn an chéad téarma eile den Tionól agus den Dáil. • Díospóireacht iomlán, oscailte agus ionraic ar bhuntáistí aontas na hÉireann agus ar chostais na críochdheighilte. • Go ndéanfaidh an tOireachtas tosaíocht de Éire nua, aontaithe, chothrom agus chuimsitheach agus páipéar glas a fhorbairt agus a fhoilsiú ar son aontas na hÉireann. • Go leanfaidh Sinn Féin ar aghaidh ag uasmhéadú tacaíochta d’aontas na hÉireann i ngach cuid den tsochaí agus go hidirnáisiúnta agus go ngéaróidh siad an feachtas ar son Éire aontaithe mar phríomhchuspóir an pháirtí, ag éileamh níos mó tiomantais agus gníomhaíochais ar an gceist.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Sheán Mhic an Ghallóglaigh, Uíbh Fháilí Cumann Uí Mhaine/Uí Dhoinn, Baile Átha Cliath Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh Cumann Uí Bhroin/Mhic Cathaoir/Uí Thuamáin, Ard Mhacha
24.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo gur ghlac muintir na hAlban páirt i ndíospóireacht faoina raibh bonn eolais agus measa sa reifreann le deireanas ar neamhspleáchas agus go bhfuil a rogha déanta acu. Léirigh líon na ndaoine a vótáil sa reifreann in Albain cumhacht na rannpháirtíochta agus an daonlathas. Léiríonn a gcinneadh gur ag an bpobal atá an ceannas agus go bhfuil an t-athrú indéanta. Níl an tAontas daingean a thuilleadh; faoi úinéireacht na ndaoine atá sé. Faoi pháirtithe Westminster atá sé anois a ngealltanais maidir le hairgeadas agus beartas ina n-iomláine a aistriú go hAlbain. Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo gur gheall Príomh-Aire na Breataine, David Cameron, go ndéanfaí na cumhachtaí a aistreofar go hAlbain a aistriú go feidhmeannas Stormont. Is cóir gníomhú ar an ngealltanas seo gan a thuilleadh moille. Eilíonn an Ard-Fheis go dtabharfaí an deis do mhuintir na hÉireann an staid bhunreachtúil a shocrú le vótáil teorann. Sin an bealach daonlathach chun tosaigh.
Ard-Chomhairle
25.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go rollfar amach cur chun cinn an bhratach náisiúnta, an t-amhrán náisiúnta agus Forógra 1916 i scoileanna ar fud na tíre mar a bhfuil tacaíocht phobail.
Cumann Mhic Ráith/Uí Bhriain, Port Láirge Cumann Rút Haicéid, Cill Dara Cumann de Barra/Uí Dhúill, Cill Dara
26.
Éilíonn Sinn Féin ar an Roinn Iompair agus ar Iarnród Éireann go dtaispeánfar go soiléir ainmneacha na ndaoine a bhí páirteach in Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916 in aon stáisiún traenach atá ainmnithe astu, lena n-áirítear ainm Ruairí Mhic Easmainn a bheith níos feiceálaí ag bealach isteach Stáisiún Mhic Easmainn i dTrá Lí.
Cumann Sheáin Sheosaimh Uí Shíthigh, Ciarraí
Ag Tógáil na Síochána Athshonraíonn an Ard-Fheis seo a rí-thábhachtaí is atá sé gach ceist gan réiteach a éiríonn as 27. Comhaontú Aoine an Chéasta, Weston Park, Chill Rìmhinn agus Chaisleán Chromghlinne a chur i bhfeidhm. Ina measc tá: • Freagracht Rialtas na Breataine fiosrúchán a reáchtáil ar mharú Pat Finucane. 62
SF Clar 2015.indd 62
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
• Feidhmiú Acht na Gaeilge. • Leathnú na gComhlachtaí Forfheidhmithe Trasteorann agus chlár na póilíneachta. • Bunú fóram sibhialta agus fóram comhairleach uile-Eireann. • Feidhmiú Bille Ceart. Creidimid nach féidir leis an bpróiseas polaitiúil agus na hinstitiúidí ó thuaidh dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ach amháin má tá tiomantas gan choinníoll do roinnt na cumhachta agus do comhrialtas. Tá comhaontú uileghabhálach orthu seo go léir ríthábhachtach le go mbeidh maoiniú dóthanach ann le go bhfeidhmeoidh geilleagar an tuaiscirt. Éilíonn seo: • Blocdheontas inmharthana. • Luamháin airgeadais le hioncam agus spreagadh eacnamaíoch. • Tá beartais déine agus ciorruithe leasa Rialtas na Breataine aischéimnitheach ó thaobh na polaíteachta de agus éagobhsaithe ó thaobh na heacnamaíochta de. • Cás ar leith Tuaisceart na hÉireann ar fad. Dearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil gá le plean atógála, athghinte agus athmhuintearais le maoiniú ceart don Tuaisceart.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Uí Bhroin/Mhic Cathaoir/Uí Thuamáin, Ard Mhacha
28.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo comhghairdeas leo siúd i ngluaiseacht na gceardchumann in Éirinn agus go hidirnáisiúnta, an earnáil ghnó áitiúil agus an mhórshochaí shibhialta a d’fhéach le tacaíocht dhearfach a thabhairt le comhaontú cuimsitheach a bhaint amach le linn na gcainteanna is deireanaí ag Stormont. Tá an pholaitíocht dhaonlathach lagaithe sa tuaisceart mar gheall ar an tsochaí shibhialta a bheith imeallaithe ón bpróiseas polaitiúil. Athdhearbhaíonn Sinn Féin go bhfuil gá ann don tsochaí shibhialta tionchar lárnach a bheith acu maidir le próiseas na síochána agus próiseas na polaitíochta. Athdheimhnímid ár n-éileamh gur cheart fóram sibhialta agus fóram comhairleach uile-Éireann a bhunú, a chuirfeadh go mór leis an gcuimsiú polaitiúil agus leis an rannpháirtíocht pholaitiúil.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Dheasúin de Faoite, an Cabhán
29.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Nótálaimid an tionchar difreálach a bhí ag an gcoimhlint ar mhná i sochaí na hÉireann (a bhfuil a iarmhairtí gan réiteach ar fad, mar is léir ó na leibhéil arda mí-úsáide ag baile agus mí-úsáide gnéis). • Cuirimid in iúl ár ndíomá gur ró-mhinic a dhéantar neamart sa ról atá le himirt ag mná i dtógáil na síochána. • Aithnímid nach é amháin go bhfuil fíor-rannpháirtíocht na mban i bhforbairt todhchaí shíochánta agus thairbheach rí-thábhachtach, ach tá sí go hiomlán riachtanach. • Éilímid Rún 1325 de Chomhairle Slándála na Náisiún Aontaithe a bheith curtha i bhfeidhm láithreach.
Cúige na Sé Chontae
30.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an obair atá déanta ag an gCoimisiún Neamhspleách le haghaidh Taisí Íospartach a Aimsiú le taisí na ndaoine a fuadaíodh a fháil ar ais. Aithnímid, cé go bhfuil dul chun cinn tábhachtach déanta maidir le plé leis an tragóid áirithe seo ón am a chuaigh thart, caithfear níos mó a dhéanamh le clabhsúr a chur ar fáil don mhuintir atá faoi mhéala. Déanaimid athachainí ar dhaoine aon eolas breise a d’fhéadfadh cuidiú leis an gCoimisiún Neamhspleách a shainchúram a chur i gcrích a thabhairt don Choimisiún.
Ard-Chomhairle
31.
Dearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo nach mór a leanas a bheith i gceist le haon phróiseas amach anseo le plé le hoidhreacht na coimhlinte: • É a bheith neamhspleách ar gach páirtí a bhí gníomhach sa choimhlint. • Íospartaigh a bheith lárnach ann. • É a bheith sa dá dhlínse. • É cloí le prionsabail, creataí agus treoirlínte idirnáisiúnta a bhaineann le cearta daoine. • Acmhainní a bheith curtha ar fáil dó ag státchiste na Breataine.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair Dhoire Cumann Mháirtín Uí Fhearsithe Baile Átha Cliath
63
SF Clar 2015.indd 63
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 32.
www.sinnfein.ie
Tá an Ard-Fheis seo i gcoinne bhunú an Bhrainse Iniúchtaí Oidhreachtaí in ionad na Foirne Fiosrúchán Stairiúil. Tá an Brainse Iniúchtaí Oidhreachta ina dhlúthchuid d’Oibríochtaí Coiriúlachta PSNI agus níl an neampsleáchas aige le cloí le hAlt 2 (an Coinbhinsiún Eorpach ar Chearta Daonna). Ní bheidh sé in ann muinín an phobail a fháil atá ríthábhachtach le plé le ceisteanna oidhreachta.
Cúige na Sé Chontae
33.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an taifead a buairt faoina leanas: - Tá príomhbhaill foirne in Ionad Tacaíochta an PSNI, a scagann agus a chuireann in eagar gach cáipéisíocht bhainteach do choistí cróinéirí, ina n-iarbhaill de Bhrainse Speisialta RUC. - Tá ‘oícheanta eolais oidhreachta’ curtha ar fáil ag an PSNI atá ceaptha le comhairle a thabhairt d’iarrbhaill nó do bhaill ar scor den RUC ar gach ní a bhaineann le neamhainmníocht agus scagadh, inordaitheacht finnéithe, ionadaíocht dhlíthiúil ag ionchoisní agus rochtain ar ráitis, leabhair nótaí agus nótaí agallaimh. - Ráitis ó iarbhaill agus baill reatha shinsearatha den PSNI ag na seisiúin oíche seo ag leagan amach a rún daingean clú an RUC. Dár réir sin éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: - Meicníocht neamhspleách le nochtadh doiciméad atá i seilbh an PSNI agus gníomhaireachtaí stáit eile a láimhseáil. - Go n-aithneofaí saincheisteanna a bhaineann le coimhlint leasa a bhaineann le hiarbhaill de Bhrainse Speisialta an RUC agus a ról i scagadh cáipéisíochta do choistí cróinéara. - Go scaoilfidh gach gníomhaireacht stáit gach cáipéisíocht riachtanach láithreach. - Go gcomhoibreoidh go hiomlán oifigigh RUC atá ar scor le hionchoisní agus gach próiseas a bhaineann le hoidhreacht.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
34.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo le himní straitéis ionsaitheach ag teacht chun cinn ag Rialtas na Breataine lena fhreagrachtaí maidir le cearta daonna a shéanadh. Tá an straitéis seo deartha, is léir, le nár bhaol do ghníomhairí stáit pionós agus le hiniúchadh níos leithne ar a gcleachtais agus a mbeartais sa chomhlint a chosc. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na Breataine a leanas a dhéanamh: • A ról mar chomhraiceoir a aithint agus stad den dallamullóg agus de bheith ag séanadh gníomhartha sa choimhlint san am a chuaigh thart. • A bhfreagrachtaí maidir le cearta daonna a aithint agus a chur i gcrích maidir le gníomhartha, beartais agus cleachtais sa choimhlint san am a chuaigh thart.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
35.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis fulaingt agus caillteanas ollmhór na n-íospartach go léir. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Fheidhmeannas Stormont a chinntiú go gcuireann an tSeirbhís Íospartach agus Marthanóirí taca seirbhísí a dhíríonn ar íospartaigh agus atá deartha le freastal ar riachtanais ar leith gach aon íospartaigh agus marthanóra. Diúltaíonn an Ard-Fheis freisin d’aon iarracht an sainmhíniú ar íospartach a athrú, agus áitímid nár cheart aon imeacht ón Victims’ Order 2006.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
36.
Eilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Ard-Chomhairle grúpa comhordaithe oidhreachta uile-Éireann a dhéanfadh a leanas: • Tacú le grúpaí agus daoine feachtasaíochta éagsúla a oibríonn ar oidhreacht agus ar phlé leis an am a chuaigh thart. • Clár oibre a fhorbairt a eagróidh ócáidí oideachasúla, a chuirfidh bonn eolais faoi dhúshláin dhlíthúla amach anseo, a chuideoidh aird a tharraing ar nithe a bhaineann le hoidhreacht, agus a thacóidh le feasacht leanúnach ar mhí-úsáidí stairiúla. • Tacú le treoir agus í a thabhairt do struchtúir eagraíochtúla i ngach ceantar cúige. • An insint phoblachtánach a chur i bhfriotal dearfach agus seasamh léi maidir le cúiseanna agus iarmhairtí na coimhlinte.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
64
SF Clar 2015.indd 64
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie 37.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo a leanas: • Cuirimid dlúthpháirtíocht agus tacaíocht in iúl do na 14 shaoránach ar a dtugtar ‘Fir na bPúcaí’ orthu, a gabhadh agus a ndearna Arm na Breataine céasadh brúidiúil orthu tar éis don imtheorannú bheith tugtha isteach i mí Lúnasa 1971. • Molaimid misneach agus díogras na bhfear seo ina bhfeachtas ar son an chóir a fháil agus molaimid iad as comhaontú a fháil ó Rialtas na hÉireann go n-iarrfaidh siadsan anois ar an gCúirt Eorpach um Chearta an Duine a breithiúnas a athbhreithniú i gcás Fhir na bPúcaí. • Éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann a chinntiú go n-ullmhóidh siad cás chomh críochnúil, cuimsitheach, dea-argóna agus a thig leo le tacú leis na 14 fhear agus le tacú le dúshlán an Rialtais faoi bhráid na Cúirte Eorpaí um Chearta an Duine.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Chlann Mhac Uí Thuarais, Lú
38.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo na moill mhóra atá á gcur ar ionchoisní íospartaigh an chlaonpháirteachais (lena n-áirtítear Gerard Casey a dúnmharaíodh i Ros Earcáin) mar gheall ar theip Rialtas na Breataine agus na Roinne Cirt ionchoisní a mhaoiniú mar is ceart. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Aire Cirt David Ford bearta a dhéanamh láithreach lena chinntiú go ndéantar tosaíocht de na hionchoisní seo ar mhaithe leis na híospartaigh agus a dteaghlach.
Cumann Ghearóid Uí Chathasaigh, Aontroim
39.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis a dlúthpháirtíocht in iúl do mhuintir Carberry agus iad ag streachailt go leanúnach leis an bhfírinne a fháil faoi mar a chuir an stát a n-athair, Stan, chun báis.
Cumann Ard na bhFeá
40.
Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur laigede an próiseas polaitiúil ó thuaidh níos mó seicteachais, deighilte agus ciníochais. Nuair nach bhfuil tiomantas dáiríre polaitiúil ann, caithfidh an an mhórshochaí a fhéachaint go práinneach cad é níos mó is féidir a dhéanamh leis an deighilt seo a bhriseadh agus muinín a chruthú. Caithfear mais chriticiúil dhearfach ag tacú leis an athmhuintearas a chur sa siúl i sochaí na hÉireann. Níl aon ordlathas daonnachta. Gníomh tábhachtach is ea gach fulaingt a aithint gan chómhaslú. Nuair nach bhfuil comhaontú polaitiúil ann maidir le plé leis an am a chuaigh thart beidh grásta agus fláithiúlacht ollmhór. Níor cheart difríochtaí polaitiúla a chur san iomaíocht maidir leis an dochar nó an fhulaingt atá déanta ag gach taobh ar gach taobh. Comhaontaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbeadh comhléirithe aithreachais agus aiféala as marú agus gortú le linn na coimhlinte ina gcuidiú i bpróiseas réitithe agus le comhthuiscint agus cómheas a chothú.
Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair Chathair Dhoire
41.
Tá sé de cheart ag gach saoránach maireachtáill gan chineál ar bith de chiapadh seicteach, de bhiogóideacht agus d’éadulaingt. A fhad is go bhfuil meoin agus gníomhairí an tseicteachais gan dúshlán, coinneofar an deighilt agus an t-easaontas ag dul, leanfaidh an éadulaingt agus an bhiogóideacht, agus beidh féidearthacht na neamhchobhsaíochta agus na coimhlinte ann i gcónaí. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfaí feidhmiú iomlán straitéis Fheidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt, Pobal Aontaithe a Thógáil le Chéile, a thacú trí shainmhíniú dlíthiúil an tseicteachais a dhaingniú i reachtaíocht frithsheicteachais. Is cóir forálacha láidre a bheith san áireamh a bhaineann le gríosú fuatha.: Ba chóir na hionstraimí reachtaíochta nua seo a bheith faoi bharántas an chórais iomláin chirt choiriúil.
Ard-Chomhairle
42.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Fheidheannas agus ar Thionól an Tuaiscirt a leanas a dhéanamh: • Beartas frithsheichteachais tiomnaithe a bheith ag an Tionól, ag údaráis áitiúla agus ag gach comhlacht poiblí sa Tuaisceart. • Straitéisí a cheapadh i gcomhar le ceardchumainn agus le fostaithe san earnáil phríobháideach le beartais agus tionscnaimh a chur chun cinn le dúshláin a thabhairt don iompar seicteach agus don leithcheal ag an obair agus le fostaithe a chur ar an eolas faoi reachtaíocht bhainteach. 65
SF Clar 2015.indd 65
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie • Gach tairgeoir rathúil ar chonarthaí rialtais agus ar mhaoiniú poiblí san earnáil phríobháideach, phobail agus dheonach a spreagadh le beartas frithsheicteach a bheith acu i mbeartas bainistíochta, agus oiliúint feasachta seichteachais a bheith ann do bhaill foirne agus do shaorálaithe. • A chinntiú go gcuirtear oiliúint feasachta seicteachais ar fáil do gach ball foirne rialtais, gach oifigeach forfheidhmithe dlí, i scoileanna, agus tionscadail athstiúrtha óige sa Tuaisceart. • Feachtas poiblíochta a chur i bhfeidhm ar fud na Sé Chontae le feasacht a mhúscailt ar an dochar a dhéanann an seicteachas trí aird a tharraingt ar thorthaí meoin agus iompair a eascraíonn ón bhiogóideacht.
Ard-Chomhairle
43.
Athshonraíonn an Ard-Fheis seo an gá le comhphlé duine le duine atá leanúnach agus bríoch idir daoine atá ag iarraidh paráid a dhéanamh agus daoin a chónaíonn, a oibríonn agus a dhéanann trádáil sna ceantair trína bhfuil siad ag iarraidh paráid a dhéanamh. Athdhearbhaímid ár dtacaíocht do Choimisiún na bParáideanna ina iarrachtaí teacht ar réiteach ar aighnis a mhaireann. Athshonraímid an gá le hathbhreithniú práinneach ar reachtaíocht reatha ar pharáideanna le bearnaí agus laigí a aithint sula ndréachtófar reachtaíocht níos láidre a chinnteoidh gur féidir an dlí a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le sáruithe chinntí Choimisiún na bParáideanna.
Ard-Chomhairle
66
SF Clar 2015.indd 66
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Forbairt an Pháirtí 44.
Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh phleananna le deireanas ballraíocht an pháirtí agus líon na gcumann a mhéadú, le hoiliúint scileanna agus seachadadh oideachais pholaitiúil a fheabhsú, agus le cothromaíocht inscne 50/50 i mballraíocht an pháirtí a bhaint amach faoi 2020. Éilíonn an an Ard-Fheis seo ar gach ball den pháirtí a gcuid féin a dhéanamh leis na cuspóirí seo a bhaint amach le cuidiú le seachadadh maidir lenár gcuspóirí, aontacht na hÉireann agus cothromaíocht do chách.
Ard-Chomhairle
45.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo obair ghrúpa leispiach, aerach, déghnéasach, trasinscneach agus idirghnéasach (LADTI) Shinn Féin le bliain anuas agus molaimid do bhaill Shinn Féin bheith páirteach sa ghrúpa agus bheith gníomhach ar cheisteanna LADTI ina gceantair féin. Geallann an Ard-Fheis seo chomh maith go ndéanfar ceisteanna LADTI a phríomhshruthú a thuilleadh laistigh de struchtúir an pháirtí sa bhliain seo romhainn.
Cumann Mháirtín Uí Fhearsithe Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Roibeaird Mhic Gabhann, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonghaile, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Shíne Ní Cathmhaoil, Co. an Dúin
46.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuireann an tsochaí brú ar dhaoine cineál léirithe shóisialta a bheith acu bunaithe ar ghnéas, a bhraitheann a lán daoine nach bhfuil ag teacht lena bhféiniúlacht inscne. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo próiseas atá níos cuimsithí maidir le hinscne i ngach cás ina bhfiafraíonn Sinn Féin cen inscne atá ag baill úra nó reatha. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis, mar sin, an tríú rogha inscne, “eile”, a bheith san áireamh ar gach foirm de chuid Shinn Féin.
Cumann Uí Dhoibhlin/Phluincéid, Baile Átha Cliath Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath
47.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo a thábhachtaí is atá an mheabhairshláinte, ní hamháin sa mhórshochaí ach i measc bhaill, fhoireann, oifigigh agus ionadaí poiblí an pháirtí, an oiread sin go ngeallann an páirtí seo tacaíochtaí meabhairshláinte a chur ar fáil laistigh den eagraíocht.
Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonghaile, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Roibeaird Mhic Gabhann, Baile Átha Cliath
48.
Eilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo comhnascadh trasteorann idir cumainn leis an gcomhthacaíocht, tuiscint agus forbairt pholaitiúil a chur chun cinn.
Cumann Uí Mhaine/Uí Dhoinn, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Aodha agus Uí Raghallaigh, Corcaigh
49.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo na línte cumarsáide idir cumainn agus an páirtí go náisiúnta a fheabhsú le riar ar dhaoine agus ar chumainn nuair atá eolas láithreach agus nuashonraithe ag teastáil uathu agus iad ag plé leis na meáin agus le bollscaireacht ár gcéilí comhraic agus le hionsaithe orainn. Féachann an Ard-Fheis le cumarsáid a fheabhsú i measc agus idir bhaill an pháirtí, ceannairí agus a pobal i gcoitinne. Dá ndéanfaí sonraí teagmhála an tsuímh ghréasáin a uasghrádú bheadh rochtain níos fusa ag baill agus ag daoine atá ag lorg eolais ar Shinn Féin. Tá suíomh gréasáin feabhsaithe ríthábhachtach le baill fhéideartha a spreagadh le clárú agus le baill reatha a spreagadh le bheith níos gníomhaí. D’fhéadfaí feabhsuithe cumarsáide eile a chur san áireamh i straitéis caidrimh phoiblí ina mbeadh córas teachtaireacht le ‘glór amháin’ le linn feachais pholaitiúla ríthábhachtacha agus freagairtí ar ghéarchéimeanna.
Cumann Michael J Marren, Sligeach Cumann Thomáis Uí Sheibhleáin/Sheosaimh Mhic Dhónaill, Ros Comáin
50.
Eilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfaí an páirtí athbhreithniú agus nuashonrú ar a bheartais ar bhulaíocht de réir an chleachtais is fearr agus go gcuirfí oiliúint ar fáil le dul i ngleic leis an tsaincheist seo.
Cumann Uí Aodha agus Uí Raghallaigh, Corcaigh
51.
Ag aithint na ceannaireachta atá á chur ar fáil ag gach grúpcheannaire údaráis áitiúil reatha de chuid Shinn Féin, molann an Ard-Fheis seo athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an modheolaíocht le grúpcheannasaithe údaráis áitiúil de chuid Shinn Féin d’fhonn trédhearcacht na gceapachán a fheabhsú.
Cumann Mháirtín Uí Fhearsithe, Baile Átha Cliath
67
SF Clar 2015.indd 67
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 52.
www.sinnfein.ie
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Tá saol na polaitíochta in Éirinn agus ar fud na hEorpa ag athrú. • Tá an fhéidearthacht ann an mhonaplacht ar rialtas sna 26 Chontae a bhriseadh, a bhí i seilbh Fhine Gael agus Fhianna Fáil ó bhunú an stáit. • Tá Sinn Féin anois ar an bpáirtí is mó ar an oileán agus táimid ag lorg mandáide le téarnamh cothrom a chur ar fáil, le seirbhísí poiblí a chosaint, le poblacht do chách agus le hÉire Aontaithe a sheachadadh. • Ní rachaidh Sinn Féin isteach i rialtas faoi cheannas Fhianna Fáil nó Fine Gael tar éis an olltoghcháin. Tiomnaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo Sinn Féin le comhghuallaíochtaí leathana a chruthú le páirtithe a bhfuil dearcadh comhchosúil acu is atá againne lena chinntiú go gcuirtear i gcoinne na déine Thuaidh agus Theas, agus go bhfuil téarnamh cothrom ann, agus le go mbeadh an fhéidearthacht is mó ann rialtas frithdhéine a bheith i gcumhacht sna 26 Chontae.
