Green Party Convention 13-14 July

Home , Eamon Ryan, Hazel Chu, Malcolm Noonan, Mark Dearey, Neasa Hourigan, Pippa Hackett

LEADING THE CHANGE

2019

BLACKHALL PLACE GREEN PARTY12 - 15 JULYCONVENTION 13-142019 JULY WELCOME TO STONEYBATTER!

FÁILTE GO BÓTHAR NA GCLOCH!

Welcome to Dublin Central!

It is 1,200 years since the Vikings first stepped ashore from their longboats onto the muddy northern shores of the River Liffey; just down the road from where we’re holding our Convention. Dublin 7 has long been known for cattle-dealing and glass- making, and in recent years has become a creative hub with cultural and food businesses attracted to the area. You’ll be able to savour hand-made ice-cream from Christiano in Sorrento’s chipper, or a flat white from Love Supreme. The Lilliput Press is just around the corner off Arbour Place, and Bí Urban is an amazing studio for social creativity on Manor Street. The National Museum at Collins Barracks is nearby, as are the graves of the 1916 leaders.

In 1997 I ran in the General Election here before being elected in 2002 in Dún Laoghaire. Cllr. Neasa Hourigan now represents Cabra and Glasnevin just up the road, and is our candidate for the next General Election. Cllr. Michael Pidgeon’s ward is a stone’s throw away across the river. As a councillor here for the last five years I have focussed on making the city easier to get around, tackling disadvantage, and the housing crisis. Recently the City Council has upgraded older persons’ housing at St. Bricin’s off Arbour Hill to a Passive House standard. Plans for the Liffey Cycle route are in the pipeline, as are proposals to regenerate the nearby Fruit and Vegetable Markets.

The Greens are now the second largest party on the City Council, and we’re looking forward to progressing lots of initiatives over the next five years. As Dublin’s new MEP I’ll be working closely with my council colleagues to make Dublin a green and fairer city for all, and achieving a just transition.

Ciarán Cuffe MEP Dublin Central Green Party

Local area tips:

National Museum of Ireland/Collins Barracks, Arbour Hill Cemetery. Phoenix Park (Visitor Centre, Rent a bike, Farmleigh House, Prehistoric Burial Chamber), Dublin Zoo and Jameson Distillery.

For more info visit www.smithfieldandstoneybatter.ie

1 WELCOME FÁILTE

Dear Green Colleagues,

Welcome to our 2019 annual Convention. We had a great result in the recent elections, both North and South, and now is the time for us to live up to that vote. We must work together at the local, national and international level to advance a Green New Deal which delivers a just transition. That requires a new economy which builds community and restores natural capital and social justice at the same time. Our new councillors are already working to deliver the sort of system change we need at a local level.

The job this weekend is to grow our own party to support that work and to prepare for the next general election. We are in a climate and biodiversity emergency. We need everyone to play their part in responding to that challenge. It’s time to go to action stations. Welcome aboard.

Eamon Ryan TD Party Leader

A chara ghlais,

Céad míle fáilte go Baile Átha Cliath. Welcome to Convention 2019! I am looking forward to meeting all of you, new members and old, this weekend.

This is a very important time for the Green movement, in Ireland, in Europe, and worldwide.

The Green Wave that arrived with the Local and European Elections in May showed just how much the people of Ireland want action in tackling climate change. We have more Councillors than ever before, on Councils from Clare to Dublin, Waterford to Galway, Kilkenny to Cork, Limerick to Kildare, Ards and North Down, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Wicklow, Belfast and Westmeath. There are Irish Green voices in Europe once again in our brilliant MEPs Grace O’Sullivan and Ciarán Cuffe.

Now the work really begins, in Councils across the country and in the European Parliament, to start implementing those green policies that the people of Ireland voted for. To prioritise active transport, protect biodiversity, promote clean energy, stop plastic and other forms of pollution, and to build more just, equal and sustainable communities. There is no party with stronger democratic structures than us – everything we do as we grow as a Party, we will do together.

Green voices and green actions are needed now more than ever. It’s up to us to be those voices, to roll up our sleeves ensure that we build those green communities. Let’s go to work, together. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

Catherine Martin TD Deputy Leader

A chairde,

Welcome to Convention! I’m looking forward to meeting many new colleagues and many of our more seasoned ones who I have the pleasure to call friends as well as colleagues. It is exactly that which makes the Greens so special, we are a party of ideas but we are also a party which are united in them forming a community that thrives to make our country a better place.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your National Coordinator-Chair of the Executive this year. From last Convention thanks to the stellar work of our staff, volunteers and representatvies from across the country, we have seen the party grow and gain momentum in every area. At the end of this Executive we now have a fully staffed office, two MEPs and forty-nine Councillors. But our aim is to do more. The stakes are higher than ever as the country which has voted Green turns to us for action and leadership. We must work together and turn our ideas into actions.

I look forward to spending the weekend discussing and working with you all to make this happen.

Hazel Chu National Coordinator

2 CONVENTION INFORMATION EOLAS ARD-FHEISE

Law Society of Ireland

This year’s Green Party Convention will take place on July 13th & 14th in the historic Law Society of Ireland in Stoneybatter, Dublin.

Following the recent success of the local and European elections, we are delighted to be in the heart of the north inner city, an area represented by Ciarán Cuffe, our newly elected MEP.

Accessibility

There are three points of wheelchair access to the Law Society of Ireland.

The door into the lobby of the President’s Hall, where a ramp leads from the entrance lane to the lobby doors. The door in the South Quadrant Garden and subsequently into the South Quadrant Corridor and Members Lounge Area where registration will take place. The door at the corner of the Vanilla Café at the bottom of the Academic St leading to the Green Hall Lecture Theatre is wheelchair accessible and is operated by a keypad. Security will supply the code.

The building has a passenger lift for access to the upper floors. The Society has a designated Disabled Parking space available behind the Vanilla Café building-opposite the Green Hall. Also disabled parking can be provided in the main car park outside the main building.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are provided past the Blue Room on the ground floor of Blackhall Place and at the rear of the Green Hall. The President’s Hall is fitted with a hearing loop for visitors with impaired hearing. Irish sign language will be provided all Saturday in the President's Hall.

On-Site Childcare

Childcare will be open to all children attending Convention who have notified us in advance, with no charge for delegates. Childcare will be available from 9am - 6pm on Saturday, and on Sunday from 9am - 1pm in the Green Hall Logia as well as outdoors, weather permitting. A light lunch and snacks will be available on Saturday.

Our childcare is provided by a fully qualified childminder.

3 CONVENTION INFORMATION EOLAS ARD-FHEISE Lunch

Lunch which has been purchased in advance will be available in the Dining room.

If you booked your lunch in advance, please ensure that you bring your ticket which you were provided with at registration on Saturday morning.

There will be a limited amount of lunch tickets available to purchase at the Merchandise Stand for €13. This will include soup, a selection of sandwiches and wraps (all vegetarian) and coffee/tea.

Convention Dinner

The Convention Dinner will be held at 8:15pm on Saturday in the President’s Hall for those who purchased dinner tickets in advance.

There will be a very limited number of dinner tickets available to purchase at the Merchandise Stand for €40.

Please purchase by 12pm on Saturday (cash only).

There is an ATM nearby in Stoneybatter. The menu caters to all tastes and includes vegetarian/vegan options. If you have any Convention Draw special dietary requirements, please inform someone at the Merchandise Stand.

The draw is back by popular demand! The Convention draw will take place during dinner on Saturday (after 9:30pm). Tickets cost €5 and are available from the Merchandise Stand.

First Prize: €200 Second Prize: €75 Third Prize: €50

Convention Live Room

To ensure we can cater for all attendees, a live-feed will be available in the Blue Room throughout the weekend

4 CONVENTION INFORMATION EOLAS ARD-FHEISE Green Party Merchandise

Green Party branded merchandise will be available throughout the weekend at the Merchandise Stand next to the President’s Hall.

