Towards a United Ireland - Sinn Féin · 6. On the motion being moved “that the question be...

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Dé hAoine 17 & Dé Sathairn 18 Samhain Baile Átha Cliath

Friday 17 & Saturday 18 NovemberDublin

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2017

Towards a United Ireland

I dTreo Éire Aontaithe

Sinn

Féi

n Ar

d Fh

eis

2017

EqualityREspEctintEgRity

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www.sinnfein.ie Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2017

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Ard Fheis Clár 2017RDS, Dublin

FRIDAY 17th NOVEMBER

16.30 Registration

18.00 Opening Address Ard-Mhéara Bhaile Átha Cliath - Mícheál Mac Donncha

18.15 Fixing the Housing Crisis – Motions 1-10 page 5

19.00 Keynote Address Michelle O'Neill MLA

19:15 Sinn Féin in Government – Motions 11-37 page 7

20.00 Keynote Address Mary Lou McDonald TD

20:15 Brexit and the Future of the EU – Motions 38-43 page 12

21.00 Close

SATURDAY 18th NOVEMBER

9.00 Registration

10.00 Infrastructure, Regional and Rural Development – Motions 44-72 page 15

11.00 Keynote Speeches carried Live by RTE

13.00 Lunch

14.00 International Solidarity, Global Justice and Climate Change – Motions 73-87 page 20

14.45 Party Development, Constitution & Rules – Motions 88-98 page 24

15.45 Justice and Equality – Motions 99-106 page 25

16.15 A National Health Service for Ireland – Motions 107-136 page 28

17.00 Education, Childcare and Social Policy – Motions 137-151 page 35

18.00 Tea

18.30 A Tribute to Martin McGuinness

19.00 Guest Speaker - Terry O'Sullivan, General President of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA)

19.15 Towards a New and United Ireland – Motions 152-171 page 39

20.00 Announcement of Results of Ard Chomhairle

and National Officer Board Elections

20.30 Presidential Address by Gerry Adams TD

21.00 Close


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

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

2. A Steering Committee and at least fourtellers shall be approved by the Ard Fheis at thecommencement of each Ard Fheis. Delegates orpersons nominated for officership or membershipof the Ard Chomhairle shall not be eligible to act asTellers.

3. The length of time allocated to each sectionand therefore the timetable of the Ard Fheiswill be determined in advance of the Ard Fheisby the Chairperson of the Steering Committeein consultation with the Ard Fheis Committee.The timetable and list of Chairperson (s) for ArdFheis shall be adopted by the Ard Fheis at itscommencement.

4. The Steering Committee will determine thelength of time to be allocated to speakers prior tothe beginning of each section of the Ard Fheis. TheSteering Committee shall ensure that preferencebe given to the proposers of motions andamendments being taken in each section.

5. During debates priority will be given to properlynominated and accredited delegates. The SteeringCommittee may, at its discretion, allow for properlyaffiliated party members who are not delegatesto speak provided there are no delegates waitingto speak at the time. The Steering Committee atits discretion may permit visitors accredited bythe Ard Chomhairle to address the Ard Fheis fora specified time. Those addressing the Ard Fheismust when speaking give their names and thename of the body and area they are representing.

6. On the motion being moved “that the questionbe put” the Chairperson shall have no optionbut to put that motion to a vote of the delegatespresent. In the event of the motion being carried,the Chairperson, after allowing time as allocatedby the Steering Committee under Standing Order 4to the proposer of the motion or any amendment/addendum under discussion, shall have no optionbut to put the resolution or amendment to a vote.

7. Emergency Motions (i.e. resolutionsreferring to events or decisions whichemerged after the deadline for submissionof motions) must be handed in writing to theArd Fheis Committee at Head Office not lessthan 7 days before the scheduled start ofthe Ard Fheis. Emergency resolutions shallbe accepted at the discretion of the SteeringCommittee.

8. Other Emergency Motions or EmergencyAmendments(resolutions referring to eventswhich occur while the Ard Fheis is in session)may only be put to the Ard Fheis at the discretionof the Steering Committee and shall requirethe suspension of Standing Orders to allow theadoption of the resolution onto the Ard FheisClár.

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

10. The Ruling of the Chairperson must beaccepted at all times. A challenge to the decisionof the Chairperson requires the suspension ofStanding Orders in order that a motion of noconfidence in the Chair is taken.

11. A motion for the suspension of StandingOrders must be submitted in writing to theSteering Committee outlining the reason for sucha motion before that motion can be put to thefloor. The length of time given to the discussionof such a motion will be at the discretion ofthe Steering Committee. A vote to suspendStanding Orders requires a two-thirds majorityof delegates present in the hall. Standing Ordersmust be reinstated again by two-thirds of thedelegates present in the hall when the reasonfor the suspension has been dealt with beforethe Ard Fheis can proceed. Standing Orders mustbe suspended at the commencement of the ArdFheis 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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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2017 www.sinnfein.ie

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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 17th November

Fixing the Housing Crisis1. This Ard Fheis:

• Notes:- The escalating housing and homelessness crisis in the 26 Counties;- The failure of the Irish Government to invest in an adequate supply of

social or affordable housing;- The failure to properly regulate the private rental sector;- The failure to address the mortgage arrears crisis in a way that keeps

people in their family home;- The continued underinvestment of adequate traveller appropriate

accommodation.• Reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment to enshrine the Right to Housing in the

Constitution;• Calls for:

- A doubling of capital investment in social and affordable housing to deliver10,000 real social homes and 4,500 affordable rental and purchase homesin 2018;

- Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act to provide for tenancies ofindefinite duration; restrictions of the grounds landlords can issue noticesto quit; and rent certainty linking rent reviews to an index such as theConsumer Price Index (CPI);

- The introduction of decisive measures to bring vacant homes back into use;- The introduction of Public Insolvency Practitioners within the MABS Abhaile

service to advocate on behalf of those in mortgage distress;- The restoration of the traveller accommodation funding to 2008 levels

and new powers to enable the Minister to enforce the implementationof Traveller Accommodation Programmes within local authorities whereallocated funds are not being drawn down.

Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 ChontaeThomas Allen Cumann (Trim)

James Stephens Cumann (Kilkenny City)Liam Ryan Cumann (Athlone)

2. This Ard Fheis acknowledges Sinn Féin’s existing policy to strengthen tenants’ rightsthrough the introduction of greater security of tenure and real rent certainty. Sinn Féinbelieves that landlords’ mortgage interest tax relief should be linked to the provision ofgreater security of tenure and rent certainty.

This Ard Fheis therefore calls for the Irish Government to provide for 100% mortgageinterest relief for landlords who provide tenants with tenancies of indefinite durationand rent certainty through index linking rent reviews, accompanied by a reduction ofmortgage interest relief for landlords to 50% who do not provide tenancies of indefiniteduration and rent certainty through index linking rent reviews.

Black/Ryan Cumann (Lucan)

3. This Ard Fheis recognises the latest state report by the United Nations Committee onEconomic, Social and Cultural Rights and recent research commissioned by the EqualityCommission in the North which is cited in their latest audit of Housing and Communitieswhich demonstrates that within the 6 Counties there is unequal access to:

• Social housing with catholic households waiting six months longer to behoused than their protestant counterparts;

• Appropriate accommodation for travellers;• Adapted housing for people with disabilities.

This Ard Fheis:• Affirms our commitment to appropriate and affordable accommodation for

all; • Calls on the British Government to cancel the historic debt currently held by

the Housing Executive;• Commits to address the lack of site accommodation for travellers;• Calls for sufficient appropriate adaptations and housing support for people

with disabilities, and;• Ending housing inequality in all its forms.

Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae


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4. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to pursue the appointment of dedicated Tenancy Sustainability Officers in all council areas that are currently without such a position.

Doherty/Delaney Cumann (Navan)

5. This Ard Fheis notes that the current Northern Housing Executive policy on intimidation points does not allow for points to be awarded to those suffering intimidation as a result of domestic abuse and therefore calls on the Housing Executive in the North to review their policy in relation to intimidation points to address this as every citizen deserves to have a safe and secure home free from fear of violence and intimidation.

Coalisland/Clonoe Martyrs Cumann

6. This Ard Fheis:• Notes that Ballymun Regeneration has been abandoned by the State with

vital infrastructure left unfinished or unrealised;• Calls for the introduction of a proper community regeneration plan for

Ballymun that is developed following extensive consultation with the local community and which includes neighbourhood strategies as well as plans for training and education, physical improvements and economic development.

McCabe/Quigley Cumann (Ballymun)

7. This Ard Fheis:• Supports the full and early implementation of the eight technical

recommendations of the report of the Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks in counties Donegal and Mayo;

• Calls on the Irish Government to immediately deliver fairness and justice for impacted homeowners and introduce a redress scheme for affected families and householders.

Carndonagh/Malin Cumann

8. This Ard Fheis:

• Expresses concern at the deepening housing crisis, particularly in Dublin;• Notes that:

- The housing crisis in Dublin has been caused in large part by consecutive Irish Government’s cutting capital budgets to Dublin local authorities;

- Housing people in hotels and B&Bs is unacceptable;- Family hubs are not the long term solution to the housing crisis;- The long term solution is a comprehensive social and affordable home

building programme.• Proposes that the Irish Government:

- Commits to delivering 10,000 social housing units until the housing crisis is over;

- Introduces legislation for affordable buying and renting of homes;- Ensures relevant Ministers make public land in the ownership of CIE

and OPW available to Dublin's local authorities for the purpose of constructing social and affordable housing;

- Ensures that the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government addresses the bureaucratic nature of the approval, funding and procurement process. This process must be reduced to an efficient, transparent one stage process;

- Notwithstanding current processes of engagement with private sector for the development of sites under the Land Initiative, funds and supports council led mixed tenure development on local authority lands in Dublin;

- Provides increased funding to local authorities to reduce the turnaround time on voids;

- Introduces legislation to reduce the time developers are allowed to sit on rezoned land before it has to be built on;

- Makes social and affordable housing exempt from the €20m cap imposed by the Public Spending Review 2011.

Dublin Cúige


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9. This Ard Fheis recognises that: • Fuel poverty is a very real challenge for families in Dublin City Council

housing; • 8,653 Dublin City Council homes urgently need insulating;• A full insulation programme for Dublin would cost €139m but that Dublin City

Council has a shortfall of €40m. This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local

Government to work with Dublin City Council management and Councillors to source this funding as a matter of urgency.

James Connolly Cumann (Ballyfermot)

10. This Ard Fheis opposes any moves by the Minster or Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to either directly or indirectly attempt to further erode the power of local authority elected members to develop or amend any aspect of their county development plans.

Members of local authorities, democratically elected to that position, must retain the authority to vary their country development plan if it reflects the will of the people they represent, without requiring the approval of the non-elected executive officers.

Barnes/McCormack Cumann (Mullingar)

Sinn Féin in Government 11. This Ard Fheis notes:

• The significant electoral and political progress made by Sinn Féin in recent years, including the increase in Sinn Féin representation on local councils, in the European Parliament, in the Assembly and in Leinster House, and the increased party mandate received in this year’s Westminister election;

• The strong record of delivery of Sinn Féin government Ministers in the Northern Executive, as well as the work of our TDs and Seanadóirí in the Oireachtas, our MEPs in the European Parliament and our MPs and councillors;

• Our commitment and ambition to implement Sinn Féin polices in government, North and South.

This Ard Fheis further notes:• The increased politicisation over recent years of people of all generations, but

particularly young people, affected by austerity and the failure of the policies and ideologies that have been, and are being, pursued by the establishment parties;

• That we are in a period of political transformation, in Ireland and internationally, which presents the opportunity for the growth of progressive politics and for Sinn Féin to become the largest party in the 26 Counties and the Six Counties;

• That change is not brought about solely through electoral politics, but through activism, debate, the battle of ideas, politicisation and influencing public opinion to create a popular demand for political change.

This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to:• Build popular support for a United Ireland governed in the interests of

all that is based on fairness, equality and a commitment to progressively improving the lives of all citizens;

• Continue to work towards becoming the largest party in both the 26 Counties and the Six Counties;

• Pending the re-unification of Ireland, lead a progressive government in the 26 Counties and to implement our polices in government, north and south.

• This Ard Fheis reaffirms that any decision regarding Sinn Féin’s entry into a coalition government in the 26 Counties will be made by a Special Ard Fheis, convened for that purpose, and will be based on the party’s ability to secure a progressive, Republican programme for government.

Ard ChomhairleLawlor/Mulvihill/Clashmealcon Martyrs Cumann (Ballyheigue/Causeway/Ballyduff)

Keating/Sands Cumann (Comeragh)Charlie McGlade Cumann (Drimnagh)


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12. This Ard Fheis:• Recognises:

- The growth and political success of Sinn Féin over recent years as a result of the hard work of our activists, members, employees and elected representatives;

- The desire of Sinn Féin members for our party to be in government in the 26 counties;

- Our commitment to delivering a 32 County Socialist Republic.• Notes the record of parties who have gone in as junior coalition partners

with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the past and the need for a strong political opposition in the Dáil;

• States that Sinn Féin will not go into Government as a junior coalition partner with Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael after the next general election.

Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell Cumann (Ennis)Joe McDonnell Cumann (Drumkeeran)

13. This Ard Fheis states that Sinn Féin will only enter government in the 26 Counties if we are the largest party in terms of Dáil seat numbers.

Vol. Diarmuid O'Neill Cumann (Castletownkinneigh)

14. This Ard Fheis proposes that Irish and the Gaeltacht would be reinstated as a senior ministerial position in any Sinn Féin government in the 26 Counties and that such a portfolio would not be linked to any other ministerial area.

Tomás Aghais Cumann (Dingle)

15. This Ard Fheis calls for Sinn Féin not to enter government with another party unless the abolition of water charges and the abolition of tax on the family home are part of the Programme for Government.

McGrath/Sands Cumann (Carrick on Suir)

16. This Ard Fheis mandates that a condition of Sinn Féin involvement in any coalition Government in the 26 Counties is the ending of the discrimination against young people aged 18 to 26 year olds with respect to social welfare payments and that in the first budget the lower payments are brought up to the upper limit.

Tracey Cre Cumann (Roscrea)

17. This Ard Fheis notes with concern that:• Tory cuts to public services have had severe impacts upon the delivery of

education, healthcare and essential public services in the North;• Children, people with disabilities, elderly and sick people are paying the

price of Tory cuts;• Public services will be cut by 3.1% in real terms over the as a direct result of

the Tory cuts programme supported by the DUP. This Ard Fheis is opposed to Tory/DUP cuts and calls on both the Tories and the

DUP to abandon cuts in favour of an economic stimulus and investment in essential public services.


18. This Ard Fheis notes with concern that there are 173,000 people of working age and 93,000 children living in poverty in the north of Ireland and calls on the incoming Executive to develop and implement a fully resourced anti-poverty strategy with clear achievable targets and timelines for realisation.


