Clar 2014 Cover spread no spine 24/01/2014 11:36 Page 1

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014 Dé hAoine 7ú & Dé Sathairn 8ú Feabhra, Loch Garman Friday 7th & Saturday 8th Febuary, Wexford Bí le Shinn Féin / Join Sinn Féin

Bí le Téacs / Join by Text: Seol an focal SINN FEIN ansin d’ainm agus seoladh chuig / Text the word SINN FEIN followed by your name and address to: 51444 (26 Chondae / 26 counties) 60060 (6 Chondae / 6 counties)

Ar Líne / Join online: www.sinnfein.ie/join-sinn-fein PUTTING IRELAND Sinn Féin Sinn Féin 44 Cearnóg Pharnell, 44 Parnell Square, Baile Átha Cliath 1, Éire. Dublin 1, Ireland. FIRST Tel: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Tel: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] ÉIRE CHUN TOSAIGH Sinn Féin Sinn Féin 53 Bóthar na bhFál, 53 Falls Road, Béal Feirste, BT 12PD, Éire. Belfast, BT 12PD, Ireland. Tel: 028 90 347350 Tel: 028 90 347350 Fax: 028 90 347386 Fax: 028 90 347386 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

www.sinnfein.ie www.sinnfein.ie

SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 1

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014 Wexford

Friday 7th February 16.00 » Registration 18.00 » David Cullinane Opening 18.15 » Economy • Decent Work for Decent Pay Motions 1-13 | Pages 5-8 • Reducing the Tax Burden on Ordinary Workers Motions 14-19 | Pages 8-10 • Protecting the Conditions of those in Work Motions 20-21 | Pages 10-11 • Economic Sovereignty Motions 22-25 | Pages 11-13 19.00 » Keynote Address from Martin McGuinness 19.15 » Peace Process • Dealing with the Legacy of the Past Motions 26-27 | Page 13 • Building a New Future Based on Equality and Respect Motions 28-37 | Pages 13-16 19.45 » Policing and Justice • Campaigning for Justice Motions 38-40 | Page 16 •Policing and Justice Motions 41-49 | Pages 16-18 20.15 » Basque Speaker 20.30 » Party Development Motions 50-62 | Pages 18-20

Saturday 8th February 10.00 » Investing in Transport Motions 63-70 | Pages 20-21 11.00 » Keynote Addresses Carried Live on RTE and BBC 13.00 Lunch 14.00 » Health • Radical Changes Needed in Health Policy Motions 71-83 | Pages 22-24 • Mental Health Must be a Key Priority Motions 84-86 | Page 24 •Tackling Drug and Alcohol Abuse Motions 87-89 | Page 25 14.45 » The Way Forward in Education Motions 90-99 | Pages 25-27 » Protecting the Most Vulnerable in Society Motions 100-106 | Pages 28-29 » Investment in Social Housing and Tackling the Mortgage Crisis Motions 107-114 | Pages 29-31 15.30 »Palestinian Speaker » International Solidarity and EU Affairs Motions 115-126 | Pages 31-34 16.15 » Environment, Energy and Infrastructure • Listening to Communities - Opposing Pylons Motions 127-128 | Pages 34-35 •A Ban on Fracking Motions 129-134 | Pages 35-37 • Climate Change Motions 135-137 | Pages 37-38 17.00 Tea 18.00 » Defending Rural Ireland Motions 138-148 | Pages 38-40 » Real Political Reform and Ending Cronyism Motions 149-161 | Pages 40-42 » Promoting LGBT Rights Motions 162-164 | Pages 42-43 19.00 » Speaker from ANC - A Tribute to Mandela 19.20 » Towards a New Republic • Time to Set a Date for a Border Poll Motions 165 | Page 43 • Promoting the Irish Language Motions 166-169 | Pages 43-44 • Importance of Arts and Sports Motions 170-176 | Pages 44-45 20.25 » Liadh Ní Riada introducing Gerry Adams 20.30 » Presidential Address from Gerry Adams TD

21.00 Close of Ard Fheis 1 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 2

2 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 3

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

STANDING ORDERS

1. Standing Orders shall be adopted at the option but to put the resolution or commencement of each Ard Fheis. amendment to a vote.

2. A Steering Committee and at least four 7. Emergency Motions (i.e. resolutions tellers shall be approved by the Ard Fheis at referring to events or decisions which the commencement of each Ard Fheis. emerged after the deadline for submission of Delegates or persons nominated for motions as per Rule 12d of the Constitution officership or membership of the Ard and Rules) must be handed in writing to the Chomhairle shall not be eligible to act as Ard Fheis Committee at Head Office not less Tellers. than 7 days before the scheduled start of the Ard Fheis. Emergency resolutions shall be 3. The length of time allocated to each section accepted at the discretion of the Steering and therefore the timetable of the Ard Fheis Committee. will be determined in advance of the Ard Fheis by the Chairperson of the Steering 8. Other Emergency Motions or Emergency Committee in consultation with the Ard Fheis Amendments(resolutions referring to events Committee. The timetable and list of which occur while the Ard Fheis is in session) Chairperson (s) for Ard Fheis shall be may only be put to the Ard Fheis at the adopted by the Ard Fheis at its discretion of the Steering Committee and commencement. shall require the suspension of Standing Orders to allow the adoption of the resolution 4. The Steering Committee will determine the onto the Ard Fheis Clár. length of time to be allocated to speakers prior to the beginning of each section of the 9. ‘Points of Order’ will be allowed at the Ard Fheis. The Steering Committee shall discretion of the Chairperson and shall be ensure that preference be given to the limited to 30 seconds. proposers of motions and amendments being taken in each section. 10. The Ruling of the Chairperson must be accepted at all times. A challenge to the 5. During debates priority will be given to decision of the Chairperson requires the properly nominated and accredited delegates. suspension of Standing Orders in order that a The Steering Committee may, at its motion of no confidence in the Chair is taken. discretion, allow for properly affiliated party members who are not delegates to speak 11. A motion for the suspension of Standing provided there are no delegates waiting to Orders must be submitted in writing to the speak at the time. The Steering Committee at Steering Committee outlining the reason for its discretion may permit visitors accredited such a motion before that motion can be put by the Ard Chomhairle to address the Ard to the floor. The length of time given to the Fheis for a specified time. Those addressing discussion of such a motion will be at the the Ard Fheis must when speaking give their discretion of the Steering Committee. A vote names and the name of the body and area to suspend Standing Orders requires a two- they are representing. thirds majority of delegates present in the hall. Standing Orders must be reinstated 6. On the motion being moved “that the again by two-thirds of the delegates present question be put” the Chairperson shall have in the hall when the reason for the no option but to put that motion to a vote of suspension has been dealt with before the the delegates present. In the event of the Ard Fheis can proceed. Standing Orders must motion being carried, the Chairperson, after be suspended at the commencement of the allowing time as allocated by the Steering Ard Fheis to allow the adoption onto the Ard Committee under Standing Order 4 to the Fheis Clár, Emergency Motions, Amendments proposer of the motion or any amendment/ and Addenda as indicated to the delegates by addendum under discussion, shall have no the Steering Committee.

3 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 4

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

SANAS DON ARD FHEIS (GLOSSARY OF TERMS)

An féidir le teachtaí dul isteach sa halla anois suíocháin a ghlacadh san halla. chun ullmhú vótáil ar na rúin... The Ard Fheis is about to start, can I call on Can delegates please enter the hall and prepare delegates, Ard Chomhairle members and visitors to vote on motions..... to come into the main hall, so that the debate can An féidir leis na háiritheoirí cinntiú go bhfuil siad begin on time. san áit ceart don vóta Tá mé ag iarraidh anois ar teachtaí a bhfuil sé de Can tellers ensure that they are in position for the rún acú labhairt sa roinn seo den Ard Fheis chun vote. scuaine a dhéanamh ar thaobh an phóidiam anseo. I bhfábhar / those in favour. I am now calling for speakers. Could delegates who wish to address this section of the Ard Fheis In aghaidh / those against please form a queue near the podium. Tá sé glactha / the motion is passed Tá córas aistriúcháin comhuaineach ar fáil do Tá sé caillte / the motion is lost dhuine ar bith atá ag iarraidh éisteacht leis an mhéid atá á rá as Gaeilge. Feicfidh sibh na An féidir le daoine a gcartaí a chur in airde? / cluaisíní ansin ar an taobh Could delegates indicate clearly with their cards? Simultaneous translation will be done of Rúin Éigeandála/ Addenda / Aguisíní (Emergency speeches in Irish. Headphones are available at Motions/Addenda/Amendments) the side of the hall for those who have difficulty Áiritheoirí (Tellers) understanding our national language. An bhfuil moltóir agam don liosta? / Is there a Tá an díospóireacht oscailte. Ba mhaith liom proposer for the list? ciúnas sa halla. The debate is now open, quiet in the hall please. An bhfuil cuiditheoir agam? / Is there a seconder? An féidir leis an Choiste Stiúrtha an teachta Orduithe Seasta (Standing Orders) deireanach a ainmniú agus an féidir le daoine Spreagaitheasc (Keynote Address) bheith comair. Aoichainteoirí (guest speakers) Could the Steering Committee identify the last speaker in this section and could speakers please Áistarraingíodh na rúin.... / Motions ...... are be brief. withdrawn Sin deireadh leis an roinn seo den Ard Fheis ar .... Anois beidh aoichainteoir idirnáisúnta / That completes the ...... section of the Ard We will now have an international speaker Fheis. Tá an Ard Fheis chun tosnú, tá mé ag glaoch ar Beidh an céad roinn eile ar ...... teachtaí, baill Ard Chomhairle agus cuairteoirí The next section deals with motions on ..... 4 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 5