Óige Phoblachtach Bhaile Átha Cliath Cumann Charn Domhnach/Mhálanna, Dún na nGall Cumann Thomáis Uí Sheibhleáin/Sheosaimh Mhic Dhónaill, Ros Comáin Cumann Chéitinn/Uí Sheachnasaigh, Port Láirge Cumann Uí Bhroin/Mhic Cathaoir/Uí Thuamáin, Ard Mhacha Cumann Uí Chearúill/Uí Luaithre, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Sheartúis/Uí Scanláin, Ciarraí Cumann Shéamuis Uí Chonghaile, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Chianáin/Uí Dhochartaigh, Muineachán Cumann an Óglaigh Diarmuid Ó Néill, Corcaigh Cumann an Chláir Thoir, an Clár Cumann Markievics/Uí Fhearáil, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Markievicz/Uí Riáin, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Roibeaird Uí Sheachnasaigh, Ciarraí Cumann de Barra/Uí Dhúill, Cill Dara
53.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar pháirtithe forásacha atá ar son an Chomhaontaithe sna Sé Chontae teacht ar chomhaontú taobh le Sinn Féin le go mbeidh an líon is aird iondaithe forásacha ar son an Chomhaontaithe agus is féidir tofa sna toghcháin Westminster seo ag teacht.
Cúige na 6 Chontae
54.
Níl aon mhuinín ag an Ard-Fheis seo i Rialtas reatha seo Fhine Gael/an Luchta Oibre agus aithnímid go bhfuil a mhandáid caillte ag an Rialtas seo agus go bhfuil sé ag bacadaíl ó ghéarchéim go géarchéim. Tá a leanas míláimhseáilte ag an Rialtas: • Bunú Uisce Éireann agus tabhairt isteach táillí uisce, ar chóir a chaitheamh i dtraipisí. • Conspóidí a bhaineann le Coimisiún Ombudsman an Gharda Síochána agus pointí pionóis, a raibh mar thoradh orthu an tAire Dlí agus Cirt, Coimisinéir na nGardaí agus Ard-Rúnaí na Roinne Dlí agus Cirt ag éirí as. • Liomháintí go raibh fabhar i gceist agus ionaid chúraim sláinte phríomhúil ag an iar-Aire Sláinte. • Cártaí Leighis Lánroghnacha a bhaint ar shiúl. • Reifrean an tSeanaid a ndearna prácás de. • Fothoghchán an tSeanais le deireanas. Tá siad tar éis a thaispeáint go soiléir gur Rialtas iad atá i ngéarchéim, gur Rialtas iad nach bhfuil muinín an phobail acu. Is é atá riachtanach ollthoghchán láithreach le Rialtas a thoghadh atá in ann rialú ar leas na saoránach.
Comhairle Ceantair Phort Láirge Cumann Roibeaird Uí Sheachnasaigh, Ciarraí
55.
Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an bhfás ollmhór i dtacaíocht don pháirtí, go háirithe sna 26 Chontae, le bliain anuas. Athnímid na dushláin iomadúla atá romhainn agus sinn ag dréachtú ár bhforógra toghcháin agus ag ullmhú le haghaidh na féidearthachta go bhféadfadh an chéad rialtas ar thaobh na láimhe clé i stair stát na 26 Chontae. Éilímid go gcuirfear i réim Ard-Fheis trí lá arís ó 2016 ar aghaidh le níos mó ama a thabhairt leis an iliomad cinntí tábhachtacha a mbeimid ag tiomnú an pháirtí dóibih a phlé agus le díospóireacht a dhéanamh orthu.
Cumann Mhic Lochlainn/Uí Chathail, Baile Átha Cliath
68
SF Clar 2015.indd 68
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie 56.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh rath na gcomhdhálacha inmheánacha ar na mallaibh do bhaill, gníomhairí agus ionadaithe tofa, ag spreagadh plé oscailte polaitiúil agus ag plé straitéis pholaitiúil an pháirtí, ag nótálaimid go bhfuil a lán de na hócáidí seo á reáchtáil in óstáin nó i ngnólachtaí eile. Áitíonn an Ard-Fheis ar lucht eagraithe comhdhálacha, ócáidí agus coinbhinsiúin pháirtí féacháil le háiseanna pobail a úsáid do na hócáidí seo nuair is féidir agus nuair a bhíonn siad ar fáil, agus cuidiú lena chinntiú go dtugann ár n-ócáidí cúnamh airgid d’infreastruchtúr pobail ríthábhachtach.
Cumann Eiméid/Uí Chléirigh Baile Átha Cliath
57.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar gach ball agus ionadaí tofa de chuid Shinn Féin freastal ar Chuimhneachán bliantúil Uilf Tón i mBaile Uí Bhuadáin, agus nach n-eagróidh ceantair eile ócáidí a d’fhéadfadh teacht salach ar Fhéile Uiif Tón a bhíonn ar siúl ar an 20 go dtí an 21 Meitheamh i mbliana. Comhaontaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo chomh maith go mbeidh iondaithe an chumann san óstcheantar páirteach sa searmanas ag uaigh Uilf Tón ag Cuimhneachán Uilf Tón.
Cumann Uilf Tón, Cill Dara
58.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo go dtaispeánfaí meas cuí ar ár mbratach náisiúnta agus nach mbeadh sí á caithfeadh thart ag ionadaithe tofa an pháirtí agus a luch tacaíochta.
Cumann Phiarais Mhic Cana, Tiobraid Árann
59.
Leanann an Ard-Fheis seo ar aghaidh le beartas dátheangais do gach foilseachán, nuair is féidir. Geallann Sinn Féin an méid a chuirimid amach i nGaeilge a mhéadú agus creidimid gur fearr an cheist faoin méid a chuirimid amach i nGaeilge a thabhairt chun cinn le cur chuige incriminteach, lena mbaineann páirtíocht idir an tOifigeach Náisiúnta Gaeilge agus ceannairí an pháirtí, struchtúir agus baill. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an gá le céimeanna éifeachtacha a ghlacadh le Sinn Féin a ghaelú. Creidimid gurbh fhéidir seo a dhéanamh ach plépháipéar a chur ar fáil le feasacht inmheánach a mhúscailt agus le tacaíocht fhorleathan a spreagadh don aidhm seo. Comhaontaíonn an Ard-Fheis deo, de dhroim an phlépháipéir seo, gur chóir don Oifigeach Náisiúnta Gaeilge dréachtstraitéis cúig bliana Gaelaithe laistigh de Shinn Féin a ullmhú agus gur chóir seo a chur i láthair lena ghlacadh mar bheartas ag Ard-Fheis 2016. San idirlinn molaimid do gach ionadaí de chuid Shinn Féin agus daoine atá fostaithe le pá ag an bpáirtí, freastal ar ranganna Gaeilge mura bhfuil siad líofa sa teanga.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Mháirtín Uí Fhearsithe, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Mulvoy/Mhic Cathmhaoil, Gaillimh
60.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis an cleachtas is fearr lena bhfeidhmíonn cumainn go dátheangach. Iarraimid go dtabharfaidh gach struchtúr den pháirtí tacaíocht don iarracht seo agus go spreagfaidh siad cumainn eile amhlaidh a dhéanamh.
Cumann Uilf Tón, Cill Dara
Bunreacht agus Rialach
NB. Maidir leis an chuid Bunreachta agus Rialacha thíos, is ionann cló iodálach trom agus breiseanna agus is ionann línte tríd agus scriostaí. Is éard atá sa téacs ar fad eile ná téacs bunreachta.
61.
Leasú ar alt 6.2.1.b de Bhunreacht Shinn Féin agus ar 3.2.b de na Rialacha, mar seo a leanas: Toghfaidh gach Comhairle Cúige trí ceithre ionadaí don Ard-Chomhairle. Beidh Cruinniú Ginearálta Bliantúil ann ar a laghad coicís roimh an Ard-Fheis. Beidh na hoifigigh atá ag imeacht agus tríionadaithe Ard-Chomhairle agus dhá thoscaire ó gach cumann agus Comhairle Ceantair ag freastal agus toghfaidh siad bord oifigeach agus trí ceithre iondaí Comhairle Cúige don ArdChomhairle. Ceapfaidh an Cruinniú Ginearálta Bliantúil beartas don bhliain dár gcionn. Ba chóir ar a laghad duine amháin de na trí ionadaí bheith ina bean agus duine amháin bheith ina fhear. Beidh beirt den dá ionadaí ina mná agus beirt ina bhfir.
Cumann Mhic Gabhann/Uí Ghríofa, Baile Átha Cliath
62.
Leasú st 5.4a de Bhunreacht Shinn Féin 5.4 Táille agus cistí cleamhnachta a. Is é an féilire bliantúil a bheidh mar fhéilire airgeadais Shinn Féin, dar críoch an 31 Nollaig. Caithfear táille cleamhnachta €95 a íoc i mí Eanáir leis an spriocdháta ar an 31 Eanáir gach bliain. Beidh cumainn in institiúidí tríú leibhéil diolmhaithe ón táille seo.
Cumann Mháirtín Uí Ursáin, Corcaigh
69
SF Clar 2015.indd 69
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 63.
www.sinnfein.ie
De bhreis ar alt 6.2.5g de Bhunreacht Shinn Féin a leagann amach cumhachtaí na hArd-Chomhairle ix. rialacha agus nósanna imeachtaí an pháirtí nach mbeidh éigeantach ar gach struchtúr agus ball den pháirtí, a achtú agus a chur i bhfeidhm, lena n-áirítear ach gan a bheith teoranta do nósanna imeachta toghcháin, nósanna imeachta smachta, nósanna imeachta ballraíochta agus Cód Iompair an pháirtí.
Ard-Chomhairle
64.
Scrios na hailt seo a leanas de Rialacha an Pháirtí 2. AN ARD-CHOMHAIRLE 2.1 Cumhachtaí smachta maidir le baill den eagraíocht a. Beidh sé de chumhacht ag an Ard-Chomhairle aon bhall nó aon fhochomhlacht di a ruaigeadh nó a chur ar fionraí ón eagraíocht nó ó aon oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, faillí nó neamhoiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Ar fhógra ruaigthe a fháil dó/di, beidh de cheart ag an mball nó ag an gcomhlacht achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an Ard-Chomhairle a fhéadfaidh foireann fiosraithe a chur ar bun leis an gcás a scrúdú. c. Má bhíonn fiosrúchán Ard-Chomhairle ann, caithfidh an ball nó an comhlacht atá i gceist cóip shínithe den ghearán agus fógra cuí d’am agus de théarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosrúcháin a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach an Pháirtí. d. Rachaidh fionrú baill nó comhlachta ar feadh aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe in éag tar éis sé mhí mura n-athnuaitear é. e. Nuair a bheidh an fiosrúchán i gcrích cuirfidh Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí tuairisc faoi bhráid na hArdChomhairle. f. T ar éis torthaí na tuairisce a bheith breithnithe aici, beidh de chumas ag an Ard-Chomhairle, de thromlach dhá thrian, an ball nó an comhlacht a ruaigeadh ón eagraíocht. g. Más ea go ndéantar líomhaintí ciaptha gnéis nó ionsaí gnéis in éadan aon bhall den eagraíocht, is cóir iad a chur láithreach chuig Cathaoirleach agus Ard-Rúnaí an Pháirtí. 2.2 Cumhachtaí smachta maidir le baill den Ard-Chomh a. Caillfidh baill den Ard-Chomhairle atá as láthair ó thrí chruinniú as diaidh a chéile gan chúis leithscéil a mballraíocht san Ard-Chomhairle go huaoibríoch. b. Beidh de chumas ag an Ard-Chomhairle, de thromlach dhá thrian, aon ball den Ard-Chomhairle a ruaigeadh nó a chur ar fionraí roimh chruinniú a thionóltar go cuí lena aghaidh sin. c. Ar fhógra ruaigthe a fháil dó/di, beidh de cheart ag an mball achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an ArdChomhairle a bhunóidh foireann fiosraithe leis an gcás a scrúdú. d. Má bhíonn fiosrúchán Ard-Chomhairle ann, caithfidh an ball atá i gceist cóip shínithe den ghearán agus fógra cuí d’am agus de théarmaí tagartha an fhiosrúcháin a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach an Pháirtí. e. Nuair a bheidh an fiosrúchán i gcrích cuirfidh Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí tuairisc faoi bhráid na hArdChomhairle. f. Tar éis torthaí na tuairisce a bheith breithnithe aici, beidh de chumas ag an Ard-Chomhairle, de thromlach dhá thrian, an ball a ruaigeadh ón Ard-Chomhairle nó, má mheasagraíocht. g. Má ruaigtear ball, beidh de chumhacht ag an Ard-Chomhairle ball ionadaí a chomhthoghadh. h. Rachaidh fionrú baill den Ard-Chomhairle ar feadh aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe in éag tar éis sé mhí mura n-athnuaitear é. 3. COMHAIRLE CÚIGE 3.5 Nósanna imeachtaí smachta a. Beidh sé de chumhacht ag an gComhairle Cúige aon fhochomhlacht nó aon bhall de a ruaigeadh nó a chur ar fionraí ón eagraíocht nó ó aon oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, faillí nó neamhoiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Faoi threoir Chathaoirleach an Pháirtí, agus faoi réir a dhaingnithe amach anseo ag an gComhairle Cúige, agus má tá gá práinneach láithreach ann le gníomh feidhmeach a dhéanamh, beidh sé de chumhacht ag bord oifigeach na Comhairle Cúige aon fhochomhlacht nó aon bhall de a ruaigeadh nó a chur ar fionraí ón eagraíocht nó ó aon oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, faillí nó neamhoiriúnacht ghinearálta. Ní chuirfidh sé sin isteach ar cheart an bhaill nó an chomhlachta ar achomharc. c. Sula ruaigfear iad, áfach, caithfear deis a thabhairt don bhall nó don chomhlacht le hachomharc a dhéanamh chuig foireann fiosrúcháin neamhspleách arna ceapadh ag an gComhairle Cúige. d. Caithfidh an ball nó an comhlacht atá i gceist cóip shínithe den ghearán agus fógra cuí d’am agus de théarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosrúcháin a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach an Pháirtí. e. Nuair a bheidh an fiosrúchán i gcrích cuirfidh foireann an fhiosrúcháin tuairisc faoi bhráid na Comhairle 70
SF Clar 2015.indd 70
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Cúige. Tar éis torthaí na tuairisce a bheith breithnithe aici, beidh de chumas ag an ArdChomhairle, de thromlach dhá thrian, an ball nó an comhlacht a ruaigeadh ón eagraíocht. f. Tá ceart ag aon bhall nó aon chomhlacht atá ruaigthe ón eagraíocht de bharr cinneadh den Chomhairle Cúige ar achomharc chuig an Ard-Chomhairle. g. Rachaidh fionrú comhlachta nó aon bhaill de ar feadh aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe in éag tar éis sé mhí mura n-athnuaitear é. h. Má éiríonn aighnis i gComhairle Cúige nó idir Comhairlí Cúige nach bhfuil na comhlachtaí atá i gceist in ann a shocrú cuirfear iad i láthair na hArd-Chomhairle. 4. COMHAIRLÍ CEANTAIR 4.5 Nósanna Imeachta Comhairlí Ceantair a. Beidh sé de chumhacht ag an gComhairle Ceantair aon fhochomhlacht nó aon bhall de a ruaigeadh nó a chur ar fionraí ón eagraíocht nó ó aon oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, faillí nó neamhoiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Sula ruaigfear iad, áfach, caithfear deis a thabhairt don bhall nó don chomhlacht le hachomharc a dhéanamh chuig foireann fiosrúcháin neamhspleách arna ceapadh ag an gComhairle Ceantair. c. Caithfidh an ball nó an comhlacht atá i gceist cóip shínithe den ghearán agus fógra cuí d’am agus de théarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosrúcháin a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach na Comhairle Ceantair. d. Nuair a bheidh an fiosrúchán i gcrích cuirfidh foireann an fhiosrúcháin tuairisc faoi bhráid na Comhairle Ceantair. Tar éis torthaí na tuairisce a bheith breithnithe aici, beidh de chumas ag an gComhairle Ceantair, de thromlach dhá thrian, an ball nó an comhlacht a ruaigeadh ón eagraíocht. e. Tá ceart ag aon bhall nó aon chomhlacht atá ruaigthe ón eagraíocht de bharr cinneadh den Chomhairle Ceantair ar achomharc chuig an gComhairle Ceantair. f. Rachaidh fionrú comhlachta nó aon bhaill de ar feadh aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe in éag tar éis sé mhí mura n-athnuaitear é. g. Má éiríonn aighnis i gComhairle Cúige nó idir Comhairlí Cúige nach bhfuil na comhlachtaí atá i gceist in ann a shocrú cuirfear iad i láthair na hArd-Chomhairle. 5. CUMAINN 5.6 Nósanna imeachta i gcumainn a. Beidh sé de chumhacht ag cumainn aon bhall dá gcuid a ruaigeadh nó a chur ar fionraí ón eagraíocht nó ó aon oifig mar gheall ar neamhinniúlacht, faillí nó neamhoiriúnacht ghinearálta. b. Sula ruaigfear iad, áfach, caithfear deis a thabhairt don bhall le hachomharc a dhéanamh chuig foireann fiosrúcháin neamhspleách arna ceapadh ag an gCumann. c. Caithfidh an ball atá i gceist cóip shínithe den ghearán agus fógra cuí d’am agus de théarmaí tagartha na foirne fiosrúcháin a fháil i scríbhinn ó Chathaoirleach an Chumainn. d. Nuair a bheidh an fiosrúchán i gcrích cuirfidh foireann an fhiosrúcháin tuairisc faoi bhráid an Chumainn. Tar éis torthaí na tuairisce a bheith breithnithe acu, beidh de chumas ag an gCumann, de thromlach dhá thrian, an ball a ruaigeadh ón eagraíocht. e. Tá ceart ag aon bhall atá ruaigthe ón eagraíocht de bharr cinneadh den Chumann ar achomharc chuig an gComhairle Ceantair. f. Rachaidh fionrú baill ar feadh aon tréimhse neamhshonraithe in éag tar éis sé mhí mura n-athnuaitear é. g. Má éiríonn aighnis i gCumann nó idir Cumainn nach bhfuil na comhlachtaí atá i gceist in ann a shocrú cuirfear iad i láthair na Comhairle Ceantair agus, más gá, uaidh sin go dtí an Chomhairle Cúige, faoi réir cirt achomhairc chuig an Ard-Chomhairle. h. Má mhaíonn aon bhall de chumann go bhfuil cinneadh ar leith ag cumann i gcoinne phrionsabail, chuspóirí nó bheartas na heagraíochtaí d’fhéadfadh sé go mbeidh ráiteas ar a leithéid de ráiteas ag teastáil uaidh, sínithe ag an gCathaoirleach, ag an Rúnaí agus ag an agóideoir, le cur lena bhreithniú chuig an gComhairle Ceantair agus, más gá, chuig an gComhairle Cúige, faoi réir an chirt ar achomhairc chuig an Ard-Chomhairle. 65. Leasú st 5.1b de Rialacha Shinn Féin 5.1b. Ba chóir gurb iad na oifigigh a bheadh ann Cathaoirleach (ball ex-officio de gach coiste), LeasChathaoirleach, Rúnaí, dhá Chisteoir, Oifigeach Comhionannais, Oifigeach na Gaeilge agus Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí, agus toghfar iad ag an gCruinniú Ginearálta Bliantúil a thionólfar ar fhógra scríofa ar a laghad mí amháin roimh an Ard-Fheis.
Cumann Uí Leathlobhair/Uí Mhaoilmhichil/Mhairtírí Chlais Maolcon, Ciarraí
71
SF Clar 2015.indd 71
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Infheistíocht san Iompar 66.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Gur mór an acmhainn atá ann glasbhealaí a fhorbairt i gceantair uirbeacha agus thuaithe go háirithe má úsáidtear cisil riain. • Go mbaintí úsáid as iarnróid san am a chuaigh thart chun daoine i gceantair iargúlta a nascadh agus dhéanfadh an Córas Glasbhealaí na naisc seo a chur in athúsáid. • Go bhfuil impleachtaí geilleagracha ag an gCóras Glasbhealaí. Meallann Glasbhealach 43km atá tógtha ar chiseal riain Mhór-Iarnród an Iarthair i gContae Mhaigh Eo c200,000 rothaí in aghaidh na bliana agus cuireann seo €7.2 milliún isteach i ngeilleagar na háite. • Go spreagadh mórghréasán d’áiteanna sábháilte rothaíochta níos mó daoine chun dul i mbun rothaíochta, ar gníomhaíocht fholláin í. • Ó thaobh na hinnealtóireachta de, go mbeadh an dúshraith do Ghréasán Glasbhealaí ann cheana féin, mar sin de, bheadh sé éifeachtach ó thaobh costais de mórghréasán rothaíochta a chruthú tríd an 32 chontae ach comhaontú a dhéanamh leis na húinéirí talún áitiúla. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis ar an Roinn Forbartha Áitiúla sna Sé Chontae agus ar an Roinn Comhshaoil, Pobail & Rialtais Áitiúla sna 26 Contae bheith ag comhoibriú le chéile chun staidéar féidearthachta a dhéanamh ar an acmhainn atá ann gréasán Glasbhealaí a chruthú ar fud na hÉireann trí úsáid a bhaint as cisil riain ó iarnróid atá as feidhm, as cosáin tharraingthe agus as struchtúir oiriúnacha eile amhail líne Mhór-Iarnród an Tuaiscirt.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Gerard Casey, Aontroim
67.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis fáilte roimh an mhéadú atá tagtha ar líon na rothaithe agus éilímid tuilleadh infheistíochta in infreastruchtúr na rothaíochta chun rogha iompair is sábháilte a dhéanamh di; éilímid tuilleadh maoinithe d’Aonad Rothaíochta na Roinne Forbartha Áitiúla agus éilímid go ndéanfaidh an t-aonad sin tús a chur le hathruithe in infreastruchtúr an Tuaiscirt mar bheart práinne.
Comhairle Ceantair Aontroim Thuaidh Cumann Beechmount
68.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo tábhacht infreastruchtúr na mbóithre agus na n-iarnród áitiúil a dhéanann ár gcuid mórchathracha a nascadh le chéile agus a chinntíonn go bhfuil teacht ag daoine ar obair agus ar thrádáil agus aithnímid an tábhacht a bhaineann leo chun gur féidir le daoine saol folláin a chaitheamh. Mar gheall ar an aitheantas seo, éilímid forbairt an A5 agus an A6 chun a chinntiú go mbeidh rochtain níos fearr ag muintir an iarthuaiscirt ar oirthear agus ar iarthar ár n-oileáin. Go háirithe agus Dún Geimhin suite ar an bpríomhbhealach artaireach idir Cathair Dhoire agus Béal Feirste, ba chóir cuid Dhún Geimhin de scéim an A6 a chur chun cinn gan aon mhoill agus gach féidearthacht maoinithe a thaiscéaladh, go háirithe an BEI (an Banc Eorpach Infheistíochta). Éilímid arís ar Rialtas na hÉireann an maoiniú riachtanach a chur ar fáil, mar atá déanta ag Feidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt, chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear bailchríoch ar ghréasán bóithre an A5 a nascann an t-iarthuaisceart agus Baile Átha Cliath. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann, freisin, gealltanas a thabhairt chun a chuid a dhéanamh i dtaca le tógáil Dhroichead Chaol Uisce. Cúige na 6 Chontae Cumann Billy Reid, Tír Eoghain Cumann Sheena Campbell, an Dún
69.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo agus buaireamh mór uirthi go bhfuil ardú ar líon na mbásanna bóthair le bliain anuas agus éilímid cur chuige uile-Éireann ina leith seo agus comhobair a bheith ann idir an dá dhlínse chun laghdú a dhéanamh ar líon na mbásanna agus na ngortuithe ar ár gcuid bóithre.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
70.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Aire Sláinte Fhine Gael/An Lucht Oibre scrúdú leighis saor in aisce a cheadú do gach pinsinéir seanaoise agus iad ag iarraidh a gceadúnas tiomána a athnuachan.