19. This Ard Fheis: • Recognises

- That public services have been undermined by under investment and privatisation, and that in many cases ‘transformation’ has been a euphemism for privatisation and marketisation;

- The damage done by an ideological agenda that has sought to diminish the reputation of the public sector, including public sector workers, and to undermine support for public services;

- Public services which are universal and which treat each citizen on the basis of need are essential in making the lives of all of our citizens better.


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• Reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment to:- The provision of public services as a cornerstone of what the state

does for its citizens; - Strengthening public services to ensure the highest quality of public

services are available to all;- Opposing the privatisation and marketisation of public services;- Ensure the efficient provision of public services and social protections;- Increasing investment in public services to be paid for through a

progressive tax system;- Valuing the work of all those who work in the public sector, and

reflecting this in the pay and conditions of public sector workers.Wicklow Comhairle Ceantair

McCabe/Quigley Cumann (Ballymun)

20. This Ard Fheis:• Condemns the unfair 2018 Budget of the Irish Government which:

- Normalises and tolerates mass homelessness among our people, including children, and fails to even fund to the point of maintenance a health system that is in a state of permanent crisis;

- Has been criticised by workers and activists in the health and housing sectors;

- Fails to invest in infrastructure such as water, transport, cross-border infrastructure, energy and flood defences;

- Does not address inequalities in the social protection system affecting women and younger people;

- Will only create a more unequal Ireland by perpetuating the economic and social inequalities rampant in modern Ireland.

• Commends the Sinn Féin alternative which:- Builds a sustainable and fair tax system including the abolition of the

Local Property Tax;- Invests in our health and housing systems so that the rights of the

people are respected;- Protects our most vulnerable; - Tackles tax avoidance by vulture funds, banks, multinational

companies and investors so that they pay a fair share;- Would halve the cost of childcare for families;- Chooses to take the side of ordinary people;- Creates an all-island infrastructure plan to safeguard the country’s

interests as Brexit approaches;- Is based on the vision of a prosperous, sustainable and united

economy with public services and infrastructure fit for that society.Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Chontae

21. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to end the ongoing discrimination for over 35,000 older people, mainly women, in the calculation of their state pension payment. Sinn Féin want to see the pre-September 2012 pension bands and rates restored to allow for a fairer pension payment for our older people.

This Ard Fheis believes that older people should be guaranteed a pension payment at retirement regardless of their PRSI contributions or any breaks taken from work such as time taken to raise families or care for a loved one. Sinn Féin will work towards developing an all-Ireland pensions policy based on a universal pension payment to ensure a fair and adequate income for all of our older people at retirement.

This Ard Fheis also acknowledges that there are more 65 year olds on Jobseekers payments than any other age category in the State. We recognise that this has come about due to the abolition of the State Pension Transition along with the increase in pension age in 2014. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to end this injustice and restore the State Pension Transition to allow 65 year olds access to a pension payment and to support the Sinn Féin tabled Employment Equality (Abolition of Mandatory Retirement Age) Bill 2016, ensuring its earliest passage into law.

Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 ChontaeMonaghan Comhairle Ceantair


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22. This Ard Fheis recognises the benefits of public spending being harnessed for social good. This Ard Fheis calls for the development and implementation of a comprehensive Social Value Act in the North which will:

• Apply to all public sector contracts;• Ensure that social value is considered at every stage of procurement from

the business case, to the award criteria, through to the monitoring of performance;

• Include measures that ensure compliance on behalf of both commissioners and contractors;

• Ensure a level playing field for SMEs and community groups. Joe McManus Cumann (Garrison)

23. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to face up to their responsibilities in encouraging emigrants to return to Ireland by enabling returning emigrants to access relevant documents, insurance, licences, bank accounts and other essentials more readily.

McEvilly/O'Malley Cumann (Castlebar)

24. This Ard Fheis calls on the Sinn Féin economic and finance team to examine the pending mortgage interest rate crisis given that interest rates will inevitably and significantly increase and that most Irish homeowners are on variable or short term fixed mortgages.

Kevin Barry/Frank Stagg Cumann (North West Inner City)

25. This Ard Fheis fully endorses the recently published Sinn Féin Apprenticeship Reform Proposals policy document. This policy document recognises the importance of apprenticeships in providing our young people with alternative educational and training choices, and in providing our economy with the educated and skilled workers needed for a variety of emerging and growing industries.

This document sets out a five year plan which primarily aims to:• Significantly increase the number of apprentices in training; • Treble the number of apprenticeship programmes available; • Greatly increase the female participation rate, from the current 0.3%; • Ensure greater involvement of people with disabilities in the

apprenticeship system; • Promote apprenticeships as an equal alternative third level choice.

Clancy/O'Callaghan Cumann (Limerick City North) Meath Comhairle Ceantair

26. This Ard Fheis calls for the introduction of a wage for third level students on work placements and temporary internships. Such earnings should not be considered when applying for government schemes such as SUSI.

Markievicz/Tadhg Barry Cumann (Cork North West/Central Wards)

27. This Ard Fheis: • Notes that approximately 17.2% of the workforce in the 26 Counties is

classed as self-employed. Their value to our economy is well documented and yet they are treated in a totally unfair manner by this and previous governments when it comes to the right to have access to social welfare payments should they need them. They are also treated unequally under the tax system;

• Calls for Sinn Féin to develop a costed policy that delivers equality to the legitimately self-employed in relation to access to social welfare payments.

Clare Comhairle Ceantair

28. This Ard Fheis calls for the development of a comprehensive policy on the issue of bogus sub-contractors in the construction industry focusing on the impact of bogus sub-contracting on workers’ rights, tax revenues and social welfare expenditure. Such proposals should detail the legislative and policy changes we would like to see implemented North and South to address these problems.

This should be followed by the roll out of a campaign informed by this new policy document and aimed at securing the necessary legislative and policy changes to protect workers and reduce tax evasion and enforced social welfare fraud.

Drumm/Doherty/Clarke Cumann (Clondalkin)


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29. This Ard Fheis:• Proposes that the special arrangement with the major banks in the

26 Counties that relieves them of their responsibilities to pay any corporation tax for the next 20 years be reversed;

• Notes that these institutions would not be in existence today were it not for the sacrifices of a generation of ordinary citizens, and probably another generation to come, and that it is therefore incumbent on those institutions who have received massive state aid and are currently in profit to pay their share of tax in the interests of fairness and equality to all taxpayers.

Cork City Comhairle Ceantair

30. This Ard Fheis believes that large corporations should make a fair and proportionate contribution to countries finances, therefore, corporation tax should be increased North and South, not reduced with the additional revenue raised to be used to tackle homelessness and housing waiting lists, North and South.

Clonard Martyrs Cumann

31. This Ard Fheis believes that the Northern Executive should not lower corporation tax, and that any island-wide harmonisation of corporation tax should result from a rise of corporation tax in the South.

National Youth Committee

32. This Ard Fheis, recognising that unemployment levels have fallen, calls for the government to introduce legislation requiring that jobs offered to people must have a minimum of twenty hours in a five day period , with the living wage as the guide to pay rates.

James Connolly Cumann (Cahir)

33. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to amend the qualifying conditions for Working Family Payment (i.e. working at least 19 hours per week) to take into account low income workers on zero or low hour contracts.