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Economy Job Creation - Decent Work for Decent Pay 1. This Ard Fheis: • Notes that the unemployment crisis across Ireland and the European Union is hitting young people harder than any other section of society. • Further notes that these dramatic rates of youth unemployment are leading to a mass migration of young people. • Believes that meaningful job creation must be a central priority of the Irish government, the Six-County Executive and the EU. • Believes there is now momentum across Europe on the Youth Guarantee and it represents a great opportunity to give young job-seekers hope and a plan to support them into the labour market

This Ard Fheis calls for: • An adequately-funded Youth Guarantee that provides all young people with a good quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed. • The allocation of adequate resources for this purpose in line with those recommended by the International Labour Organisation. • Youth employment to be made a key priority and theme for the Irish Government’s Jobs Action Plan 2014 • Annual targets to be set for youth employment and a reduction in emigration. Ard Chomhairle Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Terry Clarke Cumann, Dublin O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Mayo Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast

2. This Ard Fheis notes with concern the significantly elevated rates of emigration from Ireland and acknowledges that the majority of people leaving are doing so in search of work and would prefer to remain in Ireland. This Ard Fheis believes that the welfare of emigrants abroad, particularly the young and elderly (as well as emigrants who have returned), must be an ongoing focus and concern of any government. Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast H-Block Martyrs Cumann, New Ross

3. This Ard Fheis recognises: • That the jobs crisis continues to be the most pressing economic issue across the island. • Job losses were at the heart of the economic downturn and the deficit was a result of bad economic policy and was not the cause of the problem. • Sinn Féin has produced detailed proposals to retain and create jobs which would have prevented the loss of so many people through emigration and turned the economic crisis around. • The party was the first in the 26 Counties to highlight the necessity for a proportionate job-creation stimulus and continues to put forward proposals which are influencing and pressuring the Irish Government to look at the jobs crisis.

The Ard Fheis also recognises that in the Six Counties, where the party is in power: • Job creation and sustainable investment, both domestic and foreign direct investment, continues to be central to the Executives economic plan for recovery. • That Martin McGuinness, as joint First Minister, has been both proactive and successful in ensuring that job creation is central to the Programme for Government. 5 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 6

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• That under the leadership of Martin McGuinness, the Executive has created more jobs by attracting foreign direct investors and through domestic sources than at any time in the history of the Six Counties. • That all Sinn Féin ministers in the Executive have been proactively supporting sustainable investment and have been tackling disadvantage by using social clauses in large capital projects within their departments. • That Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has ensured that the agri-food sector continues to create jobs and she continues to support and develop the sector which is leading the way in responding to the economic downturn.

This Ard Fheis urges that: • Job creation remains central to the Northern Executive’s Programme for Government. • Job creation in rural areas and in areas of deprivation and disadvantage are prioritised. • Our ministers will continue to support sustainable investment and the use of social clauses in large capital projects; • An all-Ireland approach is taken in relation to job creation. • An all-Ireland agri-food strategy is supported to continue the job creation potential of this sector. Ard Chomhairle

4. This Ard Fheis: • Expresses concern at the levels of regional disparity across Ireland, particularly the significant differential between rural and urban communities in terms of economic prosperity. • Notes the failure of government job-creation agencies to appropriately address the continuing existence of regional disparities in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the south-east, the west and along the Border corridor. • Further notes the failure of the Irish Government and some Executive departments to effectively decentralise government services and create public sector jobs in deprived communities. • Welcomes the commitment of successive Sinn Féin Ministers for Agriculture and Rural Development to transfer public sector jobs out of Belfast into more rural areas. • Calls for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, through the workings of the North/South Ministerial Council, to put in place an effective strategy to establish regional clusters and ensure government-sponsored investment and job creation are spread around the country. • Further calls for the further exploration of the potential social and economic benefits of the decentralisation of public sector jobs out of Dublin and Belfast. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae South Down Comhairle Ceantair

5. This Ard Fheis recognises the economic challenges facing the south-east region and notes • That unemployment in the south-east at 16.4% is way above the state average of 12.5%. • That those with below third-level educational attainment accounts for 85% of unemployment in the south-east compared to 78% in the state. • That those aged under 35 account for 51% of total unemployment while representing only 38% of the labour force in the region. • That the unemployment figure for the region’s ‘Gateway City’ is 25.08%. 6 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 7

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to: • Recognise that a suite of interventions from a range of government and non- government agencies is required to help support the south-east region. • Implement the recommendations of the South-East Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) published by Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation including: - The implementation of a ten-year ‘Economic Development Strategy’ for the south-east. - The establishment of a technological university in the region. - Investment in the roll-out of dark fibre network (broadband). - The development of the south-east as a world leader in agri-business and food production. - Supporting tourism as a key driver of economic growth through the development of a strategic tourism vision. - The deepening of the two berths and the harbour at Rosslare Europort to accommodate larger vessels and the development of a railway cargo station at the port. - The full reopening of the Rosslare-Waterford rail line. Ard Chomhairle Martin Meehan Cumann, Wexford Waterford Comhairle Ceantair

6. This Ard Fheis condemns the Irish Government’s plan to sell off the valuable inland port in New Ross and notes that successive regimes have run the port into the ground. H-Block Martyrs Cumann, New Ross

7. This Ard Fheis calls for a review of the JobBridge scheme in the 26 Counties so that proper monitoring of positions can be put in place and to ensure that exploitation of job-seekers or displacement of existing jobs does not occur. Strict guidelines should be set around the quality of training during the internship, the length of time an internship should last, and that employers seeking to use the scheme have to demonstrate, as far as practicable, that a paid position will be available upon completion of the internship. John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Kerry National Youth Committee Brian Campbell/Seán Mulvoy Cumann, Galway Donegal Comhairle Ceantair Clancy/O’Callaghan Cumann, Limerick

8. This Ard Fheis, in the interest of creating a fair and equitable construction sector, calls for; • All large construction companies working on public building projects will give an undertaking during the tendering process to guarantee that all sub-contractors are paid on time and in line with agreements as set out by both parties during negotiations to secure such contracts. • Monies paid to these companies by government will be released on a phased basis with a stipulation on compliance with agreed contracts and pay structures between main contractors and sub-contractors. Meath Comhairle Ceantair

9. This Ard Fheis calls upon the Irish Government to explore the possibility of creating a semi- state company that will provide a reliable cloud computing platform hosted in Ireland for indigenous businesses to enjoy an affordable, secure environment in which to operate and grow their enterprises. Dublin Cúige

7 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 8

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

10. This Ard Fheis: • Notes that Fine Gael and Labour in government and previous Fianna Fáil-led governments have collectively cut public sector staffing levels by nearly 10%. • Criticises the intention of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to further reduce the number employed in the public service by 7,900 - an additional 2.7%. • Believes the current public sector annual staffing ceilings are inadequate to deliver necessary local services. • Calls on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to agree to increase the annual staffing ceiling for local authorities. Donegal Comhairle Ceantair

11. This Ard Fheis resolves that it will prioritise the creation of at least one ‘public purpose bank’ with capital from the National Pension Reserve Funds and charge it, firstly, to provide lending at low-interest rates for public investment in infrastructure for water and waste water systems, the ‘distributed power’ grid and renewable energy generation assets. Also to provide lending at low-interest rates to local community companies, co-operatives and individuals to develop or purchase renewable energy generation assets. Robert Emmet Cumann, Dublin