Choose between our trendy rain jackets, Keep-Cups, badges, canvass tote bags and t-shirts.

Green Party Hooded Rain Jackets - €30 each

Green Party Keep Cups - €10 each

Green Party t-shirts - €10 each (Green, Blue, Yellow), €5 each (white)

Green Party Canvass Tote Bags - €4 each

Green Party Badges - €1 each

Registration

The Registration Desk will be open on Saturday from 8.30am - 5pm in the Blue Room and on Sunday from 9am - 1pm outside the President’s Hall. Members can register on arrival, and if paid-up for 2019 and past the sixth-month probationary period, will receive a voting card.

If you have not yet paid your membership fee for 2019, you may do so at the Membership Renewal desk next to registration. Members may renew by credit/debit card or with cash. Once renewed you will receive your voting card.

Individuals whose membership has lapsed (i.e. not renewed in 2018 or 2019) must complete a probationary period if re-joining, and therefore won’t be eligible to vote.

Members and Guests are welcome to purchase a dinner ticket at Registration with cash only. However there will be limited tickets available.

ATMs are available closeby on Stoneybatter Road and in the Spar on the corner of Ellis Quay and the Liffey.

Voting Card

Your voting card is important - use this card to collect your Executive Committee election ballot paper and to vote on motions if a division is called. So, please take care of it! If lost, it cannot be replaced.

You can read more about the election process in the section which introduces you to your candidates for the Executive Committee this year.

5 08.30 - 17.00 Registration Desk - Blue Room SATURDAY 10.00 - 18.00 Merchandise Stand - President’s Hall MORNING 09.30 - 10.30 Sustaining Green Momentum - President’s Hall 10.30 - 12.00 Technical Motions - President’s Hall 11.00 - 12.00 Bees, Birds, Biodiversity - Michael O’ Mahony Room 11.00 - 13.00 New Members Session - Green Hall Theatre

11.00 - 12.00 Councillors’ Group - Council Chamber 12.00 - 13.00 Executive Committee Election - Candidate Speeches - President’s Hall

13.00 - 14.00 Young Greens Meeting - Michael O’ Mahony Room 13.00 - 14.00 Lunchtime and Executive Committee Voting

14.00 - 14.15 National Co-ordinator Report - President’s Hall SATURDAY 14.00 - 15.00 Economics Policy Group - The Mock Court 14.15 - 15.15 AFTER Queer Greens - Michael O’ Mahony Room Meet your new Green MEPs Grace O’Sullivan & Ciarán Cuffe LUNCH 14.30 - 15.30 + European Campaign In Focus - President’s Hall 15.00 - 16.00 Ecofeminism and the Green Wave - Green Hall Theatre

15.00 - 16.00 The Green Vision For Housing - Michael O’ Mahony Room 15.15 - 16.00 Councillors’ Group - Connecting Councillors for Regional City Development - Council Chamber 15.30 - 17.00 Technical Motions Cont. - President’s Hall 15.45 -17.00 Climate Council - Green Hall Theatre 15.45 -17.15 Glas Agus Gaelach - Michael O’ Mahony Room

17.00 - 17.10 Executive Committee Results - President’s Hall SATURDAY 17.10 - 18.00 Cathaoirleach, Deputy Leader and Leader Speeches EVENING - President’s Hall 18.00 - 20.15 Drinks Reception - Blue Room

20.15 - 22.30 Gala Dinner - President’s Hall

22.30 Evening Social - Blue Room

09.00 - 13.00 SUNDAY Information Desk and Merchandise Stand - President’s Hall 09.00 - 10.00 Yoga - Movement for Change - Flower Garden MORNING 10.15 - 11.15 Non-Technical Motions - President’s Hall

10.45 - 11.45 Mná Glasa - Blue Room

11.30 - 12.30 Reports of Young Greens Chair, Policy Chair and Treasurer. Election of Treasurer, Appeals Committee, Auditor and Trustees - President’s Hall

SCHEDULE SCEIDEAL 6 TALKS & SPEAKERS

CAINTEANNA & CAINTEOIRÍ

Sustaining Green Momentum

PRESIDENT’S HALL 9.30 – 10.30

The election results in May were historic for the Green Party, but how do we build on that success? How to we continue to convince more voters to back the Green Party as we head into the next decade?

A panel of councillors who were elected as part of the #GreenWave will discuss how we sustain this Green momentum at every level of government, with invited questions from the audience.

Panel: Cllr Claire Byrne, Dublin South East Inner City; Cllr Dan Boyle; Cork City South Central; Cllr Pippa Hackett, Edenderry; Cllr Peter Kavanagh, Clondalkin; and Cllr Pauline O’Reilly, Galway City West.

Moderator: Mary Gallagher-Cooke

New Members Session

GREEN HALL THEATRE 11.00 – 13.00

Are you new to the party and want to act? Come to the New Members open session where Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin talk about the future of the party, where we came from and how all along it’s been driven by the members.

We delve into the journeys of first-time candidate and now Galway City Councillor, Pauline O’Reilly as well as Saoirse McHugh, a new member who fearlessly ran a European election campaign.

Hear why members Sineád Mercier and Robin Cafolla joined the party and the extraordinary campaigns they’ve led, from midland bogs to the #GreenWave.

SATURDAY DÉ SATHAIRN

7 TALKS & SPEAKERS

CAINTEANNA & CAINTEOIRÍ

Bees, Birds, Biodiversity Workshop MICHAEL O’MAHONY ROOM 11.00 – 12.00

Bees, Birds, Biodiversity - it’s all buckling under the weight of climate change and habitat destruction. Our panellists - Cllr Pippa Hackett, Cllr Malcolm Noonan, and Grace O’Sullivan MEP - discuss the current situation for biodiversity in Ireland and what needs to be done to protect our native wildlife.

There will also be an interactive element to this workshop as your knowledge of Ireland’s wildlife is put to the test! The panel will be chaired by Cllr Úna Power.

Economics Policy Group - Member Discussion: The Carbon Dividend Approach MOCK COURT 14.00 – 15.00

Increasing the price of carbon in our economy is seen as a crucial part of our transition to a sustainable society. However, many feel the burden will fall too heavily on those unable to pay, or even that it won’t work properly at all. We’re eager to hear your views on this vital issue, so please join in the discussion.

Meet your new Green MEPs Grace O’Sullivan and Ciarán Cuffe PRESIDENT’S HALL 14.30 – 15.30

Join newly elected MEPs Ciarán Cuffe (Dublin) and Grace O’Sullivan (Ireland South) to hear what they have been working on in Brussels & Strasbourg since May’s election, what the aim for the Irish Greens are as part of the fourth largest group in the European Parliament (the Greens/European Free Alliance), which committees they will be working on what their policy aims are, and their impressions of the new Parliament and Commission. Moderator: Simon McKeagney, Brussels Greens European Campaign in Focus PRESIDENT’S HALL 14.30 – 15.30

In this session three fantastic European candidates will take the stage to discuss the campaign – Saoirse McHugh, Ciarán Cuffe and Grace O’Sullivan, along with campaign managers. The European election results in May were the best ever results for the Green Party – how did our candidates deliver such a great result? What lessons are there for Green campaigning in future elections? Moderator: Ed Davitt, Twitter Celebrity

SATURDAY DÉ SATHAIRN 8 TALKS & SPEAKERS

CAINTEANNA & CAINTEOIRÍ

Ecofeminism and the Green Wave

GREEN HALL THEATRE 15.00 – 16.00

Ecofeminism takes the approach that environmental, race, gender, and class inequities are intimately intertwined. Our belief in a right to exploit women and each other, extends from a belief in the right to exploit the land around us.