Bob Smith Cumann (Dundrum)

34. This Ard Fheis recognises the employment potential of workers’ co-operatives and therefore endorses our new party policy document in this area and calls on the party to ensure that priority is given to campaigning for legislative changes to facilitate the growth of worker co-ops on an all-Ireland basis.

Robert Byrne Cumann (Limerick City East)

35. This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the role of the tourism industry in developing the wider

economy;• Calls for continued support to the industry and especially those

statutory organisations tasked with developing tourism and growing visitor numbers onto the island of Ireland;

• Commends the community impact and outworking of initiatives such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East where the success of these has been determined by the impact felt at a local level and in bringing about regional spread of tourism ensuring the economic impact is felt across the country;

• Calls on Ministers and agencies on both sides of the border to ensure these successful projects are developed further to include the entire island and for the continued protection of cross border bodies and resist any attempt to undermine those institutions that are protected under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Black Mountain Comhairle Ceantair


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36. This Ard Fheis: • Is totally opposed to the British Government’s imposition of the two-child

limit on Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and Income Support payments; • Condemns utterly the disgraceful and repugnant rape clause exception,

which will force victims of rape seeking to claim child tax credits for a third or subsequent child, to declare that the child was born as a result of non-consensual sex;

• Believes this policy to be unfair, unequal, morally unacceptable, deeply harmful to women and their children and a fundamental violation of women’s human rights;

• Calls on the British Government to overturn this policy in the north of Ireland and to ensure that this action is not deemed a breach of the principle of parity in matters of social security.

Limavady Comhairle CeantairTom Flatley Cumann (Enniskillen)

37. This Ard Fheis calls on the party to reaffirm our support for a continued effort to ensure that a Commission of Inquiry into Media Ownership in Ireland is a major priority.

Furthermore this Ard Fheis condemns the media bias against Sinn Féin, especially the despicable bias shown by Independent News and Media and Communicorp, while also recognising the inherent anti-Sinn Féin bias of other media outlets including the state broadcaster RTÉ.

Limerick City Comhairle Ceantair

Brexit and the Future of the EU38. This Ard Fheis:

• Reaffirms Sinn Féin’s position that the democratic will of the people of the north to remain in the EU must be respected, that the Good Friday Agreement must be protected in all of its parts and that there can be no hardening of Britain’s border in Ireland;

• Recognises:- The excellent work done by the Sinn Féin MEPs led by Martina

Anderson to represent the party position on Brexit in Europe;- That there are only two ways that the above objectives can be

achieved: either through designated special status for the north of Ireland within the EU or by the holding of a unity referendum leading to Irish re-unification.

• That the essential elements of Special Designated Status are: - The north to remain in Customs Union and Single Market;- The Good Friday Agreement to be protected in all of its parts;- Freedom of movement of people, goods and services on the island of

Ireland;- All citizens of the north of Ireland being entitled to full EU citizenship

rights;- Continued access for citizens in the north to European Court of

Justice;- Full EU political rights for citizens in the north of Ireland;- Continued access to EU funding streams;- The Good Friday Agreement attached as legally binding declaration in

the Withdrawal Agreement.- All the institutions and cross-border bodies of the Good Friday

Agreement remain within the EU legal framework.• Affirms that if the British Government refuses to agree to Special

Designated Status within the EU despite the fact that 56% of the people of the north voted to remain in the EU, then the Good Friday Agreement entitlement to a unity referendum must be triggered to give the people of the north and south of Ireland the choice on the future direction for the island of Ireland.

Ard Chomhairle Pól Kinsella Cumann (Northlands)


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39. This Ard Fheis believes that the future of Europe and the credibility of the EU project depends on a number of radical changes and that the consultation period, which has already begun, has presented a narrow choice of options none of which guarantee principles of democracy, sovereignty nor the rights of citizens.

This Ard Fheis specifically:• Believes that a convention and an intergovernmental conference on the

future of Europe should be established that will facilitate the repatriation of powers to members states including treaty change if necessary;

• Believes that the future of the EU depends on reducing the power of the undercover corporate lobbying machine which has been allowed to grow unregulated and with unfettered access to unaccountable decision-makers in the European Commission;

• Believes that reform of the EU must necessarily involve confronting and untangling bureaucracy that has built up around so many EU programmes, projects and funding mechanisms. This bureaucracy takes projects out of the hands and control of citizens and has reduced the possibility for democratic input;

• Believes that the Free Trade Agenda which the European Commission is pushing with privatisation and deregulation at its helm, will do irreparable damage to workers’ rights, the environment, public services and rural communities;

• Supports building a Social Europe that prioritises ordinary citizens over the bottom line of multinationals, reduces inequalities, fights against social exclusion and meets the social needs of European citizens;

• Reiterates its opposition to an EU Army and a European defence budget which will not only compromise Ireland’s neutrality, but will reinforce ‘fortress Europe’, shamefully denying safe and legal passage for refugees;

• Asserts that as a relatively small, peripheral member state, Ireland needs to be forceful in the defence of its sovereignty and in seeking the return of powers to member states. This necessarily involves the Irish Government standing up to our European partners on key topics including attempts to force us to liberalise public services, sign away access to our marine resources, moves to federalise the provision of energy, and policies which directly threaten our rural population.

Ard Chomhairle Midlands/North West Cúige

40. This Ard Fheis, noting the widespread forecasting of a pending financial crisis in 2018/19, calls for the Sinn Féin policy unit to prepare a comprehensive discussion paper on the outworking of an Irish break from the EU Monetary Union, in order to ensure that the party has a strategy to deal with such a set of circumstances should they arise.

Tormey/Mannion Cumann (South Roscommon)

41. This Ard Fheis recognises the possible negative consequences of British/EU Brexit negotiations on the fishing industry in Ireland.

This Ard Fheis therefore commits to do everything in its power to:• Alert the Irish public of the possible detrimental threat Brexit may bring

to an industry already severely damaged by decades of neglect by previous Irish Governments and EU expansionism;

• Scrutinise the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the British Government regarding the Common Fisheries Policy and ensure those engaged in the Irish fishing industry do not lose any more of their rights to harvest fish stocks from the seas surrounding the island of Ireland;

• Help protect the economic wellbeing of our coastal communities that have a stake in the Irish fishing industry from any negative consequences that may arise from Brexit.

McGrath/O’Brien Cumann (East Waterford)


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42. This Ard Fheis notes that the EU Fiscal Compact enforces blanket, one-size-fits-all fiscal rules that require the diverse economies of EU member states to keep public debt limited to 60 per cent of GDP and annual deficits to below 3 per cent of GDP.

The Fiscal Compact and the Stability and Growth Pact that preceded it have imposed severe and unacceptable restrictions on the ability of EU member states, including the Irish state, to respond effectively to the economic crisis by using macroeconomic stimulus measures.

Spending cuts during a downturn have a contractionary effect and cause the economy to shrink, which is exactly what happened in the aftermath of the recessions in the Irish state, Spain, Greece and Portugal, causing rising unemployment, poverty and inequality.

The Fiscal Compact imposes a straitjacket of fiscal austerity on all member states who have adopted it, leaving these states entirely reliant on the European Central Bank's one-size-fits-all monetary policies.

The singular focus by the EU on ‘balanced budgets’, with no corresponding focus on balanced trade accounts, reflects a commitment to the failed ideology of austerity.

This Ard Fheis rejects the proposed incorporation of the Fiscal Compact into EU law at the end of 2017 and calls on the Irish Government to use its position on the European Council to veto this enshrining of austerity permanently into the EU Treaty.

This Ard Fheis supports the repeal of the 13th amendment to the Irish Constitution that enshrines aspects of the Fiscal Compact into Irish law.