12. This Ard Fheis calls for the introduction of a statutory Universal Broadband Service Obligation to ensure that every home and business across the island of Ireland has access to a fast, reliable and affordable broadband internet connection. This Ard Fheis welcomes the investment by the Six County Agriculture Minister to address ‘not spots’ and calls on the Executive to work together to rectify the imbalance so that rural dwellers and businesses are not disadvantaged. South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Coalisland/Clonoe Martyrs Cumann, Tyrone

13. This Ard Fheis notes the failure of private mobile phone companies to provide adequate coverage in rural communities; calls for the provision of 100% indoor coverage from 4G mobile phone coverage across the island of Ireland, with any additional funding required to be secured from local councils, the Executive, the Dublin and London governments and the Connecting Europe Facility; and further calls for the abolition of roaming charges across Ireland. South Armagh Comhairle Ceantair Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

Reducing the Tax Burden on Ordinary Workers 14. This Ard Fheis recognises that the burden of over €30billion in taxes and cuts in the 26 Counties has fallen disproportionately on low-income and middle-income earners. We acknowledge that these groups have been hit with a tax band reduction; the Universal Social Charge; increased VAT and excise duty; higher motor tax and the Household Charge among other taxes, and have now been hit with the Property Tax. Sinn Féin opposed and sought to repeal the introduction of the Property Tax and provided for its abolition in our ‘Alternative Budget’ submission to Government. This would save 1.8million homeowners an average of €278 each per annum. We warned that the tax would not be used to fund local government and have now been proven correct, with the money that has been collected for 2013 going straight to central 8 government funding. SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 9

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

We call for an exemption of the transaction charge for individuals paying their Local Property Tax in instalments via An Post or other service providers. Sinn Féin commits itself to abolishing the Property Tax in government and introducing fair and progressive tax measures to fund the first-class public services our policies would provide. Ard Chomhairle John Joe Sheehy Cumann, Kerry

15. This Ard Fheis acknowledges that, after five years of economic crisis, a €65billion bail-out for the banks in the 26 Counties, and the slashing of €30billion from the Southern economy, the cost of living in the 26 Counties remains unsustainably high. We recognise that a combination of higher taxes and fewer public services, added to job losses and huge personal indebtedness, is causing suffering for families across the state and that successive Budgets have failed to ameliorate that. We commend the party’s TDs for producing another ‘Alternative Budget’ submission last October which would have abolished the Property Tax, reinstated the respite care grant, increased fuel allowance, reduced the cost of school books and rolled out school meals to 500 additional schools, among other measures, all ultimately reducing the cost of living for those most in need. Sinn Féin reiterates the commitment that in government we will reduce the tax burden for ordinary families; protect public services; and prioritise the creation of quality, sustainable jobs. Ard Chomhairle

16. This Ard Fheis reiterates its support in principle for a Tobin Tax (a tax on financial transactions), the proceeds of which should be used for development of the global economy and not as a funding mechanism for the European Union. This Ard Fheis also notes the EU Commission’s proposals for a Financial Transaction Tax but believes it falls short of our ideal of a progressive tax on financial speculation in a number of ways. Kerry Comhairle Ceantair

17. This Ard Fheis condemns the Irish Government’s stance in the inequality of the treatment of single fathers in the abolition of the Single Parent Tax Credit. Andy O’Sullivan Cumann, Cork

18. This Ard Fheis believes: • That the status of religious institutions as charities should be revoked in the 26 Counties. • That religious institutions should not have a special position within Irish society. Therefore, this Ard Fheis calls on the 26-County Government to apply the same tax laws to religious institutions as are applied to companies. Martin Hurson Cumann, UCC

19. This Ard Fheis notes: • That the introduction of water charges at a time when hard-pressed taxpayers are already struggling will push many further into poverty. • That the introduction of these charges comes on top of continuing job losses, falling incomes, and increased taxes and charges, including the Property Tax.

This Ard Fheis commends: • The role of Sinn Féin in blocking the introduction of water rates in the Northern Assembly. 9 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 10

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• The proactive opposition to water charges in the South by the Leinster House team.

This Ard Fheis reiterates: • The party’s opposition to the Irish Government’s plan to install water meters and to introduce water charges. • Opposition to the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of An Bord Gáis, a company which the Irish Government intends to sell off. • Sinn Féin opposition to water being cut off or pressure being reduced due to non- payment.

This Ard Fheis calls for: • The development of an all-Ireland strategy on water provision. • The establishment of a National Water Sector Framework Team to oversee governance of the water sector and capital investment for the sector. • The Assembly and Irish Government to collaborate on the delivery of services the establishment of joint river basin management in Border regions, joint capital investment and in infrastructure and procurement. • Investment in upgrading the ageing, leaking water distribution system. Ard Chomhairle Wolfe Tone Cumann, Kildare Michael J. Marren Cumann, Sligo Donegal Comhairle Ceantair James Fintan Lalor Cumann, Laois Fr Murphy/Keegan/Parle Cumann, Wexford West Limerick Cumann Cumann Pádraig Ó Cadhain/Margaret Joyce, Galway

Protecting the Conditions of those in Work 20. This Ard Fheis supports and endorses the document Protecting Workers Rights - Sinn Féin Proposals for Reform, including; • Strengthening workers’ rights and streamlining employment rights bodies and procedures, to ensure early resolution of work place disputes and robust enforcement of employment rights legislation. • Ensuring Collective Bargaining Rights are introduced in keeping with ILO Conventions and the European Court of Human Rights. • Ensuring the right to union recognition and collective bargaining is enshrined in law. • All workers are entitled to decent work and to be treated with respect and human dignity. The right to respect and dignity in the workplace should be enshrined in law, and should be reflected in decent pay and good working conditions. Ard Chomhairle Carlow/Kilkenny Comhairle Ceantair Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Clare

21. Zero hour contracts have legal implications for workers’ rights and protections. They are not good for workers or for society. Zero hour contracts weaken the labour movement, lessen the tax take and increase dependency on the state.

This Ard Fheis: • Demands that the right to respect and dignity in the workplace is enshrined in law and reflected in decent pay and good working conditions. • Calls for the abolishment Zero Hour Contracts and to make such contracts illegal. 10 • Calls on the governments to acknowledge that Zero hour contracts create an SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 11

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

unequal balance in term of rights and obligations that seriously disadvantages workers. • Demands the governments accept that Zero Hour contracts have a particular impact on women and people with limited formal education, and that it acknowledges that conscious exploitation of vulnerable workers extracts a huge cost on people in terms of human dignity and self-esteem, on family life and on entire communities. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six-County Cúige

Economic Sovereignty 22. This Ard Fheis recognises: • That the island of Ireland has been, and continues to be, denied its economic sovereignty by the decision of the Irish Government to cede control of, and allow supervision of, the budgetary process by Europe and by the failure of the British Government to devolve fiscal decision-making to the Assembly. • After three years in a Troika programme, and with successive complicit governments, the 26 Counties’ public services have been decimated and the tax burden placed heaviest on those least able to afford it and for the purpose of bailing out the banks. • Exiting the Troika programme has not removed monitoring of the 26-County Budget process and the austerity agenda continues to be pursued. • Westminster continues to implement an austerity agenda that has manifested in cuts to the Assembly block grant, with Six-County politicians having to ameliorate the effect of the cuts while not having the power to change taxation.

This Ard Fheis commits to: • Continue demanding the devolution of fiscal powers to the Six Counties and to work with other parties in the North to win support for this position. • Highlight the failure of the Irish Government to protect the economic sovereignty of the 26 Counties but also their own austerity agenda, which they have tried to use the loss of that sovereignty to mask. • Offer the public in both jurisdictions viable economic alternatives that can be achieved if economic sovereignty is given political priority, as well as presenting a vision for a successful equality-based economy on a united island. Ard Chomhairle Terry Clarke Cumann, Dublin

23. This Ard Fheis notes: • The economies of both the North and South of Ireland are fractured and in need of substantial reform. • A single island economy across the island of Ireland would have a positive impact on trade, investment, economic growth, workforce skills, productivity, innovation, research and development. • There are no advantages for an island nation of 6.4million people on the edge of Europe having two separate tax regimes, two currencies and two legal systems, two public service systems and two separate, competing economies.

