Dé hAoine 22 & Dé Sathairn 23 Aibreán Friday 22 & Saturday ...11.00 Keynote Speeches carried Live by RTE 13.00 Lunch 13.30 2016 and a United Ireland – Motions 45-57 page 15

Bí le Shinn Féin Bí le Téacs: Seol an focal SINN FEIN ansin d’ainm agus seoladh chuig :

51444 (26 Chondae) 60060 (6 Chondae)

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Ríomhphost: [email protected]

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www.sinnfein.ie

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

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 AprilThe Convention Centre, Dublin

www.sinnfein.ie Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016

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Ard Fheis Clár 2016Dublin

FRIDAY 22nd APRIL16.30 Registration18.00 Opening Address18.15 Building the Peace – Motions 1-5 page 519.00 Keynote Address from Martin McGuinness MLA19.15 Health – Motions 6-18 page 620.00 Keynote Address from Mary Lou McDonald TD20.15 Water Charges – Motion 19 page 1020.30 International – Motions 20-27 page 1021.00 Close

SATURDAY 23rd APRIL9.00 Registration10.00 Environment and Transport – Motions 28-29 page 1311.00 Keynote Speeches carried Live by RTE13.00 Lunch13.30 2016 and a United Ireland – Motions 45-57 page 1514.30 A Fair Recovery – Motions 58-75 page 1915.30 Party Development – Motions 76-89 page 2416.15 Public Services – Motions 90-113 page 2917.15 Rural Ireland – Motions 114-124 page 3418.00 Tea18.30 ‘Ceiliúradh Céad Bliain’ –

A celebration of the centenary of the Easter Rising, including music, drama and guest speakers.

20.30 Presidential Address by Gerry Adams TD21.00 Close

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2016 www.sinnfein.ie

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Easter supplement.indd 207/03/2016 11:01


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Easter supplement.indd 207/03/2016 11:01

1. Standing Orders shall be adopted at the commencement of each Ard Fheis.

2. A Steering Committee and at least four tellers shall be approved by the Ard Fheis at the commencement of each Ard Fheis. Delegates or persons nominated for officership or membership of the Ard Chomhairle shall not be eligible to act as Tellers.

3. The length of time allocated to each section and therefore the timetable of the Ard Fheis will be determined in advance of the Ard Fheis by the Chairperson of the Steering Committee in consultation with the Ard Fheis Committee. The timetable and list of Chairperson (s) for Ard Fheis shall be adopted by the Ard Fheis at its commencement.

4. The Steering Committee will determine the length of time to be allocated to speakers prior to the beginning of each section of the Ard Fheis. The Steering Committee shall ensure that preference be given to the proposers of motions and amendments being taken in each section.

5. During debates priority will be given to properly nominated and accredited delegates. The Steering Committee may, at its discretion, allow for properly affiliated party members who are not delegates to speak provided there are no delegates waiting to speak at the time. The Steering Committee at its discretion may permit visitors accredited by the Ard Chomhairle to address the Ard Fheis for a specified time. Those addressing the Ard Fheis must when speaking give their names and the name of the body and area they are representing.

6. On the motion being moved “that the question be put” the Chairperson shall have no option but to put that motion to a vote of the delegates present. In the event of the motion being carried, the Chairperson, after allowing time as allocated by the Steering Committee under Standing Order 4 to the proposer of the motion or any amendment/ addendum under discussion, shall have no option but to put the resolution or amendment to a vote.

7. Emergency Motions (i.e. resolutions referring to events or decisions which emerged after the deadline for submission of motions as per Rule 12d of the Constitution and Rules) must be handed in writing to the Ard Fheis Committee at Head Office not less than 7 days before the scheduled start of the Ard Fheis. Emergency resolutions shall be accepted at the discretion of the Steering Committee.

8. Other Emergency Motions or Emergency Amendments(resolutions referring to events which occur while the Ard Fheis is in session) may only be put to the Ard Fheis at the discretion of the Steering Committee and shall require the suspension of Standing Orders to allow the adoption of the resolution onto the Ard Fheis Clár.

9. ‘Points of Order’ will be allowed at the discretion of the Chairperson and shall be limited to 30 seconds.

10. The Ruling of the Chairperson must be accepted at all times. A challenge to the decision of the Chairperson requires the suspension of Standing Orders in order that a motion of no confidence in the Chair is taken.

11. A motion for the suspension of Standing Orders must be submitted in writing to the Steering Committee outlining the reason for such a motion before that motion can be put to the floor. The length of time given to the discussion of such a motion will be at the discretion of the Steering Committee. A vote to suspend Standing Orders requires a two-thirds majority of delegates present in the hall. Standing Orders must be reinstated again by two-thirds of the delegates present in the hall when the reason for the suspension has been dealt with before the Ard Fheis can proceed. Standing Orders must be suspended at the commencement of the Ard Fheis to allow the adoption onto the Ard Fheis Clár, Emergency Motions, Amendments and Addenda as indicated to the delegates by the Steering Committee.

STANDING ORDERS


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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 vótaCan tellers ensure that they are in position for the vote.

I bhfábhar / those in favour.

In aghaidh / those against

Tá sé glactha / the motion is passed

Tá sé caillte / the motion is lost

An féidir le daoine a gcartaí a chur in airde? / Could delegates indicate clearly with their cards?

Rúin Éigeandála / Addenda / Aguisíní (Emergency Motions/Addenda/Amendments)

Áiritheoirí (Tellers)

An bhfuil moltóir agam don liosta? / Is there a proposer for the list?

An bhfuil cuiditheoir agam? / Is there a seconder?

Orduithe Seasta (Standing Orders)

Spreagaitheasc (Keynote Address)

Aoichainteoirí (guest speakers)

Áistarraingíodh na rúin.... / Motions ...... are withdrawn

Anois beidh aoichainteoir idirnáisúnta /We will now have an international speaker

Tá an Ard Fheis chun tosnú, tá mé ag glaoch ar teachtaí, baill Ard Chomhairle agus cuairteoirí suíocháin a ghlacadh san halla.The Ard Fheis is about to start, can I call on delegates, Ard Chomhairle members and visitors to come into the main hall, so that the debate can begin on time.

Tá mé ag iarraidh anois ar teachtaí a bhfuil sé de rún acú labhairt sa roinn seo den Ard Fheis chun scuaine a dhéanamh ar thaobh an phóidiam anseo.I am now calling for speakers. Could delegates who wish to address this section of the Ard Fheis please form a queue near the podium.

Tá córas aistriúcháin comhuaineach ar fáil do dhuine ar bith atá ag iarraidh éisteacht leis an mhéid atá á rá as Gaeilge. Feicfidh sibh na cluaisíní ansin ar an taobhSimultaneous translation will be done of speeches in Irish. Headphones are available at the side of the hall for those who have difficulty understanding our national language.

Tá an díospóireacht oscailte. Ba mhaith liom ciúnas sa halla.The debate is now open, quiet in the hall please.

An féidir leis an Choiste Stiúrtha an teachta deireanach a ainmniú agus an féidir le daoine bheith comair.Could the Steering Committee identify the last speaker in this section and could speakers please be brief.