Cumann Uí Laodhóige/Uí Mhuirthile, Baile Átha Cliath
71. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Aire Sláinte Fhine Gael/an Lucht Oibre modh iompair a chur ar fáil do dhaoine atá faoi mhíchumas coirp nó intleachta agus iad ag freastal ar sheirbhísí lae. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Aire Iompair, freisin, bheith ag obair chun go mbeidh cathaoireacha rothaí ábalta dul ar gach bus scoile.
Cumann Uí Laodhóige/Uí Mhuirthile, Baile Átha Cliath
72
SF Clar 2015.indd 72
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Téarnamh Cothrom Geilleagrach a Chur i gCrích - Éire a Chur ag Obair Arís 72.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Tiomantas Shinn Féin a aithint i dtaca le poist a chruthú agus a choinneáil chomh maith le straitéisí polasaithe reatha chun cur leis an bhfostaíocht agus chun geilleagar aontaithe, rathúil, inbhuanaithe a chruthú atá ceart agus cóir ó thaobh na sochaí de. • Gealltanas a thabhairt go dtógfar ar pholasaithe reatha infostaitheachta trí straitéis nua um chruthú post a chur le chéile a dhíreoidh isteach ar Eacnamaíocht an Fháis a mbeidh fócas inti ar infheistíocht spreagthach straitéiseach, ar oscailt soláthair phoiblí d’fhiontair bheaga agus mheánmhéide dhúchasacha agus do mhicreaghnóthaí, ar Infheistíocht Dhíreach Choigríche (IDC) a thacóidh le forbairt na bhfiontar dúchasach a aimsiú agus a fhorbairt, ar straitéis uaillmhianach ríomhthráchtála a fhorbairt agus ar dhul i ngleic leis na bacainní atá roimh fhás na fiontraíochta cothroime réigiúnaí.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Thomas Ashe, Cill Dhéagláin
73.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuil geilleagair an Tuaiscirt agus an Deiscirt idirnasctha agus idirspleách ach nach bhfuil siad ag cur le chéile. • Nach aon bhuntáiste é do náisiún oileánda 6.4 milliún duine ar imeall na hEorpa gurbh ann do dhá réimeas leithleacha cánach, do dhá chóras rialála agus dlí, do ghníomhaíochtaí agus cláir forbartha geilleagraí nach bhfuil cosúil le chéile ná go mbeadh straitéisí infheistíochta agus geilleagair ann atá éagsúil óna chéile agus atá ag dul in iomaíocht le chéile. • Go bhfuil geilleagar an Tuaiscirt ar an imeall maidir le geilleagar na Breataine agus pleananna polaitiúla Westminster. • Cúpla sampla d’fhorbairt polasaithe na Breataine a thugann an chluas bhodhar do riachtanais mhuintir an Tuaiscirt agus an oileáin seo, mar atá, an díospóireacht ar bhallraíocht den AE, tobhach HGV (feithicil earraí troma) na Breataine agus an clár ciorruithe leasa. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Gur mór an fás a thiocfaidh ar an ngeilleagar nuair a gheofar réidh le costais na deighilte agus nuair a dhéanfar acmhainn an gheilleagair chomhtháite a chur ar obair. • Go mbeadh sé d’údarás agus de sholúbthacht ag rialtas Éire aontaithe a rogha polasaí maicreacnamaíoch a chur i bhfeidhm a chinnteoidh cobhsaíocht agus go mbeadh sé ábalta na roghanna is fearr a dhéanamh i dtaca le tionscnaimh infreastruchtúir a mhaoiniú fud fad na hÉireann. • Chun fís an gheilleagair aontaithe in Éirinn a fhíorú, nach mór rannpháirtíocht iomlán Rialtas na hÉireann agus Fheidhmeannas agus Thionól an Tuaiscirt a bheith ann. • De bhrí nach bhfuil cumhachtaí fioscacha ann sa Tuaisceart nach féidir leis an bhFeidhmeannas réimeas fioscach dúchasach a fhorbairt a thionscnódh an t-athrú geilleagrach a bheadh de dhíth agus a chuideoidh le forbairt aon gheilleagair ar an oileán. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Dílárú iomlán cumhachtaí fioscacha chuig an bhFeidhmeannas agus chuig an Tionól. • Gealltanas ó rialtas na Breataine agus na hÉireann agus ón Tionól chun plean agus amscála a leagan amach chun geilleagar comhtháite a chruthú ar an oileán. • Gealltanas ó Riatas na hÉireann agus ó Fheidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt chun plean agus amscála a leagan amach chun seirbhísí poiblí comhtháite a chur i bhfeidhm ar fud an oileáin. • Ar ranna sa dá dhlínse tionscadail roinnte a aithint ón bpleanáil go dtí an cur i gcrích agus béim a bheith ar aimsiú na mbuntáistí a bhaineann le comhthuiscint agus le comhúinéireacht lena n-áirítear scóip, seachadadh, spriocanna agus na torthaí a mbeifí ag dréim leo. • ‘Crios Forbartha Geilleagair don Teorainn’ a bheith ann le cúrsaí trádála a chomhréiteach chun go mbeidh an brabach is mó ann do ghnóthaí na Teorann. • Uasghrádú ar an infreastruchtúr ar bhonn oileánda, lena n-áirítear cur i gcrích an A5 agus Dhroichead Chaol Uisce chomh maith le gréasáin iarnróid uile-oileáin a fhorbairt.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Uí Bhroin/Mhic Cathaoir/Uí Thuamáin, Ard Mhacha
74.
Agus muid a aithint go bhfuil Sinn Féin tiomanta chun tacaíocht a thabhairt do ghuth agus do chearta na ndaoine óga in Éirinn tríd an anailís atá déanta aige ar mhórcheisteanna na hóige agus ar an gcáipéis um Ráthaíocht don Aos Óg, ‘Youth Matters: Not for Export’, déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Tuilleadh gealltanais a éileamh ó gach leibhéal, ón phobal, áitiúil, ón stát agus ón Eoraip chun go rachfar i ngleic le géarchéim na dífhostaíochta i measc an aosa óig chomh maith leis an eisiamh sóisialta is toradh air. 73
SF Clar 2015.indd 73
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
• A aithint nach bhfuil géarchéim na dífhostaíochta óige teoranta d’easpa post don aos óg ach gur géarchéim í a bhaineann leis na cineálacha post a bhíonn ar fáil; go gcruthaíonn an obair neamhbhuan sin, na conarthaí ar théarma seasta nó náid uaireanta go gcruthaíonn siad éagobhsaíocht i saol an aosa óig, go bhfágann siad go bhfuil an baol ann go ndéanfaí dúshaothrú ar oibrithe óga nó nach mbeadh slándáil fostaíochta nó aon ionchais ghairme acu. • A aithint, freisin, go bhfuil na daoine óga i dteideal íocaíocht mheasúil le haghaidh a gcuid oibre in áit obair saor in aisce, rud ab amhlaidh i mbunús na socrúchán de chuid JobBridge nó Gateway, socrúcháin nár éirigh leo cur le scileanna an aosa óig nó nár chruthaigh deiseanna fostaíochta fadtéarmacha agus déanaimid a aithint, freisin, gur chóir scéimeanna forchéimnitheacha oibre a chur in áit na bpolasaithe seo atá in éadan an aosa óig. • A aontú go mbeidh daoine óga thíos leis má chuirtear i bhfeidhm polasaithe a thugann ar lucht an dífhostaíochta an stát a fhágáil, polasaithe a ghearrfaidh íocaíocht an dóil nuair nach mbíonn poist ar fáil, agus táillí na gcoláistí agus na bprintíseachtaí a bhfuil síorardu ag teacht orthu, gurb é an toradh air seo ná imirice éigeantach. • A threisiú nár chóir don Plean Feidhmithe um Ráthaíocht d’Aos Óg na hÉireann a bhfuil se chuspóir aige post, printíseach nó traenáil a ghealladh do gach duine faoi bhun 25, nár chóir fáinne fí a dhéanamh de sa mhéid agus go bhfágann daoine óga socrúcháin mhí-oiriúnacha le filleadh ar an mbeochlár le go gcuirfear ar socrúchán eile gearrthéarma. • A éileamh ar Rialtas na hÉireann foráil a chur isteach sa Phlean um Ráthaíocht don Aos Óg le haghaidh daoine óga faoi mhíchumas, le haghaidh tuismitheoirí aonair nó le haghaidh cúramóirí, agus le haghaidh daoine óga nach bhfuil rannpháirteach i seirbhísí fostaíochta.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Billy Reid, an Ómaigh Lár/Iardheisceart an Chúige
75.
Agus muid á aithint: • Gurb ionann soláthar poiblí agus £2.6 billiún agus €8.5 billiún den chaiteachas sa Tuaisceart agus sa Deisceart faoi seach. • Go bhfuil leasú cuimsitheach de dhíth chun an leas sóisialta is mó a bhaint amach agus chun an chosaint is láidre a thabhairt in éadan éilliú i dtabhairt amach na gconarthaí poiblí. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Tacaíocht leanúnach an pháirtí a fhógairt le haghaidh clásail shóisialta i gconarthaí soláthar poiblí mar uirlis chun an luach is airde a bhaint amach as gach euro/punt de chuid an phobail a chaitear agus mar uirlis iltascála de chuid polasaithe poiblí. • Airí de chuid Shinn Féin sa Tionól a mholadh as clásail shóisialta a chur isteach i gconarthaí soláthar poiblí atá faoina gcúram féin ar bhonn leanúnach. • Bille Soláthar Sóisialta, 2013, Shinn Féin a mholadh, bille a chuireann i reachtaíocht gur gá clásail shóisialta a chur isteach i ngach conradh soláthar poiblí a bhaineann le hearraí agus le seirbhísí lena n-áirítear tógáil chaipitiúil, de réir an Bhille, ar fiú breis agus aon mhilliún Euro iad agus is amhlaidh atá gach páirtí i dteach Laighean ag tacú leis. • Comhghairdeas le Grúpa Chomhairle Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath de chuid Shinn féin a rith rún chun clásail shóisialta soláthair a chur isteach i gconarthaí na comhairle agus déanaimid an tionscnamh seo a mholadh dár gcuid gníomhaíoch tofa in údaráis eile. • Tacaíocht a thabhairt do chur i bhfeidhm na dtrí Threoir nua Soláthar Poiblí de chuid an AE ar glacadh leo i Mí Eanáir 2014, a dhéanann, mar aon le eile rudaí fiúntacha eile, cinnte de gur féidir conarthaí poiblí a úsáid go dlíthiúil chun spriocanna sóisialta a bhaint amach fad a chuirtear an praghas san áireamh agus a chuireann foráil ar fáil gur féidir gan eagraíocht a chur san áireamh i nósanna imeachta soláthair poiblí ar bhonn dlíthiúil nuair nach gcomhlíonann siad dualgais chlásail shóisialta.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Markievicz/Uí Fhearghail Cumann, Baile Átha Cliath Comhairle Ceantair Cholin Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
76.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil na próisis soláthair atá ann le conarthaí poiblí a bhaint amach breac le deacrachtaí agus go bhfuil an baol ann go dteipfidh orthu ar chostas £/€ milliún don sparán poiblí agus éilímid ar gach roinn rialtais agus ar gach comhairle ar fud an oileáin cosaint a dhéanamh in éadan míúsáide agus droch-chleachais i bpróisis an tsoláthair phoiblí le haghaidh conarthaí poiblí ar fiú breis agus £10 milliún/€12 mhilliún iad. Ba chóir seo a dhéanamh trí mheicníocht neamhspleách a chur i bhfeidhm a dhéanfaidh monatóireacht 74
SF Clar 2015.indd 74
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
ar phróiseas an tsoláthair agus a chinnteoidh go bhfuil sé inmharthana, righin agus rathúil sa deireadh. Chuideodh an mheicníocht seo le ranna agus le comhairlí agus iad ag socrú ar idirghabháil a dhéanamh san áit a bhfuil an próiseas i mbaol a theipe. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae 77.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuil córas an tsoláthair PP (comhpháirtíocht phríobháideach phoiblí) sna 26 contae breac le míchothroime agus nach bhfuil go leor trédhearcachta ann. • Gur rómhinic a bhíonn pobail a bhfuil géarghá le hathbheochan iontu meallta ag an gcóras seo a bhfuil locht ón mbun air, córas nach raibh ach le leas dílsithe na n-amhantraithe réadmhaoine. • Go bhfuil bacainní suntasacha ann a fhágann mionghnóthaí ar lár ó phróiseas na dtairiscintí ar sheirbhísí poiblí. Dá réir sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Treisiú na gclásal sóisialta laistigh de chonarthaí poiblí. • Go bhfaighfear réidh láithreach leis na bacainní a fhágann mionghnóthaí ar lár as próiseas na dtairiscintí ar chonarthaí poiblí agus go bhfaighfear réidh leis na critéir agus leis an rómhaorlathais a fhágann gnóthaí dúchasacha miondíola ar lár maidir le cur isteach ar chuid mhór cineálacha deontais. • Athbhreithniú forleathan ar thaithí na hÉireann maidir le soláthar CPP. Ní mór dó seo athbhreithniú ar chomhionannas, ar chothroime agus ar thrédhearcacht maidir le bronnadh conarthaí tógála a chur san áireamh agus ba chóir féachaint le feabhas a chur ar ról na gcomhlachtaí tógála áitiúla agus réigiúnacha, na gceardaithe agus an lucht oibre chun comhlachtaí beaga agus meánmhéide a chur chun cinn.
Cumann Iorrais, Maigh Eo Cumann Markievicz/O’Farrell , Baile Átha Cliath
78.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann: • Leas na hÉireann a chosaint san idirbheartaíocht reatha maidir leis an gComhpháirtíocht Trádála agus Infheistíochta Thrasatlantach (TTIP) idir an EA agus SAM. • Gach beart a dhéanamh chun Réitigh Dhíospóide idir Infheisteoirí agus an Stát (ISDS) a bhaint amach as an gcomhaontú. • Gach beart a dhéanamh lena chinntiú nach sáróidh téarmaí an chomhaontaithe chónaithe reachtaíocht na hÉireann. • Torthaí staidéar Eacnamaíocht Chóbanhávan ar thionchar ionchasach TTIP ar Éirinn a fhoilsiú. • Díospóireacht phoiblí a thionscnamh ar thionchar TTIP ar Éirinn. • Gach beart a dhéanamh chun talmhaíocht na hÉireann a chosaint san idirbheartaíocht TTIP. Dearbhaíonn Sinn Féin nach dtabharfaimid tacaíocht d’aon chomhaontú trádála a mbeidh meicníochtaí i dtaca le Díospóidí idir Infheisteoirí agus an Stát mar chuid de. Aithníonn Sinn Féin agus é ar an airdeall go bhfuil Comhairle Comhoibrithe Rialála le bunú mar chuid de TTIP agus dearbhaíonn sé an seasamh atá aige nach mbeidh d’údarás ná de chúram ag an bhforas seo ach moltaí a thabhairt. Ba chóir dóibh siúd atá tofa ag saoránaigh na hEorpa agus freagrach dóibh bheith ag riar na moltaí. Ní thugann Sinn Féin tacaíocht d’aon mheicníocht trádála a cheadaíonn sárú dhlíthe na hÉireann ar mhaithe le corparáidí. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo fáilte roimh lainseáil ár bhfeachtais náisiúnta a aibhsíonn tionchar ionchasach TTIP ar Éirinn agus aithnímid obair na ngníomhaíoch agus na n-ionadaithe atá páirteach sa cheist.
Lár/Iarthuaisceart an Chúige Cumann Patrick Cannon, Baile Átha Cliath Comhairle Ceantair Dhoire Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Bhéal Átha na Muice, Maigh Eo
Obair Chuibheasach agus Pá Maireachtála 79. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo tacaíocht don cháipéis ‘Sinn Féin - Campaigning for a living Wage’, a chuireann moltaí chun cinn chun: • Treoir an EA ar Obair Pháirtaimseartha a chur i bhfeidhm a thugann rogha d’oibrithe cur lena gcuid uaireanta oibre. • Tosaíocht a dhéanamh de pholasaithe pá a théann i ngleic le pá íseal san earnáil phoiblí nó phríobháideach. • Polasaithe a tabhairt isteach a théann i ngleic le pá agus luach saothair iomarcach san earnáil phoiblí agus phríobháideach. 75
SF Clar 2015.indd 75
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie • Chun a aithint, i dteannta pá maireachtála a bheith ann, go rachfar i ngleic le pá íseal, go ndéanfar seirbhísí cuibheasacha poiblí a chur ar fáil, go mbeidh cearta righne fostaíochta ann agus go mbeidh córas cánach ann a bheidh idir chothrom agus fhorchéimnitheach. • Íosrátaí láidre pá a thabhairt isteach i gcur i ngníomh cómhargála agus meicníochtaí socraithe pá.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Comhairle Ceantair Iarthar na Gaillimhe Cumann John O’Reilly, Gaillimh Cumann Uí Ghliasáin, Loch Garman Cumann Desmond White, an Cabhán Cumann Uí Néilll/De Barra, Corcaigh Comhairle Ceantair Cholin Cumann Charlie McGlade, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Mick Murray, Baile Átha Cliath Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
80.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo • A aithint gur príomh-mheicníocht maidir le cruthú poist iad scéimeanna gníomhachtaithe post a bhfuil torthaí sothomhaiste acu agus atá de réir an deachleachtais idirnáisiúnta. • A nótáil go sáraíonn scéim gníomhachtaithe oibrithe na n-údarás áitiúil de chuid Gateway agus an Tionscnamh Socrúchán Oibre sa Phobal de chuid Tús, agus iad ag bagairt ísliú nó cealú sochar leasa, go sáraíonn siad Airteagal 1.2 agus 2.1 de Choinbhinsiún C029 um Shaothar Éigeantach de chuid na hEagraíochta Idirnáisiúnta Saothair a dhaingnigh Rialtas na hÉireann ar 2 Márta 1931 agus a dhaingnigh Rialtas Westminster ar 3 Meitheamh 1931. • An imní atá orainn a léiriú maidir leis an neamhaird a bhí ar an gCoinbhinsiún seo agus scéimeanna Gateway agus Tús á gcur i bhfeidhm. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • A éileamh ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar Thionól an Tuaiscirt, agus cur chuige 32 contae ann, go gcinnteoidh siad go mbeidh gach polasaí ag cloí le coinbhinsiúin de chuid na hEagraíocht Idirnáisiúnta Saothair (EIS), coinbhinsiúin atá dearbhaithe ag an stát. • A iarraidh ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar Thionól an Tuaiscirt go socrófar go mbeidh nós imeachta ann a ligfidh do shaoránaigh an ceart agus an phribhléid a bheith acu athbhreithniú a lorg ar aon sárú ar choinbhinsiúin de chuid an EIS. • A iarraidh, nuair a chuirtear aon sárú ar aon choinbhinsiún de chuid EIS in iúl do Rialtas na hÉireann nó do Thionól an Tuaiscirt go ndéanfar bearta oiriúnacha chun imscrúdú a dhéanamh , i gcomhar leis EIS, ar an gceist sin agus go dtabharfar isteach leasuithe ar pholasaithe dá réir sin.
Cúige na Sé Chontae
81.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le deireadh a chur le hidirdhealú i gcleachtais fostaithe a úsáideann cuma fhisiciúil an duine mar chritéar fostaíochta trína dhéanamh mídhleathach.
Cumann Martin Forsyth, Baile Átha Cliath
82.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar urlabhraithe Shinn Féin ar Phoist agus ar Chearta an Lucht Oibre i dteach Laighean athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an Acht Um Chosaint Fostaithe (Téarma Seasta), 2003, i gcomhar le ceardchumainn, chun a chinntiú go mbeidh socruithe righne i bhfeidhm le hoibrithe a chosaint ar mhí-úsáid na gconarthaí seo i measc fostaitheoirí.
Cumann Taorlach Mac Suibhne, Corcaigh
76
SF Clar 2015.indd 76
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Téarnamh Cothrom a Bhaint Amach - Margadh Úr do Thuatha na hÉireann 83.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo iarrachtaí Michelle O’Neill, Aire Talmhaíochta na Sé Chontae, chun a chinntiú go mbeidh na hÍocaíochtaí Aonfheirme cothrom maidir leis an idirbheartaíocht le déanaí ar leasú an CBT (Comhbheartas Talmhaíochta), rud a chuireann míchothroime stairiúil ina ceart agus rud a bhfuil tionchar mór aige ar fheirmeoirí sléibhe. Molaimid a cuid cinntí chun a mhó a dhéanamh de Scéim na bhfeirmeoirí Óga, ag cruthú aon réigiúin, agus an cinneadh a rinne sí chun a chinntiú go rachfar go gasta i dtreo bunráta i dtaca le hÍocaíochtaí Aonfheirme. Éilímid ar an Rialtas reatha i mBaile Átha Cliath sampla an Aire Michelle O’Neill a leanúint chun a chinntiú go gceartófar gach éagothromaíocht stairiúil a bhfuil tionchar diúltach aici ar chleachtais feirmeoireachta ár bhfeirmeoirí beaga.
Ard-Chomhairle
84.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an bprionsabal gur chóir d’fheirmeoirí luach cothrom a fháil ar a gcuid táirgí. • Nótálaimid na deacrachtaí reatha in earnáil na mairteola agus na déiríochta. • Tacaímid le hiarrachtaí Michelle O’Neill, Aire Talmhaíochta na Sé Chontae, a d’fhorbair lipéad táirgí uile-oileáin agus a d’aimsigh margaí úra trádála agus í ag aithint na ndianchaighdeán agus na mbeart inrianaitheachta atá ann chomh maith le ranna Rialtais a bheith ag roinnt sonraí ar fud an oileáin rud a chinntíonn táirgí ar ardchaighdeán. Cuirimid in éadan: • Na héagsúlachta agus an difir i luachanna mairteola a tháirgeann próiseálaithe mairteola ó Thuaidh agus ó Dheas. • Leithcheal próiseálaithe mairteola an Tuaiscirt ar eallach de chuid na 26 contae a bhfuil an lipéad maslach ‘NOMAD’ curtha orthu ó tugadh isteach pionóis le déanaí. • Leisce miondíoltóirí náisiúnta táirgí ó gach cearn den oileán a lorg. Éilímid ar mhiondíoltóirí fáil réidh le gach sonraíocht a bhfuil tionchar diúltach aici ar thrádáil agribhia uile-oileáin. Iarraimid go dtabharfar isteach rialtóir agribhia uile-oileáin chun a chinntiú go bhfaighe táirgeoirí toradh cothrom ar a gcuid táirgí.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
85.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuiltear ag ligean do mhonarchana móra feola agus do sraitheanna ollmhargaí luach na mairteola a stiúradh san am i láthair. • Gurb é an toradh atá air seo go bhfuil géarchéim ann i measc feirmeoirí feola nach bhfuil ag fáil luach cothrom ar a gcuid táirgí. • Go bhfuil dochar déanta d’inbhuanaitheacht ioncam na bhfeirmeoirí mar gheall air seo. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Simon Coveney, Aire Talmhaíochta an Deiscirt, idirghabháil a dhéanamh agus cosaint agus cúnamh a thabhairt dár gcuid feirmeoirí mairteola lena chinntiú go mairfidh a gcuid slite beatha beo. Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéantar mairteoil a rianú ón bpáirc go dtí an forc sa tír seo agus ní hamhlaidh atá an cás maidir le costais a thabhaítear agus brabúis a dhéantar mar chuid den phróiseas seo. Dá réir sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Gach eolas a bhaineann le costais, le táillí agus le brabúis gach aonáin tráchtála/comhlacht rialtais tri thimthriall iomlán na táirgiúlachta mairteola/déiríochta dul ar an taifead poiblí.