Through the ‘Green Wave’, the public have voted for radical climate action. What’s next and is current mainstream green thinking up to the challenge? How can the disruptive space provided by ecofeminist and poetic rationalisms help us rethink mainstream political thought and offer the radical, just changes that are needed?

The panel will be showcase a mix of perspectives from the arts, grassroots activism, academia and politics to build a response to the new political frontiers we are facing.

The Green Vision for Housing

MICHAEL O’MAHONY ROOM 15.00 – 16.00

What is the Green vision for housing? What can we do to turn the tide on the ongoing housing crisis and ensure quality homes are built? During this discussion the panel will look at how we can create long-term, sustainable, and affordable homes for all, focusing on solutions such as cost-rental, co-housing, and reinvigorating our town centres.

So join Cllr Lorna Bogue, Cllr Deirdre Ní Fhloinn, and Cllr Ossian Smyth for an in-depth discussion on how we should drive housing policy to ensure there are homes for all.

The panel will be chaired by Cllr Michael Pidgeon.

SATURDAY DÉ SATHAIRN

9 TALKS & SPEAKERS

CAINTEANNA & CAINTEOIRÍ

Climate Council

GREEN HALL THEATRE 15.45 – 17.00

Ireland’s current government have been remarkably unresponsive on the issue of climate action. The recently published climate plan is long on talk but short on action and ideas. Over the last year our representatives in the Oireachtas have been actively proposing climate policies such as the Waste Reduction Bill but we have also been hard at work on the Committee on Climate Action. In parallel with this work our councillors have sought to raise environmental and climate concerns in the council chambers of local authorities.

It is in this context that we wanted to form a new climate change policy group. To consider the detail and the future challenges of a topic that is at the core of our party’s work. This group will be made up of you and your fellow volunteers and I hope will work closely with our Leinster house staff and representatives to develop and propose new and emerging positions on Climate Action. SATURDAY DÉ SATHAIRN

Yoga - “Movement for Change “

FLOWER GARDEN 09.00 – 10.00

Join Lydia in this yoga class designed to connect and align our core beliefs with the core of our planet. Explore how moving from our centre enables us to find strength not only in our bodies but also in our ability to make change. Through yoga poses and breath practices we will discover that we are stronger than we thought we were and that in order to connect to our community and our environment we need first to connect to ourselves.

SUNDAY DÉ DOMHNAIGH

10 PARTY BUSINESS GNÓ AN PHAÍRTÍ

TECHNICAL MOTIONS 10.30 – 12.00 PRESIDENT’S HALL See pages 24-27 for details

COUNCILLORS' GROUP 11.00 – 12.00 COUNCIL CHAMBER

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION - CANDIDATE SPEECHES 12.00 – 13.00 PRESIDENT’S HALL Candidates will speak for three minutes each before voting. See pages 20-23 for details on candidates.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VOTING 13.00 – 14.00 OFF MAIN CORRIDOR

YOUNG GREENS MEETING 13.00 – 14.00 MICHAEL O’MAHONY ROOM Convention is a great opportunity for Young Greens from across the country to exchange ideas and plan for the year ahead.

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR REPORT 14.00 – 14.15 PRESIDENT’S HALL

QUEER GREENS MEETING 14.15 – 15.15 MICHAEL O’MAHONY ROOM

COUNCILLOR’S GROUP - CONNECTING COUNCILLORS FOR REGIONAL CITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CHAMBER 15.15 – 16.00

SATURDAY DÉ SATHAIRN

11 PARTY BUSINESS GNÓ AN PHAÍRTÍ

MOTIONS CONTD. 15.30 – 17.00 PRESIDENT’S HALL See pages 24-27 for details

GLAS AGUS GAELACH 16.45 – 17.15 MICHAEL O’MAHONY ROOM

An Ghaeilge sa Chomhaontas Glas - anois agus amach anseo / The Irish language in the Green Party - now and into the future.

Seisiún eolais agus plé ina ndéanfar cíoradh ar sheasamh na Gaeilge sa pháirtí ó 2014 i leith, go háirithe maidir le Cairt Teanga inmheánach an pháirtí agus polasaí Gaeilge an pháirtí don tír ar fad, d’fhonn an dá dhoiciméad sin a fheabhsú agus a neartú. Iarrfar ar na baill a bheidh i láthair a dtuairimí a nochtadh faoi fhorbairt an dátheangachais ar bhealach éifeachtach cuimsitheach sa pháirtí sna blianta amach romhainn, agus tabharfar deis dóibh bheith páirteach sa phróiseas sin iad féin. Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil roimh ré ó [email protected]

Information session where the standing of Irish within the party since 2014 will be discussed, specifically in relation to the party’s internal Language Charter and its Irish-language policy for Irish nationally, in order to improve and strengthen those documents. Members at the session will be invited to give their opinions on the way forward in terms of promoting bilingualism within the party in the most effective and inclusive manner possible and they will be given the opportunity to contribute to that process themselves. More info available in advance from [email protected]

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESULTS 17.00 – 17.10 PRESIDENT’S HALL

As we attempt to ‘Make Ireland Green Again', join assembled delegates to hear Roderic O’Gorman, Catherine Martin, and Eamon Ryan on Saturday from 17.10.

CATHAOIRLEACH'S SPEECH 17.10 – 17.20 PRESIDENT’S HALL

SATURDAY DÉ SATHAIRN

12 PARTY BUSINESS GNÓ AN PHAÍRTÍ

DEPUTY LEADER'S SPEECH 17.20 – 17.35 PRESIDENT’S HALL

LEADER'S SPEECH 17.35 – 18.00 PRESIDENT’S HALL

SATURDAY DÉ SATHAIRN

NON-TECHNICAL MOTIONS 10.15 – 11.15 PRESIDENT’S HALL See pages 28-33 for details

MNÁ GLÁSA 10.45 – 11.45 BLUE ROOM

REPORT OF THE YOUNG GREENS CHAIR, POLICY COUNCIL CHAIR, AND TREASURER. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES, APPEALS COMMITTEE, AUDITOR, AND TREASURER 11.30 – 12.30 PRESIDENT’S HALL

SUNDAY DÉ DOMHNAIGH

13 OUR COUNCILLORS ÁR GCOMHAIRLEOIRÍ

OUR MEPs ÁR BHFEISIRÍ EORPACHA

14 VOTING RESULTS TORTHAÍ VÓTÁLA

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2019

The Local Elections in 2019 were the Green Party’s best ever local elections, winning 5.55% of the first preference vote (96,315 votes), and 49 council seats in the Republic. The previous record for a local election was 2004, where the party won 3.9% (71,052 votes) and took 18 seats. The seats won in the 2019 election represent 47.5% of all council elections ever won by the Green Party since 1981.

The Local Elections in Northern Ireland were also the best ever for the GPNI, doubling our seats to 8 and winning a seat in Lisburn & Castlereagh for the first time.

20 women were elected or re-elected to councils in the Republic for the Green Party in 2019 alone - 40% of elected Greens at local level currently. In all previous local elections combined, women won or held seats just 16 times, representing 30% of all council elections won by the party up to 2019.

The Green Party won council seats for the first time ever in Waterford, Cork County, Limerick, Offaly, Westmeath, and Galway County.

Cllr Hazel Chu, Cllr Claire Byrne, Cllr Roderic O’Gorman, Cllr Steve Mattews, Cllr Seáfra Ó Faoileán, and Cllr Michael Pidgeon all smashed through the previous record set for a Green candidate’s first preference vote (22% set by Mary White in 1999).

EUROPEAN ELECTIONS 2019

The European Elections in 2019 were, by far, the Green Party’s best ever European elections. In fact, in this election more people voted Green and the party won a bigger first preference vote than in any previous election contested by the Green Party. 190,755 people voted Green No 1, representing 11.4% of the FPV.