Sin deireadh leis an roinn seo den Ard Fheis ar ....That completes the ........... section of the Ard Fheis.

Beidh an céad roinn eile ar ......The next section deals with motions on .....

SANAS DON ARD FHEIS (GLOSSARY OF TERMS)


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Friday NightBuilding the Peace1. This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s absolute commitment to the development

of reconciliation and healing in Ireland.Both are central to shaping a future which will assist our society to move

forward.

We believe reconciliation must be built upon• An acceptance of equality, respect and parity of esteem;• An acceptance of different political narratives and aspirations;• A determination to challenge sectarianism, sectarian segregation, and

all forms of intolerance, prejudice and bigotry.Sinn Féin is committed to the enhancement of reconciliation by

comprehensively dealing with the past.Reconciliation and healing will depend upon functioning and accountable

political institutions, as well as courageous political leadership which sets an example for wider society.

We believe that all political institutions and instruments of public policy must be committed to standards of leadership, values and targets, which will guarantee good relations and reconciliation.

Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that all Government departments, councils and public bodies have a clear and agreed reconciliation focus evidenced in a commitment to equality across all aspects of public policy.

We reaffirm our resolve to engage with both the British and Irish governments to bring forward proposals which will assist in the development of reconciliation. We call for the formulation of a dedicated reconciliation strategy under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council.

To that end this Ard Fheis adopts the policy document Towards an Agreed and Reconciled Future.

Ard Chomhairle

2. That this Ard Fheis:• Upholds the rights of families to access to legacy investigations and

inquests which are fully compliant with Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights and which are adequately funded by the British Government.

• Challenges the systemic delay in the PSNI’s disclosure process and the lack of co-operation by the British Ministry of Defence in identifying and locating military personnel for legacy inquests.

• Challenges and strongly opposes the British Government’s proposed blanket veto on onward disclosure of information to families.

• Continues to promote workable and acceptable alternatives to the British Governments ‘National Security’ clauses as outlined in their draft legislation tabled at the ‘Fresh Start’ negotiations.

• Supports the entitlement to a pension for all victims with severe injuries or disablement arising out of our recent conflict.

• Commends the production of Gender Principles for Dealing with the Legacy of the Past as a progressive contribution to the debate on dealing with the past, and supports the application of these principles and a wider gender lens in dealing with the legacy of the past.

Six-County CúigeColin West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

3. This Ard Fheis opposes totally the British Government’s plans to repeal the 1998 Human Rights Act (HRA).

The 1998 Act gives effect to the European Convention on Human Rights and grants access to the European Court of Human Rights. The HRA is interwoven completely into the fabric of the Good Friday Agreement and guarantees a broad spectrum of rights. These include (via the Convention) the right to life, the prohibition of torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and Article 8, the right to respect of private life.

This Ard Fheis acknowledges that several cases have been brought against the British state for abusing or negating the Convention on human rights and


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the HRA is a vital springboard from which these cases can be launched. The Act also ensures that state actors can be held to account.This Ard Fheis welcomes the publication of legal opinion authored by

Doughty Street Chambers and Kevin Winters Law Firm on the effects of a repeal of the Human Rights Act. This opinion states clearly that a repeal of the Human Rights Act is an assault on the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to act, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, and challenge the British Government on its plan to repeal the HRA and renew calls for the introduction of a Bill of Rights specific to the post-conflict conditions of the North of Ireland.

Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae

4. This Ard Fheis:• Commends the Sinn Féin negotiations team in securing the Fresh

Start Agreement.• Acknowledges the political steps forward in delivering stable,

functioning power-sharing institutions.• Recognises the importance of the financial support put in place by the

Executive to assist the most vulnerable in society, the disadvantaged, the sick and those with disabilities.

• Acknowledges the additional financial commitment that they were able to secure from the British Government.

• Expresses its disappointment at the failure of the British Government to live up to its responsibilities to ensure that families receive the maximum amount of disclosure in terms of legacy investigations and inquests which comply with human rights principles and conventions.

Ard Chomhairle

5. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish and British governments to deliver on their commitments set out in the Good Friday and subsequent agreements.

In particular we call on them to introduce:• A Bill of Rights;• An all-Ireland Charter of Rights, and establish a Joint Committee of

Human Rights, North and South;• An all-Ireland Civic Forum; • A review of all-Ireland bodies;• A full public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane;• Acht na Ghaeilge.

North Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

Health6. This Ard Fheis is committed to progressively addressing health issues on an all-

Ireland basis. The health issues we face do not stop at the Border and it makes sense to develop island-wide interventions. We also believe the development of island-wide provision is especially fundamental to meeting the needs of patients with rare conditions or conditions so limited in number that it is difficult to sustain service provision on a partitioned basis.

Sinn Féin representatives have been to the fore in championing greater co-operation and integration of health services for the good of everybody, for example:

• Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin in Dublin will host the paediatric heart surgical unit for the island. This will eliminate the need for children to travel from the North to England for more specialised procedures than those available in Belfast. Approximately 140 children a year from the North and 400 from the South will benefit from this service ensuring that skills levels are maintained by all surgical and support staff.

• The provision of an all-island Deep Brain Stimulation Service is to be rolled out relying on collaboration between neurology services in the South and neurosurgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. This service was not available in the 26 Counties and patients’ only


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recourse had been the Treatment Abroad Scheme which meant prohibitive travel and accommodation costs for some.

• A planned Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, which will provide services to patients in the north-west of the island including from the 26 Counties and a joint cardiology unit between Altnagelvin Hospital and Letterkenny Hospital in Donegal.

Sinn Féin is determined to develop to its fullest the potential of all-Ireland cooperation in the field of healthcare.

Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

7. This Ard Fheis believes that Irish Government and Northern Executive should take a more effective approach to addressing mental health issues and tackling suicide in our communities.

This Ard Fheis believes proper investment and better co-ordination of services is required to tackle the crisis that exists in mental health, a crisis that has been exacerbated by the recession through cuts to services and added strains on people finding themselves in difficulties.

This Ard Fheis supports the Prioritising Mental Health Sinn Féin policy document launched in February 2016 and calls for measures including:

• Increased and ring-fenced funding for mental health services;• Implement and fund the Vision for Change and Connected for Life strategies

in the 26 Counties; • The improvement of provision for age appropriate care for children and

young adults with mental health issues;We also call for mental health services to be properly recognised and fully

integrated into policy decisions and funding allocations in the Six Counties. This Ard Fheis also encourages members to undertake suicide prevention

training.National Youth Committee

8. This Ard Fheis recognises that the health system in the 26 Counties is in a state of crisis. Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil have presided over a two-tier, failing health service. This has resulted in a fundamental inequality in how patients are treated, differentiated on ability to pay and location. There is also a lack of capacity in the system to deal with demographic pressures in Emergency Departments and maternity services.

This is not acceptable. Inability to pay should not deny anyone the opportunity to lead a full, long and healthy life.