This Ard Fheis recognises: • With vision, determination and the application of our combined energies and abilities, North and South, we can construct a sustainable and prosperous economy and a more equitable society across Ireland for the benefit of all its people. • Realising the vision of a single island economy requires the full and active participation of the Irish Government, the Northern Executive and Assembly. 11 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 12

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Harmonising structures across the island is central to creating a fully integrated and healthy economy. • The absence of fiscal powers in the North prevents the Executive developing an indigenous fiscal regime that would bring about the required economic change and assist the development of a single island economy.

This Ard Fheis calls for: • The devolution of fiscal powers to the Executive and Assembly. • A full and detailed examination of the best use of resources and the most appropriate models of accountability for economic delivery across the island. • Departments in both jurisdictions to identify shared projects from planning stage to completion. • The Irish Government and the Assembly to produce a timescale for developing integrated public services across the island. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast

24. This Ard Fheis notes: • The economy of the North is in need of sustainable jobs and growth and substantial reform. • The full economic potential of Ireland can only be realised through a single island economy. • The continual refusal by the British state to provide accurate figures regarding the economic position of the North. • The continual reliance of the North’s Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) on economic guesswork based on inaccurate economic estimates. • The current review of fiscal powers being undertaken by the Northern Executive and the British Government • The continual repetition of DFP’s opposition to further fiscal devolution in response to parliamentary questions regarding the review.

This Ard Fheis calls for: • The British Government to provide a full and accurate statement of all forms of revenue generated within the North and of the economic position of the North. • The development of accurate measures of GDP, GNP, etc., and fact-based economic policy. • The transfer of fiscal powers from Westminster to the Executive and Assembly. • The development and co-ordination of economic policy across Ireland. • A strategy for economic reform in the North which has the aim of building a strong, equitable and prosperous economy. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast

25. That this Ard Fheis: • Calls on the Irish Government to immediately introduce equality budget proofing and impact assessments on a statutory basis by all departments and public bodies in exercising their functions. This action is to compel them to carry this out in a way that is designed to reduce the inequalities of outcome which result from socio-economic disadvantage and provide enhanced protections from the state by broadening the existing anti-discriminatory categories in the Equal Status Act 2004. • Calls for the Equality Impact Assessment scheme of each department and public 12 body to be assessed for compliance and monitored by the Equality Authority. SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 13

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Reaffirms our support for the equality budgeting campaign comprising a broad- based coalition of trade unions, NGOs and concerned individuals seeking the introduction of equality budgeting in the 26 Counties. • Endorses the view that, in the creation of any statutory policy, obligation or item of legislation formulated in the Six-County Assembly, the requirement for Equality Impact Assessment is adhered to in all appropriate cases and particularly where a change could significantly impact on any section of the population. Ard Chomhairle Six-County Cúige

Peace Process Dealing with the Legacy of the Past 26. This Ard Fheis applauds the continued efforts by Sinn Féin and others to widen and deepen support for a reconciliation process. Reconciliation is a collective societal responsibility in which the two governments and political leaderships have a particular and onerous responsibility. We welcome the positive public and private contributions to this discussion, especially on the urgency of, and need for a practical initiative needed to embed an inclusive reconciliation process. As a society we have much to forgive, and to have forgiven, due to the past and recent history of conflict in Ireland. Our party believes an inclusive healing process is urgently required to address, accept and acknowledge the suffering of each other and the context which caused that pain. This Ard Fheis supports an initiative of common acknowledgement by all sides to introduce a new, powerful dynamic to the Peace Process. We call for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as set out within the Good Friday Agreement as a vehicle to progress the development of a reconciliation process. Ard Chomhairle

27. This Ard Fheis notes that commemoration and remembrance have become a new source of division within our peace and political processes. We recognise that, because our past is contested, disagreement exists on the nature of commemoration and remembrance. Sinn Féin believes that all commemoration and remembrance should be conducted on the basis of dignity, mutual respect and without causing offence This Ard Fheis commends the great work Mairtin Ó Muilleoir has done while in the office of Mayor of Belfast. This builds on the work in this respect commenced by Belfast’s first Sinn Féin Mayor, Alex Maskey, which was subsequently developed by Tom Hartley and Niall Ó Donnghaile. We support the continuation of his outreach work and wish him every success for the remainder of this office. This Ard Fheis calls for positive cross-party and cross-community engagement to agree a culture of commemoration which supports reconciliation and contributes to a shared future. Ard Chomhairle West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair North Belfast Comhairle Ceantair South & East Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

Building a new Future Based on Equality and Respect 28. This Ard Fheis deplores the endemic influence of sectarianism and sectarian segregation in society in the north; both are central to our contested past and perpetuate and reinforce existing divisions and polarisation. We applaud organisations, communities and citizens who have confronted the challenges this creates. 13 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 14

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

There is no acceptable level of sectarianism. It is unjustifiable. This Ard Fheis calls for: • All political leaders and political parties to unite in mobilising a popular campaign against sectarianism and sectarian segregation. • The promotion of a citizens’ anti-sectarian charter. • The introduction of anti-sectarian legislation and a Bill of Rights. • The formulation and implementation of effective anti-sectarianism policies in the political institutions. Ard Chomhairle

29. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish and British governments to initiate a renewed engagement, on the establishment of a Bill of Rights for the North of Ireland and the creation of an all-Ireland Charter of Rights as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement. This Ard Fheis calls on the Good Friday Agreement Committee to devise and initiate an agreed action plan to progress the establishment of a Bill of Rights for the North of Ireland and the creation of an all-Ireland Charter of Rights as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement. Ard Chomhairle

30. This Ard Fheis reiterates support for the Good Friday Agreement’s ‘Equality of Treatment’ duty on public authorities which was explicitly singled out in the Agreement to be enshrined with the Bill of Rights: “The formulating of a general obligation on government and public bodies fully to respect on the basis of equality of treatment, the identity and ethos of both communities.” We support the recommendation of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), tasked with the formulation of the Bill, that: “Public authorities must fully respect, on the basis of equality of treatment, the identity and ethos of both main communities in NI. No one relying on this provision may do so in a manner inconsistent with the rights and freedoms of others.” In the context of a divided society, public authorities cannot reflect the national identity of the community as a whole. In respect of the public use of flags, emblems and symbols and in line with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Féin has proposed a policy of ‘equality or neutrality’. What is required is a manifestation of mutual respect for both political or national identities, British and Irish. Ard Chomhairle

31. This Ard Fheis reiterates our support for the terms of the Good Friday Agreement which govern how the issues of flags, symbols, emblems and equality (including cultural issues such as parades) are to be addressed and dealt with.

That is: • “... founded on the principles of full respect for, and equality of, civic, political, social and cultural rights, of freedom from discrimination for all citizens and of parity of esteem and of just and equal treatment for the identity, ethos and aspirations of both communities.” • “... the right to freedom from sectarian harassment.” • “... to ensure that... symbols and emblems are used in a manner which promotes mutual respect rather than division.” • The British Government, under the terms set out above has, as “the government with jurisdiction”, the lead responsibility to provide “parity of esteem and... just and equal treatment for... both communities”. Ard Chomhairle

14 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 15

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

32. This Ard Fheis agrees with the business community and trade unions that political stability is key to economic development and job creation in the North, condemns the actions of those opposed to the Peace Process who have used unlawful means to undermine the political institutions, and commits itself to oppose any efforts to undermine the political institutions in the North. Gerard Casey Cumann, Antrim

33. This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s view that dialogue and ultimately agreement between those wishing to parade and local communities is the desired and most effective way to advance the resolution to the small number of controversial parades which impact so negatively on society; that interim to the achievement of that position, effective regulation of controversial parades is maintained and developed. This Ard Fheis believes the following are necessary elements of dealing with the overall issue of parades: • Adoption of a rights-based approach within the European Commission on Human Rights (ECHR) framework. • Recognition of the competing rights of those who wish to exercise the right to freedom of assembly and the rights and freedoms of others who live, work, shop, trade and carry on business in the areas through which they seek to parade. • Recent case law of the European Court indicates that “the rights and freedoms of others” includes protection from racist/sectarian expression. The principal Council of Europe treaty body dealing with racism has characterised sectarianism here as a form of racism. The UN Anti-Racism Committee has also adopted a similar position. Accordingly, this case law, dealing with restrictions on racist expression, including parade-related expression, should also apply to sectarianism here. • The right of everyone to be free from sectarian harassment. • Meaningful dialogue between those wishing to march and local communities where there is contention about specific proposed parades. • Stronger powers of regulation for the Parades Commission. Ard Chomhairle