2019 was also the Green Party in Northern Ireland’s best ever result in a European Election, with Clare Bailey taking 12,471 first preferences. Across the entire island, the Green Party surpassed 200,000 votes on May 24th (203,226) - a truly historic milestone.

Taking two seats out of 13 (or 11) represents the best seat result for the Green Party in a European Election, being 15% (or 18%) of the available seats. The next best result was in 1994 and 1999, when the party also won two seats, out of 15 (13% of the available seats at that time).

15 REPORT OF POLICY COUNCIL CHAIR

TUAIRISC CHATHAOIRLEACH NA COMHAIRLE POLASAITHE

Dear Members

It has been a busy and fruitful year for the party and its policy development. It’s an exciting time for all of us to be involved in this ‘green’ conversation and I hope next year we will continue to work with you, our members, and all those in our communities who care about ethical and sustainable living to progress our policies.

The Policy Council officers are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates their time and effort to read and review proposed documents; who travel to meetings to contribute as delegates; and to craft amendments for inclusion in new and existing policies. We could not further our work in this regard without you your input and your opinion. So keep contributing- it may sometimes seem like a slow process but policy created by our members on the ground, based on lived experience, is the cornerstone of our party’s strength.

This year we were delighted to ratify a number of key policies. Our Cooperative Business policy was ratified in June of 2018. This policy covers a broad range of issues and seeks to place ethical consumerism, community solidarity and global workers rights at the heart of business practice

A very much needed review and rewrite of our policy on Housing was passed in October 2018. This policy considered how to recognise housing as a human right, how to help people experiencing the housing crisis right now and how to keep rents affordable. The policy also built a strong case for the nationwide introduction of the Vienna Model of housing provision and outlined why best practice and environmental design in building standards and planning law are so important.

At the same October session we ratified our Community Development policy which seeks to place decision making back into the hands of community participants, a goal that is core to a green society. Our new Drugs policy was also ratified at that session and set out a path for this country to view the misuse of drugs in terms of health rather than criminality. The Policing Policy we passed in the October session considers how we can reform, support and optimise our policing resources across the country.

In December 2018 we ratified our Childcare Policy. This policy is a progressive look at how we might place choice, equality and affordability at the heart of childcare for Irish families. In February 2019 we built on the excellent work of Senator Grace O’Sullivan and the staff in Leinster house to ratify an ambitious and comprehensive policy on the Marine Environment. A number of policy documents are working their way through council and have been responded to by members in their draft form including Universal Basic Income and a Women’s Policy.

16 REPORT OF POLICY COUNCIL CHAIR

TUAIRISC CHATHAOIRLEACH NA COMHAIRLE POLASAITHE CONT’D

I would like to particularly thank those members who this year headed up policy groups and came to Policy Council to have that work ratified. It is a considerable commitment to undertake such work and is integral to the operation of our party.

All of our ratified policies are constantly being updated through amendment by branches and it is worth noting that every member of our party can table amendments or motions through their branch and have a significant impact on party policy. This year we are also trialling a Climate Council to begin a wider debate within the party on climate change, it’s emerging issues and radical solutions. All are welcome to join.

Motions passed this year include some of the following (all not included): a motion from the Cork Greens on Equality and the Pay Gap, on Citizens Rights in the Context of Brexit and on the Affordability, Fares and Public Transport. The Galway Greens submitted a motion on access to Parental Leave. The Fingal Greens successfully moved that we revitalise our Water Policy. The Cavan-Monaghan Greens submitted an excellent motion to address access to Maintenance Grants for those in Higher Education with Disabilities. The Limerick Greens moved a motion on progressing the implementation of a Directly Elected Mayor. The Longford Westmeath Greens submitted a motion on reviewing Transport Policies within the party. The Dublin Rathdown Greens moved a policy point on Equality and Employment Rights in our Education System and the Dun Laoghaire Greens submitted a motion on the importance of Carbon Budgeting.

A special ‘thank you’ goes out this year to our wonderful and very active Young Greens. In between some impressive on the ground activism they submitted motions on diverse topics from protecting our hedgerows, protecting the rights of PhD students and improving the way in which we fund our Education System. It was particularly encouraging to receive a successful motion from the Rural Young Greens who have been active in the area of supporting pollinators and submitted a motion outlining how we could protect our native honeybee.

Finally my sincere and heartfelt thanks to John Goodwillie (Secretary) and Harry McEvansoneya (Deputy Chair) without whose help, wisdom and good humour, Policy Council would not be possible.

Councillor Neasa Hourigan

17 REPORT OF YOUNG GREEN CHAIR

TUAIRISC CHATHAOIRLEACH ÓIGE GHLAS

The Young Greens have had a hugely successful year so far, and our membership has grown rapidly over the course of the last 12 months. We have returned to UCD and Trinity and work is underway to grow our branches in NUIG, UCC and Maynooth.

We were delighted to have played our part in helping the tide of the Green Wave come in during the local and European elections. Over the course of the campaign we organised 40 group canvasses across 4 provinces and held a campaign event in Cork for our selection of young candidates. In addition to this, many of our members hit the campaign trail with their local candidates to help them get elected.

We have greatly expanded our reach on social media (an increase in followers of 87% on Facebook, 120% on Twitter, & 683% on Instagram), thanks to our talented communications team. The Young Greens now have some of the most active and followed social media accounts of any youth political group in Ireland.

Young Green activists have been at the forefront of environmental campaigning this year. We occupied the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environ- ment in November to draw attention to the Government’s total inaction on climate issues. We have also played a major role in organising environmental protests and demonstrations during the year.

As a final note, I’d like to thank the Green Party for supporting the Young Greens this year. If you know anyone under the age of 30 or in full time education please ask them to sign up for membership on our website - to change everything, we need everyone!

John Doody, Chairperson

18 Bláithín Gallagher

A Leitrim woman, I will represent the voice of rural dwellers in Connacht and Ulster(ROI). Project Manager, Researcher, Editor, qualified mediator, I work in the field of health services, disability, ageing, quality improvement, and the arts. Experienced chairperson at board level nationally and internationally. I’m not afraid to speak the truth or to tackle issues head on. I promise integrity and honesty. I will work to develop co-ordinated activities nationally to keep the Green Party riding the crest of the Green wave, advancing the focus on rural Ireland.

Breandan MacGabhann

A party activist since before the 2007 General Election, I moved to Limerick last August for a job as Lecturer in Geography at Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick. I ran in the Local Elections in Limerick City West, and missed out by just 25 votes. Now, I’m looking for a role within the party where I can best use my expertise and experience to support our councillors, and to help get as many Green TDs as possible elected to the next Dáil.

Clare O’Byrne

I am from Rathfarnham in the Dublin South-West constituency. I joined the Party in 2017, eager to get involved in Irish society and Green politics following a decade abroad. With a background in international relations and communications, I currently work in the public sector and volunteer with a mental health charity. I recently worked with Cllr. Francis Duffy on his successful local election campaign and have been a member of the communications sub-committee. If elected, I will work hard for you on the Executive Committee.

David Gosling

Since joining the party in 2007 I have been Chair of DBS, Lead Coordinator of the ‘12-‘17 Party Strategy, Fundraising Lead in ’14, led HQ renovations in ‘11 and helped organise Conventions & canvassed/leafleted/postered since ‘07. I served in the Army ‘85-’01, since working in Facilities Management, Property and e-commerce. I have a BA & MBA and begin a two year International Development MA in September. I have lived in Israel, Egypt, Singapore, London, and served with the UN in Lebanon & Western Sahara.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES

TOGHCHÁN AN CHOISTE FEIDHMIÚCHÁIN

19 Dominick Donnelly

I have been a member of the party for over 20 years, and I previously served on the Executive Committee for 8 years during which time I was National Co-ordinator for many years, and after a gap of a number of years was elected to the Executive again last year. In my time in the party I have had countless roles, including Councillor, candidate, campaign manager, group secretary, etc. Currently I am Oliver Moran’s campaign manager, and the Fundraising Officer of the Cork Greens, as well as chairing the Rules and Procedures subcommittee of the party. I would appreciate you support again, so that I can continue to help this party that I love grow stronger and better. Donal Swan

As a former Chair and Secretary of the Dublin Rathdown Greens, Secretary of the Young Greens, policy delegate, campaign/canvassing manager, staff member in HQ and Leinster House, and having canvassed with reps all over the country, I have been involved in almost every aspect of the Party. I want to use my experience to strengthen internal communication structures within the Party so that as we continue to grow, every single member is included in shaping our way forward. Please consider me for your #1 vote!