This Ard Fheis endorses Sinn Féin’s Plan for Universal Healthcare, including its proposals to:

• Increase investment in the health system and end the two-tier public/private system and deliver a new universal public health system for Ireland;

• Introduce greater capacity by recruiting 6,600 additional frontline health workers, increase the number of beds, and provide more services in the community and 3,800 additional nursing home places to tackle the recurring trolley crisis;

• Increase the mental health budget and complete the roll-out of Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses;

• Eliminate private activity in public hospitals while replacing this revenue stream. We propose to incrementally reduce and ultimately eliminate health user charges - from GP fees to charges for prescription drugs - all in a strategic way and as resources allow;

• Roll out free GP care for all, beginning with the extension of automatic medical cards to every child with a serious illness or disability, secure medical cards for adults with disabilities, and extending free GP care to the remainder of the population by approximately 230,000 additional people a year;

• Abolish prescription charges;• Maximise the potential of all-Ireland cooperation in the field of healthcare.

Ard ChomhairlePatrick Conroy Cumann, Castlerea


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9. This Ard Fheis strongly supports the health system in the Six Counties remaining a public health service free at the point of delivery. Our vision for health includes creating a fair, sustainable and collaborative public health and social care system that puts the ethos of public service, compassion and dignity at the heart of delivering care a system that is dedicated to the eradication of health inequalities and unmet need which delivers the best possible outcomes for patients, fairness for health workers and also improves the lives of our citizens as a whole.

This Ard Fheis believes that the ‘marketisation’ and privatisation of health care is wrong, and that the complexity of the current structure diverts much needed financial resources away from frontline services.

This Ard Fheis calls for:• Removal of the ‘internal market’ within our health structures,

specifically the commissioning/provider split;• Introduction of a health inequalities component to the capitation

funding formula.This Ard Fheis believes that improving health outcomes for patients is inextricably linked to improving conditions for health workers. This Ard Fheis supports:

• Re-establishment of the Health Partnership Forum;• Implementation of recommendations by the College of Emergency

Medicine on unscheduled care;• Living Wage for public sector workers;• Implementation of the Assembly Health Committee’s recommendations

on workforce planning, which would make substantial savings by reducing dependency on agency workers and locums.

Derry City Comhairle Ceantair

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

Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair

11. This Ard Fheis notes the widespread prevalence of conflicts of interest of those who have been enlisted to evaluate food safety in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and that this has served to discredit the evaluations on safety the Authority undertakes and leads to a serious lack of trust from consumers on these subjects. The EFSA has a long catalogue of conflicts of interest of its panel experts, including for the aspartame evaluation, whilst also relying considerably on industry-funded studies. These actions undermine the legitimacy of the EFSA in the eyes of the public and has led to worrying questions surrounding its independence and ability to make conflict-free objective decisions on food safety.

This Ard Fheis therefore demands that the EFSA must comply with stricter rules on conflict of interest including longer ‘cooling-off’ periods before industry scientists can work on the advisory panels and vice versa, a better examination and implementation of the declaration of interests and public access to studies they use.

Seán Corcoran Cumann, Kiltimagh

12. This Ard Fheis calls on the Oireachtas Minister for Education to place on a statutory footing a schools education programme on good mental health awareness and well-being, to be delivered at primary and post-primary schools.

George Plant Cumann, CashelJohn Joe Sheehy Cumann, Tralee


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

West Galway Comhairle Ceantair

14. Transgender people face significant barriers to accessing appropriate health care, particularly in terms of mental health and transition services, which put substantial strain on trans people and their families. Access to relevant health services dramatically improves the mental health and well-being of trans people. There are currently very limited trans-specific health services in Ireland and very few outside of Dublin.

This Ard Fheis recognises that trans people face significant barriers in Irish society and are not able to avail of medically necessary health services. We call on representatives to make trans health care a priority and ensure that health services are sufficiently available across the island.

Kevin Barry/Frank Stagg Cumann, Dublin North Inner City

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

Tom Kealy Cumann, Celbridge

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

Martin Forsythe Cumann, Glencullen/SandyfordSeán Corcoran Cumann, Kiltimagh

James Connolly Cumann, Cahir

17. This Ard Fheis recognises that obesity in the 26 Counties has doubled over the past 20 years. Currently, two thirds of adults and one in four children are overweight or obese. In just one year the childhood obesity treatment programme at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin experienced a 400% increase in referrals of children under five.

Of the estimated €1.13billion annual cost of obesity, 35% (or almost €400 million) is attributed to direct health care costs.

This Ard Fheis expresses its anger at the mismanagement of the health service budget. In particular, we call for a proper structure regarding obesity treatment to be prioritised. Resources must be put in place to ensure an effective service in this area.

This Ard Fheis recognises the significant challenge facing society in tackling obesity and calls for public health measures including:

• Increasing funding for Healthy Ireland;• Restricting television marketing of unhealthy food and drinks to after

7pm;• Introducing a sugary drinks tax;• Exploring the exclusion of new fast-food outlets which offer foods

that are high in fat, salt or sugars being built or from operating within close proximity of gates, sites or boundaries of schools, parks or playgrounds, excluding premises zoned town centre.

Wicklow Comhairle CeantairGrey Abbey Martyrs Cumann, Kildare Town


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

Smith/Savage Cumann, Castleknock

Water Charges19. This Ard Fheis recognises that the introduction of household water charges was the

brainchild of the Fianna Fáil-led administration who agreed the policy as part of the European Union/European Central Bank/International Monetary Fund Troika bailout programme in 2010; and that:

• Household water charges are a regressive tax which have been followed through on, and imposed by the previous Fine Gael/Labour Government as a cornerstone of their austerity policy agenda;

• Commends the Right2Water campaign and the hundreds of thousands of households across the state who continue, in a determined manner, to resist the imposition of household water charges, which are both unnecessary and unfair;

• Welcomes the adoption of the Boylan Right2Water Report by the EU Parliament which, amongst other things, calls on the European Commission to enshrine access to water as a human right in EU law, permanently exclude water services from internal market rules and trade negotiations, to not promote privatisation of water and to respect Member States’ choice of water ownership;

• Supports the need for reliable, high-quality public services and infrastructure, including water and sewerage services, which are economically sustainable and democratically accountable;

This Ard Fheis reaffirms the demand to abolish household water charges and Irish Water and calls on the Irish Government to:

• Establish an Independent Commission on Water Services to examine the most appropriate public ownership model to replace Irish Water and to report back to the Dáil within nine months after charges have been abolished;

• Stop the metering project and redirect the remaining monies into direct investment in the upgrade of the water and sewerage infrastructure;

• Underpin the new model for a water service in legislation;• Hold a referendum to enshrine the public ownership of Ireland’s water

service in the Constitution; • Roll out a major water conservation programme in conjunction with local

authorities.This Ard Fheis further calls for:

• The development of an all-Ireland strategy on water provision;• The Northern Executive and Irish Government to collaborate on the

delivery of services the establishment of joint river basin management in Border regions, joint capital investment and in infrastructure and procurement.

Ard Chomhairle

International Solidarity20. This Ard Fheis recognises the key role that Irish America has played in Irish

republican history, including Irish America’s central role in the 1916 Rising and its ongoing contribution today in helping secure and develop the Peace Process and advance the cause of Irish unity.

This Ard Fheis therefore sends its thanks and solidarity to our “exiled children in America” and across the world and looks forward to achieving the Republic of 1916 with their ongoing help and assistance and gratefully acknowledges the support of Friends of Sinn Féin USA and Canada.