Kerry Comhairle Ceantair

43. This Ard Fheis recognises the all-Ireland nature of the agri-food and drinks

industry which is a major contributor to our economy and calls on the Irish Government to demand that the North remain in the European Union to protect this vital industry and to seek EU funding for agri-food SMEs who are exporting to protect their business in the context of the very real dangers that Brexit presents

Jimmy Joe Reynolds Cumann (Mohill)


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Saturday 18th November

Infrastructure, Regional and Rural Development 44. This Ard Fheis notes that:

• Under the current Rural Development Programme (2014-2020) the transfer of LEADER to local authority control in almost every county has effectively removed LEADER from local community-led organisations and put it under State control. This has resulted in new rules and processes that have prevented the roll out of this badly needed rural development funding for the past three years;

• LEADER was established 25 years ago to address rural decline through local community led partnerships and, until now, the 26 Counties has led the way in Europe;

• The policy change under two Fine Gael led Irish Governments, which constitutes a local authority takeover of bottom-up development, will inevitably lead to the decline and disappearance of real community-led development organisations in the State. The myriad of problems with the roll out of LEADER is clear evidence that State body management of such a community-led programme will fail.

This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Irish Government to ensure that, under the Rural Development Programme 2021-27, the LEADER programme will no longer be delivered by local authorities but will be returned to local community-led organisations which are comprised of, and represent, the rural communities they serve. We also call for the simplification of the application process for LEADER funding and expedite the roll out of funding under the programme, so that badly needed European rural development funding can reach those most in need of it.

Kerry Comhairle CeantairDeleaney/O’Rahilly Cumann (Bray)

45. This Ard Fheis believes that decades of under-investment and failure to deliver a rural strategy has led to the haemorrhaging of young people from rural areas.

This Ard Fheis believes that as well as increasing investment in vital rural services and the retention of services such as post offices, transport and Garda stations, that a strategy to reverse the brain drain and incentivise the establishment of rural cooperatives and businesses is needed to prevent further loss of the rural identity and way of life.

Midlands/North West CúigeTipperary Comhairle Ceantair

46. This Ard Fheis: • Condemns the historical and continuing under-investment of the west

of Ireland by successive Irish Governments and; • Calls on the Fine Gael-led Government to carry out a comprehensive

geographic analysis of the State's National Development Plans of previous years with a view to formulating and implementing a strategy that will effectively address the east-west economic imbalance.

Noble Six/Fr. O`Flanagan/MacManus Cumann (Sligo Town)

47. This Ard Fheis: • Supports and encourages the positive efforts of all involved, working

together to collectively resource the North West City Region priorities for growth and development;

• Recognising the significant positive impact that the National Planning Framework (NPF) ‘Ireland 2040 Our Plan’ will have on the regions of the 26 Counties: - Resolves to campaign and lobby vigorously to press the Irish

Government for a commitment to deliver to the North West City Region in the NPF;

- Appropriate supports to permit provision of regional economic growth, investment, physical and environmental development, wellbeing and social and community cohesion.

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48. This Ard Fheis: • Believes that by investing west of the Bann, we can tackle the years

of neglect through developing infrastructure, jobs and industry in the North;

• Calls on NIE and SONI to ensure that there is a constant and secure supply of electricity to areas west of the Bann by providing the electricity interconnector to ensure supply to our growing industrial sector, particularly the locally developed engineering sector.

South & East Tyrone Comhairle Ceantair

49. This Ard Fheis notes that the proposal for the development of a North-South interconnector continues to be frustrated as a result of planning and judicial delays. We note that such delays are likely to continue so long as the project fails to receive the acceptance of the communities through which this infrastructure will pass.

This Ard Fheis further notes that the imposition of high-voltage pylon-supported lines will never receive the necessary public acceptance and therefore calls on authorities, North and South, to direct that the project be undergrounded in line with international best practice.

Meegan/Harvey Cumann (Inniskeen)

50. This Ard Fheis calls for all regions to be treated with parity and equality in the distribution of jobs and the adequate infrastructure to attract jobs.

Dunne/Kelly/Whitty Cumann (Wexford Town)Wexford Comhairle Ceanntair

51. This Ard Fheis calls for the restoration of the Town Councils and the Town Council Block Grants.

Tipperary Comhairle Ceantair

52. This Ard Fheis supports the continuation of devolution of additional powers to local councils within the North, but only on the premise of the completion in legislation of the outstanding and unfinished “call-in” regulations as was agreed under the Local Government Act 2014.

Falls Comhairle Ceantair

53. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to reverse its policy of staffless libraries. Digital solutions such as parcel motel style lockers and apps like BorrowBox can extend access to library services without putting jobs at risk.

Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann (Kildare Town)

54. This Ard Fheis: • Condemns the actions of insurance companies in increasing

premiums across the board for motorists, refusing to insure older cars which have passed their NCT and pricing young people out of the motor insurance market;

• Believes that astronomical car insurance costs for younger people are disproportionately affecting those in rural communities where there is very little, if any, public transport available and;

• Calls on the Irish Government to bring in an Insurance Regulator at the earliest possible stage with a view to ending the scandal of rapidly increasing car insurance premiums.

Patrick Conroy Cumann (Castlerea)Robert Emmet Cumann (Thurles)

Noel McCann Cumann (Ballinasloe)

55. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to take measures to control the insurance cartels who are responsible for the present escalating and exorbitant levels of car insurance, and calls for the car insurance industry to be brought into state ownership and to be then administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. This Ard Fheis also calls for, as EU members, the availability of car insurance from other EU member states.

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56. This Ard Fheis calls for legislation to ensure safety roll bars are a requirement on all quad bikes.

McEvilly/O'Malley Cumann (Castlebar)

57. This Ard Fheis recommends the mandatory inclusion of blood alcohol level samples along with routine blood tests in the cases of all road traffic accidents where the driver is receiving health care from a statutory health care provider.

Coen/Savage Cumann (Collooney)

58. This Ard Fheis proposes that for an experienced driver not exceeding 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, not exceeding 107mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine and not exceeding 35mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, a fine of €300 and 3 penalty points be imposed, as per current 2010 Road Traffic Act.

Gallagher/Foy Cumann (Drumconrath)

59. This Ard Fheis proposes that the restrictions and regulations around hackney and taxi licences in rural Ireland should be reviewed and revised in order to eliminate drink driving.

Sean Corcoran Cumann (Kiltimagh)

60. This Ard Fheis, in order to reduce road deaths, promote safer driving and reduce the cost of insurance, proposes the introduction of compulsory fitting of dash-cams on all new motor vehicles.

Martin Forsythe Cumann (Glencullen/Sandyford)

Agriculture and fisheries

61. This Ard Fheis believes that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must move towards a system of fairer distribution. With many farmers struggling to get by and farming becoming less and less attractive to younger generations, there is an urgent need to address gross inequalities within the system. This Ard Fheis believes that:

• It is scandalous and immoral that 240 farm businesses are receiving CAP subsidies in excess of €100,000, when thousands of farmers struggle to get by with payments below the average of €17,932;

• The failure of successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael-led Governments to put a cap on these payments has allowed the concentration of wealth in the hands of those already controlling the market and therefore the prices other farmers receive;

• A cap of €50,000 on Basic Payments should be enforced to restore integrity to a system that has seen the meat processing companies which control the market pocket millions each CAP cycle;

• Binding legislation must be put in place to tackle unfair trading practices in the food supply chain, and guarantee the position of farmers to receive a fair price for their product;

• Key parts of the Farmer’s Charter related to the on-time delivery of payments by the Department of Agriculture should be transposed into legislation so that never again are farmers left out of pocket by delayed payments of up to 9 months;

• Generational renewal strategies within the agricultural sector must address issues of depopulation of rural areas, as well as providing security for older farmers who wish to retire; the insufficient targeting of young farmers through funding streams must also be addressed if we are to reduce the trend of an aging sector;

• Farm safety must become a priority in future funding programmes now that 30% of workplace deaths in the State occur in the agricultural sector;

• Financial incentives should be created to encourage the establishment of cooperative meat processing facilities to counter Irish Government approved mergers which are currently swallowing the market and farm-gate prices.