Eoin Daly

I’m a Green Party member from County Louth, working with Mark Dearey and the Party across a number of elections since 2011. I contested the recent local elections in the Dundalk/Carlingford LEA as a first time candidate. We managed to grow the party’s first preference vote, narrowly missing out on the final seat but growing the party’s presence significantly. I’m an engineer by trade and would like the opportunity to bring this expertise to the party’s policy and direction through a place on the committee.

Eithne Lynch

I joined the party nine years ago and have been an active foot soldier in the election and referendum campaigns since then as well as local campaigns, notably against the Ringaskiddy incinerator. Since 2015 I’ve been Chair of the Cork Greens. Environmental issues are finally in the spotlight and so is the vision of the Green Party. We’re in a different place now and the Executive Committee has an important role to play in meeting the challenges this brings – I would like to be part of that.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES

TOGHCHÁN AN CHOISTE FEIDHMIÚCHÁIN

20 Cllr. Eva Elizabeth Dowling

I’m a business strategist, a science communicator, and a newly elected County Councillor, bringing over a decade’s worth of professional experience to the table. Over the past two years on the Executive Committee, I’ve worked hard to deliver an efficiently-run Green Party, that is always focused on the next elections. My main priorities are to ensure our party enjoys a broad, diverse and inclusive membership; is undoubtedly prepared for the next general election; and is Ireland’s leading, evidence-based political party.

Gavin Nugent I’ve been a member since 2015, and worked for the Party from 2015 until 2018, managing communications during the historic 2016 GE campaign. If elected to EC, I want to prioritise improving internal communications, stakeholder engagement and developing the party to safeguard our recent growth. I grew up in Wexford, and recently managed Una Power’s poll-topping 2019 campaign in Killiney-Shankill. I work as a communications manager in the semi-State sector, dealing with media and elected representatives, and am currently a member of EC.

Cllr. Hazel Chu

I am the outgoing Chair of the Executive and it has been my pleasure to serve you this year. I worked with the Gen Sec, our staff and Exec in making sure our growth strategy is fit for purpose, this included everything from HR to election strategy. I believe my experience in management has brought useful skillsets to the role. I would like to continue on Exec to ensure we scale and build on the momentum of the Green Wave, I am a qualified barrister, a former company director, previously head of communications for Diageo and now a Dublin City Councillor.

Jennifer Callaghan

I played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Kildare Greens which resulted in three newly elected local councillors. I believe we need voices from the farming community on the NEC to continue to build support from rural areas. I have worked in the Funds Industry for 15 years where I sat on the Executive Committee and various sub- committees for a large Financial Institution. I’m committed to using my financial skills to further expand the level of fundraising required to grow the party.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES

TOGHCHÁN AN CHOISTE FEIDHMIÚCHÁIN

21 Kevin James Byrne

I ran for and served on the EC last year as someone who’d worked in economic policy development in order to help develop our strategy, our communications and the deployment of our limited resources so that we could connect with people who may not prioritise the issues we’ve always been strong on, and to grow our party into a full alternative. We’re getting there, so I’m running for the same reason. I believe my experience and focus would be useful to the party on EC again this year.

Maebh Cody I am Chair of Longford Westmeath Greens, a group I set up. We are now a successful Green Team with two councillors in Westmeath. I was campaign manager for Louise Heavin in Athlone where we made history in a 5 seat LEA. I was a member in Dublin Rathdown where I was a local candidate and involved in every election campaign there since I joined 12 years ago. My experience of leading on organising and election campaigns would be critical on this EC for building on our recent success.

Rob Jones

I’ve been deeply involved in the grass roots of the Party since 2016 when the party ran a candidate in my home constituency in Westmeath. I’ve been the Communi- cations Officer on the Young Green National Executive in 2017 and 2018 and also Chair of Dublin Bay North Greens as well as a voting member of the Policy Steering Committee for the past year. I want to bring my professional knowledge in business advisory and my experience in the grass roots of the party to the National Executive at this critical point as the Green Wave rises. Please vote Rob Jones Number 1.

Tate Donnelly

I’m a 20-year-old Economics & Maths student, and I currently work as an intern researcher on Just Transition. I live on the border, just outside Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. I’m a Rural Green and a Young Green. I currently serve as Secretary of the Cavan Monaghan Greens, Chair of Trinity Young Greens and Events & Membership Of- ficer of the Young Greens. I want to help the Party make progress in every part of the country, and move forward in policy areas such as Economics and Rural Regeneration. Ar aghaidh linn le chéile!

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES

TOGHCHÁN AN CHOISTE FEIDHMIÚCHÁIN

22 MOTIONS TECHNICAL RÚIN MOTIONS

RÚIN MOTION A THEICNIÚLA Proposer: YOUNG GREENS Two-Year Staggered Terms for Executive Committee

Amend section 5.6(f) of the Green Party Constitution as indicated in bold:

5.6 (f) 5 other members elected by preferendum to serve for two-year long terms at each Annual Convention so that:

i) there are 15 members; ii) of the 15 members there will be at least one member of the Parliamentary Party and not more than three; iii) of the 15 members there will be at least one local government representative iv) The Returning Officer shall ensure that the counting of ballots for the election to the Executive committee takes place so that it is possible for any full member of the Party to observe the count in person; v) The Returning Officer shall ensure that candidates or their appointed agent be afforded an opportunity to scrutinise potentially spoilt or unclear ballots; vi) The Returning Officer is the final arbiter of all matters contained in this section 5.6 (f: (iii) & (iv)), but shall consider the rules for Dáil elections; vii) of the 10 members who have been elected at an Annual Convention there will be at least one member resident in each of the following areas:

• Dublin (City or County); • the rest of Leinster; • Munster; • Connacht, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan; • Northern Ireland.

If the above conditions and gender balance cannot both be satisfied by the candidates available, additional members will be selected to achieve gender balance. In this event the next highest ranking males or females in the preferendum will be elected. Failing this the Executive Committee will co-opt members to achieve gender balance.

Meetings shall be attended in a non-voting capacity by the Chair (or in his/her absence the Deputy Chair) of Policy Council.

Note: This motion is intended to come into effect for the next Annual Convention and have no effect on the Executive Committee elected at this Convention. For the first year in which the Executive Com- mittee transitions to 2 year terms, the proposers recommend that 10 members be elected by preferendum, with 5 of these chosen at random to serve for two years, and the other 5 to serve for a single year. After this, election to the Executive Committee would proceed as described above.

23 MOTIONS TECHNICAL RÚIN MOTIONS

RÚIN MOTION B THEICNIÚLA Proposer: UCD YOUNG GREENS Limit on Local Government Representatives on Executive Committee

Limit on Local Government Representatives on Executive Committee

Amend section 5.6 f (ii) of the constitution as indicated: “(ii) of the 15 members there will be at least one local government representative’ and no more than five”

MOTION C

Proposer: YOUNG GREENS Non-Voting Staff Representative on Executive Committee

Insert the following text to section 5.6 (f) of the constitution:

Meetings shall be attended in a non-voting capacity by the Chair (or in his/her absence the Deputy Chair) of Policy Council and a representative nominated by members of staff employed by the Party and its members in the Oireachtas.