Elizabeth O’Farrell Cumann, Portobello/Kevin Street

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


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Féin President Gerry Adams TD. ETA’s declaration of a definitive cessation was announced a few days later, creating a unique and historic opportunity to address the causes as well as the consequences of the conflict.

In July 2014, ETA released a further statement announcing a winding down of its military structures and commencement of a process to deal with the issue of arms. Nevertheless, all attempts by ETA to move forward in a process to deal definitively with the issue of arms have been blocked by the Spanish authorities.

On 1 March of this year Arnaldo Otegi, Secretary General of SORTU and the main leader of the new strategy for peace, was released after the complete fulfilment of a court decision sentencing him to six years and six months of imprisonment.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the release of Arnaldo Otegi and expresses its support for the strategy of peace and sovereignty developed by the Basque pro-independence coalition.

This Ard Fheis endorses the international campaign on Basque prisoners “Bring Them Home - Free Them All” and calls on the Spanish and French authorities to implement the following measures:

• The ending of the policy of dispersal (an arbitrary measure applied to Basque political prisoners) and the immediate transfer to prisons closer to their families as a first step to an early release process of all politically-motivated prisoners;

• The immediate release of seriously-ill prisoners who, according to current legislation, should be freed to receive adequate treatment for their illnesses;

• The immediate release of prisoners eligible for parole.This Ard Fheis further calls on the Irish Government and the political

institutions to take an active role in demanding the Spanish Government shift its current policy of obstruction that is diminishing this historical opportunity and to instead promote and support a process of dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Basque Country.

Ard Chomhairle

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

National Youth Committee

23. This Ard Fheis acknowledges the sterling work carried out in the past 12 months by Martina Anderson MEP as Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Palestine and continues to support her in using that position to highlight the injustices being inflicted on the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for freedom and statehood.

This Ard Fheis sends solidarity greetings to the Palestinian people living under occupation or in exile.

This Ard Fheis condemns the continuing annexation of Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem which contravenes international law and the Geneva Convention of 1949. We demand the implementation of United Nation resolutions and the enforcement of international law.

This Ard Fheis calls for the immediate lifting of the punitive and illegal siege of Gaza, the opening of all border crossings as well as the sea port of Gaza, and the extension of the fishing zone. We believe the deliberate bombing of civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools constitutes a war crime and therefore ought to be investigated by the International Criminal Court.

This Ard Fheis urges full support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. We particularly demand that the Irish Government immediately stops procuring armaments and military equipment from Israeli manufacturers.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the motions that were supported both in the Seanad and the Dáil calling on the Irish Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. We call on the Irish Government to do this without further delay.

Derry City Comhairle Ceantair


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24. This Ard Fheis notes the continued improvements in the normalisation of the relationship between Cuba and the USA. We reiterate our call for the USA to unconditionally and fully lift its illegal blockade of Cuba.

This Ard Fheis also notes the positive advances in the Colombia peace negotiations. However, it is aware of the gross human rights abuses and the barriers to the democratic process that remain. It supports all efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Colombia and calls on the Colombian Government to ensure that human rights and the democratic process are respected.

We also note with concern the continued efforts of the right-wing in Venezuela to undermine the Bolivarian revolution and to destroy the social progress that the country has made in recent years.

Devlin Plunkett Cumann, Templeogue/Terenure

25. This Ard Fheis reiterates our policy of critical engagement with the EU and reaffirms our support for the campaign for the North of Ireland to remain in the EU.

Sinn Féin will continue to work with progressive allies in Europe to enhance the positives of the European Union, combat the negatives and hold the institutions to account. Sinn Féin will continue to resist the dilution of national sovereignty and protect the competencies of the Member States.

Sinn Féin will resist any encroachment on Irish neutrality. Sinn Féin will oppose and campaign against any attempts by the British

Government to withdraw from the EU. Increased or full withdrawal by the British state from the EU, has negative

implications for Ireland, North and South. It would represent a major set-back for the political process in the North, and directly challenge the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement as an internationally-binding treaty. It would also undermine all-Ireland co-operation and harden partition.

A Brexit is opposite to the interests of local people. The combined financial loss of EU investment, subsidies and funds to the North of Ireland (and the Southern Border counties) arising from a Brexit would be in the region of £2.5 billion.

This Ard Fheis moves that in the event of Britain leaving the EU, an immediate referendum on Irish unity be triggered.

Ard Chomhairle

26. This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to Irish neutrality and an independent foreign policy.

We note the Irish Government’s refusal to support the Neutrality Bill tabled by Sinn Féin in the Dáil which called for a referendum on enshrining neutrality in Bunreacht na hÉireann and to immediately halt the use of Irish airports, ports, and airspace by foreign militaries to wage war.

Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Tallaght CentralNational Youth Committee

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

Markievicz/Ryan Cumann, Tallaght Central


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Saturday MorningEnvironment 28. This Ard Fheis empathises with all those - including private households,

businesses and the farming community - who have been devastated by recent flooding throughout the country. We call on the Irish Government to implement a River Shannon Management Agency with overall responsibility for development of the Shannon and a strategy to address these issues immediately. Flood defences and drainage need to be put in place to ensure this situation cannot arise in the future.

It further calls on the Irish Government to put in place an accessible compensation package to support people to restore their damaged properties and to compel insurance companies to fulfil their contractual agreements with those who are covered and to continue to provide insurance to these people in the future.

East Clare Cumann

29. This Ard Fheis: • Acknowledges the effective preparation and action initiated by Assembly

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill in responding to the winter flooding; • Recognises her presence on the ground and her engagement with flood

victims; • Commends the property flood protection scheme launched by Minister

O’Neill in January which provides domestic and non-domestic properties with up to 90% grant aid towards flood alleviation measures;

• Acknowledges the hardship payment which the minister has made available to farmers and small businesses who were significantly impacted by the most recent phase of flooding;

• Notes the independent review which the minister has initiated to consider how future flooding may be combatted and calls for an all-island strategy to ensure effective planning and sharing of resources and information.

South & East Tyrone Comhairle Ceantair

30. This Ard Fheis:• Supports the need to advance global commitments to reducing

greenhouse gas emissions and meeting goals of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C;

• Recognises the progress made at the UN Conference of Parties of the Climate Change Convention held in Paris in December 2015, involving world leaders, 196 countries and NGO campaigns, including those from Ireland North and South;

• Strongly believes that addressing climate change has to prioritise citizens’ fundamental human rights and those of future generations over the vested interests of big business or individual states.

This Ard Fheis recognises that:• The 26 Counties is the most emission efficient dairy producer and the

fifth most emissions efficient beef producer in the EU;• Ireland can become a world leader in the production, management and

marketing of low-carbon, high-quality, and sustainable food;• We must increase research into technologies to reduce emissions from

agriculture, increase our capacity, and train our farmers;• We must develop all-island interconnected clean energy and transport

systems and build new technologies first for use in Ireland but also to provide us with significant export opportunities;

• The objective of adaption is to reduce vulnerability to climate change, thereby reducing its negative impacts but also enhancing our capabilities in capturing any benefits of climate change across the island.