34. This Ard Fheis respects the rights of all citizens to celebrate their culture and identity in an acceptable manner while recognising and respecting the perceptions of those who may view such displays as overtly sectarian, intimidating and indeed threatening in nature. Failure to do so perpetuates division and instability. We are committed to proactively work with the republican/nationalist community to develop agreed protocols around flags, symbols and emblems with our unionist/loyalist neighbours which should be underpinned in legislation through measures set out in our submission to the recent talks chaired by Dr Richard Haass. Ard Chomhairle

35. This Ard Fheis calls for a process of engagement and reaching out to republicans who may have become detached from the political process and we call on the party to set about developing a plan in each of the Cúigí to bring this forward. Cumann Feirste, Belfast Andersonstown Martyrs Cumann, Belfast Lenadoon Cumann, Belfast

36. This Ard Fheis call on the British Government to fulfil its commitment under the Weston Park Agreement in relation to OTRs. McCabe/Quigley Cumann, Dublin

15 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 16

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

37. This Ard Fheis resolves that Sinn Féin in both political institutions will continue to maximise our co-operation with Coiste na nIarchimí and other stakeholder partners to challenge any legal, political or societal barriers to employment, travel or otherwise facing political ex-prisoners now and in the future. This Ard Fheis also refutes all recent attempts to criminalise republicans and stands in solidarity with those discriminated in regards to employment via the Taxi Licensing Act in the 26 Counties and the SPAD legislation in the North. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae O’Malley/Russell Cumann, Dublin

Justice and Policing Campaigning for Justice 38. This Ard Fheis notes the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Loughinisland Massacre in June, reiterates its support for the Loughinisland families in their quest for justice, and further calls upon the PSNI Ombudsman to leave no stone unturned in the Ombudsman’s efforts at revealing the extent to which British collusion played a part in the murder of six innocent people in 1994. South Down Comhairle Ceantair

39. This Ard Fheis commends all of those who have campaigned for truth about the British state involvement in killings in Ireland (including the family of Pat Finucane, the Ballymurphy Massacre, and the New Lodge Six) and calls on the Irish Government to press London to come clean about the involvement of members of the British Army, RUC, Ulster Defence Regiment and RIR in the Glenanne Gang and the Military Reaction Force in killing Irish citizens Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six-County Cúige Traoloch Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork

40. This Ard Fheis reaffirms our support to the Jordan family as they continue their quest for truth and justice for their murdered son, Pearse. We call for the recent inquest to be reopened and for all files in relation to his murder be fully disclosed. We place on record our continued admiration to Pearse’s parents, Theresa and Hugh. Their continued stamina and determination serve as an inspiration to all who search for truth and justice. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Greater Ballymurphy Cumann, Belfast

Policing and Justice 41. This Ard Fheis recognises the progress that has been made in recent years surrounding the development of community safety structures that provide platforms for ‘critical engagement’ processes with statutory bodies to flourish. There is much distance to travel if we are to have accountable, community-focused statutory services and we call on this Ard Fheis to mark up progress and redouble our efforts in this regard. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Riverdale Cumann, Belfast Greater Ballymurphy Cumann, Belfast

42. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to introduce legislation which would once and for all create a truly independent policing authority in the 26 Counties. 16 Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 17

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

43. This Ard Fheis calls for a ‘Safer Streets’ policy to incorporate the Garda and local councils and communities to fight against the scourge of anti-social behaviour. There needs to be an increased Garda presence on our streets. Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin

44. This Ard Fheis calls for a comprehensive workforce strategy, with timetables and targets, towards achieving a fully representative, properly civilianised policing service in the North of Ireland. This Ard Fheis also calls for an immediate end to the PSNI policy of rehiring retired police officers into civilian roles. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

45. This Ard Fheis condemns the closure of Garda stations in rural Ireland. The Irish Government’s cost-cutting policy has resulted in a spike in house robberies and a general sense of fear pervading rural communities, particularly among elderly residents living alone. Wexford Comhairle Ceantair

46. This Ard Fheis supports tougher sentencing for the crimes of aggravated burglary targeting the elderly in rural Ireland. Coen/Savage Cumann, Sligo

47. This Ard Fheis: • Notes the abhorrently high level of sexual assault, sexual violence, gender-based violence and domestic violence across the island. • Recognises the annual ‘16 Days Against Gender Based Violence’ from 25th November • Commits to holding a national campaign against gender-based violence during the ‘16 Days’ against gender-based violence.

And calls for; • Significant investment in preventative public awareness campaigns. This Ard Fheis fully endorses and supports the SAFE Ireland ‘Man Up’ campaign. • Investment in the further development of frontline specialist domestic violence services to meet the minimum Council of Europe standards and the forthcoming EU Victims Directive. • Root and branch review of the legal and policing system to address the systemic failures evidenced by research. This should include reviews of existing practice which is resulting in fragmentation of the legal systems response to victims and their children. • Mandatory specialist professional development monitoring for legal professionals to ensure that existing legislation is fully implemented. • The development of a comprehensive legislative definition for domestic violence which encompasses ‘coercive control’ and explicitly recognises these violations of human rights within Irish criminal law. • Calls for Adequate funding for women’s refuges. • Calls for an island-wide strategy to address gender-based violence. • The implementation of the EU Victims Directive in full before the deadline in 2015. • The ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence without any further delay. O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Co Mayo Manchester Martyrs Cumann, Wexford Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast 17 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 18

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

48. This Ard Fheis calls for urgent action by the Ministers for Justice, North and South, to level up the coroners’ systems on this island and to uphold the rights and entitlements of families to inquests which are fully compliant with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six-County Cúige

49. This Ard Fheis welcomes the introduction of the Mental Capacity Bill as a significant step in progressing and protecting the human rights and dignity for vulnerable individuals. Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin

Party Development 50. This Ard Fheis: • Commends the work of all those involved in the management and delivery of the new membership model. • Acknowledges the importance of political discussion and debate. • Calls for the roll-out of the new Sinn Féin political training course to be prioritised by the relevant party bodies in advance of the European and local government elections. Thomas Ashe Cumann, Meath

51. This Ard Fheis: • Commends the ongoing work of Mary Lou McDonald TD and Jennifer McCann MLA in their gender equality roles and the commitment of the party to redress the under-representation of women in organisational structures locally and nationally. • Reaffirms the party target for representation of women in leadership, elected office and membership to reach 40% before 2016 and the full 50% gender parity thereafter. • Notes that the party has trebled the number of women who are members of Sinn Féin since January 2012. • Commends the consideration and adoption of further affirmative action measures in the immediate term to achieve these targets. Six-County Cúige Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast Morris/Harvey Cumann, South Armagh

52. This Ard Fheis condemns the media’s treatment of women; one that results in misogyny, rape culture, objectification of women and creates harmful stereotypes which could stifle the aspirations of potential female leaders. This Ard Fheis also calls on Sinn Féin to recognise the role women and feminism have to play in our party and calls on members to promote the highest standards in all aspects of life by doing the utmost to counter misogynistic culture. Jim Lochrie Cumann, South Armagh Darcy/Mellows Cumann, Galway

53. This Ard Fheis: • Commends the work of Sinn Féin Republican Youth and the National Youth Committee. • Recognises the very particular challenges faced by young people in Ireland today. • Urges the fullest possible support for our young members and activists as they 18 continue in their efforts to promote republican politics amongst their peers. SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 19

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Calls for the serious consideration to the of re-establishing the position of National Youth Organiser as a full-time paid position within the party with explicit responsibility for youth development. Thomas Ashe Cumann, Meath National Youth Committee West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

54. This Ard Fheis • Notes the success of the party recruitment programme. • Commits to an ongoing programme of party build, including increased membership, capacity building, political education, and enhancing internal party democracy. • Mandates the Ard Chomhairle to undertake a review of the party structures within a year to ensure that the appropriate structures and processes are fit for purpose as we enter elections in 2016. The report should include, where appropriate, recommendations for change. Tipperary Comhairle Ceantair Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin Six-County Cúige

55. This Ard Fheis: • Reaffirms that we as a party must work towards the strengthening of the Irish language within Sinn Féin with a view to becoming a bilingual party • Reaffirms the party policy of publications being bilingual where possible and that this be adhered to. Lawlor/Mulvihill/Clashmealcon Martyrs Cumann, Kerry Cumann Mháirtín Uí Chadhain, Gaillimh

56. This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment to equality. We will ensure that all buildings used by the party are wheelchair accessible where possible to encourage more people with disabilities to join the party. East Cork Comhairle Ceantair