MOTION D

Proposer: UCC GREENS Gender-neutral Language in the Constitution

Amend the following sections of the constitution:

• Article 2.2.3: “Both women and men Everyone must be enabled to take an equal and full share in all the responsibilities of life.”

• Article 4.4.2: “A person who wishes to be a full member of the Party does not have to serve a six month probationary period if the Executive Committee agrees to his/her their immediate [full] membership.”

• Article 4.7: “the right of a member or group to be heard in his, her or its their own defence;”

• Article 5.1.2: “Where there is no Constituency Group, he or she they may register with an appropriate neighbouring Constituency Group or Regional Group.”

24 MOTIONS TECHNICAL RÚIN MOTIONS

RÚIN THEICNIÚLA

MOTION D CONT’D

• Article 5.6: “Meetings shall be attended in a non-voting capacity by the Chair (or in his/her their absence the Deputy Chair) of Policy Council.”

• Article 5.6.1: “n the event of such resignation, he or she they shall be replaced in accordance with Rules and Procedures.”

• Article 5.8.5: “If the Party Leader is a member of the Parliamentary Party, s/he they shall be leader of the Parliamentary Party and the Party Group in the relevant House.”

• Article 9.6.7: “A Green representative shall be required to remit whatever portion of his/her their remuneration to Party funds as is decided beforehand by Convention in the Budget Resolution…”

• Article 9.6.8: “A Green public representative shall not accept any money, gifts or benefits in kind in connection with his/her their political work without the knowledge and approval of the Executive Committee.”

• Article 9.9: “An elected representative may go forward for selection for as many terms of office as he/she they sees fit.”

• Article 9.10.3: “A public representative should demonstrate Green ideals by his/her their style of life as well as by the spoken word.”

• Article 9.10.4: “He/she They shall be free to express his/her their personal views while stressing the Party position”

Rationale: The Green Party is a party for everyone, regardless of gender, and its constitution should reflect that. Any mention of ‘he/she’ or ‘his/her’ should be replaced with ‘they’, ‘their’ or whatever replacement is appropriate in the given context, provided it does not reference a specific sex or gender. Exceptions to this are any descriptions relating directly to membership of Mná Glasa, or any gender-specific scenario where a neutral term would not be appropriate..

25 MOTIONS TECHNICAL RÚIN MOTIONS

MOTION E RÚIN THEICNIÚLA Proposer: KILDARE Constituency Groups Retaining Full Membership Fees

Amend the Rules & Procedures for Membership as follows:

2. All members must renew on the 1st January each year with the National Office. If subscriptions are received by Constituency Groups (e.g. by means of a standing order), they must forward the information to the national party and any portion of the subscription which is allocated to the national party as soon as practicable. Subscriptions received by any other group or person must be forwarded to the National Office as soon as possible.

5. Each membership subscription will be shared equally between the national party, the regional group (if there is one) and the Constituency Group of the member allocated in full to the Constituency Group of the member, applicable to those branches which have a current operating bank account. Subscriptions from members who do not belong to a Constituency Group will be shared equally between the national party and the regional group (if there is one) - if there is no regional group then the national party shall retain the whole of the subscription. Donations from members will also be shared equally unless the donation was explicitly made to the national party, the regional group or the Constitu- ency Group.

6. The national party will forward to Constituency Groups and regional groups the subscription and donation monies due to them quarterly, along with the latest membership list. Where membership pay- ments and donations have been made through an external system that involves a charge, the party will deduct the charge from the membership fee and any donation and the remainder will be divided equally forwarded to the Constituency Group. MOTION F

Proposer: TRINITY YOUNG GREENS Format of Policy Documents

Amend section 3.2.1 of the Rules & Procedures for Policy Development as follows:

3.2.1 Each Policy Document shall consist of: i. a summary and key points ii. a statement of Green Party philosophy, specific to the policy; iii. an introduction which provides historical background, assessment of the past and present political situation, and statement of the current situation; iv. an indication of goals and of steps towards those goals, showing the possible means of implementation (e.g. government, organisation, household); v. bibliography, written according to an international recognized format, and with url links to all reports available online

The Chairperson of Policy Council shall be empowered to mandate a standardised format for policy for policy documents.

26 MOTIONS NON- RÚIN TECHNICAL MOTIONS

MOTION 1 GNÁTHRÚIN Proposer: Young Greens Sex Work

The Green Party advocates for the decriminalization of sex work and regulation based on the New Zealand model.

MOTION 2

Proposer: Mayo Capitalism

That the Green Party identifies as explicitly anti-capitalist and acknowledges that neoliberal capitalism is incompatible with the survival of the majority of life on earth. In line with the party principles of social, economic, and, environmental justice we will work to move past the capitalist mode of economic organisation towards one that will encourage a truly ecological and equitable society. This commitment to moving past capitalism will be prioritised in all future policies and the party will not support decisions or policies that expand or solidify the power of the market.

Rationale: Capitalism is entirely unequipped to fix the problems we now face, many of which it has created or exacerbated. Although much of the party’s recent oireachtas work has been anti capitalist, without naming it we allow the taboo around discussing capitalism continue and it is allowed to be unquestioned. The environmental crisis will not be solved without ending the exploitation of people and the environment for profit and without redistributing the wealth of the world. Environmentalism is totally incompatible with capitalism and we can no longer shy away from talking about it.

MOTION 3

Proposer: UCC Greens Electoral Co-operation and Entering Coalition Government

The Green Party will not consider any election strategy that involves cooperation with or accommodation of any right-wing party, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael or any party whose values or policies conflict with those of the Green Party. This would include, among others, the following: sharing of electoral materials, voting or electoral pacts & strategies, transfer pacts and entering into a coalition government.

Note: This motion does not amend section 5.8.4 of the party constitution, which would continue to outline the procedure for entering Government. Convention cannot bind a hypothetical future special Convention. 5.8.4. Following a General Election, the Party Group in the relevant House [the Dáil] shall have the power to negotiate with other parties and to decide on all possible political arrangements with other parties, subject to ratification by a Special National Convention of any decision to participate in a government.

27 MOTIONS NON- RÚIN TECHNICAL MOTIONS

GNÁTHRÚIN MOTION 3 CONT’D

Rationale: The coalition government of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, the Progressive Democrats (2007-2009) and independents lead to an electoral collapse for the Green Party, losing all representation in the Oireachtas, and all but three of its councillors around the country. The low percentage of votes the party received in 2011 meant that it lost government funding until the general election of 2016. During this period there was no green voice in Irish politics in much of the country, and both major parties (Fianna Fáil & Fine Gael) have shown that their ability to follow through on electoral promises on climate change with solid policies is actively damaging to the environment.

MOTION 4

Proposer: Donegal Public Transport Budget for the North West

The Donegal Greens calls on the party to allocate at least 20% of the public transport budget to the North West of Ireland (including Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim).

• Build and maintain a rail corridor – from Sligo to Letterkenny and Derry • Provide e-car charging points in every service station in the region • Replace every service bus in the region with zero emission buses • Support private bus companies to make the just transition to zero emission buses • Double the amount of buses running in the region • Make public transport in the region free for all

MOTION 5

Proposer: UCD Young Greens Housing Emergency

The Green Party propose the announcement of a housing emergency in Ireland and for the state to acquire unused housing owned by vulture funds and property developers for social housing. As well as that, we support the use of compulsory purchase in order to supply more social housing.

28 MOTIONS NON- RÚIN TECHNICAL MOTIONS

GNÁTHRÚIN MOTION 6

Proposer: Cork Municipal Waste Collection

The Green Party calls for waste collection services to be put out to tender by (or operated directly by) local authorities, with one operator per local authority area. Franchises should be awarded once every five years.