Cumann Bobby Sands, Ciarraí Cumann Roibéaird Eiméid, Tiobraid Árann
86.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann dul i ngleic le ceist na mapála i dtaca leis an bpobal feirmeoireachta agus éilímid go gcuirfear stop le gearradh aisbhreathnaitheach pionós faoin chóras digiteach mapála nua.
Cumann Bhéal Átha na Muice, Maigh Eo
87.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann dul i ngleic leis na ceisteanna a bhaineann le cigireachtaí feirme chun a chinntiú go bhfaighidh feirmeoirí rabhadh cuí maidir le cigireachtaí atá le déanamh chun go mbeidh go leor ama acu aon obair dheisiúcháin a chur i gcrích.
Cumann Bhéal Átha na Muice, Maigh Eo
77
SF Clar 2015.indd 77
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 88.
www.sinnfein.ie
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanann an scéim GLAS atá molta ag Rialtas na hÉireann leithcheal míchothrom ar fheirmeoirí coimíneachta agus éilímid ar an Rialtas an scéim a leasú chun go mbeidh feirmeoirí coimíneachta i dteideal chur isteach ar an scéim ar bhonn cothrom le feirmeoirí eile.
Lár/Iarthuaisceart an Chúige
89.
Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo an creimeadh leanúnach ar ioncaim theaghlaigh feirme agus éilímid: (a) Go n-aisiompófar athruithe 2012 agus 2013 ar Chúnamh Feirme mar ar tugadh isteach arduithe ar mheasúnú acmhainne agus mar ar cuireadh deireadh le neamhaird leanaí. (b) Go gcuirfear deireadh le pionóis aisbhreathnaitheacha a thugann ar fheirmeoirí, go míchothrom, íoc as neamhréitigh sa chóras mapála a d’fhaomh an Roinn Talmhaíochta. (c) Go gcuirfear deireadh leis an Moladh um Chomhaontú 50% le haghaidh Feirmeoirí Coimíneachta/Sléibhe.
Cumann Iorrais, Maigh Eo
90.
Tacaíonn Ard-Fheis seo leis: • Go n-iarrfaidh Sinn féin- bíodh siad sa Rialtas nó sa Fhreasúra mar prionsabal chun cothromais agus comhionannais - coigeartú ar dháileadh na n-íocaíochtaí aonfheirme chun ioncaim réasúnta a thabhairt do gach teaghlach feirme beag beann ar a méid. Go ndearbhaíonn Sinn Féin nach féidir bheith ag obair leis na srianta neamhriachtanacha, maorlathacha agus míloighciúla atá curtha sna riachtanais iontrála ar an scéim Glas mar a bhaineann sé le feirmeoirí sléibhe Iarthar na hÉireann. Is é atá anseo meicníocht chun srian a chur le híocaíochtaí, d’aon ghnó, do chatagóirí faoi leith feirmeoirí agus chun cur leis na híocaíochtaí d’fheirmeoirí móra ísealchríocha a bhfuil an t-aire reatha i bhfách leo. • Go ndéanfar na híocaíochtaí cúitimh a thabhairt le haghaidh cheantair ‘Chromán na gCearc’ mar a aontaíodh roimhe dóibh siúd atá srianta agus go gcuirfear deireadh leis an díothú d’aon ghnó is toradh ar neamhíoc feirmeoirí a bhfuil a gcuid tailte srianta ar an dóigh seo. • Go gcinnteoidh Sinn Féin mar phrionsabal i leith cothromais agus comhionannais trínár gcuid polasaithe go ndéanfar gach íocaíocht athdháilte shóisialta ar bhonn riachtanais agus ní ar bhonn sainte.
Cumann Iarthar an Cháir, an Clár
91.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo nach bhfuil cineálacha plandaí, agus iad caillte, inathnuaite, a bheag nó a mhór, agus aithnímid ról na bhfeirmeoirí, na ngortóirí agus na ngarraíodóirí maidir le córais thraidisiúnta tháirgthe bia agus an bhithéagsúlacht a chosaint. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo obair gach grúpa coigilte síolta ar fud na hÉireann agus ar bhonn idirnáisiúnta agus iad ag tabhairt cúnaimh lena chinntiú go mbeidh bia ann amach anseo trí éagsúlacht ghéiniteach a chosaint i bplandaí agus barra. Cé go gcuirimid fáilte roimh rialúcháin oiriúnacha sláinte agus sábháilteachta agus roimh chosaint an tomhaltóra, tá an Ard-Fheis seo in éadan reachtaíochta a dhéanann bagairt ar na grúpaí thuasluaite trí chostais neamhriachtanacha nó trí mhaorlathas sriantach a bhfuil feirmeoirí beaga agus táirgeoirí beaga thíos leo agus cuirimis in éadan aon chineáil paitinniú síolta. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo, freisin, go mbeidh sainrialacha do shaghsanna orgánacha ann sa reachtaíocht ábhartha a aithneoidh go ndéanann plandaí orgánacha iad féin a chur in oiriúint dá dtimpeallacht le himeacht ama.
Lár/Iarthuaisceart an Chúige
92.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Na deacrachtaí atá ag iascairí na hÉireann a aithint maidir le slí bheatha inmharthana a chinntiú mar gheall ar bhacainní nádúrtha agus rialála. • A aithint go bhfuil drochionadaíocht déanta ag Rialtas na hÉireann thar ceann thionscal iascaireachta na hÉireann ar leibhéal an AE le breis agus fiche bliain anuas. • A nótáil, ó bhí lár 90ídí ann, go bhfuil laghdú suntasach rialta ag teacht ar an iascaireacht tráchtála. Tá cruatan suntasach geilleagrach cruthaithe aige seo d’iascairí. Dá réir sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go gcuirfear deireadh le heisiamh iascairí ó Scéim Liúntais Maraithe sna 26 Contae. • Ar an bpáirtí dul i mbun feachtais le go dtabharfar isteach Aon-íocaíocht Bháid ar leibhéal na hEorpa. Ar a bharr sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an bpáirtí Cáipéis Polasaí um Iascach Tráchtála a chur le chéile. Ba chóir don pholasaí seo aghaidh a thabhairt ar na príomhcheisteanna, mar atá: • Easpa cuóta Éireannaigh - is é an toradh atá air seo nach bhfuil soithí iascaireachta na hÉireann ábalta brabach cuí a thabhairt d’úinéirí agus do chriúnna. 78
SF Clar 2015.indd 78
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
• Easpa ioncaim- tá iascairí agus a dteaghlaigh ag streachailt cheana féin ó thaobh airgid de agus tá laghdú ioncaim €31.46 milliún tuartha do 2015. • Easpa tacaíochta polaitiúla - is é an toradh air seo go bhfuil imeallú déanta ar phobail chósta ón bpróiseas polaitiúil reatha. • Coirpigh a bheith déanta d’iascairí as mionsáruithe mar gheall ar phionóis agus ar thaicticí tíoránta an Údaráis um Chosaint Iascaigh Mhara. • Dáileadh cuótaí (ronnaigh agus scadáin) - dáilte go míchothrom idir ár bpoirt iascaireachta, mar gheall ar chairdeas fabhair polaitiúil san am a chuaigh thart. • Neamhshuim - mar gheall ar an ngá atá ann fanacht laistigh de na rialacha, bíonn ar iascairí éisc shodhíolta a chaitheamh ar ais san fharraige. Tá Rialtas na hÉireann agus an tAE anois ag iarraidh deireadh a chur leis an gcleachtas seo trí rialacháin a thabhairt isteach, rialacháin atá do-oibrithe, dar le hiascairí.
Cúige Dheisceart na hÉireann Cumann Mhic Craith/Uí Bhriain, Port Láirge
93.
Cuirfidh an Ard-Fheis seo in éadan aon iarrachta chun ‘ceadúnas slaite’ a thabhairt isteach, sin nó cánacha cosúil leo ar shlatiascairí mara.
Cumann Uí Mhaonaigh/Uí Dhuinn Baile Átha Cliath
94.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an gcosc ar iascaireacht tráchtála bhaise ar uiscí na hÉireann agus cuirfimid in éadan aon iarrachta chun an reachtaíocht reatha a chur ar ceal.
Cumann Uí Mhaonaigh / Uí Dhuinn, Baile Átha Cliath
95.
Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo díol Arramar Teoranta, sócmhainn thábhachtach de chuid an stáit, ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus éilímid go ndéanfaidh Rialtas na hÉireann cearta buainteoireachta feamainne na mbuanaithe dúchasacha feamainne, na n-úinéirí talún agus na bpobal áitiúil a athdhearbhú chun a oiread buntáistí agus is féidir a bhaint amach do cheantair áitiúla agus múnla cóirthrádala in úsáid.
Cumann Iorrais, Maigh Eo
96.
97.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo an gá atá le cosaint shláine an tírdhreacha, na n-acmhainní nádúrtha agus na gceantar áilleachta nádúrtha sna cheantair thuaithe. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo polasaí pleanála tuaithe sna Sé Chontae a aithníonn éagsúlacht na tuaithe agus a théann i ngleic le riachtanais na gcónaitheoirí nach mbíonn i mbun feirmeoireachta.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair Aontroim Thuaidh Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • A aithint go bhfuil luach agus fiúntas ag baint leis an gclár forbartha tuaithe LEADER agus é ag tacú le forbairt pobal áitiúil agus le forbairt éagsúlacht tuaithe fud fad na hÉireann. • Tacaíocht a thabhairt do phrionsabal na forbartha pobalstiúrtha. • Sainordú a thabhairt do Shinn Féin dul i mbun feachtais chun smacht an phobail bheith ann ar bhonn leanúnach i dtaca le cur i bhfeidhm an chláir LEADER.
Cúige Dheisceart na hÉireann
98.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tionchar atá ag scor Scéim Náisiúnta Leathanbhanda Tuaithe ar chuid mhór teaghlach agus pobal ar fud an stáit, aithnímid gur tosaíocht atá ann córas leathanbhanda imleor a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimnitheach ar fud an stáit agus éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann a chinntiú go mbeidh an infheistíocht riachtanach ann chun seirbhís éifeachtach leathanbhanda a chur ar fáil ar fud an stáit.
Lár/Iarthuaisceart an Chúige Cumann Bobby Sands, Ciarraí Cumann Iorrais, Maigh Eo
99.
Tá an Ard-Fheis seo den tuairim nár chóir go mbeadh cead ag comhlachtaí amhail Eircom, an tÚdarás um Bóithre Náisiúnta etc. a bhfuil sé de chúram orthu an t-infreastruchtúr riachtanach a chur ar fáil, nár chóir go mbeadh cead acu leithcheal a dhéanamh ar cheantair iargúlta agus ar cheantair nach bhfuil ach daonra beag iontu. Ba chóir go gcuirfeadh rialtóir a bheadh ceaptha ag an Rialtas smachtbhannaí ar chomhlachtaí nach dtugann an tseirbhís atá fógartha agus ar fáil.
Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
79
SF Clar 2015.indd 79
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 100.
www.sinnfein.ie
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil difir mhóra in amanna práinnfhreagartha otharcharr ar fud na 26 Contae. In iarthar na hÉireann i roinnt cásanna a raibh bagairt don bheatha ann, tugadh freagairt ar 55% de na cásanna níos moille ná an spriocthréimhse. Cuireann an comhlacht ionadaíochta thar ceann Sheirbhís na nOtharcharr an locht as na moilleanna ar easpa pearsanra agus ar easpa feithiclí chomh maith le laghdú ar uainchlár na n-uaireanta. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo tacaíocht do mhaoiniú dhá otharcharr bhreise agus pearsanra do gach ceann de na ceithre réigiún.
Cumann Thuaisceart an Chláir, an Clár
101.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo an tábhacht atá leis an oifig phoist áitiúil i bpobail, go háirithe i bpobail tuaithe. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann athbhreithniú cuimsitheach a chur i gcrích ar an Treoir um Sheirbhísí Poist, lena n-áirítear a chur i bhfeidhm i measc Bhallstáit an AE agus na torthaí maidir le seirbhísí poist agus buntáistí sóisialta eile atá bainteach léi. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo, freisin, ar Rialtas na hÉireann tabhairt ar institiúidí na hEorpa bheith freagrach as a chinntiú go mbeidh measúnachtaí éifeachtacha trédhearcacha tionchair chun leas na tuaithe a chinntiú sa Treoir um Seirbhís Poist ar fáil in Éirinn agus i mBallstáit eile. Éilímid, freisin, ar Rialtas na hÉireann feidhmiú de réir a chumais reatha chun gréasán oifigí poist na tuaithe a chothabháil agus a chur chun cinn.
Lár/Iarthuaisceart an Chúige Cumann Uí Ghliasáin, Loch Garman
102.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Ard-Chomhaire nua dul i ngleic le ceist na héagothroime réigiúnaí trí straitéis chuimsitheach bunaithe ar chomhionannas a fhorbairt chun infheistíocht i gcúrsaí infreastruchtúir a chur chun cinn agus chun deiseanna fostaíochta a chur chun ar fud iarthar an Oileáin. I dtaca leis na Sé Chontae de, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfar straitéis a fhorbairt chun go gcuirfear i bhfeidhm gealltanas Chlár an Rialtais le dul i ngleic leis an éagothroime réigiúnach maidir leis an easpa infreastruchtúir agus easpa deiseanna fostaíochta taobh thiar den Bhanna agus fócas faoi leith a bheith ann ar an Iarthuaisceart (Dún na nGall, san áireamh) chomh maith le tacaíocht leanúnach do chur i bhfeidhm an ’AonPhlean’ le haghaidh athnuachan Chathair Dhoire agus an réigiúin.
Comhairle Ceantair Dhoire
103.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Cinneadh Michelle O’Neill, Aire Talmhaíochta agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe na Sé Chontae, a mholadh as a ceanncheathrú roinne a athlonnú san iarthuaisceart. • A nótáil gurb í seo an chéad cheanncheathrú roinne sna Sé Chontae a bheith lonnaithe taobh amuigh de mhórcheantar Bhéal Feirste. • A aithint go mbeidh buntáistí geilleagracha aige seo ar an gceantar áitiúil. • A éileamh ar Shinn Féin dul le polasaí a thacaíonn le dáileadh níos cothroime maidir le poist san earnáil phoiblí.
Comhairle Ceantair Ard Mhacha
80
SF Clar 2015.indd 80
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Téarnamh Cothrom a Chur i gCrích - Infheistíocht i Seirbhísí Poiblí
Sláinte 104. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: - A nótáil go bhfuil athleasú fréimhe agus craoibhe de dhíth ar chóras sláinte na hÉireann chun go mbeidh rochtain ag saoránaigh ar chóras cothrom atá dírithe ar riachtanais sláinte an daonra agus a bhfuil fócas faoi leith aige ar rochtain ar chúram príomhúil. - A éileamh go mbeidh an ceart in-fheidhmithe atá ag daoine ar shláinte agus ar chúram sláinte ,go mbeidh sin cumhdaithe i gCairt uile-Éireann um Chearta agus i mBunreacht uile-Éireann amach anseo agus go ndéanfar, idir an dá linn, iarracht chun Bunreacht reatha 1937 a leasú chun na cearta seo a chur san áireamh. - A éileamh go mbeidh athbhreithniú ann ar an dul chun cinn maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na ‘Físe chun Athraithe’ sna 26 Contae agus ‘Do Chúram a Athrú ó Bhun’ sna Sé Chontae agus go mbeidh slí chinnte ann i dtreo a gcur i bhfeidhm ina n-iomláine, lena n-airítear creatlach éagothromachtaí sláinte agus measúnú ar sheirbhísí reatha, an earnáil ENR (eagraíochtaí neamhrialtasacha) agus an dóigh is fearr chun iad a chomhtháthú. - A éileamh go mbeidh forbairt bhreise ann ar chomhoibriú idir an Tuaisceart agus an Deisceart maidir le ceisteanna sláinte lena n-áirítear tabhairt isteach seirbhísí nach bhfuil teacht orthu ar oileán na hÉireann faoi láthair, mar shampla, seirbhísí cairdiacha leanaí, seirbhísí andúile agus comhar ar mheabhairshláinte agus ar dhúshaothrú páistí. - A éileamh go mbeidh infheistíocht shuntasach ann i seirbhísí míchumais a bhfuil ciorrú cruálach leanúnach €159 milliún déanta orthu ó bhí 2008 ann lena chinntiú go bheidh seirbhís oiriúnach chothrom ann do gach duine. - A éileamh go mbeidh go leor comhairleach, altraí agus ball foirne sláinte comhghaolmhar ann in otharlanna sa chúram príomhúil chun na hollchiorruithe a bhí ann le roinnt blianta sna réimsí seo a aisiompú agus chun go mbeidh próisis imleora phleanála foirne ann chun fritháireamh a dhéanamh ar a bheith i dtuilleamaí ball foirne gníomhaireachta an iomarca. - A éileamh go mbeidh tuilleadh athleasuithe ar chóras na gCártaí Leighis sna 26 Contae, lena n-áirítear próisis iarratais nach bhfuil chomh dochraideach céanna a athchóiriú agus a athdhearadh, agus córas a bheith ann a chuireann iad siúd a bhfuil deacrachtaí sláinte acu san áireamh agus treoirlínte faoi leith a bheith ann do leanaí a bhfuil tinneas dáiríre orthu. - A éileamh go mbeidh soláthar an chúraim phríomhúil ann chomh luath agus is féidir, soláthar a bheidh iomlán saor in aisce ag pointe na seirbhíse agus a bheidh ar fáil do lucht iarrtha tearmainn ar oileán na hÉireann. - Ár ngealltanas a athdhearbhú i leith córas aonchéime um chúram sláinte pobalmhaoinithe a bheith ann atá saor in aisce ag pointe a thabhartha, agus a n-íoctar as trí chánacha cothroma forchéimnitheacha. - A éileamh go mbeidh daoine faoi bhun 16 bliana san áireamh sa reachtaíocht um chumas meabhrach atá a thabhairt chun tosaigh sna Sé Chontae.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Seamus Mac Sionnaigh, an Mhí
105.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo go mbainfear úsáid as an taighde mórluachach atá ann ar bhunachair shonraí de chuid an stáit nuair a bhíonn cúram á phleanáil agus á chur i bhfeidhm dóibh siúd a bhfuil sé de dhíth orthu. Ba chóir go mbeadh cothú na sláinte fíorthábhachtach sa chúram agus ba chóir úsáid na cáipéise sláinte ‘Cothromas Sláinte do Chách’ a chur i bhfeidhm. Ba chuid intreach an cúram príomhúil den cháipéis sin in 2001 , ach 13 bliana níos faide anonn, níl ann ach seacht n-aonad cúram príomhúil. Ní hionann seo agus cothromas do gach duine. Ní mór cistí a chur ar fáil d’infreastruchtúr an chúraim phríomhúil áit a bhfuil an fócas ar shláinte na n-othar agus áit a mbaintear úsáid as dea-chleachtas agus as cleachtas bunaithe ar fhianaise.
Cumann Paddy Wright, Cill Dara
106.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo nach scriosfar na cógais phearsanta a thugann na hothair isteach leo chun na hotharlainne. Ina áit sin, go n-aimseofar bealach chun na cógais a chur ar ais chuig baile an othair, nó más cuí, iad a thabhairt do na hothair san otharlann.
Cumann Kevin Coen/Martin Savage, Sligeach
107.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis na haltraí cláraithe ar fud an stáit agus iad ag cur in éadan an ardaithe shubstaintiúil ar tháillí clárúcháin chuig Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachas na hÉireann agus, ar a bharr sin, éilímid trédhearcacht iomlán ón NMBI (Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachas na hÉireann). 81
SF Clar 2015.indd 81
Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 108.
www.sinnfein.ie
Agus scannail drochíde ann na háiseanna cúraim le déanaí, cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo Treoir FSS le déanaí a mhaígh go mbeadh cóimheas is lú ann d’altraí cláraithe in áiseanna Cúraim do Dhaoine Aosta agus ,ar a bharr sin, éilímid ar an Rannóg Sláinte Poiblí dul a chaint le ceardchumainn altranais ar an gceist seo arís.
Cumann Markievicz/Uí Riain, Baile Átha Cliath
109.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann tabhairt faoi athleasú fréimhe agus craoibhe ar Bhainistíocht na Rannóige Sláinte Poiblí agus ar a cuid riarthóirí chun mbeidh an fhreagracht agus an chuntasacht lárnach inti. Chomh maith leis sin, éilímid go leanfar na próisis smachta in éadan ball foirne a loiceann ar othair trína neamart nó trí ghníomhartha eile dá shórt agus éilímid go mbeidh meas ar chearta agus ar fhéinriar na n-othar i gcónaí agus iad faoi chúram an FSS.
Comhairle Ceantair Mhaigh Eo
110.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbeidh sainseirbhísí T&É ann ag an deireadh seachtaine lena chinntiú go gcuirfear cásanna a bhaineann le cúrsaí ólacháin ar a malairt slí ó sheirbhísí criticiúla T&É sa dóigh go mbeidh a dtionchar ar na seirbhísí seo chomh híseal agus is féidir ag an deireadh seachtaine.
Cumann John O’Reilly, Gaillimh Comhairle Ceantair Iarthar na Gaillimhe
111.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo a fhearg in iúl i dtaca le míbhainistiú bhuiséad na seirbhíse sláinte sa Tuaisceart agus éilímid ar an Aire Sláinte athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na tosaíochtaí caiteachais ar shláinte (go háirithe íoc bónas le baill foirne a bhfuil tuarastal ard acu cheana féin) agus a chinntiú go bhfuil na háiseanna cearta ag ceantar Iontaobhas Sláinte chun seirbhís éifeachtach sláinte a chur ar fáil dár gcuid saoránach.
Cumann Billy Reid, Tír Eoghain
112.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo cur chuige uile-Éireann chun dul i ngleic le hailse cheirbheacs agus laghdú a dhéanamh ar an aois scagthástála i ndiaidh bhás tragóideach Sorcha Glen.
Comhairle Ceantair Chathair Dhoire
113.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an géarghá atá le maoiniú, le cóireáil, le taighde, le haithint, le hoideachas agus le feasacht i leith Siondróm Ehlers–Danlos (SED).
Cumann Mhairtírigh Dhúiche Ealla, Corcaigh
114.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis go gcoinneofar an t-aon Sainionad Faoisimh um Scléaróis Iolrach sa Tuaisceart. Nótálaimid, lena chois seo, an tábhacht atá le soláthar oiriúnach faoisimh do dhaoine atá ag fulaingt le MS agus dá dteaghlaigh agus éilímid ar an Aire Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteacht Phoiblí gealltanas phoiblí a thabhairt do dhaoine ar fud na gcúig cheantar iontaobhais go gcoinneofar, go bhfeabhsófar agus go gcuirfear chun cinn an t-aon Ionad Faoisimh um MS.
Cumann Joe Cahill, Aontroim Comhairle Ceantair Aontroim Thuaidh
115.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbíonn daoine atá ar liúntas tinnis/míchumais ag brath cuid mhór ar chógais agus ar chóireáil chostasach agus nuair a bhíonn galar Crohn nó MS (a bhfuil patrúin mhírialta acu) ar dhaoine go mbíonn Cárta Leighis riachtanach fiú má bhíonn siad ábalta filleadh ar an obair sa ghearrthéarma.
Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
116.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar bhaill Shinn Féin agus ar a chuid ceannairí an Chairt um Galar Néarón Luadrach (MND) a shíniú. Aithníonn an Chairt seo 1. Go bhfuil sé de cheart ag daoine a bhfuil MND orthu diagnóis agus eolas luath a fháil. 2. Go bhfuil sé de cheart ag daoine a bhfuil MND orthu cúram agus cóireálacha ar ardchaighdeán a fháil. 3. Go bhfuil sé de cheart ag daoine a bhfuil MND orthu go gcaithfear leo mar dhaoine aonair agus go léireofar meas orthu agus dínit. 4. Go bhfuil sé de cheart ag daoine a bhfuil MND orthu an caighdeán is fearr saoil a bhaint amach. 5. Go bhfuil sé de cheart ag daoine a thugann cúram do dhaoine a bhfuil MND orthu go léireofar meas orthu, go n-éistfear leo agus go dtabharfar tacaíocht mhaith dóibh. Leagann an Chairt cúig phointe seo amach cad is cúram maith ann do dhaoine a bhfuil MND orthu agus dá n-oibrithe cúraim agus tá sé ceaptha le feasacht agus tuiscint ar an ngalar millteanach seo a ardú.
Cumann Mhairtítrigh Bhaile Andarsain
82
SF Clar 2015.indd 82
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie 117.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Mar gheall ar easpa maoinithe do phacáistí cúram baile, tá sé de nós ag otharlanna othair aosta a scaoileadh amach chuig cúram tithe altramais príobháideacha. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo, nuair atá othar aosta leochaileach á scaoileadh amach ón otharlann chuig teach altramais ar chúiseanna caighdeán saoil, agus i gcomhar leis an othar agus lena dteaghlaigh, go ndéanfar breithniú ar phacáistí cúram baile imleora a mhaoiniú díreach ó Mhaoiniú Idirthréimhseach Otharlann nó díreach ó mhaoiniú dáilte. Ligfeadh seo do dhaoine aosta fanacht mar chuid den phobal ar feadh na míonna nó na mblianta níos faide ná mar atá san am i láthair.
Cumann Kevin Coen/Martin Savage, Sligeach
118.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Luach Chónaidhm na hÉireann um Míchumas (DFI) a aithint, cónaidhm a thacaíonn le breis agus 595,00 Éireannach a mhaireann faoi mhíchumas agus a ghlacann páirt i bhFóram na hEorpa Um Míchumas (EFT), a dhéanann leas 80 milliún duine san Eoraip atá faoi mhíchumas. • Tacaíocht a thabhairt d’fhís ar son na hÉireann agus na hEorpa ina léiríonn an tsochaí meas ar gach duine faoi mhíchumas agus ina bhfuil an tsaoirse bhunaidh ann feidhmiú a dhéanamh ar na cearta atá sa Chairt Eorpach um Bunchearta, i Straitéis na hEorpa um Míchumas 2010-2012 agus i gCoinbhinsiún na Náisiún Aontaithe ar Chearta Daoine faoi Mhíchumas. • Sainordú a thabhairt do Shinn Féin dul i mbun feachtais le haghaidh Stiúrthóireacht Eorpach um Chuimsiú Míchumais agus chun leasuachtarán a cheapadh atá tiomnaithe do cheisteanna míchumais. • Tacaíocht a thabhairt d’fheachtas DFI agus EDF chun go mbeidh réimse cosaintí dlíthiúla ann in éadan tionchair dhiúltacha déine ar dhaoine faoi mhíchumas.
Cúige Dheisceart na hÉireann
119.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: - A éileamh go mbeidh athbhreithniú ann ar dhul chun cinn feidhmiú ‘Fís chun Athraithe’ (AVFC) sna 26 contae agus ‘Ár gCúram a Athrú ó Bhun’ sna Sé Chontae agus go mbeidh slí chinnte ann i dtreo a bhfeidhmithe ina n-iomláine, lena n-áirítear creatlach éagothromachtaí sláinte agus measúnú ar sheirbhísí reatha agus athbhreithniú orthu sin a thugann earnáil na n-eagraíochtaí neamhrialtasacha agus an dóigh is fearr chun iad a chomhtháthú - A éileamh go mbeidh tuilleadh forbartha ar thionscnaimh choiscthe féinmharaithe agus ar thacaíocht; go maoineofar feidhmiú ‘Altraí Measúnaithe Géarchéim Féinmharaithe’ sa chúram príomhúil agus altraí idirchaidrimh sna haonaid T&É; agus go maoineofar leathnú na comhairleoireachta ar leibhéal an chúraim phríomhúil. - Agus mall-luas cur i bhfeidhm ‘AVFC’ á aithint mar cheann de na laigí agus muid á nótáil gur eochairthoisc e clár déine an Rialtais: - A éileamh go mbeidh méadú ar mhaoiniú meabhairshláinte go sprioc de 10% den chaiteachas iomlán ar chúrsaí sláinte faoi réir AVFC agus go ndéanfar ar a laghad, an cheathrú cuid den 12,000 post atá molta ag AVFC a líonadh ar bhonn práinne.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Clonmult Martyrs, Corcaigh Cumann Taorlach Mac Suibhne, Corcaigh Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
120.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an easpa náireach maoinithe ó rialtais leantacha i seirbhísí meabhairshláinte, go háirithe in aoisghrúpa na ndéagóirí. Molaimid, mar sin, go ndéanfar clár feasachta meabhairshláinte a fhorbairt agus a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimnitheach i ngach meánscoil ar fud an stáit ar bhonn práinne.
Cumann Keating/Sands, Port Láirge Cumann Barret, MacCurtain, Corcaigh Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath
121.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo rialáil toitíní leictreonacha ar fud an Oileáin, lena n-áirítear cosc ar a n-úsáid san áit oibre agus iad a dhíol le mionaoisigh.
Cumann Ghearóid Uí Chathasaigh, Aontroim
122.
Dearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo polasaithe reatha Shinn Féin ar an nginmhilleadh agus: • Aithnímid go bhfuil ceist na mínormáltachtaí marfacha féatais iontach dáiríre agus coimpléascach i dtaca leis nginmhilleadh agus aithnímid go bhfuil gá le comhbhá. • Nótálaimid go gcuireann an dlí, ó Thuaidh agus ó Dheas, cosc ar mhná a bhfuil toircheas féatais mínormálta acu rochtain a fháil ar sheirbhísí dleathacha ginmhillte in Éirinn más é sin 83
SF Clar 2015.indd 83
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
a mian; nótálaimid an strus breise a chruthaítear nuair a bhíonn orthu taisteal le teacht ar sheirbhísí; nach bhfuil sé ar chumas cuid mhór ban taisteal le teacht ar na seirbhísí seo; agus nach bhfuil an stádas ceart inimirce ag cuid acu a ligeann dóibh bheith ag taisteal. • Éilímid go dtabharfar isteach creatlacha dlíthiúla ó Thuaidh agus ó Dheas a ligfeadh do mhná teacht ar sheirbhísí ginmhillte faoi na tosca teoranta seo. • Creidimid, nuair is mian le bean leanúint leis an toircheas, gur chóir gach tacaíocht a thabhairt don chinneadh sin agus go ndéanfar gach iarracht chun a chinntiú go mbeidh an cúram agus an tuiscint oiriúnach ann. • Éilímid go dtabharfar isteach prótacal uile-Éireann maidir le scagthástáil dhiagnóiseach réamhbheirthe i rith toirchis.
Ard-Chomhairle Cumann James Connolly, Baile Átha Cliath
123.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis go bhfaighidh gach páiste a dhéantar a dhiagnóisiú le breoiteacht mharfach nó míchumais sula dtagann siad ar an saol cosaint iomlán an stáit agus nach mbíonn cead ginnmhillte ann sna cúinsí seo.
Cumann Barrett/Mac Curtain, Corcaigh
124.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le héileamh ar aisghairm an 8ú Leasú ar Bhunreacht na hÉireann. Geallann Sinn Féin dul i mbun feachtais ina fhabhar seo má bhíonn aon reifreann ann air seo amach anseo.
Cumann James Connolly, Baile Átha Cliath
125.
Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur leis an mbean féin atá cearta síolraithe, smacht ar an gcorp agus smacht ar ghnéasacht na mná i ngach toisc faoi leith.
Cumann Pádraig Pearse, Doire
Bealach Chun Tosaigh san Oideachas 126. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: - Ár n-urlabhraithe sa Tionól agus sa Dáil a mholadh as an obair atá déanta acu éagothromachtaí oideachais a aibhsiú agus as an obair atá déanta acu chun deireadh a chur leis an gcóras dhá shraith. - Fáilte a chur roimh an gcomhobair leanúnach idir na Ranna Oideachais ar an Oileán tríd an obair atá déanta acu ar an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas. - A éileamh, arís, go mbeidh tuilleadh comhoibre ann idir na Ranna Oideachais agus na comhlachtaí reachtúla bainteacha chun riachtanais oideachasúla na bpáistí ar an oileán seo a bhaint amach go háirithe i dtaca leo siúd atá ar Chonair na Teorann. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
127.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Thomas Ashe, Cill Dhéagláin Comhairle Ceantair Cholin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
Éilíonn Sinn Féin ar Rialtas na hÉireann aisghairm a dhéanamh ar na ciorruithe agus maoiniú imleor fadtréimhseach a thabhairt don Chlár um Chur i gCrích an Oideachais a thugann tacaíocht bharrriachtanach do pháistí atá i mbaol luathimeachta ón scoil trí thionscnaimh amhail cláir iarscoile, clubanna bricfeasta, clubanna obair bhaile agus tionscnaimh shamhraidh a chur ar fáil
Cumann Patrick Cannon, Baile Átha Cliath
128.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Aire Fostaíochta agus Foghlama na Sé Chontae córas nua a thabhairt isteach ar bhonn práinne le riar ar riachtanais daoine óga a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta fostaíochta agus oideachais acu iar-19. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Aire Fostaíochta agus Foghlama straitéis na roinne a dhéanamh níos éifeachtaí maidir le cúnamh a thabhairt do dhaoine óga nach bhfuil ag gabháil don oideachas, do phost nó do thraenáil.
Cúige na 6 Chontae
129.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna sna 26 Contae na huaireanta acmhainne 100% a thabhairt ar ais do dhaltaí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta oideachais acu.
Cumann Charn Domhnaigh, Mhálanna, Dún na nGall
84
SF Clar 2015.indd 84
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie 130.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo fáilte roimh bhunú an Údaráis Nua Oideachais faoi Aire Oideachais an Tuaiscirt agus éilímid ar Fheidhmeannas na Sé Chontae reachtaíocht a chur i bhfeidhm chun ionadaithe pobail a thabhairt isteach sa chomhlacht nua.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
131.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Roinn Oideachais sna 26 Contae tabhairt ar gach scoil cur chuige cailín agus buachalla a bheith ann maidir le héidí scoile agus go mbeadh rogha ag daltaí, beag beann ar a n-inscne, sciorta nó bríste a chaitheamh.
Cumann Devlin/Plunkett, Baile Átha Cliath
132.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Fáilte a chur roimh fhoilsiú ‘an Athbhreithniú ar an nGaeloideachas Meánleibhéil’ ag Aire Oideachais Shinn Féin sa Tionól a thógann ar thaithí earnáil an Gaeloideachais ar fud na hÉireann trí leathnú a dhéanamh ar sholáthar meánoideachais. • Fáilte a chur roimh ghlacadh leis na moltaí le haghaidh Choláiste nua Dhoire i nDún Geimhin. • A éileamh ar na 26 Contae dul i ngleic le riachtanais na ndaltaí ar mhaith leo oideachas a fháil trí mheán na Gaeilge sa reachtaíocht ar iontrálacha scoile atá le foilsiú. • A éileamh ar an dá rialtas, Thuaidh agus Theas, leanúint ar aghaidh ag forbairt agus ag tacú leis an nGaeloideachas bunscoile agus meánscoile ar fud na hÉireann.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Ghearóid Uí Chathasaigh, Aontroim
133.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcoinneofar ardtéist na Gaeilge riachtanach do chúrsaí tríú leibhéal in ollscoileanna na 26 contae.
Ard-Chomhairle
134.
Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo: - Cur in éadan chinneadh Aire Fostaíochta agus Foghlama an Tuaiscirt bagairt a thabhairt go ngearrfar áiteanna don mhic léinn sa bhreisoideachas agus san ardoideachas. - A éileamh ar lucht bainistíochta na n-ollscoileanna sa Tuaisceart gan líon na n-áiteanna do mhic léinn a laghdú. - Cáineadh ar na ciorruithe leanúnacha ar earnáil an tríú leibhéal sna 26 Contae atá curtha i bhfeidhm ag an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna agus nótálaimid an laghdú 10% ar bhaill foirne acadúla ó 2008 go 2013 agus méadú 12% ar líon na mac léinn ó 2009-2013 fad atá maoiniú an rialtais in aghaidh an mhic léinn sa tríú leibhéal níos lú anois ná mar a bhí deich mbliana ó shin, rud a bhfuil impleachtaí móra aige ar an bhfoghlaim agus ar an teagasc. - Tiomantas Shinn Féin a athdhearbhú don Oideachas tríú leibhéal pobalmhaoinithe agus éilímid nach mbeidh aon ardú eile ar ranníocaíocht mac léinn sna 26 Contae.
Cúige na 6 Chontae
135.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na leibhéil arda dífhostaíochta san oirdheisceart agus an ghnóthachtáil íseal tríú leibhéal agus ceathrú leibhéal sa réigiún agus tacaímid le soláthar ollscoile san oirdheisceart chun seirbhís a thabhairt le haghaidh riachtanais an phobail agus nótálaimid: • Gurb í an t-oirdheisceart an t-aon réigiún ar an oileán nach bhfuil ollscoil aige. • Moilleadóireacht maidir le comhtháthú Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Cheatharlach agus Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Phort Láirge agus a n-iarratas ar stádas Ollscoile Teicneolaíochta. • Teip an Rialtais maidir le luacháil a dhéanamh agus áiseanna a chur ar fáil i dtreo ollscoil a bhunú sa réigiún. • Gur chóir d’aon ollscoil sa réigiún na caighdeáin agus na critéir is airde a bhaint amach agus í a shuíomh i measc na n-ollscoileanna is fearr ar an oileán. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo, mar sin, ar Rialtas na hÉireann: • Atiomnú d’ollscoil san oirdheisceart. • Maoirsiú a dhéanamh ar dhearbhú iomlán-neamhspleách ar ábaltacht Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Cheatharlach agus Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Phort Láirge critéir Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta a bhaint amach. • Nasc agus comhobair a dhéanamh leis na páirtithe leasmhara chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear ollscoil ar fáil sa réigiún ar an dóigh is oiriúnaí, is praiticiúla agus is tráthúla.
Comhairle Ceantair Phort Láirge
85
SF Clar 2015.indd 85
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Ag cur deireadh leis an nGéirchéim Tithíochta 136. Nótáileann an Ard-Fheis seo: • An ghéirchéim leanúnach i dtaca le tithíocht agus easpa dídine le breis agus 98,000 teaghlach ar liostaí feithimh do thithíocht agus níos mó daoine ná riamh i lóistín géirchéime nó gan aon dídean. Diúltaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Don stráitéis tithíochta a d’eisigh Rialtas na 26 Contae le déanaí, nach bhfuil ann ach plean nach n-éireoidh leis freastal ar na mílte saoránach a bhfuil tithíocht de dhíth orthu sa stát seo agus plean a leagann freagracht na tithíochta ar an earnáil phríobhaideach agus an earnáil dheonach. Teipeann ar fad uirthi freisin cúram a dhéanamh den ghéirchéim tithíochta gan aon infheistíocht mhór i dtithíocht fógartha in ainneoin chasadh an Rialtais ar an scéal. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go láidir gur féidir teacht ar réiteach ar an ngéirchéim tithíochta agus gur féidir linn deireadh a chur le heaspa tithíochta agus daoine a bheith gan dídean go fadtéarmach a fhad is go bhfuil an toil pholaitiúil ann é a dhéanamh. Tiomnaíonn Sinn Féin: • €1billiún sa bhreis ar chaiteachas an Rialtais a infheistiú chun tús a chur le tógáil 6,600 teach ar a laghad laistigh de 18 mí, ag cruthú post agus ag laghdú ar an mbrú atá ar réadmhaoin phriobháideach ar cíos. • Scéim Rialaithe Cíosa a thionscain a fhéachfaidh chuige go rialófar cíosanna agus go mbeidh cosaint ann in éadan ardaithe éagóracha. • Éarlaisí tionóntaí a chosaint trí Scéim Choinneála Earlaisí a bhunú a reáchtálfaidh an Bord um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe Príobháideacha. • Caiteachas ar easpa tithíochta a nascadh le riachtanachas agus féachaint chuige go mbeidh lóistín cuí éigeandála ar fáil. • Féachaint chuige go mbeidh lóistín ar fáil dóibh siúd ag teacht amach as easpa dídean agus lóistín éigeandála. • Rialacha um Íocaíocht Cúinaimh Tithíochta a leasú ionas go gcoinníonn iad siúd a fhaigheann íocaíocht a áit ar an bpríomhliosta tithíochta. • Tarraingt anuas iomlán ar mhaoiniú lóistín don Lucht Siúil ag údaráis áitiúla a chinntiú. • Leithcheal ar fhaighteoirí íocaíochtaí tacaíochta cíosa a dhéanamh mídhleathach. • An Ceart ar thithíocht a chumhdach i mBunreacht na hÉireann.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Devlin/Plunkett, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Thomas Ashe, Cill Dhéagláin Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
137.
Go mbunaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo Grúpa Tithíochta Uile-Éireann chun polasaí tithíochta a athbhreithniú agus comhairle a thabhairt faoi, soláthar reatha tithíochta a athbhreithniú agus comhairle a thabhairt faoi, tithíocht ar cíos san earnáil phríobháideach neamhrialaithe a athbhreithniú agus comhairle a thabhairt faoi (praghsáil aníos amháin agus bunú cothromas níos fearr idir an tionónta agus an tiarna talún san áireamh), straitéis éifeachtach tithíochta tuaithe, ag athbhreithniú reachtaíocht tithíochta ábhartha ar fad, ról na gcumann tithíochta agus le comhairle a thabhairt faoi chúrsaí eile tithíochta.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair An tSléibhe Dhuibh Cúige na 6 Chontae Cumann Traolach MacSuibhne, Corcaigh
138.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na fadhbanna tromchúiseacha a bhaineann le pleanáil a cheadaigh arís agus arís eile tógáil eastát mór tithíochta gan infrastruchtúr ceart iontu chun ligean do phobail fás. Tiomnaímid ár n-ionadaithe tofa chun féachaint chuige go bhfuil infrastructúr cuí mar chuid d’aon phleanáil tithíochta mar chuid den iarratas.
Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Cúige na 6 Chontae
86
SF Clar 2015.indd 86
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie 139.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo obair cumann áitrítheoirí ar fud an oileáin a dhéanann a ndícheall a bpobail a dhéanamh níos sábháilte agus áiteanna níos fearr le cónaí iontu a dhéanamh dóibh. Aithnímid gur fhág údaráis tithíochta agus reachtúla na grúpaí seo gann in acmhainní agus tiomnaímid an páirtí le stocaireacht a dhéanamh chun margadh níos fearr a fháil do na grúpaí pobail seo. Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Cúige na 6 Chontae
140.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo feachtas de chuid Shinn Féin le haghaidh reachtaíochta chun ligean don stát rialúcháin ar chíosanna agus costais eile atá i gcoinne leas coiteann an phobail a leagan síos.
Cumann Charlie McGlade, Baile Átha Cliath
141.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann tosaíocht a dhéanamh den imscrúdú ar cheist na mbloc lochtach Mica (míoca moscóíte) de chuid na Roinne Comhshaoil agus rialtas áitiúil agus scéim chúitimh airgid a sholáthar do shealbhóirí tí a bhí thíos leo.
Cumann Charn Domhnach/Mhálanna, Dún na nGall
142.
Tiomnaíonn an Ard Fheis seo í féin chun stocaireacht ghníomhach a dhéanamh sa Tuaisceart ar son údarás tithíochta aonair a choinneáil chun: • Féachaint chuige go bhfanann soláthar tithíocht shoisialta i seilbh phoiblí. • Pleanáil straitéiseach a sholáthar do sheirbhísí tithíochta, easpa tithíochta san áireamh. • Dul i ngleic le seicteachas i dtógáil agus soláthar tithíocht shoisialta. • Féachaint chuige go bpleanáilítear tithíocht shoisiala ar fad ar bhonn riachtanas an phobail. • Soláthar comhpháirtíochta le pobail a neartaíonn rannpháirtíocht an phobail i ngach leibhéal de thithíocht a sheoladh isteach. Cúige na 6 Chontae
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair An tSléibhe Dhuibh
143.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann tithe soisialta a thógáil a bheidh faoi chúram gach comhairle áitiúil sna 26 Contae. Féachfaidh seo chuige go mbeimid in ann pobail a fhorbairt ar bhealach comhaimseartha agus rathúil. Le clár cúig bliana i dtosach ba chóir go mbeimis in ann dul i ngleic le cuid mhór de na heasnaimh a d’fhág rialtais nach raibh de chúram acu ach amharc i ndiaidh na sealbhóirí bannaí agus iad siúd a d’fhreastail ar a riachtanais.
Cumann Paddy Wright, Cill Dara
144.
Admhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo an brú airgeadais a cuireadh ar roinnt údarás áitiúil mar gheall ar an Scéim Chomhiomlánaithe Talún a bheith ag teacht chun deiridh. I lár géirchéim tithíochta, éilímid ar an Rialtas cistiú leormhaith a sholáthar do chomhairlí áitiúla chun tithíocht shoisialta a thógáil a bhainfidh leas as tailte a bhfuil an cead pleanála agus na seirbhísí acu dá leithéid d’fheidhm.
Cumann Mairéad Farrell, Gaillimh
145.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le clár tógála do thithe inacmhainne, ina dhíolfar tithe le ceannaithe céaduaire ar chostphraghas (talamh moide costas tógála). Beidh coinníollacha ann nach féidir le héinne níos mó na aon cheann amháin a bheith acu, nach féidir iad a úsáid le haghaidh tithíocht ar cíos san earnáil phríobháideach, agus nach féidir iad a dhíol ach ar an mbuncostas coigeartaithe le haghaidh boilscithe. Infheisteofar an t-airgead a fhorchúiteofar ó dhíol na dtithe seo i dtógáil tuilleadh tithe. Féachfaidh an caiteachas caipitiúil céanna chuige go soláthrófar tithe nua go rialta amach anseo.
Cumann Traolach Mac Suibhne, Corcaigh
146.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfaí grinnfhiosrúchán níos grinne ar thionóntaí údaráis áitiúil toisc go bhfuil lúbanna ar lár ann a fhágann go dtugtar tithíocht údarás áitiúil do dhaoine atá ciontach as iompar frithshoisialta.
Cumann Charlie McGlade, Baile Átha Cliath
147.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann aithint nach bhfuil na tairsigh fhorlíontacha cíosa reatha oiriúnach don fheidhm agus beart a dhéanamh láithreach chun iad a chur ar aon dul le cíosanna margaidh reatha. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin ar chumachtaí agus acmhainní neartaithe don Bhord um Thionóntachtaí Cónaithe Príobháideacha chun féachaint chuige go gcosnófar cearta agus freagrachtaí tionóntaí agus tiarnaí talún araon.
Cumann Devlin/Plunkett, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Patrick Cannon, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell, An Clár
148.
Nótálann an Ard Fheis seo: • Go gcónaíonn thar 4,000 fear, ban agus páistí laistigh de chóras an tsoláthair dhírigh faoi láthair fad agus atá siad ag fanacht ar chinntí faoina n-iarratais ar thearmann; tá cuid mhaith dóibh tar éis maireachtáil 87
SF Clar 2015.indd 87
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
laistigh den chóras seo ar feadh níos mó ná seacht mbliana, leis an tromlach díbh ag maireachtáil laistigh den chóras ar feadh trí bliana nó níos mó. Tugann an Ard Fheis seo faoi deara: • Nach bhfuiltear siúd atá ag lorg tearmainn i dteideal obair a lorg nó a dhéanamh agus nach bhfuil fáil acu ar bhreisoideachas;. Aithníonn an Ard Fheis seo: • Nach dtugann córas an tsoláthair dhírigh mórán saoirse do thuismitheoirí cinntí a dhéanamh faoi thógáil a bpáistí agus beagan deise ar shaol normálta teaghlaigh a bheith acu. • Go gcaithfidh beartais chun glacadh le daoine atá ag lorg tearmainn meas ar dhínit dhaonna a léiriú. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Údarás do Shinn Féin cur in aghaidh chóras an tsoláthair dhírigh, ag éileamh go gcuirfí deireadh leis agus ina áit tacaíonn sé le beartais fáiltithe a chumhdaíonn prionsabail dínite, neamhspleáchais, agus imeasctha.