Calls on the Irish Government and the Northern Executive to take an all-island approach to managing our energy requirements, our transport needs, our agriculture and farming, forests and natural resources to maximise the potential of adapting to a changing global environment and avail of new economic opportunities.



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31. This Ard Fheis calls for a ban on wild animal act circuses. Animal act circuses are currently banned in many countries and by local councils. This Ard Fheis would like to see a national ban on both local authority and private land.

Virginia/Mullagh Cumann, CavanWolfe Tone Cumann, Naas

32. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to immediately implement legislation which would seek to impose strict setback distances on wind turbine developments stipulating that renewable energy that is produced in Ireland should be for the benefit of Irish energy consumer.

This Ard Fheis urges the Irish Government and local authorities to take seriously the genuine concerns of communities regarding the risks posed by wind farm development to health, the environment, the countryside and rural livelihoods. These authorities must not allow corporate profit to be prioritised before the rights of Irish citizens

West Waterford Cumann

33. This Ard Fheis restates its ongoing opposition to bin charges and opposes the introduction of a pay-by-weight system by Environment Minister Alan Kelly in the dying days of the Fine Gael/Labour Government.

This Ard Fheis recognises the particular difficulties this will cause for the 70,000 carers across the state who cannot recycle medical waste material, for example nappies, disposable sheets, wipes and plastic syringes.

We view this new waste collection charging regime as yet another stealth tax on households. As soon as the department imposes the pay-by-weight system, we demand it be suspended until an Independent Commission be appointed to proof the measure and assess impacts upon carers as well as other groups such as those on low incomes, those in receipt of state benefits and those who suffer from ill health or a disability and make their findings known.

Tom Kealy Cumann, Celbridge

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

Keenan/Doherty Cumann, Carrickmacross Mitchell/Sands Cumann, Carrickmacross

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

This Ard Fheis also reiterates its support for an All-Ireland National Fire Authority.

Steenie Mulvey Cuman, Bray

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

Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford

Transport37. In the face of rising insurance prices denying young people mobility and pricing

vulnerable people off the road, this Ard Fheis will commit to a root and branch reform of liability laws in Ireland to bring them into line with international norms.

Margaret Joyce Cumann, Clifden


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

Clarke/Smith/Doherty Cumann, Finglas

39. This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the impact that two different policies on air passenger

duty/tax, North and South, has on the potential growth of the tourism sector in the North;

• Notes the lack of air passenger routes out of the North compared to the rest of the country;

• Calls on the Northern Executive to explore the viability of abolishing the air passenger duty.

Gerard Casey Cumann, Rasharkin

Saturday Afternoon2016 and a United IrelandMaking Irish Unity a Reality40. This Ard Fheis recognises that 2016 – the 100th anniversary of the Easter

Rising – is a time to reflect upon the unrealised promise of the Proclamation. 100 years ago, men and women from across Ireland and the Diaspora came together to draw up a framework for a sovereign, independent Irish Republic and set out to achieve it. This Ireland, a true Ireland of Equals remains unrealised – but it is achievable. Irish unity is viable, achievable and in the best interests of all.

Therefore this Ard Fheis calls on the:• Irish Government to bring forward a Green Paper on Irish unity and to

begin the political planning for unification;• Irish Government to initiate a referendum on Presidential voting

rights for citizens in the North of Ireland and the Irish Diaspora;• Oireachtas to introduce automatic Dáil membership for Northern MPs

and, pending this, to immediately introduce speaking and consultative rights for Northern MPs and Assembly members in the Dáil and Seanad;

• Oireachtas to agree the appropriate mechanism to facilitate a process of national dialogue to bring together all parties and key sectors representative of civic society on the island to consult together on our political future, including the issues of unity, peace and reconciliation.

Ard Chomhairle

41. This Ard Fheis, in the centenary year of the 1916 Rising, remembers the sacrifices made by all generations of republicans in pursuit of the ideals of the Proclamation. We welcome the fact that hundreds of thousands of citizens participated in commemorative events in every county.

We recognise that we have a duty not only to celebrate and commemorate the events 100 years ago - but also to recognise that the goals of the revolution have yet to be realised and the goals of the Proclamation are yet to be achieved.

The Republic of Easter Week 1916 was an all-Ireland republic – one that granted citizens inalienable political, social and economic rights; one that guaranteed religious and civil liberty; provided the foundation stone of a truly democratic republic elected by all her men and women; and allowed for the Irish nation to take its place among the sovereign nations of the world.

We recognise that these ideals have not yet been realised and we recommit ourselves to being the generation that delivers that Republic.

Ard Chomhairle


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42. This Ard Fheis recognises that:• The Good Friday Agreement was endorsed by the vast majority of

people in Ireland, North and South, and provides the ground rules for peaceful and democratic constitutional change through referenda on Irish unity;

• It is time for the people, North and South, to exercise their democratic right to vote on Irish reunification;

• It is the Irish and British governments’ duty to ensure that all the citizens of Ireland can exercise their democratic rights by calling referenda on Irish unity in the lifetime of the next Assembly and Dáil terms.

Louth Comhairle Ceantair

Remembering Our Past43. This Ard Fheis:

• Welcomes the recent High Court victory by Moore Street campaigners (which ruled in favour of them and against the Government) which prevents the demolition of the Moore Street battlefield site and now ensures its designation as a national monument under the protection of the state;

• Acknowledges the dedication of the concerned relatives of the 1916 leaders and those who have supported their campaign over many years to save Moore Street and the laneways of history which were the last outpost of the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Army of the Irish Republic in 1916 from demolition by developers;

• Recognises the significant public support across the island of Ireland and the Diaspora for the full preservation of the national monument and the development of the surrounding GPO/Moore Street area into an historic revolutionary quarter and battlefield site;

• Condemns the Fine Gael/Labour Government for their outright refusal while holding office to use the legislative powers at their disposal to designate as a national monument the GPO/Moore Street area of historical and national importance, which should become of social, cultural and economic benefit to Dublin and the rest of Ireland.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to:• Immediately rescind the Ministerial Order that allows for the

demolition of numbers 13, 18 and 19 Moore Street;• Introduce a preservation order for the entire Moore Street National

Monument;• Work with Dublin City Council, 1916 relatives and all relevant

stakeholders to implement an urban framework plan for the area;• Meet with and work through the Dublin City Council Moore Street

Forum and the Moore Street Advisory Committee to achieve this;• Develop a commemorative centre as part of a wider scheme for the

regeneration of this historic quarter;• Rejuvenate street and market trading; • Go back to the drawing board and with relevant stakeholders

agree the development of the GPO/Moore Street area as a national monument, to be preserved and developed under the protection of the state as a 1916 historic revolutionary quarter which can be a fitting tribute to the men and women of 1916.

Ard Chomhairle

44. This Ard Fheis supports calls for having a new bank holiday designated in law as Lá na Poblachta/Republic Day on April 24th annually.

This Ard Fheis also supports the establishment of a Bórd Lá na Poblachta to organise the events in commemoration, and in appreciation, of the contribution to the Irish nation over the centuries by many who gave their lives and liberty in the pursuit of an Irish Nation free from the occupation of a foreign power.