Rationale: To reduce confusion and public dissatisfaction with multiple collection dates. In urban areas, to reduce traffic congestion, reduce vehicle emissions (including from standing traffic held up by waste collection vehicles), and improve safety by reducing the occasions when cars or cycles have to overtake a stationary vehicle.

MOTION 7

Proposer: Dublin Central Wealth and Income Redistribution

The Green Party, acknowledging that the transition of our economy to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions will disproportionately effect the least well-off, supports stronger wealth and income redistribution.

Rationale: Transitioning from an economy where carbon is priced far below it’s cost to the planet to an economy where it is fairly priced will lead to an increase in costs, particularly on goods transported long distances. Even after a transition it is envisaged that resources, in particular energy, will be constrained. For example the IPCC best case pathway envisages 30% reductions in energy use by 2030. Proportionately people on lower incomes spend more on cheaper imported goods and thus are hit harder by the transition. In addition, using consumption based taxation to alter behavior has the draw back that it restricts access to resources to the poor, but does not dissuade or limit consumption by the rich. As a result an unfair burden is placed on lower income groups. Following the principle of a just transition; stronger measures to redistribute wealth and income should thus be developed.

MOTION 8

Proposer: Dún Laoghaire Living Wage for Green Party Staff

All salaried Green Party employees should be paid a minimum of the hourly living wage.

Note: As this is a non-technical motion, it may not be binding.

29 MOTIONS NON- RÚIN TECHNICAL MOTIONS

GNÁTHRÚIN

MOTION 9

Proposer: Dublin Bay South Directly-Elected Mayor for Dublin

In the face of the Fine Gael government’s recent failures to provide meaningful local government reform, the Green Party – Comhaontas Glas reaffirms its belief in strong local government and demands a directly elected mayor for Dublin.

The risk that another partnership with either party would jeopardise the faith the public have in the Green Party outweighs the possibility of long lasting work the party could do in government with either party. This risk could lead to another void of green voices in Irish politics at a crucial time for the environment. The proposers do not intend this motion to preclude the party from entering into an agreement with any progressive or left wing political party, providing that their values do not conflict with the Green Party’s.

MOTION 10

Proposer: Clare Electric Tractors

That the Green Party seek an expansion of the SEAI Grant scheme for the purchase of electric vehicles or, alternatively, seek the introduction of a new scheme to grant aid the purchase electric tractors for agricultural use. The grant as a percentage of the purchase cost should be similar to that available for electric cars.

MOTION 11

Proposer: Kildare Military Pay and Conditions

That given the poor pay and conditions of Irish military personnel and given the alarming discharge rate of personnel from the Army and Navy, the Green Party proposes that the government take whatever steps are necessary to increase the rate of take-home pay of all military personnel and to improve their conditions of service.

30 MOTIONS NON- RÚIN TECHNICAL MOTIONS

GNÁTHRÚIN MOTION 12

Proposer: Dublin Central The Gender and Equality Proofing of Public Transport and Urban Planning

The Green Party calls for gender and equality proofing of public transport and urban planning initiatives.

Rationale: Public space can and should be accessible and safe for all to use and enjoy regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity or socio-economic background. While there are clear indicators that use of public space is gendered e.g. 73:26 men to women difference in cycling, there is a lack of comprehensive data and analysis to better understand this. Under Section 41 of the Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 there is a public sector duty for public bodies to promote and support equality; however, we have yet to see action taken on this in relation to the public realm.

MOTION 13

Proposer: Dublin Bay South Economic Growth / Steady State Economy

That the Green Party adopts a policy of supporting a move away from Economic Growth & Gross Domes- tic Product (GDP) to Degrowth, or Steady State Economy as a stepping stone in the near future, to ensure a sustainable future for us all on the planet.

Rationale: You cannot have constant economic growth on a finite planet. An annual growth of 3% will double the economy in 23 years. We have not decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions and the natural world resource depletion. Economic growth via consumerism is leading to runaway climate change and mass extinctions in nature. The level of world GDP at present is more than sufficient to support workers with a living wage around the world, and certainly in the West. The problem is gross inequality where the rich are getting richer, and some insanely rich, and the poor are getting poor. We need to spread current GDP’s more equably among citizens.

MOTION 14 Proposer: UCC Greens Prison Reform

The Green Party believes that the purpose of the penal system is rehabilitation, and not punishment. There is a current system in place is referred to as restorative justice in name, but in practice it differs greatly from a true restorative justice system. Ireland should shift to a true restorative model, like the one present in Norway for example, with the goal of reducing recidivism rates, cutting overall costs to the public and ensuring that basic human rights are restored to prisoners in Irish institutions.

Rationale: Overcrowding is an issue in Irish prisons, and the Irish Prison Officers Association has highlighted overcrowding as a huge risk to both prisoners and prison officers.

31 NON- MOTIONS TECHNICAL RÚIN MOTIONS

GNÁTHRÚIN MOTION 15

Proposer: Cork Herbicide and Pesticide Spray Warnings

The Green Party calls for a requirement that nearby residents (within a 1 km radius) be warned in advance of intended spraying of glyphosate, and other herbicides and pesticides.

Rationale: To allow people living nearby to take the precautions they consider necessary to protect themselves, children, animals and possibly their own crops. A specific concern is glyphosate, which is used routinely to “dry” cereal crops before harvest, a use that began relatively recently (the early 2000s). Urban spraying is already a widely recognised problem, but agricultural spraying involves far larger quantities and areas. Bee deaths caused by insecticides are also a concern.

MOTION 16

Proposer: Kerry Glyphosate Spraying

The Green Party calls on all local councils to cease the use of glyphosate (and other hazardous pesticides and herbicides) in public places, except targeted application to remove invasive alien plant species.

MOTION 17

Proposer: South Dublin County Private Jets

The Green Party believes that the planet cannot support the lifestyles of the super wealthy and therefore calls for (non-diplomatic) private jets to be denied permission to enter Irish airspace.

MOTION 18

Proposer: South Dublin County Publicly Funded Universal Childcare

The Green Party notes with concern the rapidly increasing cost of childcare, as well as the poor pay and working conditions in the Early Years sector. The Green Party also notes that OECD research has found that the public sector can provide high-quality education more cost effectively than the private sector. We believe the same would hold in the provision of Early Years services, and therefore the Green Party calls for the provision of publically funded universal childcare.