Cúige Dheiscirt na hÉireann Cumann Charlie McGlade, Baile Átha Cliath Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair An tSléibhe Dhuibh Cumann Hurson/Quirke, Gaillimh Cumann O’Malley/McEvilly, Caisleán an Bharraigh, Maigh Eo
149.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo ceart phobal an Luchta Siúil taisteal ar fud na hÉireann gan srianta dochraideacha nó míchuí a bheith leagtha orthu. I dtaca leis seo aithnímid gur chóir go gcuirfí níos mó láithrean stad/neamhbhuan ar fáil agus áiseanna cuí ar fáil iontu. Éilímid freisin ar an Ard-Fheis seo aithint go bhfuil ceart ársa tógtha ag pobal an Luchta Siúil na hearraí seo acu a dhíol ag aonaigh ar fud na hÉireann. Ar an bhonn sin, ceapaimid gur chóir go ligfí dóibh déanamh amhlaidh agus údaráis áitiúla an méid sin a éascú dóibh.
Cumann Martin Hurson, UCC
88
SF Clar 2015.indd 88
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Dlúthpháirtíocht Idirnáisiúnta 150.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo an reifreann stairiúil a reáchtáladh sa Chatalóin ar 9 Samhain 2014 agus éilíonn sí ar Rialtas na Spáinne reachtaíocht a rith a ligfidh don Catalóin reifreann ceangailteach a reáchtáil ar cheist an neamhspleáchais.
Ard Chomhairle
151.
Ceadaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ceapachán urlabhraí náisiúnta ar an Diaspóra don pháirtí agus éilíonn sí ar Shinn Féin: • Meitheal a bhunú trí oifig an urlabhraí náisiúnta chun polasaithe ar cheisteanna a bhaineann leis an Diaspóra a fhorbairt. • Comhthadhall agus plé a dhéanamh le páirtithe leasmhara maidir le forbairt an pholasaí. • Féachaint chuige go mbeidh polasaithe ar bith atá á bhforbairt mar chuid d’aon Chlár Rialtais a bheadh á cheapadh agus á chur i bhfeidhm ag an bpáirtí. • San idirlinn, coinneofar Rialtas na hÉireann cuntasach agus spreagfar é le haon tionscnamh polasaí a thugann Sinn Féin ar aghaidh a chur i bhfeidhm. • Coinníonn an páirtí, trínár mballraíocht agus ár n-ionadaithe tofa, cúrsaí Diaspóra ar an gclár agus lorgann sé leasuithe dearfacha sna hinstitiúidí agus na heagraíochtaí ina bhfuil ionadaíocht againn.
Ard Chomhairle
152.
Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo sceimhle stáit de gach saghas i bhfianaise thuarascáil 9 Nollaig 2014 an tSeanaid faoin íde bhrúidiúil agus mídhleathach a thug an CIA dá phríosúnaigh.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair An tSléibhe Dhuibh
153.
Ar 17 Deireadh Fómhair 2011, tharla Comhdháil Idirnáisiúnta ar Réiteach na Coinbhleachta i dTír na mBascach i Donostia/San Sebastian. I measc na n-ionadaithe idirnáisiúnta a bhí i láthair bhí iar-Rúnaí Ginearálta na Náisiún Aontaithe Kofi Annan agus Uachtarán Shinn Féin Gerry Adams. Mar thoradh ar an gcomhdháil cuireadh Forfhógra Aiete i láthair. Mhol an forfhógra seo próiséas dialóige agus idirbheartaíochta agus réamhfhorfhógra faoi scor deifnídeach i ngníomhaíocht armtha ETA. Fógraíodh forfhógra ETA faoi scor deifnídeach cúpla lá ina dhiaidh sin, rud a chruthaigh deis uathúil agus stairiúil tabhairt faoi chúiseanna agus iarmhairtí na coinbhleachta. I mí Iúil 2014, d’eisigh ETA ráiteas eile ag fógairt go raibh a struchtúir mhíleata ag teacht chun críche agus go raibh tús á chur le próiseas le deileáil le ceist na n-arm. Sa suíomh nua seo, áfach, teastaíonn tuilleadh céimeanna chun bogadh i dtreo réiteach polaitiúil ar an gcoinbhleacht. Caithfidh beartais pholaitiúla bheith mar fhreagairt ar an scor i ngníomhaíocht armtha, críoch a bheith ag teacht le struchtúir mhíleata ETA agus tús a bheith á chur le próiseas chun deileáil le ceist na n-arm chun na coinníollacha a bhainfidh síocháin chóir agus bhuan amach a chruthú. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar údaráis na Spáinne agus na Fraince na beartais a leanas a chur i bhfeidhm chun próiseas síochána Thír na mBascach a dhlúthú: - Deireadh le polasaí an scaipthe (beartas aondeonach a chuirtear i bhfeidhm ar phríosúnaigh Bhascacha) agus aistriú láithreach príosúnach a bhfuil spreagadh polaitiúil acu níos cóngaraí dá dteaghlaigh mar chéim thosaigh i dtreo scaoileadh luath. - Scaoileadh láithreach príosúnach atá i dteideal parúil. - Scaoileadh láithreach príosúnach atá go dona tinn, príosúnaigh ar chóir a bheith scaoilte faoi reachtaíocht reatha chun cóir leighis a fháil dá dtinnis. - Scaoileadh láithreach Arnaldo Otegi agus iad siúd a cuireadh i bpríosún mar gheall ar a ndearcadh polaitiúil nó gníomhaíocht pholaitiúil i bpáirtithe polaitiúla, eagraíochtaí óige, gluaiseachtaí sóisialta, nó sna meáin. - Díbhe na bpróiseas a bhaineann leis na ceisteanna seo, chomh maith le cealú aon bharántas gabhála Eorpach a eisíodh i dtaca le gníomhaíochtaí den saghas céanna. Ina theannta sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus na hinstitiúidí polaitiúla ról gníomhach a ghlacadh in éileamh ar Rialtas na Spáinne a pholasaí reatha baic atá ag déanamh a bheag den deis stairiúil seo a athrú agus ina ionad sin tacú le próiseas dialóige chun síocháin cóir agus bhuan a bhaint amach i dTír na mBascach. Ard Chomhairle Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
89
SF Clar 2015.indd 89
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 154.
www.sinnfein.ie
Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh cheapachán Martina Anderson FPE mar Chathaoirleach ar Thoscaireacht na Palaistíne de Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus tacaíonn sí léi an ról sin a úsáid chun aird a tharraingt ar na héagóracha atá á ndéanamh ar mhuintir na Palaistíne ina bhfeachtas le saoirse agus a stát féin a bhaint amach. Cáineann an Ard Fheis seo tuairgneáil Iosrael ar Stráice Gaza thar 50 lá in Iúil agus Lúnasa 2014 a raibh bás breis agus 2,200 Palaistíneach mar thoradh uirthi, agus a raibh 519 díobh ina bpáistí faoi 12 bliain d’aois. Creidimid gur choir chogaidh a bhí i mbuamáil infrastruchtúr sibhialtach cosúil le hospidéil agus scoileanna agus ar an mbonn sinn gur chóir do Bhinse Idirnáisiúnta na gCoireanna Cogaidh í a imscrúdú. Éilímid tógáil láithreach léigear pionósach agus mídhleathach Stráice Gaza, oscailt na dtrasnuithe teorann go léir, cuan Gaza san áireamh agus síneadh na teorann iascaireachta. Cáineann an Ard Fheis seo nasc-ghabháil leanúnach Iosrael ar thalamh Palaistíneach ar an mBruach Thiar agus Oirthear Iarúsailéim a sháraíonn dlí idirnáisiúnta agus Coinbhinsiún 1949 na Ginéive. Éilímid cur i bhfeidhm rún na Náisiún Aontaithe agus cur i bhfeidhm dlí idirnáisiúnta. Ina theannta sin, cáinimid na hionraí fíor-ghríosaitheacha Iosraelacha ar chompún Al-Haram alSharif in Oirthear Iarúsailéim, ceann de na trí shíomh is tábhachtaí san Ioslám. Shíneann an Ard-Fheis seo ar ndlúthpháirtíocht leanúnach le muintir na Palaistíne agus spreagann sí lán-tacaíocht don fheachtas baghcait agus dífheistithe ar earraí agus seirbhísí Iosraelacha. Éilímid go háirithe go scorann Rialtas na hÉireann láithreach de bheith ag ceannach armála ó dhéantúsóirí arm Iosraelacha. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis roimh na rúin ar tacaíodh leo sa Seanad agus sa Dáil ag éileamh ar Rialtas na hÉireann Stát na Palaistíne a aithint go foirmealta ar bhonn teorainneacha 1967 agus Oirthear Iarúsailéim mar príomhchathair aige. Éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann seo a dhéanamh gan a thuilleadh moille.
Ard Chomhairle Mick Murray Cumann, Dublin Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair An tSléibhe Dhuibh Cumann Mhic Gabhann/Uí Fhearghail/Uí Ghríofa, Baile Átha Cliath Cúige Dheisceart na hÉireann Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
155.
Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an dul chun cinn leanúnach san idirbheartaíocht i bpróiseas síochána na Colóime. Éilímid ar an Úachtarán Santos a atoghchán a úsáid lena chinntiú go gcríochnóidh agus go gcuirfidh Rialtas na Colóime i bhfeidhm próiseas síochána atá inmharthanach agus mar thoradh ar idirbheartaíocht le FARC. Is cúis aiféala againn cinneadh na Dála Comhaontú Saorthrádála an AE leis an gColóim a rith. Ní bheidh an Comhaontú seo le leas eacnamúil an ghnáth-Cholómaigh agus níl na clásail faoi chearta daonna láidir go leor i bhfianaise thaifead náireach Rialtas na Colóime i dtaca le cearta daonna.
Ard Chomhairle
156.
Seolann an Ard-Fheis seo beannachtaí dlúthpháirtíochta chuig Rialtas na hAirgintíne ina dtroid i gcoinne creach-chistí príobhaideacha atá ag baint an bhoinn dá mbeart athstructúraithe fiachais agus ag iarraidh an tír a bhancbhriseadh. Treisíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ár dtacaíocht le féinchinntiúchán na rialtas sin i nDeisceart Mheiriceá, Meiriceá Láir agus an Chairib polasaithe faoinár toghadh iad a leanúint gan cur isteach ón taobh amuigh agus díchobhsú inmheánach. Molaimid iad siúd a bhfuil a bpolasaithe ag dul i ngleic go héifeachtach le bochtanas, éagothroime agus ciníochas sa réigiún. Nótálann an Ard Fheis seo freisin atoghchán Evo Morales mar Úachtarán ar an Bholaiv agus a obair leanúnach ag cur i bhfeidhm athchóirithe socheacnamaíocha forchéimnitheacha atá ag laghdú bochtanais agus éagothróime sa tír. Nótálaimid leis go bhfuil an Rialtas i Veiniséala a toghadh go daonlathach ag cur i gcoinne iarrachtaí ó dhaoine sa fhreasúra ar an éite dheis an tír a dhíchobhsú trí shlite eacnamaíocha agus foréigneacha.
Ard Chomhairle
90
SF Clar 2015.indd 90
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Poblacht do Chách – Athchóiriú Polaitiúil agus Cothromas 157.
Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis a tacaíocht do chothromas de gach saghas agus a tacaíocht do chothromas pósta don phobal LGBTI. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go ndéanfaidh gach ball de Shinn Féin stocaireacht láidir ar son cothromas pósta sa reifreann atá le bheith sna 26 Contae i mbliana. • Go rithfear reachtaíocht sa Tionól chun na cearta céanna a cheadú do shaoránaigh LGBTI sna Sé Chontae. Tá an Ard-Fheis seo: • I gcoinne iarrachtaí an DUP a ‘gClásal Coinsiasa’ mar dhea a rith, beart a bheadh ag iarraidh chomhchearta a shéanadh ar shaoránaigh LGBTI.
Ard Chomhairle Cumann Phádraig Mac Piarais, Doire Cumann Devlin/Plunkett, Baile Átha Cliath Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
158.
-
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil an ghéirchéim eacnamaíochta tar éis aird a tharraingt mar ba chóir ar easnaimh mhóra sa chóras polaitiúil agus go bhfuil ciall cheannaithe go dlistineach ag saoránaigh le córas polaitiúil atá tar éis iad a ligean síos, córas nach bhfuil aird go leor aige ar a ngnáthshaol agus nach bhfuil ábalta deacrachtaí reatha a réiteach nó beart a dhéanamh ar son gnáthshaoránach. - Samhlaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo, i bhfíor-Phoblacht go mbeadh cearta ag saoránaigh agus go mbeadh an sochaí bunaithe thart ar na cearta seo ar luachanna lárnacha poblachtacha agus daonlathacha, rud a chinnteoidh cothromas do chách. - Rialófaí gach earnáil go trédhearcach sa dóigh is go mbeadh a institiúidí agus a gníomhaireachtaí go léir freagrach. - Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo Comhghuaillíocht Fhine Gael/Phairtí an Lucht Oibre as an tslí a bhfuil teipthe ar fad orthu a ngealltanais faoi athchóiriú na polaitíochta agus ar n-institiúidí a chur i gcrích, is teip í seo a rinneadh níba mheasa trí shráith tubaistí agus cairdeas fabhair gan náire, foghthoghchán an tSeanaid agus eachtra McNulty san áireamh, rudaí atá tar éis cur go mór le ganntanas iontaobh an phobail sa pholaitíocht. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann: - Rialachas na hearnála poiblí a nua-aoisiú i gcomhthéacs athchóiriú polaitiúil níos leithne, ceapacháin phoiblí san áireamh a gcaithfidh a bheith oscailte, trédhearcach agus iomaíoch, bunaithe ar thuillteanas in ionad cairdeas fabhair. - Deireadh le húsáid gilitíní ar reachtaíocht agus díospóireacht. - Gealltanas Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta Fóram Saoránach agus Comharliúcháin Uile-Éireann a chur i bhfeidhm. - Cearta labhartha agus comhairliúcháin do FPanna an Tuaiscirt agus Baill Tionóil sa Dáil agus sa Seanad. - Aisiompú a dhéanamh ar an gcleachtas neamhdhaonlathach de chuid choistí na Comh-aireachta faoina ghlacann siad cinntí feidhmiúcháin go heisiach ar chruinnithe foirmiúla an Rialtais féin (an Comhairle cheathrar ball um Bhainistiú Geilleagrach san áireamh) - Na moltaí ón Tionól Bunreachtúil a bhrostú go práinneach chuig céim an reifrinn agus ligean do shaoránaigh cead cainte a bheith acu agus na nithe seo san áireamh; an aois vótála a ísliú go 16; an t-alt um mhná sa bhaile a leasú; cothromas pósta; cearta vótála don uachtaránacht do shaoránaigh an Tuaiscirt agus dóibh siúd atá ina gcónaí lasmuigh d’Éirinn; athchoiriú na Dála; cearta eacnamúla, soisialta agus cultúrtha. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus Meitheal Athcoirithe an tSeanaid: - Dul i gcomhairle go críochniúil leis na páirtithe agus na grúpaí ar fad laistigh den Oireachtas ach le saoránaigh na tíre i gcoitinne chomh maith le machnamh a dhéanamh ar an tslí is fearr chun an Seanad a athchoiriú chun féachaint chuige go mbeidh sé ina institiúid chuimsitheach, ionadaíoch agus fhreagrach. - Toghchán díreach a thabhairt isteach trí thoghchóras uilíoch saoránach na hÉireann ar fad. - Ionadaíocht Tuaisceartach agus Diaspóra a thabhairt isteach. - Ballraíocht 50 faoin gcéad do mhná a thabhairt isteach. - Féachaint chuige go mbeidh ionadaíocht ann do mhionlaigh imeallaithe i sochaí na hÉireann.
Ard Chomhairle Cumann Wolfe Tone, Cill Dara
159.
Éilíonn an Ard Fheis seo reachtaíocht a ligfidh do shaoránach ar bith atá in aois vótála, ach iad an líon sínte a theastaíonn a bhailiú, reifreann a spreagadh laistigh d’achar sáinithe ama.
Cumann Thomas Ashe/Mairéad Farrell, An Longfort
91
SF Clar 2015.indd 91
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 160.
www.sinnfein.ie
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go mbíonn an córas pinsin agus speansais do pholaiteoirí tofa ag leibhéal an stáit agus údaráis áitiúil iomarcach agus díréireach go romhinic. • Tá cuid de na leasuithe a rinneadh i gcóras na bpinsean do pholaiteoirí tofa sna 26 Contae easnamhach, sa mhéid is nach gcuirtear i bhfeidhm go hiarghabhálach iad. • Tá grúpa de 119 iar-Aire Oireachtais ach go háirithe atá ag fáil dhá phinsin de réir an tseanchórais. Ar an mbonn sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • Teorainn le tuarastail, speansais agus pinsin gach ball den Oireachtas agus údaráis áitiúla. • Cur I bhfeidhm iarghabhálach gach socrú nua pinsin
Comhairle Ceantair Chathair Chorcaigh Cumann an Óglaigh Diarmuid O’Neill , Corcaigh Cumann Lawlor/Mulvihill/Clashmealcon Martyrs, Ciarraí
161.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfidh an córas pinsin d’ionadaithe poiblí ar aon dul le taithí gnáthoibrithe áit nach bhfaightear pinsean go dtí an aois scoir dleathach. Sna 26 Contae bhainfeadh sé seo leis an Acht um Phinsin sa tSeirbhís Phoiblí (Scéim Shingil agus Forálacha eile) 2012 a chur i bhfeidhm, a leagann an aois ceart pinsin ar dhaoine a thagann isteach i ndiaidh an 1 Eanáir 2013.
Cumann Hogan/Riain/Loinsigh, Luimneach
162.
Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo seasamh reatha an pháirtí ar fhorais phoiblí neamhspleácha (nó mar is fearr aithne orthu Eagraíochtaí Neamhrialtasacha Nach Mór Uathrialaitheach nó ‘Quangos’) mar seo a leanas: - Tá Sinn Féin i gcoinne cruthú quangos nach bhfuil gá leo, go háirithe nuair a d’fhéadfaí an obair atá i gceist a dhéanamh ar bhealach oiriúnach laistigh de roinn Rialtais nó eagraíocht phoiblí reatha eile. - Aithnímid áfach, go bhfuil feidhmeanna poiblí ar leith ann ba chóir a bheith a láimhseáil ag foras poiblí atá neamhspleách ar an Rialtas, go háirithe nuair is cearta Bunreachtúla nó bunchearta eile saoránach atá i gceist agus/nó nuair ba chóir leas poiblí a chosaint ó leas dílsithe. - Dearbhaímid gur seo an tástáil a dhéanaimid chun cinntiú cé acu ar chóir tacú le forais phoiblí neamhspleácha reatha a choimeád sa tsiúl nó cur ina gcoinne nó foras poiblí neamhspleácha nua a chruthú. - I ngach cás, ba chóir go raibh cistiú poiblí d’forais mar seo ag brath ar thrédhearcacht iomlán agus freagracht maidir leis an úsáid a bhaineann siad as cistí poiblí agus níor chóir don luach saothair don bhainistíocht dul thar a chomhionann sa Státseirbhís. - Ar an tslí chéanna, ba chóir go raibh ceapacháin phoiblí ar bhoird bhainistíochta nó do rólanna POF laisigh de na forais seo ag brath ar phróiseas oscailte agus trédhearcach. Ba chóir go raibh ceapacháin den saghas seo bunaithe ar fhiúntas agus bheith á ndéanamh de réir prionsabal idirdealadh dearfach chun méadú na héagsúlachta a chinntiú. - Beartaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo agus iad sa Rialtas go dtabharfaidh Sinn Féin faoi athbhreithniú ar na forais go léir den saghas seo agus súil acu gan ach na cinn a bhfuil na critéir thuasluaite comhlíonta acu a choimeád agus na feidhmeanna ar fad eile a thabhairt ar ais faoi choimirce Ranna Rialtais.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
163.
Ag aithint go bhfuil teorainn Bhunreachtúil ann faoi láthair le líon na n-airí atá in ann suí i gComh-aireacht na 26 Contae (socraithe ag 15), éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: - Ar an Ard Chomhairle athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar ghealltanais polasaí a rinneadh roimhe faoi aireachtaí breise nó aireachtaí soisearacha i bhFeidhmeannas na 26 Contae, agus sin a chur i gcrích a luaithe agus is féidir i 2015. - Beartaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo gan tuilleadh gealltanas polasaí a dhéanamh i dtaca le rólanna Comhaireachta molta go dtí gur féidir an anailís seo a chríochnú. - Ina theannta sin, beartaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir anailís costais is tairbhe a dhéanamh i gcónaí sula moltar atheagrú ar Roinn Rialtais chun féachaint chuige go mbeidh an tairbhe féideartha don phobal níos suntasaí ná an costas a bhainfeadh leis an chur isteach ar na bunseirbhísí a sholáthraíonn an Roinn atá i gceist.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
164.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo ról tábhachtach na Bunreachta mar an ráthaíocht is bunúsaí ar chearta gach 92
SF Clar 2015.indd 92
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
saoránaigh agus aithníonn sí freisin nach féidir fíor-ionnanas a bhaint amach i sochaí na hÉireann fad agus a nascann an Bhunreacht leas an reiligiúin agus rialtas don phobal atá san iomaíocht lena chéile. Geallann Sinn Féin mar sin go mbainfidh sé gach tagairt reiligiúnda as Bunreacht na hÉireann, rud a chinnteoidh saoirse choinsiasa agus smaointeoireacht reiligiúnda do gach saoránach agus a chruthóidh córas rialtais a fhaigheann a údarás ó na daoine a bhfuil sé ag freastal orthu, muintir na hÉireann.
Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
165.
Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil Sinn Féin tiomanta don eaglais agus an stát a scaradh i ngach cúinse mar bhunús le poblacht atá fíordhaonlathach agus cuimsitheach agus mar sin de geallann sí teagasc reiligiúnda agus creideamh pearsanta a choinneáil amach ó dhréachtú agus aontú dlí agus polasaí ar fud an oileáin seo. Cumann Phádraig Mac Piarais, Doire
166.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar rialtas láir agus áitiúil socrúcháin fleisc-am agus oibriú ón bhaile a chur i bhfeidhm go hiomlán nuair is cuí agus aithníonn sí go mbeidh na nithe a leanas mar thoradh air: • Níos lú taistil do chomaitéirí, go háirithe i gceantair tuaithe. • Táirgiúlacht níos fearr. • Níos lú asláithreacht tinnis • Coigilt shuntasach ar oifigí agus eastáit. • Buntáistí comhshaoil. • Níos lú brú tráchta
Comhairle Ceantair Aontroma Thuaidh
167.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an t-ionchur suntasach a bhíonn ag daoine óga inár sochaí. Nótálann sé leis síneadh ceart vótála do dhaoine 16 agus 17 bliain d’aois sa reifreann ar neamhspleáchas na hAlban le déanaí agus fáiltíonn sé roimh an tionchar déarfach a d’imir seo ar dhaonlathas rannpháirteach in Albain. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo mar sin go n-ísleofaí an aois vótála i ngach toghchán agus reifreann feasta go 16.
Cúige na Sé Contae Comhairle Ceantair An tSléibhe Dhuibh Coiste Náisiúnta Óige
168.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir don Ard Chomhairle fiosrú a dhéanamh ar an bhféidearthacht scéim vótála riachtanach a thabhairt isteach le go mbeidh torthaí toghcháin ann atá fíordhaonlathach. Ba chóir seo a bhunú ar shamhail na hAstráile agus ba chóir í a chur i bhfeidhm ar bonn 26 Contae.