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62. This Ard Fheis:• Recognises the difficulties experienced by Irish fishermen and women

in securing a viable livelihood due to both natural and regulatory barriers;

• Acknowledges that the 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 the fishing industry which has caused distress and hardship for ordinary fishermen and women and the complementary sectors;

• Calls for the inclusion of fishermen and women in the Seafarers' Allowance Scheme in the 26 Counties;

• Calls for the Irish Government to introduction a Single Boat Payment;• Recognises the work of Sinn Féin activists, supporters and public

representatives, particularly Liadh Ní Riada MEP & Martin Ferris TD, in supporting ordinary fishermen and women, but regrets that the absence and lack of support from other political parties and the Irish Government has had the effect of alienating coastal, island and rural communities.

This Ard Fheis notes the:• Lack of Irish quota which has resulted in Irish fishing vessels being

unable to provide an adequate return for owners and crews;• Lack of income which means fishermen and their families are already

struggling financially;• Imposition of penalties as well as heavy handed tactics by the Sea-

Fisheries Protection Authority which have resulted in the criminalisation of fishermen for minor infringements;

• Unfair distribution of quota (mackerel and herring) among our fisheries ports, mainly due to past political cronyism;

• Concern regarding the new landing regulations;• Lack of a state relief fund for fishermen and women who have

experienced financial hardship and operational difficulties due to damage or loss of equipment;

• Fact that a significant portion of fish taken from Irish waters is landed in Ireland but transported and processed abroad or at sea at the socio-economic expense of domestic community enterprises;

• Calls for 5% of EU quotas, instead of 2% to be set aside for scientific surveys so that fishermen can participate in providing researchers with the true data of fish stocks in real time, and in order to remove the restrictions imposed on fishing vessels who do not have enough quota.

Donnacha De Barra Cumann (Kinsale)

63. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to support the conservation and

development of Irish native breeds in plant and livestock production. Any negotiations regarding CAP or regional development should include support for the conservation of genetic resources for sustainable agriculture.

Mayo Comhairle Ceantair

64. This Ard Fheis: • Notes the additional difficulties which hill farmers experience on the

island of Ireland; • Opposes the removal of the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme

in the North by the previous Agricultural Minister, Michelle McElveen (DUP);

• Notes that former Sinn Féin Agricultural Ministers O'Neill and Gildernew kept the ANC Scheme open for farmers in the Severely Disadvantaged Areas and acknowledges the vital contribution these farmers make;

• Pledges that Sinn Féin in any future Executive will do everything possible to reintroduce the ANC Scheme to at least the 2016 level;

• Calls for the restoration of Pre – 2008 levels of ANC payments in the 26 Counties and that the highest levels of payments would go to the holdings with the most disadvantaged land.

Fergal O'Hanlon Cumann (Brookeborough) James Crossan Cumann (Cloone/Aughavas)


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65. This Ard Fheis calls for the provision of compensation to farmers whose land has been designated by Parks and Wildlife and therefore constraining the farmer in the agricultural use of this land.

Jack Mc Loughlin Cumman (Fenagh)

66. This Ard Fheis recognises the difficulties faced by emigrants returning to Ireland who are looking to take up farming. We call for a special scheme and fund to assist with providing entitlements, establishing a holding and to provide an adequately resourced fund.

Jack Mc Loughlin Cumman (Fenagh)

67. This Ard Fheis recognises the devastating effects of flooding in recent years and calls for the Irish Government to increase the level of investment in flood relief and prevention measures as well as the protection of Ireland’s waterways canals and wild life.

James Crossan Cumann (Cloone/Aughavas)Liam Ryan Cumann (Athlone)

68. This Ard Fheis:

• Recognises the environmental damage caused by precious metals mining and the extraction of Ireland’s non-renewable natural resources by large corporate entities with little or no benefit to local communities;

• Is opposed to the use of cyanide in mining due to its detrimental environmental and health implications;

• Will undertake to review and amend in government the current mining licence system to ensure the public interest, community gain and environmental protection are underpinned in new regulations and furthermore will oppose private sector gold mining companies from being awarded permission to operate in Ireland.

South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair Caraher/McCreesh Cumann (Ballymacnab & Granemore)

69. This Ard Fheis supports seaweed harvesting with particular regard to the western coast developing a micro domestic industry committed to seaweed as a natural resource that will not be relinquished to large or foreign owned companies to exploit or profit seek.

Erris CumannNorth Clare Cumann

70. This Ard Fheis, recognising the importance of animal welfare, proposes the development of a comprehensive animal welfare policy paper by Sinn Féin.

Cull/Tymon Cumann (Arigna)Tom Keely Cumman (Celbridge)

71. This Ard Fheis recognises the cruelty of the battery hen industry, deplores the conditions the animals suffer in and calls for the immediate banning of the practice in Ireland.

Sheena Campbell Cumann (Rostrevor)

72. This Ard Fheis calls for legislation to ban live hare coursing, noting the cruelty suffered by the native, wild hares through their capture, injuries and trauma, often resulting in death and furthermore calls on Sinn Féin to produce a document outlining our policies in this area.

West Waterford Cumann Sean Mac Giolla Bhríde Cumann (Westport)

Mulvey Cumann (Bré)


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International solidarity, global justice and climate change 73. 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, the forced removal of Palestinian citizens and the building of illegal settlements 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 supports self-determination for the Palestinian people and believes it is up to the Palestinian people to decide which kind of state they prefer.

This Ard Fheis condemns the continued use by Israel of ‘Administrative Detention’, otherwise known as ‘internment without trial’. This draconian measure should cease immediately.

This Ard Fheis urges full support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign which entails an economic, cultural and academic boycott of Israel. We believe this campaign is a strategy for effective solidarity among all those who support the right of the people of Palestine to Statehood.

We particularly demand that the Irish Government immediately stops procuring drones, armaments and other 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.

This Ard Fheis welcomes the recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas on a process to end the political divisions between them. This deal creates the potential for real progress in the efforts to rekindle the moribund Middle East peace process. We urge the international community to speedily grasp this opportunity and encourage all sides to open up a renewed dialogue to making progress in the peace process.

Ard ChomhairleRoscommon Comhairle Ceantair

Pádraig Pearse Cumann (Bogside) Lagmore Cumann

Pól Kinsella Cumann (Northlands)

74. This Ard Fheis agrees that, in view of Sinn Féin's stated commitment to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Campaign, Sinn Féin will have no more meetings or dealings with the right-wing party Likud, or any Israeli political parties that gives succour or support, either covertly or overtly, to the increased expansion of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian lands in violation of international law.

Ruth Hackett Cumann (Maynooth)

75. This Ard Fheis supports the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo against the genocide they are subjected to and denounce the silence generally observed by the media regarding the Congolese holocaust.