32 RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR 10. Items submitted for the agenda shall be forwarded 18. In the election of the National Executive Committee: NATIONAL CONVENTION by the office to the NEC, which shall arrange them in • Candidates must be nominated by three members with (as amended by National Council 5 December 2009) order and, where appropriate, compound them. The NEC voting rights, which may include themselves. 1. Conventions are called by the National Executive may contact the proposers to ask for their agreement to • Voters will be asked to vote for their top ten preferenc- Committee (NEC) . compoundings, re-wordings etc. In arranging the order es only. 2. The NEC should keep itself informed of the state of of motions the NEC may prioritise items according to • Ballot papers for the preferendum must indicate policy development in the Party in order to be aware of the chosen theme, policy development needs and the the likelihood of policy documents being available in promotion of elected representatives and election can- o if a candidate is a member of the Parliamentary Party or time for Convention. didates. They may also decide to have separate sessions a local authority; 3. The agenda should include (a) public session for technical and non-technical motions and motions to o the Region in which the candidate is resident according [Constitution 7.5(a)]. (b) policy discussion, including amend the party constitution should be given priority to the party’s membership records; both items produced by the policy procedure and space since only convention can amend the constitution. o the candidate’s gender. for resolutions submitted by Party bodies [Constitution 11. The Revised Agenda as revised by the NEC to accom- 7.5(b),(d),(e)]. (c) administrative matters: reports from the modate the items submitted shall be sent out to dele- • If a candidate is deemed to be automatically elected in NEC, MEPs, TDs, councillors; financial report, accounts, gates within two working days of the closing date for order to satisfy the conditions outlined in section 5.6 of budget; internal elections; constitutional amendments; non-technical motions. The Revised Agenda shall include the Constitution, e.g. if there is only candidate who is a adoption of rules, procedures and standing orders [Con- a deadline for receipt of amendments from Regional member of a local authority, then the meeting should be stitution 7.5(d),(f)-(k)]. Groups, Constituency Groups and Standing Committees informed that they are elected and their name should not The NEC may choose a theme for a particular Convention which will normally be four working days before the appear on the ballot paper. in accordance with the party’s communications plan and Convention or the latest time that allows for them to be • When the preferendum is counted, if the top ten may also choose to avail of the opportunity to promote printed and copied as decided by the Co-ordinator. If an candidates meet the conditions then they are elected. If elected representatives and candidates in any approach- amendment proposes to reverse the original intent of a condition i) is not met then the next highest candidate ing election. motion or to replace most of the text of a motion, it may who does meet the conditions will replace the lowest top 4. The NEC shall decide which of the items in 3(b) and (c) be described as an “alternative motion” rather than as ten candidate who is not required to meet the conditions. above shall be in public and which in private. Convention an amendment. This process is repeated for conditions ii) and iii). itself may over-rule the NEC on this. 12. Regional Groups, Constituency Groups and Local • If having met these conditions gender balance require- 5. Advance notice of Convention of at least two months Groups shall submit the names of their delegates to the ments are not met, the next highest candidates of the shall be sent by the NEC to all Regional Groups, office by the same date as for submission of required gender will be added. Constituency Groups and Standing Committees. [The amendments. If delegates have been notified before • If it is not possible to achieve gender balance from the MEPs, TDs and councillors should each be regarded as the despatch of the Revised Agenda, a copy of this shall candidates available the National Executive Committee a Standing Committee in accordance with Constitution be sent to delegates; otherwise it shall be sent to Party will co-opt members when it meets. 5.4.3.1 and 2.] The advance notice may be a simple bodies. (This does not preclude any wider distribution notice or a draft agenda. In any event it shall include of the Revised Agenda, as the NEC thinks fit.) The 19. The Cathaoirleach/Party Chairperson will provide all an invitation for Regional Groups, Constituency Groups acceptance of delegates not notified before the date for members with a progress report of any motions passed and Standing Committees to submit additional items for submission of amendments shall be at the discretion of at each Convention, and actions taken on foot of those the agenda (i.e. resolutions, constitutional amendments, the NEC, which shall ensure liaison with the Convention motions, no more than three months later after the date and/or draft rules, procedures and standing orders). registration staff. of the Convention at which those motions were passed. Each Regional Group, Constituency Group and Standing 13. The amendments shall be distributed to delegates on 20. The NEC may decide on the use of a secret ballot at Committee may submit not more than one technical and arrival at Convention. (This does not preclude them being a Special Convention if they believe that it is appropriate. one non-technical motion. They may initially forward up circulated in advance if time permits.) When ballot papers are used on a motion, the ballot box to three technical and three non-technical motions to 14. The NEC shall appoint chairpersons or facilitators as may not open before one-third of the time allocated for the NEC for advice on which motions would be best to required. the debate has elapsed. This will apply even if an opening submit in order to promote the theme or facilitate a good 15. At the commencement of Convention the chairperson time has been advertised in advance. One-third of the variety of motions. Technical motions from Constituency shall propose to Convention the adoption of the agenda. time allocated for the debate means one third of the time Groups are limited to a maximum of five in total; if more Convention may adopt it, reject it entirely, or re-arrange from the actual starting time to the finishing time spec- than five technical motions are submitted, five motions it. ified in the agenda: this does not prejudice the right of will be drawn by lot. 16. For a Special National Convention, these rules will the chair to extend the debate beyond the finishing time 6. The NEC shall circulate (simultaneously with the apply with the following exceptions: - The NEC, if it specified in the agenda subject to the agreement of the advance notice of Convention, if desired) to all Regional considers that a resolution or resolutions drafted by itself Convention, but any such extension will not be included Groups and Constituency Groups the number of dele- or by the requesting Constituency Groups covers the in fixing the time for opening the ballot box. gates that they are entitled to send to Convention, in purpose of the Convention adequately, may decide not 21. A Special Convention on a Programme for Govern- accordance with the number of members registered. to invite further agenda items and therefore not to apply ment shall comprise a question and answer session 7. As there is no provision in the Constitution for the Rules 8 to 11 and Standing Order 2 and the last two including those involved in finalising the Programme. registration of Local Groups it is up to the Constituen- sentences of Rule 5. - The NEC may shorten all periods of The debate on the motion shall include an opportunity cy Group to pass on all notices (e.g. that required by time stated if they consider that the matter is urgent. to propose the motion and an opportunity to sum-up as Constitution 10.2) to any Local Groups which they have 17. The following rules apply to the calling of a Special usual. In addition, the Party Leader shall be entitled to established, and to notify them of their allocation of National Convention. If five or more Constituency Groups speak if s/he does not propose or sum-up. The total time delegates. request a Special National Convention the NEC shall call given to these speaking slots shall not be greater than 8. Technical motions, i.e. relating to the party Consti- it forthwith. When the NEC calls a Special Convention at one-sixth of the speaking time available on the motion. tution, Rules & Procedures or Standing Orders, must the request of Constituency Groups a Special Convention Other speaking slots will be allocated by lot. be submitted one month before the Convention. Other Subcommittee shall be created to compile the agenda, motions must be submitted fifteen working days before motions and speaking arrangements. The Subcommittee the Convention. shall comprise one representative from each of the Interpretations: 9. Non-technical motions should deal with policy requesting Constituency Groups and an equal number of The Rules and Procedures Subcommittee agreed the matters. Issues involving organisational matters which representatives appointed by the NEC. In addition, the following interpretation on Friday 2nd October 2009: are the responsibility of other Party bodies are to remain National Co-ordinator will chair the Subcommittee or as the responsibility of those bodies and may only be appoint a Chair. The Subcommittee will aim to achieve included in motions to Convention if they have already consensus at all times but in its absence a simple “A member of the party who is also a delegate to Con- been considered by the relevant body and the purpose majority will suffice, given that its business is procedural. vention from an affiliated group is entitled to their own of the motion is to ask Convention to overrule that body. The Chair shall not vote except in the event of a tie. Any vote as a member of the party and one vote on behalf Motions may not propose to limit the right of future Constituency Groups that request a Special Convention of the affiliated group. A delegate for an affiliated group Conventions to make certain decisions e.g. it is not in after the NEC has called one, shall not be eligible to join must be a member of that affiliated group.” order to propose that a particular issue be a condition for the Subcommittee. entering government since any decision to enter government must be made by a Special Convention.

RULES RIALACHA

33 OTHER PARTY OFFICES CÚRAIMÍ EILE SA PHÁIRTÍ

Appeals Committee 2019 - 2020

Aengus Ó’Corráin - Dublin South Central Cliona Kimber - Dublin Bay South Darcy Longeran - Dublin Central Cllr Deirdre Ni Fhloinn - Dublin Rathdown Gene Feighery - Dún Laoghaire Mark Dearey - Louth Mary Ryder - Cork Rory Harte - Dublin Bay South Sinead Mercier - Dublin Central Thomas Bibby - Limerick

Trustees 2019 - 2020

Tom Kivlehan - Dún Laoghaire Joan Campbell - Wicklow

Treasurer 2019 - 2020

Martin Nolan - Dublin County South

Auditor 2019 - 2020

Mark Glynn Ltd.

34 LEADING THE CHANGE GREEN PARTY COMHAONTAS GLAS

Green Party Comhaontas Glas 16/17 Suffolk Street Annual Convention 2019 Dublin D02 AT85 Tel: 01 679 0012 The Law Society www.greenparty.ie Stoneybatter 12-14 July, 2019