Robert Emmet Cumann, ThurlesKeating/Sands Cumann, Waterford

Christy Dixon Cumann, East Wall


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

Christy Dixon Cumann, East Wall

An Ghaeilge and Culture46. This Ard Fheis commends the work of Sinn Féin and Irish-language activists who

are championing our language rights across the island, including:• The establishment of Gaeltacht quarters, the further efforts made to

introduce Acht na Gaeilge at the Executive, the promotion of Irish-language-medium education by Sinn Féin Education Minister John O’Dowd and the roll-out of the Líofa campaign by Sinn Féin Culture, Arts & Leisure Minister Carál Ní Chuilín in the North;

• Participation in the Dearg le Fearg campaign, and the prioritisation of the language in Sinn Féin’s Alternative Budget and manifesto in the South;

• Production of the all-Ireland Sinn Féin Irish Language Discussion Document.

This comprehensive, rights-based document contains detailed proposals relating to re-generating Gaeltacht areas, education and public sector reform, promoting the language in the media, and creating the widest possible opportunities for the public to learn and use the language.

We recognise that by promoting respect for difference participation in the Irish language can contribute to the realisation of an agreed, multi-cultural, united Ireland.

This Ard Fheis calls for the party to undertake a consultation process with the Irish-language community and wider society following which the party will publish a finalised Irish Language Policy Document.

Ard ChomhairlePhil Meehan Cumann, Leitrim

47. This Ard Fheis commends the work of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Minister for Education in promoting and supporting the Irish language and reaffirms our commitments to support:

• The introduction of Acht na Gaeilge;• The introduction of an Irish-language strategy; • The Irish-Medium Education to ensure that all children will have the

opportunity to learn through the medium of Irish;• An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge with capital funding;• Chomhairle na Gaelscolaíochta;• The roll-out of the Líofa campaign;• Outreach assistance for parents in Irish-medium school catchment

areas to encourage parents to use Irish with their children;• Development of the Gaeltacht Quarter in west Belfast and the

establishment of a rural Gaeltacht at Carn Togher;• Gael Acadamh;• Continued funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund.

Andersonstown Martyrs Cumann, West Belfast

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

Black Mountain West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

49. This Ard Fheis supports the formation of an all-Ireland soccer team to represent the Irish nation on the international stage.

Vol Diarmuid O’Neill Cumann, West Cork


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

Drumm/Doherty/Clarke Cumann, Clondalkin

Equality51. This Ard Fheis welcomes the historic result of the 2015 referendum in the

26 Counties on marriage equality and commends the Sinn Féin team in the Assembly for bringing this issue to the fore and their ongoing work on this issue. We recognise that the fundamental right to marriage equality must now be progressed in the North and calls for legislation in the Assembly to allow equal marriage rights for all citizens in the Six Counties.

Sheena Campbell Cumann, CorduffSmith/Savage Cumann, Castleknock

Devlin Plunkett Cumann, Templeogue/Terenure

52. This Ard Fheis calls for a referendum for an amendment to Article 15 2 of Bunreacht Na hÉireann to provide for the inalienable entitlement of women to equal positions of governance as men in both the Dáil and Seanad.The proposed amendment is as follows with the additional wording in italicsARTICLE 152° The Oireachtas shall consist of the President and two Houses, viz.: a House of Representatives to be called Dáil Éireann and a Senate to be called Seanad Éireann both of which will be constituted of equal numbers of men and women.

MacDiarmada Gilgunn Cumann, North Leitrim

53. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to adopt Directive 2013/33/EU and fully participate in the legal revisions for the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). Both Directive 2013/33/EU and revisions for the CEAS would ensure equitable treatment of asylum seekers and their families, including the opportunity to work.

This Ard Fheis also reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to oppose the direct provision system and calls for its abolition and instead support a not-for-profit model that enshrines principles of dignity, autonomy and integration.

Murt/Quilter Cumann, Athenry

54. This Ard Fheis recognises that unmarried fathers do not have any automatic legal rights in respect of their children and that in Ireland having your name on the birth certificate does not, in itself, give you any legal rights in respect of your child.

This Ard Fheis proposes that Sinn Féin should aim to introduce legislation that would give fathers full and automatic rights in respect of their children in terms of guardianship, custody and access to their children, subject to the best interests of the child.

Martin Hurson Cumann, UCC

55. This Ard Fheis calls on the party to support the Independent Broadcasters’ Association policy on the promotion and funding of independent radio in Ireland, including:

• Formal recognition of the significant public service broadcasting (PSB) contribution of independent radio stations;

• A new fund to support and develop PSB on independent radio stations;

• Amendment of Section 108 of the 2009 Broadcasting Act to define and limit the commercial mandate of RTÉ.

This Ard Fheis further calls for loosening of restrictions and reduction of barriers to the development of independent radio stations. This Ard Fheis also calls on the party to bring these policy points to the Oireachtas or European Parliament as appropriate.

Michael J. Marren Cumann, South Sligo


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Political Reform56. This Ard Fheis:

• Reaffirms our support for radical political reform which puts the interests of citizens first rather than those of the ‘golden circles’ and elites in Irish society.

• Commends the TDs appointed to lead our party’s campaign on political reform which is based on the proposals approved at the 2014 Ard Fheis in the document Towards a New Republic, and who have participated in the sub-committee on Dáil reform since the general election.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to:• Introduce meaningful radical reforms which can command public

trust and confidence in politics and public life, including the Dáil, Seanad, Executive and state bodies;

• Recognise that the Government referendum held in October 2013 on Seanad abolition, and which was rejected by the people, demands the need to prioritise real reform of that institution which is elitist, undemocratic and unacceptable in its current form;

• Fundamentally tackle the culture of cronyism and patronage within political and public life and bring about reform with openness, fairness and accountability at the heart of Irish politics.


57. This Ard Fheis reiterates its calls for voting rights for emigrants in elections North and South. We call for all Irish citizens to be afforded their right to vote in Presidential elections, and by way of a reserved constituency in Dáil elections as per our Towards a New Republic document on political reform.

Furthermore, this Ard Fheis calls on the British Government to bring forward similar legislation to allow emigrant citizens in the North of Ireland to have similar rights for Westminster and Assembly elections.

Charles J. Kickham Cumann, Nenagh

A Fair Recovery58. This Ard Fheis welcomes the recent publication of three major reports setting

out the economic benefits of Irish reunification. These are Modelling Irish Unification undertaken by KLC Consulting, the Report on the All-Island Economy by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and The Economic Case for Irish Unity by economist Michel Burke.

This Ard Fheis notes that there would be a considerable economic benefit from political and economic reunification. There is a potential €35.6billion boost in an all-island GDP in the first eight years of reunification arising from:

• Harmonisation of tax rates• Removing barriers to trade and movement of goods• Introducing one currency• Ending the duplication of government services• An integrated all-island approach to drive investment and economic

growth.This Ard Fheis calls on the North-South Ministerial Council to establish a

committee specifically tasked with harmonising and maximising economic co-operation.

Ard Chomhairle

59. This Ard Fheis notes that for the last five years Fine Gael and Labour introduced Budget after Budget that protected high-earners. To pay for this they placed a huge burden on the average worker and family and left thousands of Irish people on hospital trolleys and 1,500 children in emergency accommodation.