Cumann Piarais McCann, Tiobraid Árann
169.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leasú ar Acht Tochcháin 1992 chun ligean do shaoránaigh de chuid na hÉireann a chónaíonn taobh amuigh den stát ceart vótála agus cláraithe a bheith acu mar thoghthóirí i dtoghcháin Uachtaránachta, Dála, Eorpacha agus údaráis áitiúil: • Leasú ar Ranna 7, 8, 9 agus 10 d’Acht Tochcháin 1992 áit a mbainfear den Reacht an coinníoll ar shaoránaigh de chuid na hÉireann a bheith ‘ina gcónaí de ghnáth’ sa Stát, agus ar an tslí sin ag ligean d’eisimircigh vótáil i dtoghcháin Uachtaránachta, Dála, Eorpacha agus údaráis áitiúil. • Aguisín a chur le Roinn 14 den acht thuasluaite chun ligean d’iontráil saoránach neamhchónaitheacha ar liosta na bpostvótálaithe. Go dtí go leasófar an reacht seo, nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo critéir na gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim don ‘ghnáthcónaí’ agus éilíonn sí go n-úsáidfí an sainmhíniú seo chun saoránaigh Éireannacha atá ina gcónaí taobh amuigh den stát a cháiliú le vótáil suas go dtí tús an cheathrú bliain dóibh a bheith as láthair.
Cumann Mac Diarmada/Gilgunn, Liatroim
170.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go n-atarraingeofaí na teorainneacha toghcháin áitiúla chun aird a thabhairt ar aonaid pobail nó tuaithe a bheith sa toghlimistéar áitiúil céanna agus gur critéar é achar agus toghlimistéir áitiúla a dtarraingt.
Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell, An Clár
171.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an bpáirtí neamh-chomhionannas inscne a aithint ní amháin mar cheist do mhná ach gur ceist í ar chóir d’fhir tabhairt fuithi freisin. Chun sin a aithint éilímid ar an Ard-Fheis seo aontú le feachtas dlúthpháirtíochta na Náisiún Aontaithe do mhná ‘He for She’ agus aird a thabhairt ar an bhfeachtas seo agus polasaithe á ndéanamh againn.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin
93
SF Clar 2015.indd 93
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Ag Úsáid ár nAcmhainní Nadúrtha ar mhaithe leis an bPobal 172. Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuilimid ag tarraingt ar dheireadh ré an ola shaoir. • Go mbeidh éagobhsaíocht eacnamúil, neamhdhiongbháilteacht fuinnimh, agus leibhéil níos airde bochtanais, tearcrochtain fuinnimh san áireamh, mar thoradh ar muid a bheith ag brath ar bhreoslaí iontaise amach anseo. • Ní féidir leis an damáiste don chomhshaoil atá mar thoradh ar úsáid breoslaí iontaise leanúint ar aghaidh. • Ba chóir go mbainfí úsáid as acmhainní nadúrtha ar thalamh, san fharraige, agus san aer chun leas mhuintir na hÉireann agus ba chóir iad a úsáid ar bhealach atá freagrach go soisialta. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an gá le foinsí malartacha fuinnimh agus breosla atá in-athnuaite agus slán ó thaobh an chomhshaoil de a aimsiú chun go mbeimid in ann: • Ár spleáchas ar bhreoslaí iontaise a laghdú. • Teacht ar ionadaí don ola nuair a ritheann sé amach. • Éirí níos neamhspleáiche agus féinleorga ó thaobh fuinnimh de chun slándáil fuinnimh a bhaint amach. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo forbairt Straitéis Uile-Éireann um Bhreosla In-athnuaite a: • Mheasfaidh gach foinse in-athnuaite inmharthana fuinnimh – fuinneamh ó acmhainní a athnuaitear laistigh d’achar gairid ama cosúil le solas na gréine, gaoth, fearthainn, an taoide, tonnta, agus teas geoitearmach. • Chuirfidh forbairt fuinnimh agus breosla in-athnuaite mar bhealach chun ár spleáchas ar bhreoslaí iontaise agus laghdú leibhéil tearcrochtana fuinnimh chun cinn. • Chuirfidh cosaint an chomhshaoil chun cinn. • Chuirfidh earnáil nua gheilleagrach san fhuinneamh in-athnuaite chun cinn. • Chuirfidh úinéireacht phobail-stáit foinsí fuinnimh in-athnuaite chun cinn chun féachaint chuige go bhfanann na buntáistí as giniúint fuinnimh leis an bpobal agus go mbaintear úsáid astu chun leas ginearálta an tsochaí. • Threiseoidh an gá le fuinneamh in-athnuaite a fhorbairt ar mhaithe le leas an phobail. • Thacóidh le húinéireacht phobail-stáit agus a chuirfidh í chun cinn ar mhaithe leis na daoine sin a chónaíonn ar an oileán seo agus córas ann atá cosúil leis an gcur chuige comhoibríoch a leantar i dtíortha eile. • Maidir le fuinnimh gaoithe, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go rialófaí an tionscail go docht. Éilímid rialacháin pleanála dochta nuair a thagann sé chuig forbairt feirmeacha gaoithe.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na Sé Chontae
173.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le cur chun cinn an ghrianfhuinnimh chomh maith le rialú feirmeacha mór-scála chun féachaint chuige go bhfuil forbairtí ag teacht leis an gceantar agus leis an tírdhreach áitiúil.
Cumann Gerard Casey, Aontroim
174.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo forbairt Fheirm Ghaoithe Phobal Theampall Doire i gCo. Thiobraid Árann mar eiseamláir a d’fhéadfaí a leanúint i gceantair eile ina bhfuil forbairtí fuinneamh in-athnuaite le bheith déanta. Ar an mbonn sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbronnfaí cead pleanála ar iarrthóirí atá ag súil le thar 1 mheigeavata d’fhuinneamh in-athnuaite a ghiniúint ar an gcoinníoll go ndéanann siad conradh leis an údarás áitiúil go dtabharfar 6.25% de scaireanna na comhlachta san fhorbairt mholta chun áiseanna pobail sa cheantar in aice leis an bhforbairt a chistiú go díreach agus ar mhaithe le húinéireacht chomharchumainn de chuid an phobail áitiúil mar leas saoil san fhorbairt, is é sin an 6.25% de scaireanna na comhlachta. Beidh an 6.25% seo de scaireanna na comhlachta ar an íosmhéid ar féidir leis comharchumann pobail a bheith aige san fhorbairt seo. Coinneofar dáileadh na scaireanna seo agus cistí ar bith a thuillfear uathu ar iontaobhas ag an údarás áitiúil go dtí gur féidir comharchumann pobail a bhunú sa cheantar áitiuil. Dáilfidh an comharchumann tuilleamh ó na scaireanna seo ar thionscnaimh pobail agus eagraíochtaí sa cheantar díreach taobh leis an bhforbairt. Beifear ag súil le go fóill leis na gnáthchoinníollacha pleanála agus caithfear cloí leo. Ba chóir don údarás pleanála féachaint chuige nach sáraítear sláine pleanála agus deartha an Phlean Forbartha Áitiúil.
Cumann Charles J Kickham, Tiobraid Árann
175.
• Nótálann an Ard Fheis seo gur lig bunú Margadh Leictreachais Aonair (MLA) uile-Éireann i 2007 do na gineadóirí fuinnimh ar fad ar an oileán cur le linn aonair fuinnimh. 94
SF Clar 2015.indd 94
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
• Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir go soláthródh comhchuibhiú uile-Éireann gnóthachain éifeachtúlachta trí dhéanamh ar shiúl le dúbláil acmhainní agus praghsanna níos ísle do thomhaltóirí. • Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil sé riachtanach go bhfuiltear siúd a bhfuil baint acu leis an gcoiste MLA, Rialtóir na bhFóntas sa Tuaisceart, agus an Coimisiún um Rialáil Fuinnimh sa Deisceart, ag comhoibriú ar mhaithe le leas tomhaltóirí fuinnimh sa dá dhlínse. • Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbeadh togra an MLA mar chuid den Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas, le hairí ar an dá thaobh den teorainn ag comhoibriú chun féachaint chuige go bhfaigheann tomhaltóirí an margadh is fearr agus is féidir.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
176.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Go bhfuil EirGrid ag athbhreithniú na dtionscadal GridWest agus GridLink agus súil acu leis na cáblaí leictreachais a chur faoin talamh ar feadh cuid de na cúrsaí seo ar a laghad. • Trí thionscadal an Idirnascaire Thuaidh-Theas a fhágáil as aon athbhreithniú, go bunúsach táthar ag caitheamh le pobal réigiún na teorann mar shaoránaigh ísealchéime. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo: • An comhairliúchán agus an rannpháirtíocht chéanna i dtaca le tionscadal an nascaire ThuaidhTheas, measúnú mionsonraithe ar dhul chun cinn an tionscadail trí cháblaí faoin talamh san áireamh, faoi mar a bhí i gceist leis na tionscadail GridWest agus GridLink. • Ina theannta sin, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Ard Chomhairle nua-cheaptha, agus ionadaithe tofa Theach Laighean agus Thionól an Tuaiscirt: • Cur i gcoinne tabhairt isteach an nascaire Thuaidh-Theas Eirgrid/NI Electricity trí línte cumhachta lastuas crochta ar phiolóin a úsáid. • Tuarascálacha ráithiúla a chur thart ó urlabhraithe na bpáirtithe, Thuaidh agus Theas, faoi seach ar dhul chun cinn i dtreo na hairí Rialtais, an Comh-aireacht/Feidhmeannas sa dá dhlínse faoi seach, agus Eirgrid/NI Electricity a bheith ag glacadh leis an riachtanas nach féidir leanúint ar aghaidh leis an tionscadal seo ach amháin trí cháblaí faoin talamh a úsáid.
Cúige Lár Tíre/an Iarthuaiscirt Comhairle Ceantair Mhuineachain
177.
Is cúis aiféala ag an Ard-Fheis an cinneadh a rinne Bord Soláthair an Leictreachais le déanaí deireadh a chur leis an scéim phíolótach a lig do shealbhóirí tí 9 cent a fháil ar gach cileavatuair cumhachta a ghintear. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo dréachtú polasaí ag an bpáirtí a ligfidh do shealbhóirí tí fuinneamh inathnuaite a dhíol leis an ngreille ar bhealach níos éasca. Cuideoidh seo le daoine a bheith neodrach ó thaobh carbóin de san úsáid fuinnimh seo acu trí, mar shampla, grianphainéil a chur ar an díon agus fuinneamh breise a dhíol leis an ngreille sa samradh, rud a thabharfadh sochar dóibh do mhíonna an gheimhridh agus ar an mbonn sin ag laghdú billí bliantúla do theaghlaigh. Ba chóir machnamh a dhéanamh ar scéim dheontais mar chuid de seo, rud a ligfidh do dhaoine gléasanna spárála fuinnimh a chur isteach. Tá an struchtúr reatha praghsála, is é sin táillí níos airde d’úsáideoirí leictreachais níos lú, téann sé in aghaidh an chaomhantais. Ní mór don rialálaí deireadh a chur leis an gcóras seo agus deireadh a chur le pionós a ghearradh ar thithe a ghineann a gcuid cumhachta féin, nó a úsáideann leictreachas go cúramach.
Cumann Traolach Mac Suibhne, Corcaigh
178.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo reifreann chun cumhdach a dhéanamh ar chearta mhuintir na hÉireann ar úinéireacht acmhainní nadúrtha na tíre agus an t-ioncam ar fad ó na hacmhainní nadúrtha seo a úsáid ar mhaithe le leas an phobail.
Cumann Roibéaird Eiméid, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Caisleán Nua, Luimneach
179.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo tuarascáil Nollaig 2014 ón Údarás um Fhuinneamh Inmharthana a fuair amach go bhfuil praghsanna fuinnimh na hÉireann ag méadú níos gaiste ná an meán Eorpach, méaduithe de 19 faoin gcéad agus 29 faoin gcéad i bpraghsanna leictreachais tí agus tionscail ó 2010 san áireamh, agus cáineann sí ganntanas aon pholasaí Rialtais chun dul i ngleic le méaduithe i dtearcrochtain fuinnimh agus praghsanna fuinnimh. Treisíonn an Ard-Fheis seo a tacaíocht d’fhuinneamh in-athnuachana agus spreagann sé iarracht níos mó i dtreo Éire a sprioc cheangailteach AE a bhaint amach, is é sin gur chóir go dtiocfadh 16 faoin gcéad d’fhuinneamh na hÉireann ó fhoinsí in-athnuachana faoi 2020. Dá réir sin, failtíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh aighneacht Shinn Féin do chomhairliúchán Páipéar Glas na Roinne Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha agus spreagann sé an páirtí an aighneacht seo a úsáid mar bhunús le polasaí cuimsitheach fuinnimh de chuid an pháirtí, arna dréachtú le rannpháirtíocht ghníomhach agus oscailte na mball.
Cumann Eiméid/Uí Chléirigh, Baile Átha Cliath
95
SF Clar 2015.indd 95
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 180.
www.sinnfein.ie
• Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tábhacht a bhaineann le cosaint chomhshaoil. • Nótálann an Ard-Fheis go gclúdaíonn comhshaol na hÉireann na 32 contae ar fad agus gur chóir sin a aithint i gcinntí polasaí. • Aontaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir glacadh go dáiríre le himní faoin gcomhshaol, go háirithe nuair atá tionscnaimh mhóra infrastruchtúir a imríonn tionchar ar an gcomhshaol agus a bhfuil cur isteach mór ag baint leo á gcur i bhfeidhm. • Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo bunú Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil ar bhonn uileÉireann a bhfuil na cumhachtaí riachtanacha aici chun dlíthe cosanta comhshaoil a chur i bhfeidhm.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
181.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbaineann rialuithe níos boige le sceitheadh in uiscí cósta i gcomparáid le huiscí inbhearacha agus éilíonn sí ar ár mbaill tofa oibriú i dtreo fhreaschur ainmniúchán Loch Feabhail mar uiscí cósta.
Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
182.
Atreisíonn an Ard-Fheis seo a tiomantas cosc a chur ar fhraiceáil in Éirinn agus aithníonn sí an tionchar a d’imreodh forbairt dá leithéid ar thionscail na turasóireachta agus na talmhaíochta má ligtear di dul ar aghaidh.
Comhairle Ceantair Aontroma Thuaidh Cumann Carndonagh/Malin, Dún na nGall Cumann Bhéal Atha na Muice, Maigh Eo
183.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann a dualgas cúraim do mhuintir na hÉireann a chur i gcrích agus gach bealach féideartha a úsáid chun cosc a chur le tógáil agus coimisiúnú aon fhearas nua nuicléach, nó athchoimisiúnú aon fhearas reatha dá leithéid, ar fud chósta iarthair oileán na Breataine. Chomh maith leis sin go nglacann sé ar láimh ní amháin cur ina choinne ach stocaireacht ghníomhach a dhéanamh i gcoinne forbairt ar bith dá leithéid agus go léiríonn sé ceannaireacht idirnáisiúnta do thíortha beaga eile a mhothaíonn faoi bhagairt ag an gcúrsa atá á ghacadh ag a gcomharsana níos cumhachtaí.
Comhairle Ceantair Mhuineachain Cumann Uí Chianáin/ Uí Dhochartaigh, Muineachan Cumann Mhistéil/Uí Sheachnasaigh, Muineachan
184.
Is trua leis an Ard-Fheis seo an cur amú airgid ar an gcóras nua cód poist nach ndéanfaidh aon rud fiúntach agus an riocht atá anois air seachadh poist a éascú agus a bhfuil an baol ag baint leis go gcuirfidh sé le creimeadh ainmneacha na mbailte fearainn.
Cumann Caisleán Nua, Luimneach
Cearta an Linbh 185. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo: • Ar Rialtas na hÉireann a thiomantas do Choinbhinsiún um Chearta an Linbh de chuid na Náisiún Aontaithe. • Aithníonn sé cáineadh Chomghuaillíocht um Chearta an Linbh ar Éirinn as gan caighdeán cuí maireachtála bheith ar fáil agus gan cearta cothroime agus neamhleithcheala bheith ann do leanaí. • Aithníonn sé freisin go bhfuil 10% de leanaí sna 26 Contae ina gcónaí faoi bhochtaineacht leanúnach sa bhliain 2014, a bhogann Éire níos cóngaraí do bhun an liosta de 41 tír forbartha de réir tuarascála le déanaí ó Chiste Éigeandála Idirnáisiúnta na Náisiún Aontaithe do Leanaí (UNICEF). • Iarrtar ar Rialtas na hÉireann beart a dhéanamh de réir a bhriathair maidir leis an tiomantas a thug sé sa reifreann ar chearta an linbh sa bhliain 2012, chun cur chuig bunaithe ar an leanbh a ghlacadh maidir lena chosaint agus chun cosaint leanaí agus bearta um chosaint shóisialta a bhunú ar leas an linbh.
Cúige Éireann Dheas
186.
Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfear maoiniú cuí ar fáil do Tusla (an Ghníomhaireacht um Leanaí agus Theaghlaigh) ionas gur féidir le seirbhísí ar nós Ionaid Éigeandála Éignithe seirbhísí fadtéarmacha comhairliúcháin agus tacaíochta a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd atá thíos faoi ainíde gnéis. Ba chóir go 96
SF Clar 2015.indd 96
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
mbeadh seirbhísí den chineál seo faoi riail áitiúil ionas go mbeadh teacht orthu agus go mbeadh seirbhís chomhsheasmhach ann. Ba chóir do Shinn Féin tosaíocht a dhéanamh de seo, is cuma cé acu mar Rialtas nó mar Fhreasúra é. Níor chóir go mbeadh seirbhísí tacaíocht teaghlaigh nó seirbhísí atá bunaithe ar inscne maoinithe ag Tusla bheith thíos faoi chiorruithe ar bith eile agus ba chóir go mbeadh maoiniú cuí ar fáil dóibh.
Cumann Uí Mháille/ Mhic an Mhíleadha, Maigh Eo Cumann Uí Ghliasáin, Loch Garman
187.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfidh Rialtas na hÉireann i bhfeidhm straitéis chun naíolanna pobail a raibh a thoilleadh le coinneáil acu a mhaoiniú mar is ceart agus chun seirbhísí cúraim leanaí d’ardchaigheán atá thíos mar gheall ar chiorruithe a fhorbairt mar sheirbhís riachtanach pobail inár gcomharsanachtaí, seirbhísí as a n-eascraíonn torthaí dearfacha don phobal.
Cumann Markievicz/Uí Fhearghail, Baile Átha Cliath
188.
Don Ard-Fheis seo: • Agus cuireann fáilte roimh na treoracha frithbhulaíochta a tugadh isteach i scoileanna na 26 Contae agus éilíonn sé go gcuirtear i bhfeidhm ar bhonn reachtúil iad agus go gcuirtear maoiniú breise ar fáil do scoileanna chun cleachtais choisctheacha a chur i bhfeidhm. • Cuireann fáilte roimh an reachtaíocht atá á forbairt i láthair na huaire sa Tionól chun beartais scoileanna in aghaidh gach cineál bulaíochta, lena n-áirítear bulaíocht homafóbach, creidimh, cine agus bulaíocht in aghaidh daoine atá míchumasach. • Éilíonn go ndéantar straitéis in aghaidh na ciberbhulaíochta a fhorbairt ar bhonn uileoileánda chun an dul chun cinn dearfach atá déanta cheana féin a fhorbairt.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
189.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbeidh suirbhé ar bhonn náisiúnta ann ar cheist na bulaíochta agus go mbeidh éileamh sa suirbhé sin ar shainmhíniú nua a thabhairt ar chiall an fhocail ‘bulaíocht’ de réir an Fhoclóra Oxford English. Ina theannta sin, ba chóir go mbeadh sé riachtanach tuairisciú a dhéanamh ar an mbulaíocht. Cumann Ursáin/ Uí Chuirc, Gaillimh
190.
Léiríonn an Ard-Fheis seo an-imní maidir le scála agus tionchar na cibearbhulaíochta agus nótálann sé gur daoine óga iad bunús na n-íospartach cé go mbíonn baol ann do chách a úsáideann na meáin shóisialta. Nótálann an deacracht a bhaineann le reachtaíocht a chur i bhfeidhm a rachaidh go croí na faidhbe toisc go bhfuil an tIdirlíon agus na meáin shóisialta mar chuid lárnach de shaol an uile lae do go leor daoine agus go bhfuil sé chor a bheith dodhéanta monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar theachtaireachtaí pearsanta a fhaigheann tú ar ghléas a bhíonn á choinneáil i do phóca agat. Éilíónn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfidh Rialtas na hÉireann agus Tionól an Tuaiscirt maoiniú ar fáil do thionscadail phíolóta a mbeidh feachtais dhírithe mar thoradh orthu, á reáchtáil ag daoine óga, a bhíonn fostaithe, chun dul i ngleic le ceist na cibearbhulaíochta agus na trollála, lena n-áirítear scéim atá roghnach agus sainmhínithe go soiléir maidir le fóraim chomhrá. Éilíonn go ndéantar daoine óga a chumhachtú le ceannaireacht a ghlacadh ar an gceist seo as siocair gurb iad a bhíonn thíos faoi agus gurb iad freisin a bhfuil an t-eolas is mó acu faoin meán. Sa deireadh, molann an Ard-Fheis seo do dhaoine súil a choinneáil amach le haghaidh chomharthaí na cibearbhulaíochta agus molann go mbaintear úsáid as an Idirlíon ar bhealach slán agus freagrach.
Cúige na Sé Chontae
97
SF Clar 2015.indd 97
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
Póilíneacht agus Ceartas 191.
Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhféadfaí freastal níos fearr a dhéanamh ar shábháilteacht pobal áitiúil ar fud na hÉireann trí chomhoibriú, oiliúint agus trí phleanáil mhéadaithe idir An GardaSíochána agus SPTÉ. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfaí uasdátú ar an Straitéis Trasteorann um Phóilíneacht, a seoladh sa bhliain 2010, agus go ndéanfaí athbhreithniú air, lena n-áirítear: • Tiomantas, Thuaidh agus Theas, chun na torthaí ón straitéis do phobail áitiúla a uasmhéadú. • Meicníocht chun éifeachtacht na straitéise tras-Teorann a aimsiú, a thaifead agus a athmheas. • Comh-straitéis oiliúna agus dea-chleachtais don Garda Síochána/SPTÉ a fhorbairt. • Go dtabharfar faoin athbhreithniú chun éifeachtacht na socruithe reatha a uasmhéadú maidir le malartuithe pearsanta, iasachtaí, agus iontráil thaobhach.
• Dea-chleachtas a mhalartú maidir le rannpháirtíocht na póilíneachta agus pobail áitiúla. • Go n-amharcfar ar reachtaíocht chun moltaí a chur chun tosaigh do rannóga cuí, a chuirfeadh le cumas An Garda Síochána/SPTÉ bheith ag obair le chéile chun cóiriúlacht a aimsiú agus a chosc.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
192.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le haighneacht Shinn Féin ar leasú na póilíneachta sna 26 Contae ar a dtugtar ‘A New Beginning for Policing’. Cé go n-aithníonn muid gur fhógair Rialtas na hÉireann leasú áirithe, creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil gá le leasuithe breise má tá tús nua le haghaidh na póilíneachta i ndán dúinn sna 26 Contae agus éilíonn muid go gcuirfear moltaí Shinn Féin i bhfeidhm go hiomlán.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae
193.
Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil obair an Bhoird Phóilíneachta, Oifig Ombudsman na Póilíneachta agus na Cigireachta um Cheartas Coiriúil riachtanach chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar an bpóilíneacht agus go mbíonn sí cuntasach. Ní féidir barraíocht a rá faoin idirghníomhú idir na forais seo agus muinín a chruthú i measc an phobail maidir le cúrsaí póilíneachta. Déanann suim bheag de mhaoiniú don phróiseas um cheartas cóiriúil, i gcomórtas le suimeanna eile, difear an domhain do mhuinín an phobail; gníomh fritorthúil agus gearr-radharcach atá ann iarraidh ar na forais seo ciorruithe móra buiséid a thabhairt ar bord. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo, mar sin, ar Aire Dlí agus Cirt na Sé Chontae buiséad bliantúil na bhforas seo a fhortheilgean, fiú in aimsir seo na sriantachta buiséid, agus chun bearnaí i gcumhachtaí Ombudsman na Póilíneachta a leasú. Anuas air seo, éilíonn an Ard-Fheis ar fhorais mhaoirseachta ar bith ar na Gardaí a chomhionann de chumhachtaí a bheith acu agus atá ag forais ó Thuaidh, ar aon dul le soláthar Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta ar chearta daonna.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae
194.
Dearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo agus tacaíonn muid le cearta mhuintir na hÉireann dul i mbun na hagóide síochánta. Is beag leis agus cáineann sé go smior gníomhaíochtaí baill áirithe de An Garda Síochána in aghaidh ár saoránach. Iarrann sé ar Choimisinéir na nGardaí agus ar an Aire Dlí agus Cirt dul i ngleic leis an gceist láithreach agus ar Ombudsman na nGardaí iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar gach gearán a fhaightear ó shaoránaigh i gcásanna den chineál seo.
Cumann Oirthear an Chláir, Co. an Chláir Cumann Margaret Skinnider, Baile Átha Cliath
195.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo fáilte roimh ráitis le déanaí ó Ardchonstábla SPTÉ ar ‘Muinín a thógáil trí Phóilíneacht sa Phobal’. Aontaímid go bhfuil gá leis an gcoincheap seo chun cúrsaí póilíneachta a athrú sa Tuaisceart. Tá gá le níos mó a dhéanamh, áfach, lena chinntiú go nglacann gach leibhéal de SPTÉ le héiteas agus le himpleachtaí oibriúcháin na ‘Póilíneachta sa Phobal’. Nótálaimid cur i gcoinne leanúnach agus iarmharach ó chodanna áirithe de na póilíní maidir le rannpháirtíocht i agus cuntasacht do phobail áitiúla. Tá géarghá le glacadh le ‘Póilíneacht sa Phobal’ a fheabhsú ar leibhéal na Foirne Comharsanachta, an Aonaid, an Aonaid Freagartha, an Ghrúpa Um Thacaíocht Oirbheartaíocht agus ar leibhéil na Bainistíochta Oibriúcháin áitiúla. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo in iúl in athuair tacaíocht Shinn Féin d’obair na gComhpháirtíochtaí um Phóilíneacht agus Phobal, an Bhoird Phóilíneachta, agus a gcuid ionadaithe maidir le tacaíocht 98
SF Clar 2015.indd 98
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
gan choinníoll a chur chun cinn agus maidir le glacadh le ‘Muinín a Thógáil trí Phóilíneacht sa Phobal’.
Cumann Chaoimhín Uí Loingsigh, Doire
196.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tábhacht a bhaineann le pobail agus póilíní bheith ag obair le chéile trí chomhpháirtíocht fhíor agus chothrom agus cuimhnítear ar mholadh Patten “gur chóir go mbeadh an phóilíneacht laistigh den phobal bheith mar chroí-fheidhm na seirbhíse póilíneachta agus mar chroífheidhm gach stáisiúin póilíní”. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo, sa Tuaisceart: • Go go bhfuil gá leis an seirbhís póilíneachta a chur ar fáil trí chomhpháirtíocht chuimsitheach agus chuiditheach sa phobal agus go ndéantar é leis an méid is mó de dháileadh údaráis agus freagrachta. • Rinneadh comhpháirtíochtaí úra idir na póilíní agus pobail áitiúla a fhorbairt nach bhféadfaí a shamhlú 15 bliana ó shin agus is gá iad siúd a chur i bhfeidhm i ngach ceantar. • Is gá go dtiocfaidh forbairt ar rannpháirtíocht phobail - a bhfuil follasacht, cuntasacht agus tiomantas do chaighdeáin mhaireachtála daonna idirnáisiúnta mar bhonn leis. • Ní mór do ‘Póilíneacht sa Phobal’ a bheith mar bhonn ag cinneadh ar bith póilíneachta, is cuma más cinneadh faoi oibriúcháin phóilíneachta é, nó faoi cheantair a athstruchtúrú, nó faoin dóigh le dul i ngleic le srianta sa bhuiséad. • Níor chóir go mbeadh cead ag póilín ar bith teagmháil a chailleadh le croí-fheidhm ‘Póilíneacht sa Phobal’. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbíonn: • ‘Póilíneacht sa Phobal’ mar chroí-fheidhm ag an seirbhís phóilíneachta agus mar chroífheidhm ag gach stáisiún póilíní. • ‘Póilíneacht sa Phobal’ le neadú leis an oiliúint ionduchtaithe agus leis an traenáil inseirbhíse, i gcóras molta feidhmíochta (lena n-áirítear le haghaidh aonad speisialtóireachtaí), i gcinntí ar bith faoin mbuiséad, nó i gcóras ar bith athstruchtúraithe. • Bearta faoi leith lena chinntiú go mothaíonn an pobal in áiteanna iargúlta, nó i ‘láithreacha achrainn’ dar leis na póilíní, go bhfuil an deis acu dul i bhfeidhm ar thosaíochtaí póilíneachta ina chomharsanacht. • Próisis idirbheartaíochta a bhfuil substaint leo idir na póilíní, lena n-áirítear Foirne Comharsanachta Póilíneachta, agus struchtúir áitiúla pobail. • Próisis shaincheaptha rannpháirtíochta a chruthú idir daoine óga agus na póilíní. • Uasmhéid comhairliúcháin agus follasachta maidir le spriocanna pleananna póilíneachta de réir ceantar a eagrú agus dáileadh acmhainní póilíneachta de réir ceantar. • Straitéis um shábháilteacht phobail atá maoinithe go poiblí agus a éascaíonn idirbheartaíocht a bhfuil substaint leis idir SPTÉ, údaráis phoiblí, comhairlí áitiúla agus pobail áitiúla.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh Cumann Ghleann na hAbhann Cumann Mórcheantair Bhaile Uí Mhurchú
197.
Roinneann an Ard-Fheis seo dlúthpháirtíocht leo siúd a d’fhulaing mar gheall ar phóilíneacht pholaitiúil le déanaí agus éilíonn sé go mbíonn deireadh ar fad le póilíneacht bunaithe ar chuspóirí polaitiúla.
Cumann Phádraig Uí Chanáin, Baile Átha Cliath
198.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo fáilte roimh an bhfoilseachán i mí na Samhna 2014 den ‘‘Stocktake Report into the 2010 Maghaberry Prison Agreement by the Independent Assessment Team’, agus nótálann sé an méid a d’fhéadfadh leis an tionscadal seo a chur i gcrích. Cuirimid ar taifead an imní atá orainn maidir leis an easpa dul chun cinn atá déanta go dtí seo. Cuirimid ár dtuairim in athuair gurb é cur i bhfeidhm Chomhaontú 2010 an bealach trínar féidir gach ceist achrainn a réiteach lena chinntiú go gcaithfear le príosúnach, gach ball foirne agus teaghlach le dínit agus le meas. Leanfaidh Sinn Féin de bheith dírithe ar na ceisteanna seo, lena n-áirítear tabhairt faoi chuairteanna a thabhairt ar an bpríosún go rialta agus teagmháil a dhéanamh le gach páirtí leasmhar, go háirithe an Roinn Dlí agus Cirt, lena chinntiú go gcuirtear i bhfeidhm láithreach na hathruithe cuí agus na coinníollacha príosúnachta.
Ard Chomhairle Cúige na Sé Chontae
99
SF Clar 2015.indd 99
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 199.
www.sinnfein.ie
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go n-éascóidh Rialtas na hÉireann teaghlaigh na bpríosúnach seo trí phríosúnaigh a aistriú chuig príosún atá cóngarach dá mbailte nuair a iarrtar é de réir an Choinbhinsiúin Eorpaigh um Aistriú Príosúnach. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin go dtógfaidh Rialtas na hÉireann aonad nua Dóchas i bPríosún Luimnigh chun na coinníollacha mídhaonnachtúla ina gcoinnítear príosúnaigh mná a mhaolú.
Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath
200.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo obair Choiste na nIarchimí le hiarphríosúnaigh agus a dteaghlaigh agus deimhníonn sé in athuair go gcaithfear amharc arís ar cheisteanna iar-phríosúntachta de réir mar atá siad leagtha amach i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta.
Cúige na Sé Chontae
201.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbíonn seirbhísí leabharlainne ar fáil arís i ngach príosún sna 26 Chontae. Tá sé riachtanach go mbíonn teacht ar sheirbhísí leabharlainne ag príosúnaigh ar mhaith lena n-oiliúint agus athshlánú. Má bhaintear seirbhísí leabharlainne de phríosúnaigh is amhlaidh gur lú seans a bheidh acu saol a chaitheamh saor ón gcoiriúlacht.
Cumann Uí Mháille/ Mhic an Mhíleadha, Maigh Eo
202.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbíonn cead cannabas a shaothrú, a dhíol agus a choinneáil in Éirinn.
203.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go gcruthaíonn an Ard-Chomhairle coiste faoi leith chun measúnacht a dhéanamh ar leasaithe idirnáisiúnta maidir le polasaí drugaí agus ar chur chun feidhme na bpolasaithe seo in Éirinn.
Cumann Martin Hurson, Corcaigh Cumann Phádraig Uí Chanáin, Baile Átha Cliath
Cumann Sheáin Uí Raghailligh, Gaillimh Comhairle Ceantair Iarthar na Gaillimhe
204.
Don Ard-Fheis seo: • Nótálann go mbíonn drochthionchar ag drugaí, idir shiabhráin dhleathacha agus shubstaintí mídhleathacha, ar dhaoine óga, ar phobail agus ar an tsochaí ar an iomlán agus nach bhfuil muid eolach ar fhíorscála na deacrachta seo. • Nótálann go ndíoltar cuid mhór de na substaintí seo ar líne, ó dhuine go duine agus nach leor na ‘siopaí siabhráin’ a dhruidim le dul i ngleic leis an bhfadhb seo. • Aithníonn nach rachaidh cosc iomlán ar shubstaintí nua go croí na faidhbe agus nach léireoidh sé na fáthanna a dtéann daoine i muinín substaintí sícghníomhacha, is cuma dleathach nó mídhleathach. • Aithníonn gur cur chuige uile-Éireann an t-aon bhealach le dul i ngleic leis an bhfadhb agus cáineann Rialtas na Breataine as diúltú a bheith páirteach i reachtaíocht an AE sa réimse seo. Don Ard-Fheis seo: • Éilímid ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar an Tionól ceannairí áitiúla agus pobail a chumhachtú chun comharthaí mí-úsáid drugaí a aithint agus maoiniú a chur ar fáil do chláir atá dírithe ar an bpobal le cuidiú leo seo atá i mbaol. • Creidimid go gcaithfear dul i ngleic le fachtóirí sochaí atá taobh thiar de mhí-úsáid drugaí agus den leibhéal ard úsáide drugaí in Éirinn. • Iarraimid go n-ardaítear feasacht ar an gcontúirt a bhaineann le siabhráin dhleathacha agus go dtéitear i ngleic leis na bunfhadhbanna san obair a dhéanann an rialtas ar bhonn náisiúnta agus áitiúil le grúpaí óige (trí oiliúint phiara agus na meáin shóisialta). • Iarraimid ar an Rialtas, Thuaidh agus Theas, feasacht drugaí (dleathach agus mídhleathach) a thabhairt isteach sa churaclam náisiúnta agus le gné tras-teorann ann. • Molaimid gur chóir don rialtas áitiúil, lucht an dlí, lucht leighis, scoileanna agus dóibh siúd a sholáthraíonn siabhráin dhleathacha moltaí a chur chun tosaigh lena chinntiú nach mbíonn básanna ar bith eile ann mar gheall ar tháirgí neamhrialaithe a dhíol.
Cúige na Sé Chontae Comhairle Ceantair Chathair Dhoire Comhairle Ceantair Aontroim Thuaidh Cumann Beechmount
205.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo rún tacaíochta na bliana seo caite faoin bhfeachtas Múch an Solas Dearg (TORL) ach aithníonn sé an fhianaise bhreise nach bhfuil ag éirí leis an tsamhail Shualannach a dtugann an feachtas TORL dó. 100
SF Clar 2015.indd 100
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Mar thoradh ar an taighde atá foilsithe ag Ollscoil na Banríona, Grúpa Comhairliúcháin na NA ar SEIF agus Sex Work agus eile, cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo gáinneáil ar ghnéas agus saothar gnéis éigeantais ach cuirimid ar ceal cinneadh Ard-Fheis 2013 chun tacú leis an bhfeachtas Múch an Solas Dearg, agus aithnítear gurb í an tacaíocht a thugtar do pholasaithe ar theip orthu is mó a chuireann fir agus mná a bhíonn ag obair in earnáil an ghnéis i mbaol. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanann an páirtí polasaí bunaithe ar fhianaise a fhorbairt ar cheist na hoibre in earnáil an ghnéis nach laghdóidh cumas sábháilteachta bhunús na n-oibrithe gnéis, agus nach saineofaí iad a thuilleadh ná nach gcuirfidh sé isteach ar bhealach diúltach na hiarrachtaí soláthraithe seirbhíse maidir le dochar a laghdú, mar atá léirithe mar thoradh ar thaighde maidir leis an tsamhail atá molta an TORL. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le breitheanna níos déine dóibh siúd a dhúshaothraíonn oibrithe gnéis agus a bhaineann brabús as gáinneáil ar dhaoine. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go mbíonn cur chuige ann a théann i ngleic leis na cúiseanna a chuireann fir agus mná chun oibre in earnáil an ghnéis ach a chuireann a shláinte agus a shábháilteacht chun cinn.
Cumann Eiméid/Uí Chléirigh, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann an Dr Andy Cooney/Jim Gleeson, Tiobraid Árann Cumann Uí Chlúmháin/Mhic Cárthaigh, Ciarraí Cumann Uí Leathlobhair/Uí Mhaoilmhichil/Mhairtírigh Chlais Maolchon, Ciarraí
206.
Nótálann an Ard-Fheis seo an gá le dul i ngleic le fadhb na neamh-chomhsheasmhachta agus na trócaire i mbreitheanna mar cheist a bhfuil tábhacht shuntasach phoiblí léi. Dá bhrí sin, tugann Sinn Féin tiomantas do chlár oiliúna éigeantaí a chur ar bun a dtabharfaidh na breithiúna faoi sula dtugtar cead dóibh bheith mar bhreitheamh. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis freisin gur chóir dóibh siúd a ngairtear orthu chun seirbhís ghiúiré a dhéanamh buníocaíocht a fháil agus go mbeidh cead acu costais faofa a chur isteach as siocair nach mbíonn siad faoi mhíbhuntáiste agus iad ag feidhmiú mar shaoránaigh sa phróis bhreithiúnach.
Cumann na Máighe, Dún na nGall
101
SF Clar 2015.indd 101
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
www.sinnfein.ie
An Ghaeilge 207.
Cuireann an Ard-Fheis fáilte roimh fhoilsiú Dréacht-Acht na Gaeilge ag an Aire Cultúir, Ealaíona agus Fóillíochta de chuid Shinn Féin agus iarrtar go dtéitear i ngleic go huile is go hiomlán sa phróiseas comhairliúcháin.
Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
208.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur theip arís agus arís ar Rialtas na hÉireann maoiniú cuí a chur ar fáil don Ghaeilge agus go ndeachaigh sé siar, mar Rialtas, ar go leor gealltanas atá déanta aige maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge. Iarraim, mar sin, ar Rialtas na hÉireann deireadh a chur lena pholasaí ciorruithe agus an maoiniú atá caillte a thabhairt ar ais d’Fhoras na Gaeilge (thart ar 40% ó bunaíodh sa bhliain 1999 é) agus maoiniú a chur ar fáil chun Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann an cinneadh a thug sé a chur i gcrích chun comhartharí bóithre dhátheangacha a chur ar fáil agus an Ghaeilge agus an Béarla ar an méid céanna orthu agus go ndéanfaidh an tAire Forbartha Réigiúnaí sna Sé Chontae an cheist chéanna a fhiosrú i gcomhar lena chomhghleacaí sna 26 Chontae. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo freisin ar Rialtas na hÉireann na céimeanna cuí a ghlacadh chun deireadh a chur le maolú an AE maidir leis an nGaeilge, ag cinntiú, dá bhrí sin, go dtugtar aitheantas ceart don Ghaeilge chomh maith le beagnach 190 post a chruthú.
Ard Chomhairle Cumann Uí Laoghóige/ Uí Mhuirthile, Baile Átha Cliath
209.
Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an méid a rinne iris An tUltach maidir le caomhnú agus cur chun cinn chanúint Chúige Uladh ó cuireadh i gcló den chéad uair riamh é 91 bliain ó shin, i mí Eanáir 1923. Déanann An tUltach freastal ar sheancheantar Chúige Uladh ina bhfuil deich gcontae - na Sé Chontae, Cabhán, Muineachán, Dún na nGall agus Lú. D’fhoilsigh Foras na Gaeilge anailís chuimsitheach ar irisí/nuachtáin chlóite agus ar líne sa bhliain 2011 agus ba í an Dr. Regina Uí Chollatáin, a bhfuil meas uirthi mar scoláire, a chuaigh i gcionn na hoibre seo. Cé gur cáineadh go leor den soláthar ag an am, ba léir an moladh gur foilseachán gairmiúil agus riachtanach ba ea An tUltach ag an am agus gur chóir é a choinneáil san fhormáid ina bhfuil sé (i.e. clóite). Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le foilsiú leanúnach An tUltach nuair a chuirtear san áireamh go bhfuil sé mar chrann taca in éabhlóid Ghaeilge Uladh agus an ról atá aige i gcaomhnú agus i gcur chun cinn Ghaeilge Chúige Uladh as seo amach.
Cumann Pheadair Mhic Giolla Mheana, Ard Mhacha
210.
Don Ard-Fheis seo: • Aithnímid luach ról Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga chun forais phoiblí a choiméad cuntasach as polasaí teanga. • Iarraimid ar an gCoimisinéir Teanga bheith ag obair le gníomhaireachtaí stáit agus le pobal na Gaeilge chun cur le straitéis teanga. • Iarraimid freisin go dtabharfar cumhachtaí breise don Choimisinéir Teanga chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn go gníomhach.
Cúige Éireann Dheas
211.
Molann an Ard-Fheis seo obair ghníomhaithe Shinn Féin faoina dtacaíocht leanúnach don Ghaeilge. Go háirithe, ba mhaith linn an obair mhór a rinneadh agus an rath a bhí ar an méid seo a leanas: • An Chiste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, atá ag tógáil infreastruchtúir chaipitil don Ghaeilge ó Thuaidh • Iarrachtaí leanúnacha an Aire Chultúir, Carál Ní Chuilín, chun tacú leis an nGaeilge agus i gcur chun cinn na Gaeilge trí straitéis na Gaeilge a thabhairt chun cinn agus trí Acht Gaeilge a dhréachtú.
Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
102
SF Clar 2015.indd 102
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie 212.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015
Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar a mbaill go léir iad féin a dhíriú i dtreo thionscadal Líofa 2015, agus cairde, teaghlach agus baill eile den pháirtí a spreagadh chun páirt a ghlacadh ann, agus molaimid an bhreis agus 7,000 duine a bhfuil sé seo déanta acu cheana féin. Iarraimid freisin ar an ArdFheis seo iarradh ar a gcuid ball imeacht bunaithe ar Líofa a reáchtáil ina gceantar féin chun an scéim agus an teanga a chur chun cinn.
Coiste Náisiúnta Óige Comhairle Ceantair Colin Comhairle Ceantair na Cúirte Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
213.
Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Shinn Féin mar chuid den Rialtas straitéis dhátheangach náisiúnta a chur le chéile agus iarraimid orthu cinnte a dhéanamh de, mar chuid de chlár ar bith den chineál seo, go dtabharfar acmhainní rialtais, nuair is féidir, rochtain saor in aisce, nó a bhfuil fóirdheontais leo, do dhaoine fásta freastal ar ranganna Gaeilge. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Shinn Féin mar chuid den Rialtas athbhreithniú iomlán a dhéanamh ar dheontais tráchtála agus ar fhóirdheontais eile a thugtar do cheantair Ghaeltachta le measúnú a dhéanamh ar an tionchar dearfach, más ann dó, a bhíonn acu ar chur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar theanga labhartha sna ceantair Ghaeltachta.
Cumann Mhic Gabhann/Uí Fhearghail/Uí Ghríofa, Baile Átha Cliath
Spórt, Ealaíona agus Turasóireacht 214. Tiomnaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo ár bpáirtí do pholasaí leathan a fhorbairt atá tiomanta d’eagraíocht ealaíona a fhorbairt in Éirinn agus tacaíocht a thabhairt dóibh. Aithneofar i bpolasaí den chineál seo an tionchar sóisialta agus eacnamaíoch a bhíonn ag na healaíona ar an tír agus thabharfaí aitheantas do na healaíona mar thionscadal an-suntasach ar chóir an tacaíocht chéanna a thabhairt dó agus a thugtar do chúrsaí talmhaíochta nó turasóireachta.
Cumann Hurson/ Uí Chuirc, Gaillimh
215.
Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le hiarracht uile-Oileánda Chumann Rugbaí na hÉireann Corn Rugbaí an Domhain a óstáil sa bhliain 2023.
Cumann Roibéird Éiméid, Tiobraid Árann
216.
Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar CLG dul ar aghaidh le plé le cónaitheoirí maidir leis an obair tógála nua thart ar Pháirc Mhic Easmuinn.
Comhairle Ceantair an tSléibhe Dhuibh
217.
Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh na féidearthachtaí dearfacha turasóireachta a bhaineann le ‘Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin’ agus molann gur chóir dul ar aghaidh le cur chuige uile-Oileánda curtha chun cinn ag gach páirtí leasmhar san earnáil turasóireachta.
Cumann Charn Domhnaigh/ Mhálanna, Dún na nGall
218.
Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfaighidh an tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltacht an maoiniú cuí le go gcuirfear tús leis an obair ar athchóiriú Chanáil Uladh, Béal Tairbirt go Cluain Eos sa bhliain 2015. Éilíonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin go bhfaighidh an tAire faomhadh go leanfar ar aghaidh leis an obair gan bhriseadh go céim a dó, Cluain Eos go Baile Mhuineacháin, agus go dtugann gach páirtí tiomantas don chur i gcrích an tionscadail athchóirithe, an córas nasctha Éirne/an tSionainn go Loch nEathach, faoin mbliain 2021.
Comhairle Ceantair Mhuineacháin
103
SF Clar 2015.indd 103
24/02/2015 17:08
www.sinnfein.ie Sinn FĂŠin Ard Fheis 2015
104
SF Clar 2015.indd 104
24/02/2015 17:08
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2015 Bí le Shinn Féin Bí le Téacs: Seol an focal SINN FEIN ansin d’ainm agus seoladh chuig : 51444 (26 Chondae) 60060 (6 Chondae) Ar Líne: www.sinnfein.ie/join-sinn-fein Ríomhphost: admin@sinnfein.ie Sinn Féin, 44 Cearnóg Pharnell, Baile Átha Cliath 1, Éire. Fón: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Sinn Féin, 53 Bóthar na bhFál, Béal Feirste, BT 12PD, Éire. Fón: 028 90 347350 Fax: 028 90 347386
Join Sinn Féin Join by Text: Text the word SINN FEIN followed by your name and address to: 51444 (26 counties) 60060 (6 counties) Join online: www.sinnfein.ie/join-sinn-fein Email: admin@sinnfein.ie Sinn Féin, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland. Tel: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Sinn Féin, 53 Falls Road, Belfast, BT 12PD, Ireland. Tel: 028 90 347350 Fax: 028 90 347386
Dé HAoine 6ú & Dé Sathairn 7ú Márta, Doire Friday 6th & Saturday 7th March, Derry SFAF cover english 2015.indd 1
24/02/2015 10:09