57. This Ard Fheis encourages responsible environmental behaviour and promotes the use of recycled goods for use in the production of election materials. Jim Lochrie Cumann, South Armagh

58. This Ard Fheis agrees that all Sinn Féin members be allowed to articulate and vote on the issue of abortion according to their conscience. Barrett/MacCurtain Cumann, Cork Rathcairn Cumann, Meath Driver/O’Boyle Cumann, Wicklow George McDermott Cumann, Meath T. J. Walsh Cumann, Sligo Drumsurn Cumann, Derry Coen/Savage Cumann, Sligo Gallagher/Foy Cumann, Meath Matthew Kane Cumann, Offaly Jim Lochrie Cumann, Armagh Dwyer/Devlin Cumann, Wicklow Edenderry Cumann, Offaly Buncrana Cumann, Donegal Gleann na Rua Cumann, Derry O’Donoghue/Keenan Cumann, Carlow 19 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 20

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

59. This Ard Fheis believes that it would be inadvisable to enter into coalition with any right- wing party in the 26 Counties. Lawlor/Mulvihill/Clashmealcon Martyrs Cumann, Kerry

60. This Ard Fheis: • Commends the work of the Sinn Féin National Centenaries Committee for their work in 2013 marking the centenaries of the Lockout, the founding of the Irish Citizen Army and the Irish Volunteers • Commits to marking the centenary of Cumann na mBan in a similarly appropriate manner. Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin

61. This Ard Fheis proposes that Sinn Féin should undertake a national publicity campaign, using both traditional and electronic media highlighting the significance of the Easter Lily, particularly in advance of the Easter period. Cumann Piaras McCann, Tipperary

62. This Ard Fheis commends the work of the ‘Remember Our Volunteers Committee’ and encourages other areas to look at this innovative model of remembering our patriot dead as it honours our fallen comrades in such a way that archives their lives and preserves our history. Greater Ballymurphy Cumann, Belfast

Investing in Transport 63. This Ard Fheis recognises the need for the development of a long-term strategy for providing first-class, affordable and accessible island-wide public transport to allow Ireland to reach its potential as a thriving modern society with an economy which attracts investment. This Ard Fheis also notes the importance of further development on an island-wide basis of road and rail infrastructure. This Ard Fheis further notes the funding available through the trans-European Network which has a budget of €49billion to develop transport systems across the EU.

With this in mind, this Ard Fheis: • Reiterates its support for the A5 Western Transport Corridor and calls on both Transport Ministers, North and South, to increase their efforts to deliver this major infrastructural project. • Supports the immediate upgrading of the A6 Dungiven bypass and the progressing of the Ballynahinch bypass. • Reiterates support for the building of the Narrow Water Bridge. • Calls on the Irish Government and the North’s Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy to develop an all-Ireland plan to secure maximum drawdown of TEN-T funding and extend the TEN-T network beyond the eastern seaboard and into the west. • Calls for the A5/N2 transport corridor to be included on the TEN-T network. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six-County Cúige Limavady Comhairle Ceantair South Down Comhairle Ceantair

64. This Ard Fheis calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Government to bring rural public transport to the fore in an effort to provide for isolated communities and to take the opportunity to move away from the current model of commuter transport in Ireland where all roads lead to Dublin. 20 O’Donoghue/Keenan Cumann, Carlow SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 21

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

65. This Ard Fheis asks the Ard Chomhairle to consider the possibility of formulating a detailed public transport plan for urban areas outside Dublin, and particularly the west of Ireland, to effectively address the transport issues affecting people of all ages within our communities. Galway West Comhairle Ceantair

66. This Ard Fheis proposes that as rail is one of the most fuel-efficient forms of bulk transport, its underlying infrastructure must remain in public ownership. Institutional or managerial inertia blocking or sabotaging its efficiency must be prioritised for removal over simplistic cost-cutting that attacks basic service provision at ground level. H-Block Martyrs Cumann, New Ross

67. This Ard Fheis recognises the fact that the failure to introduce sufficient rail halts in rural areas on the Derry-Belfast line disadvantages rural communities that want to avail of public transport. This Ard Fheis calls on the Regional Development Minister to immediately bring forward proposals for a new halt to be introduced to address this gap in provision. North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair

68. This Ard Fheis recognises that cycling as a mode of transport can: • Help improve physical health, mental health and well-being and combats stress. • Significantly reduces a household’s transportation costs. • Reduces traffic congestion. • Reduces the number of sick days employees take.

And calls upon the Minister for Regional Development to: • Bring forward plans to increase investment in cycling from the current amount of approximately 58p per person each year in the North to at least £10 per head of population. • Direct the new Cycling Unit to consider the case studies of Amsterdam and Copenhagen in regard to introducing separate, safe bicycle infrastructure. • Ensure cyclists are accommodated on Translink bus and rail services at all times and introduce adequate bicycle storage and racks on buses. • Ensure that cycle lanes are kept clear and enforced. • Introduce filter traffic lights and ‘bus stop islands’ for cyclists in towns and cities. Gerard Casey Cumann, Antrim

69. This Ard Fheis recognises the efforts of those involved in road safety campaigns in both rural and urban communities and supports the ‘20’s Plenty’ campaign and the need for 20mph to be the default speed limit in built-up areas. North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair

70. This Ard Fheis notes the inconsistency of Roads Service criteria in different divisions for installing ramps/vertical deflection schemes, notes the added risk this introduces for pedestrians in rural towns and villages outside of Western division, and calls on the Regional Development Minister to take pedestrian safety more seriously in rural areas by addressing Roads Service resistance to these schemes. North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair

21 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 22

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Health Radical Changes Needed in Health Policy 71. This Ard Fheis calls for the immediate reinstatement of the discretionary medical cards to those that have had them taken away due to cuts by the Fine Gael/Labour Government in their recent austerity Budget. Donegal Comhairle Ceantair O’Malley/Russell Cumann, Dublin

72. This Ard Fheis calls for a unified, all-Ireland health service to give the Irish people the best possible healthcare, free at the point of delivery. Carty/Mac Giolla Brighde/Fleming Cumann, Donegal

73. In light of the continuing acute need for organ transplants and the unacceptably long waiting lists, the increased debate and public knowledge on this issue in the past year, and the wider recognition that changing to a soft opt-out system in relation to organ donation in Ireland has the potential to greatly increase our rate of organ donation, this Ard Fheis reaffirms our call on the Irish Government to: • Conduct an extensive consultation with stakeholders and the general public. • Publish legislation to introduce a soft opt-out system of organ donation. • Put the necessary resources and infrastructure in place to support the new system. Ard Chomhairle

74. This Ard Fheis opposes any transition to trust status of hospital services in the 26 Counties that would result in adverse changes to healthcare workers’ contracts of employment, pay or conditions. Coen/Savage Cumann, Sligo

75. This Ard Fheis condemns the siting of only one primary health care centre in the Mid-West area, especially in light of the downgrading of Ennis General Hospital in recent years. Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Clare

76. This Ard Fheis condemns the Health Service Executive for its failure to address the rate of spread of hospital-acquired infections which at this point have become endemic in our public hospitals. The Health Information and Quality Authority ‘watchdog’ has demonstrated no ability to hold hospitals accountable after they issue scathing reports on hospitals in the media and calls for HIQA to be given to necessary powers to see their recommendations implemented. McGrath/O’Brien Cumann, Waterford

77. This Ard Fheis opposes any state subsidy to the establishment or running of private children’s hospitals in Ireland. Logue/Marley Cumann, Dublin

78. This Ard Fheis reaffirms our call made at the 2013 Ard Fheis for the Fine Gael/Labour Government to: • Immediately reverse the cuts to home-help hours, homecare packages, respite care grant and the respite allowance and to return funding to pre-Budget 2012 levels. • Maintain, develop and enhance homecare frontline services and to guarantee 22 continued reliable access to community care for older people and the infirm. SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 23

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Draft, publish and implement a National Positive Ageing Strategy before December 2014. This Ard Fheis also calls for a review into the commissioning of 15-minute social care packages to evaluate their appropriate use in relation to the dignity and compassion essential to caring for older people within the community in the Six Counties. Ard Chomhairle Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

79. This Ard Fheis calls for the Health Service Executive to update and improve treatment and care for the elderly, especially those with mental illness. There must be improved liaison between GPs, public health nurses, social workers and the hospital to understand the patient’s situation to assure the care they need. These people have paid a lifetime of taxes and should receive the dignity they deserve. Charlie McGlade Cumann, Dublin