Instead of investing in our economy and ensuring all citizens are afforded a decent quality of life and the opportunity of a good job, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour cut taxes to benefit the rich to the detriment of the average worker. These are the type of policies that caused the economic crisis in the first place.

This Ard Fheis also notes that during the recent general election Fine Gael,


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Labour and Fianna Fáil were caught out cooking the books to inflate their spending plans, leaving their economic plans in tatters.

Sinn Féin wants a stable and balanced economy that will deliver for society. We want to move away from the boom-and-bust cycles perpetuated by these other parties. We want to ensure that any recovery is a fair one that benefits most the people hardest hit by austerity. We want to ensure that future economic policy is designed to ensure Ireland can reach its full potential and that no future generation of Irish children will again face the spectre of forced emigration. This must include:

• The design of our tax system; • Our industrial strategy; • Our social protection net; • The treatment of our workers; • Our housing market; • The provision of our public services, including health, education and

childcare. This Ard Fheis believes that this type of economic policy will deliver a recovery that is fair and sustainable. Our priorities include:

• Decent work for decent pay;• A fair and progressive tax system that benefits all workers;• Delivery of strong public services, including universal healthcare and

education;• Ensuring that if a worker loses their job they are protected from

poverty and enabled to return to work or assist in their community.Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

60. This Ard Fheis commends the work of our Assembly ministerial team over the last five years in standing up to Tory austerity and putting forward a credible economic alternative. In particular we commend:

• Creating more than 40,000 jobs and securing £3.5billion in Foreign Direct Investment;

• Stopping the introduction of water charges;• Keeping prescriptions free for everyone; • Maintaining grants and affordable fees for students; • Securing over £500 million to support those in need, including

vulnerable children and adults;• Protecting essential public services;• Delivering the largest rural development programme the North has

ever seen.This Ard Fheis is committed to growing the economy and:

• Creating more and better jobs over the next five years through inward investment and supporting local job creation;

• Delivering a fair and balanced distribution of economic development and job creation;

• Supporting a Living Wage, including as a first step making the public sector a Living Wage employer;

• Increasing all-Ireland co-operation and harmonisation of services;• Fighting Tory austerity and protecting our public services.

Grúpa Parlaiminteach na Sé Chontae

All-Ireland Economy61. This Ard Fheis recognises the growing consensus among the business and

academic community of the economic arguments in favour of a united Ireland and that the continuance of the Border is a barrier to economic growth and prosperity in Ireland.

We recognise that these barriers, while most keenly felt in the Border counties, have all-Ireland effects. The imposition of different currencies, legal and tax systems and legislatures on either side of the Border make no economic sense and impedes Ireland reaching its full potential. The economic benefits of Irish unity would include:

• A greatly increased market that can help build indigenous businesses


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and reduce the over-reliance on multinational corporations and foreign direct investment;

• Taking advantage of synergies in key sectors in the economies North and South which are currently hindered by the Border;

• Delivering better public services by reducing the inefficiencies created by duplication of services and allowing for expertise accumulated in sectors such as health to be utilised across the island.

South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair

62. This Ard Fheis call for the establishment of a single island-wide economic agency to drive economic policy and strategy. This agency would integrate the IDA, InvestNI and InterTrade Ireland and would be responsible for:

• Co-ordinating economic development on an all-island basis;• Implementing an all-island investment and jobs strategy;• In the absence of a single all-island Economic Department, ensuring

that the relevant departments in the Irish Government and Executive engage in joint planning from inception to delivery and evaluation.

Louth Comhairel Ceantair

63. This Ard Fheis call for the development of a Border Economic Development Zone to revitalise the Border region.

This Ard Fheis recognises:• The need to address the peripheral nature of the cross-Border

economy through the development of a Border Economic Development Zone to harmonise trade, maximise returns for Border businesses and increase investment and employment ensuring the island economy drives forward the socio-economic revitalisation of the Border region which benefits for the whole island;

• Establishing a Border Economic Development Zone requires the prioritisation and advancement of critical infrastructure projects, particularly roads, rail and broadband; expansion by IDA Ireland and InvestNI of the existing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) base and a more determined priority given to locating new FDI in the Border region; focused investment and support for micro businesses and SMEs; removal of transaction costs including banking, telecommunications, and administration costs for cross-Border trade; the removal of regulatory barriers to doing business on the Border;

• Greater promotion of the concept of the Border Economic Development Zone to build awareness of and support for the initiative;

• A co-ordinated development strategy for the cross-Border region (this could draw on the work of the ICBAN Regional Strategic Framework which was a first step in designing a coordinated development strategy for the central Border areas);

• A joined up approach to funding in the Border Development Zone bulding on the INTERREG 111 finding for the three cross-Border network bodies which showed how proposals can be developed in an integrated strategic fashion;

• Publish an annual State of the Border Development Zone report to present the current economic status of the Border economy and opportunities for growth and development.

Midlands North West Cúige

64. This Ard Fheis recognises the key role infrastructure has to play in bringing about further integration of the all-Ireland economy. To this end we recognise the need to progress on:

• The A5 project and Narrow Water Bridge;• Developing an island-wide rail network, including the upgrading of

the Dublin-Belfast line to allow for reduced travel times and to adjust scheduling to more business-friendly hours;

• The completion of the Ulster Canal project;• Further development of all-Ireland energy and water infrastructure.

South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair


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Anti-Austerity65. This Ard Fheis:

• Condemns the austerity cuts imposed to public services by the British Tory government on the Executive Budget in the North and by the Fine Gael/Labour Government in the South;

• Voices our strong opposition to the stripping out of local services, including the closure of Garda stations, post offices, transport routes, roads maintenance, and the emergency crisis citizens face daily in both health and housing across the 26 Counties;

• Commends our representatives in the Assembly on their record of investment and delivery in providing decent frontline public services despite deep financial cuts to the Executive’s Budget imposed by the British Tory Government;

• Calls on this Ard Fheis to champion the all-Ireland agenda in defending our public services, opposing any privatisation agenda and fighting for the more public investment, the reversal of rural neglect and to bring economic recovery to every home across Ireland.

Black Mountain West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

66. This Ard Fheis:• Recognises the public concern, in Ireland, North and South,

surrounding the sales and purchase process of the Northern loan book (Project Eagle) by the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA);

• Commends the work of our Assembly colleagues who have worked diligently as part of the Assembly Finance Committee Inquiry in order to defend the public interest and investigate the issues relating to this debacle;

• Reaffirms the importance to which NAMA must command full public trust and confidence in securing best value for the taxpayer in the 26 Counties.

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to:• Establish an Independent Commission of Investigation under the

relevant Act to conduct a full and proper examination of the facts surrounding the sales and purchase process of the Northern loan book portfolio (Project Eagle) and its related matters;

• Establish a deadline for completion of the report by the Commission of Investigation into NAMA and that its findings be debated by the 32nd Dáil within two weeks of the publication of its report.

Ard Chomhairle

67. This Ard Fheis notes that:• SMEs are heavily dependent on bank financing but access to credit

remains extremely difficult;• The National Broadband Plan has still not benefitted or allowed

access to better internet speeds for SMEs;• Exorbitant rates have negatively impacted SMEs.