Sheena Campbell Cumann (Corduff)

76. This Ard Fheis notes: • The growing human rights violations by private sector businesses

around the world and recognises the need to regulate and monitor businesses to ensure full compliance with human rights standards;

• That those who stand up and defend vulnerable communities against human rights violations are often made targets themselves;

• The importance of providing protection and support to human rights defenders and community leaders who stand up for the rights of others.

This Ard Fheis therefore calls on the Irish Government to implement a robust Action Plan on Business and Human Rights to ensure the rights of people both in Ireland and globally are protected.

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77. This Ard Fheis: • Notes that there is an unprecedented 65.6 million people forcibly

displaced from their homes around the world, which includes 22.5 million people who are refugees outside their home country;

• Opposes the EU-Turkey deal and the EU’s military mission in the Mediterranean, Operation Sophia, as both have created huge human suffering, the violation of human rights, and humanitarian crises;

• Calls on the Irish Government to oppose these counterproductive deals and the EU’s efforts to create similar deals with other countries in Africa and Asia, and to instead create more safe and legal pathways for refugees to get sanctuary in Ireland and Europe.

Markievicz/Ryan Cumann (Tallaght Central)

78. This Ard Fheis notes that:• 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 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 April 2017, and despite all efforts to block it by the Spanish Government, ETA, with the support of Basque civil society, the International Commission on Verification, Basque local institutions as well as French Government, successfully proceeded to complete its disarmament;

• Despite all efforts promoted by ETA, Sortu, Basque society and the main parties in general for the complete resolution of the Basque conflict, the Spanish government maintains its policy of intransigence.

This Ard Fheis therefore supports 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;

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

• Immediate release of prisoners eligible for parole.• Furthermore, this Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government, the

political institutions in the North as well as the EU 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 based on the right of Basque people to decide freely about its future.

Wicklow Comhairle Ceanntair

79. This Ard Fheis: • Reiterates our call for the USA to unconditionally and fully lift its illegal

blockade of, and to normalise its relations with, Cuba;• Recognises that 9 October and 25 November 2017 mark the 50th

anniversary of Ché Guevara’s killing and the 1st anniversary of Fidel Castro’s death respectively;

• Sends our solidarity greetings to the Guevara and Castro families, and to the people of Cuba.

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80. This Ard Fheis: • Notes that in June 2017 the Revolutionary Armed Forces of

Colombia (FARC) announced it ceased to be an armed group and on 1 September 2017 a political party – Common Alternative Revolutionary Force (FARC) – was formally established;

• Believes that despite this positive advancement in the Colombian peace process there remain barriers to building the peace, including the on-going attacks and killing of human rights defenders and community leaders by right-wing paramilitaries;

• Calls on the Colombian Government to ensure that human rights and the democratic process are respected, and for it to fully deliver its side of the peace agreement, urgently resolving its outstanding obligations.

Upper Falls Comhairle Ceantair

Climate change 81. This Ard Fheis recognises that:

• Climate change is an issue of global justice with many of the poorest people and those in the developing world already worst affected;

• Climate change has had serious negative impacts on our quality of life and that, unless radical action is taken, future generations will face a hostile climate, depleted resources, destruction of habitats, extinction of species, food and water scarcity and mass migrations;

• Ireland has a responsibility to invest in our future by investing in measures to tackle climate change and to protect our environment;

• Ireland must play a proactive role in global efforts including the Paris Agreement to combat climate change and to tackle environmental degradation;

• Ireland should aim to be a leader within the EU and seek to exceed the binding 2030 climate energy framework targets of 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 27% share in renewable energy and a 27% improvement in energy efficiency;

• Green energy employment is growing at a faster pace than other energy sectors and investment in green energy and infrastructure should be encouraged;

• Energy efficiency is key to bridging our emissions gap and all new builds should include efficiency measures and expansion of current retrofit energy efficient programmes is necessary.

This Ard Fheis therefore commits Sinn Féin to reviewing the party's approach to environmental and climate change policy to achieve greater coherence and to ensure that all relevant economic and social policies have - at their core - a new vision of sustainable prosperity consistent with ecological limits and climate justice. The review could take on board current research on 'planetary boundaries' that defines the safe operating space for humanity.

Ard ChomhairleCharlie McGlade Cumann (Drimnagh)

Coleraine Comhairle CeantairNolan/Downey Cumann (Laganbank)

82. This Ard Fheis acknowledges that:• Our current economic growth paradigm has not resulted in

corresponding decreases in poverty or greater prosperity in more recent years;

• The drive for continuous growth has led to spiralling environmental devastation and endemic social and economic inequalities;

• A radically alternative approach is needed in our economic paradigm if we are to address these problems;

• A credible alternative to the economic growth paradigm is the steady-state paradigm which requires that we live sustainably (within the finite means of our natural resources) and that we replace economic growth with economic development. In a steady-


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state economy, we do grow but not by using more of everything; rather we grow by making better use of what we have and being smarter in how we use it.

This Ard Fheis therefore commits Sinn Féin to undertake a steady-state economic study for the purpose of exploring alternative economic models for the island of Ireland.

Barney McFadden Cumann (Greysteel)

83. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to ban all single use plastic and biodegradable plastics - irrespective of thickness - sourced from petrochemicals and instead introduce the use of bio-plastics made from natural materials.

West Galway Comhairle Ceantair

84. This Ard Fheis calls on Sinn Féin to examine: • A full, renewable and sustainable energy programme that involves

local communities and ordinary residential citizens investment; • Opening the energy market to ordinary citizens by introducing a

feed-in tariff for both local communities and residential micro-generation. Opening the energy market to micro-generation will help rural communities find new revenue streams, create jobs and help drive innovation;

• Enabling local authorities to invest in renewable projects, which in turn will give a financial return to local authorities and helping to reduce financial dependence from central government.

Ruth Hackett Cumann (Maynooth)Mitchell/Sands Cumann (Magheracloone)

Keenan/Doherty Cumann (Carrickmacross)

85. This Ard Fheis calls on the British and Irish Governments to commit to the Bonn Challenge which seeks to:

• Restore forests through mass sapling planting on appropriate open mountain land with native woodland species and alternative hardwood trees such as larch;

• Better utilise forestry as a mechanism to meet climate change targets and to increase recreational amenities for community and tourism purposes.

Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann (Kildare Town)

86. This Ard Fheis:• Deplores the mass felling of trees which is creating unsightly areas

of landscape around the countryside; • Suggests that a four tree deep barrier of hardwood trees be

planted around forestry areas so that these can be left to form a visual barrier to the devastation when felling takes place;

• Suggests the replacement of sitka spruce with hardwoods such as larch.

Cumann Caisleán Nua Thiar

87. This Ard Fheis calls on Sinn Féin to examine the possibility of bringing forward proposals to allow flexibility in forestation programmes to facilitate farmers or their successors who wish to bring forested land back to green land to do so.

Hurson-Quirke Cumann (Galway City West)


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Party Development, constitution and rules88. This Ard Fheis fully endorses the proposed 2017 Constitution, Rules and

Regulations which have been produced following extensive consultation across the party and commends its adoption.

Ard Chomhairle

89. This Ard Fheis calls for the reinvigoration of the National Councillors Forum, for this Forum to represent the views of councillors within party structures including the Ard Chomhairle and for the National Councillors Forum to roll out a series of training, education and policy briefings to assist and support our local elected representatives to represent the party and their constituents to the best of their ability.