80. This Ard Fheis recognises the need for additional funding for Autism and ASD diagnosis. Andy O’Sullivan Cumann, Cork

81. This Ard Fheis encourages the introduction of breast health awareness amongst younger women in the latter cycle of secondary school to encourage the continuation of the practice in later life and help in identifying and reducing breast cancer numbers. Terry Clarke Cumann, Dublin

82. This Ard Fheis: • Highlights the fact that 7,000 people die in Ireland every year from tobacco-related diseases. • Stresses that it is of the upmost importance that children and young people are dissuaded from beginning to smoke. • Notes that the tobacco industry has been using more creative and innovative measures to appeal to young people, including attractive and colourful packaging, flavourings such as chocolate, and packaging shapes. • This Ard Fheis therefore supports measures such as the EU Tobacco Products Directive which seeks to limit the tobacco industry’s negative influences on children. • This Ard Fheis calls for an all-island implementation of standardised packaging. • This Ard Fheis calls for products proven to help smokers to quit to be available free of charge for those wishing to avail of them. Ard Chomhairle Logue/Marley Cumann, Dublin

83. This Ard Fheis notes that: • Fluoridation was first introduced in 1965 at a time tooth decay was a significant public health issue and represented a cheap way to deal with the widespread problem, especially among the poor. • There are no longer any public health reasons to continue water fluoridation. The need for fluoridation has been entirely negated by the modern-day use of fluoride toothpaste, which accounts for a more than adequate supply of fluoride for this purpose and improved dental services. • Since the purported benefit of fluoride is topical, and the risks are systemic, it makes more sense to deliver the fluoride directly to the tooth in the form of toothpaste. • Fluoride toothpaste is the most widely used and rigorously-evaluated fluoride treatment. 23 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 24

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

This Ard Fheis commends: • Campaigners for their ongoing efforts to reverse the policy of the fluoridation of public drinking water. This Ard Fheis calls for: • The Irish Government to immediately repeal the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Bill and to use the money saved to provide healthy eating and improved dental services for children. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae

Mental Health Must be a Key Priority 84. This Ard Fheis calls on the 26-County Government to increase the 2014 additional monies for the roll-out of a Vision for Change to the 2012 and 2013 levels, and urges an immediate reassessment of all plans to further reduce or relocate acute mental health beds/units, recognising the importance of adequate provision and long-established best practices and patient comfort, including family accessibility. Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair O’Hanlon/MacMahon/Lynagh Cumann, Monaghan

85. This Ard Fheis calls for a new, improved approach towards suicide prevention and the provision of help for those people who are experiencing mental health problems. As the ‘Reach Out, National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005-2014’, comes to an end, this provides an opportunity to put in place concrete actions for suicide prevention. Adequate resources and funding must be ring-fenced to ensure this strategy delivers positive outcomes for all, regardless of socio-economic status.

This strategy should include: • The establishment of youth-friendly mental health services (such as Jigsaw, Galway) in each county. • Equal access and outcomes for all those experiencing poor mental health. • Recognition that suicide prevention is everybody’s responsibility and requires the development of: - Raising awareness and education on signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts/intent and poor mental health for families and communities. - Appropriate community responses. - Collaborative partnership approaches across all services and agencies. - Policies which promote positive health and address health inequalities. O’Malley/McEvilly Cumann, Co Mayo

86. This Ard Fheis calls on the governments, North and South, to: • Increase funding to organisations and services active in suicide prevention and support for families affected by suicide. • Update all strategies to cater for the current economic and social situation. • Recognise that there is a serious need for the introduction of a suicide and self- harm education programme in the post-primary schools and would change guidelines on suicide prevention to reflect best practice, particularly 2.1 of 26- County Department of Education guidelines that state that it could be counter- productive to educate secondary school students in suicide awareness. • Encourages Sinn Féin members to participate in suicide awareness and prevention courses • Establish an All-Ireland National Suicide Authority with the aim of synchronising the efforts of all anti-suicide organisations and creating clarity and unity in suicide prevention. Ard Chomhairle Brian Campbell/Seán Mulvoy Cumann, Galway 24 Martin Hurson Cumann, UCC SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 25

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Tackling Drug and Alcohol Abuse 87. This Ard Fheis notes: • The challenges and increased demand on community-based drug projects by poly drug use. • The serious threat posed by criminal gangs involved in the illegal drugs trade. • That drug users are victims and should be treated as such. This Ard Fheis commends: • The work done by communities in tackling the causes and consequences of the ongoing drugs crisis. • The work done by both Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. • Those families who struggle with addiction on a daily basis. • Families and communities who refuse to be intimidated by criminal gangs. This Ard Fheis calls: • On the Irish Government to re-establish the National Drugs Strategy Team. • For the reversal of cuts to Local and Regional Drug Task Forces. • On the Health Service Executive to reverse their policy of centralising drug services. • For an increase in the number of beds available for drug rehabilitation. • On the Irish Government to participate fully in the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs. James Connolly Cumann, Dublin Logue/Marley Cumann, Dublin Darcy/Mellows Cumann, Galway

88. This Ard Fheis recognises the damaging, far-reaching trauma inflicted on our society by alcohol addiction and misuse and demands that the Department of Health properly invest in effective services and research that will inform best practice. Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin

89. This Ard Fheis calls for the immediate removal of legal highs from public sale and for the drafting of new legislation to close the loopholes allowing such drugs to be sold over the counter. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

The Way Forward in Education 90. This Ard Fheis: • Reaffirms that education is a basic and fundamental human right which should be free, universally available and assist everyone, without exception, in developing their full potential. • Condemns government policies which have entrenched educational inequalities and notes that the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in 1916, pledges to “cherish all the children of the nation equally”. • Recognises the social and educational benefits of all-ability schools, congratulates the vast majority of schools across Ireland which practise all-ability, quality education, and commends the ongoing work of successive Sinn Féin Education Ministers in the Six Counties in promoting these schools. • Commends Assembly Education Minister John O’Dowd’s consistent stand against the educationally unsound use of academic selection at age 11 practised by the minority of schools; calls on all organisations opposed to the socially-divisive practice of academic selection to build a broad-based campaign to end it; • Commends 26-County Education spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien TD for publishing legislation on tackling school bullying which forced Education Minister Ruairí Quinn to issue new guidelines to schools; highlighting the ‘voluntary 25 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 26

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

contribution’ arrangement in schools which led the Minister to hold a consultation process with the National Parents Council on the issue; supporting the rights of children who are attending Gaelscoileanna to continue their education in Irish- medium post-primary schools by challenging admissions policies; and for fighting rising back-to-school costs. • Commends teachers across Ireland who do a demanding job with limited resources. • Reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment to making education available to all as of right, on the basis of full equality. • Notes that the Department of Education and some patrons, including religious bodies, are involved in reorganising some of the schools under their control and calls for consultaion with parents, pupils and staff to be central to any decision- making process. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Thomas Ashe Cumann, Meath Carn/Malin Cumann, Donegal

91. This Ard Fheis • Commends Assembly Education Minister John O’Dowd for reforming the school funding system to target resources at objective need to help break the link between social deprivation and poor educational outcomes - as evidenced by the fact that children from poorer backgrounds have only half the chance of achieving the target qualification benchmark as their more affluent peers. • Welcomes the decision by the Education Minister John O’Dowd to extend the free school meals and school uniform grants criteria, meaning around 100,000 low- income families will benefit by 2014 compared to 60,000 in the last year of direct rule. • Welcomes the commitment from the Six-County Education Minister that - in areas where it can be clearly demonstrated that small schools are needed - such schools will be retained and supported to ensure they provide quality education provision, even if they are experiencing falling enrolments. • Commends the continued rise in educational attainment in the North under successive Sinn Féin Education Ministers which has seen the number of young people attaining the target benchmark of qualifications rise by over 10% since direct rule. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Derry Comhairle Ceantair

92. This Ard Fheis recognises the importance associated with small Gaeltacht schools and the very important role they play in teaching Irish to native Irish speakers. This Ard Fheis condemns the decision taken by the Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs to end the availability of funding to Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta and demands that he reverses his decision. ESG is the only organisation that speaks for teachers, parents and pupils in schools located in the Gaeltacht and it has a central role to play in Gaeltacht education affairs, particularly in the delivery of the 20 year strategy on the Irish language. Cumann Mháirtín Uí Chadhain, Gaillimh