This Ard Fheis calls for an inter-departmental review, led by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, to consider a fairer system for calculating commercial rates for small businesses.

John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Tralee

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

Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann, Kildare Town


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69. This Ard Fheis commits Sinn Féin to use all available influence to:• Instigate a referendum on both the Transatlantic Trade and

Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the US and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada;

• Remove Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) from both the TTIP and CETA agreements;

• Ensure that the terms of the living agreement cannot breach domestic legislation;

• Protect agriculture, workers’ rights, environmental, food and regulatory standards, SMEs, health and public services (particularly the NHS) in all trade negotiations.

This Ard Fheis also affirms that we will not support any trade agreement that includes Investor-State Dispute mechanisms and Sinn Féin does not support any trade mechanism that allows domestic law to be superseded by corporate interest.

This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Irish Government to:• Call for the ending of the ongoing TTIP negotiations between the EU

and the US;• Use their vote on the Council of Ministers to oppose the ratification

of CETA;• Initiate a public debate on the consequences of CETA and TTIP on

the island of Ireland.This Ard Fheis recognises that:

• The introduction of TTIP would lead to the lowering of EU standards;

• Increased trade in shale gas through TTIP could increase the contentious practice of fracking in both the US and EU;

• The inclusion of Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) could allow companies to challenge fracking bans in domestic legislation.

National Youth Committee

Workers’ Rights 70. This Ard Fheis commemorates the central role played by the Irish Citizen

Army, members of the Irish Transport & General Workers’ Union and the Irish Women Workers Union in the 1916 Rising.

Shortly before the Easter Rising, James Connolly asked “What is a Free Nation?” and replied: “The peaceful progress of the future requires the possession by Ireland of all the national rights now denied to her. Only in such possession can the workers of Ireland see stability and security for the fruits of their toil and organisation.”

One hundred years later, in the wake of austerity-prolonged recession, industrial unrest is mounting once again.

In advance of the 1918 general election, Sinn Féin produced a handbill declaring: “That where Irish resources are being developed or where industries exist, Sinn Féiners shall make it their business to secure that workers are paid a living wage.”

A century later, the fundamental challenges for workers remain the same – fair pay, secure hours and adequate safeguards against exploitation. Women, migrant workers and young people remain particularly vulnerable, with those working in the retail, hospitality and care sectors faring the worst.

This Ard Fheis calls for an end to the exploitation of low-hour contract workers through the introduction of Fair Hours Legislation, for mandatory trade union recognition and for the right to collective bargaining. We will strengthen compliance and enforcement of employment and workers’ rights and ban the blacklisting of trade union members and organisers. We also call for future public sector pay and pensions negotiations, North and South, to prioritise low-to middle-income workers, work towards pay equalisation, tackle the casualisation of employment and narrow the income gap between those at the top and those at the bottom.



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71. This Ard Fheis supports and encourages the introduction of a ‘Living Wage’ across the economy, both north and south, and as a first step towards its introduction we would make the public sector a Living Wage employer.

Court West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Galway City Central

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

Dublin Cúige

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

Steenie Mulvey Cuman, Bray

Social Welfare74. This Ard Fheis believes that, in the interest of equality, both adults should

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

Tommy Kavanagh Cumann, The Commons, Tipperary

75. This Ard Fheis wants to ensure our older citizens are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Older people have made and continue to make valuable contributions to their communities, wider society and their country throughout their lives.

This Ard Fheis would:• Protect free travel and not curtail it;• Ensure older people are treated with dignity and respect within a

single-tier public health service;• Protect the state pension and reverse cuts implemented in the

previous Fine Gael/Labour Government term which targeted older people;

• Support older people to remain in their own homes by increasing home help hours and respite hours;

• Ensure there is adequate provision of sheltered housing and care home places for all those who need them.

Comerford/Adrien Cumann, Portmarnock/Malahide

Party Development, Constitution and Rules76. To add the following to the Sinn Féin Constitution as Section 12.

a) An Investigation Committee shall be established in order to hear complaints and recommend disciplinary action, where it considers necessary, against members of the party.

b) The Investigation Committee shall be comprised of one member nominated from each cúige and three others nominated by an Ard Chomhairle.

c) The Investigation Committee may co-opt other members should the work load require it.

d) Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí shall have the power to suspend a member


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for a temporary or specified period, and the case will be referred immediately to the Investigation Committee for consideration.

e) The Investigation Committee shall function in accordance with the disciplinary procedures which shall be agreed by an Ard Chomhairle.

f) The disciplinary procedures shall set out the methodology of the Committee and the disciplinary measures which may be taken against members.

g) An Ard Chomhairle shall have the power to sanction a member including by suspension or expulsion.

h) Any member disciplined shall have a right of appeal to an appeals panel, as described in the disciplinary procedures.

And to change reference to “Code of Conduct” in 5.1h of the Sinn Féin constitution to “Charter of Ethics”.

Ard ChomhairleMichael J. Marren Cumann, South Sligo

77. To delete the following sections from the Sinn Féin Rules. 2. AN ARD CHOMHAIRLE2.1 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 membersa. 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.


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3. COMHAIRLE CÚIGE3.5 Cúige disciplinary procedures

a. An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability.

b. Under direction from Cathaoirleach an Pháirtí, and subject to future ratification by An Chomhairle Cúige and where there is an urgent and immediate need for executive action to be taken, the officer board of An Chomhairle Cúige shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or office any subordinate body or member thereof for incompetence, negligence or unsuitability. This shall not affect the right to appeal of the member or body.

c. Before being dismissed, however, the member or body must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by An Chomhairle Cúige.

d. The member or body concerned must receive from the Cúige Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry team

e. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report to An Chomhairle Cúige. Having considered the report’s findings, An Comhairle Cúige shall have the power, by a two thirds majority, to dismiss the member or body from the organisation.

f. Any member or body that has been dismissed from the organisation by a decision of An Chomhairle Cúige has the right of appeal to An Ard Chomhairle.

g. The suspension of a body or member thereof for any unspecified period shall lapse after six months unless it is renewed

h. Differences arising in a Comhairle Cúige or between Comhairlí Cúige where the bodies concerned are unable to settle shall be referred to An Ard Chomhairle.

4. COMHAIRLÍ CEANTAIR4.5 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. CUMAINN5.6 Cumann disciplinary procedures

a. The Cumann shall have the power to dismiss or suspend from the organisation or from office any of its members for incompetence, negligence or general unsuitability.

b. Before being dismissed, however, the member must be given an opportunity to appeal to an independent inquiry team appointed by the Cumann.

c. The member concerned must receive from the Cumann Cathaoirleach, in writing, a signed copy of the complaint and due


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notice of the time and terms of reference of the inquiry teamd. On completion of the inquiry, the inquiry team shall submit a report

to the Cumann. Having consid

Documents

Dé hAoine 22 & Dé Sathairn 23 Aibreán Friday 22 & Saturday ...11.00 Keynote Speeches carried Live by RTE 13.00 Lunch 13.30 2016 and a United Ireland – Motions 45-57 page 15