Keating/Sands Cumann (Comeragh)

90. This Ard Fheis proposes that all future information and election leaflets produced by Sinn Féin would be bilingual, in the main Irish language dialects appropriate to the area they are to be distributed.

We further propose that Irish be given parity with English on all publications.Tomás Aghais Cumann (Dingle)

91. This Ard Fheis proposes that Sinn Féin should implement a policy of positive discrimination ensuring that there should be a set quota of Gaeilgeóiri in every representative forum throughout the country in which there are elected Sinn Féin members specifically, An Dáil, An Seanad, An Tionól, Na Comhairlí Cathracha. We propose that this is also implemented within the party structure especially the Ard Chomhairle.

Martin/Tracey Cumann (East Belfast)

92. This Ard Fheis: • Acknowledges that many members currently elected or co-opted

to represent Sinn Féin have other means of salaried employment in addition to their council pay and are free to continue with that employment;

• Agrees that there should be no prohibition on Sinn Féin Councillors working for the party or for other Sinn Féin elected representatives on a full or part time basis.

Devlin/Plunkett Cumann (Templeogue/Terenure)Drumm/Doherty/Clarke Cumann (Clondalkin)

Bob Smith Cumann (Dundrum)

93. This Ard Fheis:• Notes the importance of the party’s youth wing and their input towards

building a progressive future, equal for all;• Believes that in order to successfully achieve and fulfil SFRY’S

commitments, a budget is needed to cover costs of organising campaigns and events as well as supporting, when needed, young activists with transport and accommodation costs;

• Believes that this budget should be administered by the National Youth Committee subject to party rules and allocated annually by Sinn Féin.

Roscommon Comhairle CeantairNational Youth Committee

94. This Ard Fheis calls for the Ard Chomhairle to initiate an urgent review the current membership policies including recruitment, education and retention of new members, with a view to protecting the integrity of the party and the commitment of its members. That this review should consider staged membership or associate membership, probationary periods, rights and responsibilities and allow for participation from cumainn and the wider membership. The objectives of this review would be to create a more robust party, inclusive of all, where membership rights and responsibilities are clearly defined, making the party fit for purpose in our new and dynamic, ever changing Irish society.

Cork City Comhairle CeantarMargaret Skinnider Cumann (Ballygall/Drumcondra)


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95. This Ard Fheis proposes that all cumann cláranna include Irish as a necessary fundamental agenda item for each meeting, whether or not they conduct their cumann business in Irish.

Dublin South Central Comhairle Ceantair

96. This Ard Fheis encourages all Sinn Féin members to become a member of a Trade Union given the important role of trade unions in alleviating the widespread exploitation and abuse of the minimum wage system.

Parle/Crean/Hogan/Gleeson Cumann (Taghmon)

97. This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of providing all elected representatives and activists with essential skills and training in suicide prevention and that a training programme will be devised and rolled out in all areas and made available to all activists.

Ireland South Cúige

98. This Ard Fheis: • Notes that December 14th 2018 will mark the centenary of universal

suffrage; • Recognises:

- That equality as the cornerstone of republicanism;- That while some progress has been made for women in this

country, targets of 30% representation for women fall well short of equality when women make up 50% of the population;

• Reiterates Sinn Féin’s target of achieving 50% female representation in party membership, on internal party committees and structures as well as in public representation.

North Clare Cumann

Justice and Equality 99. This Ard Fheis:

• Believes that the An Garda Síochána and the PSNI must consistently work with local communities, as such a strong working relationship is at the core of good policing throughout the island;

• Supports effective civic policing by police services that must be accountable, free from partisan political control, and representative of the community they serve;

• Welcomes the recognition in the Terms of Reference for the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland of the need for an ethos and culture that “engages pro-actively, routinely and continuously with, and is responsive to the needs of, the diverse communities it serves”;

• Is concerned at current trends in the North towards an overemphasis on the hard end of policing at the expense of the concerns and priorities of local communities as well as having concerns about the ongoing crises currently facing An Garda Síochána, and the public confidence in the force at present;

• Views communities as an essential asset in assisting with policing and community safety solutions working in partnership with the PSNI or Gardaí.

This Ard Fheis mandates Sinn Féin to:• Continue to demand that communities receive a policing service that

has 'policing with the community' as its core principle with solutions co-designed between communities and police;

• Engage with all policing institutions at every level, North and South, in pursuit of 'Policing with the Community'. This will include the accountability mechanisms in existence and third sector and campaigning groups who are working to make policing structures truly representative of, and a service to, the public;

• Campaign to maintain and enhance the human rights approach which will be central to a civic police service;

• Support the new beginning to policing and the rule of law in the


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North while remaining vigilant and critical of any misuse of policing powers by anyone;

• Support policing and the rule of law in the South while pursuing the necessary legislative and other changes to strengthen accountability and to prevent any recurrence of recent scandals which has damaged the reputation of An Garda Síochána.

This Ard Fheis calls:• On the Gardaí to implement the recommendations of the Garda

Inspectorate 2015 Report ‘Changing Policing in Ireland’;• For the Policing Authority in the South to be fully independent,

representative, to include political representation, and to be given the powers necessary to ensure that it is fit to hold An Garda Síochána and its leadership to account, and to recruit and remove senior officers;

• For additional powers for GSOC, to improve its operation and enhance its scope;

• For the establishment of a Criminal Justice Inspectorate, to replace the Garda Inspectorate, and capable of inspecting the range of criminal justice organisations, agencies and services.

Ard Chomhairle

100. This Ard Fheis agrees that Sinn Féin should develop a position paper on the age of criminal responsibility and aim to publish within a reasonable timeframe.

Loughshore Martyrs Cumann (Ardboe)

101. This Ard Fheis:• Notes that:

- The Mediation Act 2017 which places mediation at the centre of resolving issues around family breakdown was signed into law by the Irish President on 2nd October;

- It is well established across a number of jurisdictions that family mediation improves outcomes for children when families break up as it allows families to agree what will happen rather than the adversarial approach involved in court proceedings;

• Calls on Sinn Féin to promote family mediation on an all-Ireland basis and to work for a society where family mediation is the default first approach to family breakdown.

Burns/McKerr/Toman Cumann (Lurgan)

102. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to provide increased supports for families going through divorce or separation proceedings:

• To include provision for a new family law court system entirely separate from the criminal courts;

• To be located in purpose built family oriented centres which will be fully funded;

• To provide free mediation services with an emphasis on non-adversarial solutions;

• Where parties seeking a divorce or separation don’t qualify for legal aid, a reasonable set number of hours of free legal representation will be granted where required;

• However, the right of either party to decline legal representation in order to represent themselves should be upheld and respected;

• In such cases, a relevant alternative person of their choice may accompany either party at court, to be selected with the agreement of the presiding judge and with consideration that the presence of that particular person will not cause distress or detriment to the other party, to be permitted only on condition of an undertaking of confidentiality of the proceedings.

West Waterford Cumann

103. This Ard Fheis notes:• The prevalence of domestic violence and abuse across all sections of

society North and South;


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• That resources for survivors of domestic abuse are severely lacking with thousands of women and children unable to access emergency refuge accommodation;

• That ending the scourge of domestic violence must be a priority to ensure a healthy society;

• That accessing legal protections can be particularly difficult for women from poorer backgrounds;

• That as well as the physical, psychological and financial consequences of domestic abuse, it can also have a detrimental impact on the job performance of many survivors leading to disciplinary action and a loss of job security;

• That, crucially, the victim of domestic abuse is never to blame. Accordingly this Ard Fheis calls for:• The timely progression of the Domestic Violence Bill and the

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