93. This Ard Fheis deplores the continued reduction in standard capitation grants for the education sector and demands: • The reversal of all recent cuts to capitation grants to schools. • An increase in basic capitation grant assistance be made available to small schools. 26 Carn/Malin Cumann, Donegal SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 27

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

94. This Ard Fheis calls for school transport to be available to all pupils attending national and secondary schools outside the school boundaries. At present, pupils cannot avail of the service due to criteria set by the Department of Transport that you may only avail of the service depending on the distance the pupil is living from their school. This puts huge pressure on parents to get their family to school and it is especially a danger in rural areas where there are no footpaths and children have to walk on roads that have a large volume of traffic. School transport should be made available to all schoolchildren and that the boundary system be abolished. Pádraig Mhichéal Airt Cumann, Donegal

95. This Ard Fheis notes the continued success of the Middletown Autism Centre; welcomes the outstanding provision for educational assessment, training, and research on an all-Ireland basis; and calls on both Education Ministers to explore ways in which the success of this cross-Border project can be expanded in the years ahead. Strabane Comhairle Ceantair

96. This Ard Fheis welcomes the increased diversity in Ireland’s population, North and South. Children from families who have recently entered Ireland may not have access to funded support in their education to develop their spoken and written language skills. This Ard Fheis calls for the provision of classroom support to maximise their educational opportunities. Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast

97. This Ard Fheis believes that churches and state should be separate. We call for the secularisation of all publicly-funded schools and for the management of these schools to be under the control and authority of local county councils. No sectarian religious education should be permitted in any publicly-funded school. Families desiring a religious ethos in a school should pay for such schools from their private funds or from donations. Clancy/O’Callaghan Cumann, Limerick

98. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to immediately make third-level education more accessible by increasing the income bracket for receiving some form of a grant to €75,000 per annum, per household. This increase will allow for grants to be allocated where the student is from a household with two average income earners. This, accompanied by a guarantee that fees will not rise over €3,000 per annum, will make education more accessible. Clancy/O’Callaghan Cumann, Limerick

99. This Ard Fheis supports the right of St Mary’s University College to have the autonomy and government support it requires to promote its mission of academic excellence, teacher education, Irish-medium education, access to higher education for disadvantaged groups and community engagement. This Ard Fheis calls on the Department for Employment and Learning Minister to support St Mary’s in developing measures that will ensure its long-term sustainability in the heart of west Belfast. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

27 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 28

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Protecting the Most Vulnerable in Society 100. This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s opposition to the austerity agenda being pursued by both the Tory/LibDem coalition in London and the Fine Gael/Labour coalition in Dublin which has attacked the most vulnerable, those with disabilities and hard-working families. This Ard Fheis commends the efforts of both our Assembly and Dáil teams to date in working to prevent this agenda being imposed on Irish people. We note that the British Government’s welfare cuts agenda would have already been imposed were it not for Sinn Féin’s resolute stance in support of the most defenceless in our society. We restate our continued opposition to the so-called ‘Bedroom Tax’. This Ard Fheis recognises that these proposals ignore the unique circumstances of a society emerging from conflict and their devastating consequences for disadvantaged unionist and nationalist areas, low-income and unwaged families, the elderly, and physically and intellectually disabled citizens. This Ard Fheis calls again on the British Government to enter into meaningful dialogue with all the Executive parties to find a proper resolution to the outstanding issues. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six-County Cúige

101. This Ard Fheis: • Condemns the Fine Gael/Labour Budget 2014 which cut core social welfare rates and payments from the cradle to the grave, including the targeting of new mothers with cuts to Maternity Benefit, young people with cuts to their Jobseeker’s Allowance, the elderly and disabled with the abolition of the Telephone Allowance and cuts to Invalidity Pension, and even the deceased with the scrapping of the Bereavement Grant. • Declares that the Fine Gael/Labour Government totally fails to understand the realities of being a new mother in its cuts to Maternity Benefit. This cut will mean will mean many new mothers will not be able to afford to take their full paid maternity leave entitlement and will be forced back to work before their babies are six months. • Maintains that these cuts, which will lead to further hardship and emigration, were entirely avoidable had the Government instead adopted the measures outlined in Sinn Féin’s Alternative Budget. • Calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Government to change course and begin reversing the cuts in this and previous Budgets, the cumulative effect of which has been devastating for individuals and local economies. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae West Waterford Cumann Ard Chomhairle Galway West Comhairle Ceantair Cadamstown/Birr Cumann, Offaly Andy O’Sullivan Cumann, Cork

102. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to ensure that those signing off social protection to take up a SOLAS course retain all the supplementary benefits to which they are entitled and pledges Sinn Féin to ensure this when in government. Peadar Clancy/Mairéad Farrell Cumann, Clare

103. This Ard Fheis commits to a change, if in government, in Fuel Allowance Payments which would incorporate an option to pay a supplier directly for bulk supplies of oil, gas and solid fuel on behalf of those receiving such payments, either in total or as an agreed percentage of 28 the total allowance payable. This would be of huge benefit to those whose main heating SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 29

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

system is run on fuels that are usually or exclusively bought in bulk and where a small extra payment weekly over six months is not adequate to cover large one-off payments. Sullivan/Enright Cumann, Kerry

104. This Ard Fheis commends the party for establishing a working group to prioritise the three most deprived constituencies in the Six Counties following the motion passed at the last Ard Fheis. We call on the party to support the recommendations when they are agreed by the working group and to use all its political power to help deliver these plans. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

105. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to introduce legislation to limit the extortionate interest rates charged by money lending companies in Ireland who prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities. John James Kelly/Damien Brolly Cumann, Donegal

106. This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s commitment to challenging Irish Government cuts to youth services that have suffered funding reductions of 30% since 2008. Youth services play a vital part in empowering and encouraging young people to participate positively in society. Lack of investment, understanding and foresight undermine our young people and will consign this generation to lives where unemployment, poverty, emigration, crime, addiction and mental health problems will be the norm rather than the exception. Traoloch MacSuibhne Cumann, Cork

Investment in Social Housing and Tackling the Mortgage Crisis 107. This Ard Fheis recognizes that there are 184,534 homes that are in mortgage distress in the 26 Counties. We acknowledge that these families live every day with the fear that they will lose their home and often sacrifice all other needs, including food and heating, to try to make payments on their mortgages. We believe that the Fine Gael/Labour Government’s response to the mortgage crisis has been entirely ineffectual and rests mainly on handing powers to the banks to harass people in mortgage distress and repossess family homes. This is borne out by the facts, with the banks sending out 15,000 repossession letters within the first few months of the mortgage distress ‘solution’ targets being imposed in 2013. Sinn Féin continues to advocate a ‘FAIR’ solution to the mortgage crisis - one that puts the Family home first, Adjudicates on an Independent basis, and brings about Resolutions that can involve as an option write-downs on a case by case basis. The party believes that the final decision on mortgage solutions must be taken away from the banks and there has to be more protection for the family home in law. This Ard Fheis calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Government to show the political leadership that is needed on this issue and address it seriously - putting families first, not banks. Ard Chomhairle Thomas Ashe Cumann, Meath

108. This Ard Fheis recognises that the 26-County state, via local authorities, is moving away from the provision of public housing and shifting to what is called housing support. This model puts the onus for housing provision on the voluntary and community sector as well as subsidising private landlords. While voluntary and community housing bodies provide great service and are an 29 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 30

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

essential part of our housing system, they are incapable of providing the level of housing needed. This Ard Fheis calls for the establishment of housing trusts by each local authority which could source financing for a major public housing build without borrowing as part of the state’s ‘national debt’. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Thomas Ashe Cumann, Meath Wicklow Comhairle Ceantair

109. This Ard Fheis: • Asserts the primacy of greatest objective need in relation to the policy, provision and allocation of social housing as the most effective method of promoting equality of access across all sectors of our community. • Accepts that current high levels of homelessness and housing distress (exacerbated by increasing private sector rents, mortgage debt and repossessions) necessitates a moratorium on the ‘right to buy’ until the provision of social and affordable housing can meet urgent need. • Rejects the privatisation of public housing and supports bringing the North’s Housing Executive in line with other public housing providers by revising the financial memorandum set by the Department of Social Development to enable the Housing Executive to utilise borrowing rights introduced in 2011 to fund new social housing developments while retaining public housing within the public sector. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

110. This Ard Fheis recognises the restrictive nature of the Fine Gael/Labour Government’s social housing policy and undertakes to re-establish a constructive rural social housing policy which will enable citizens access to social housing in the rural area and undertakes to ensure that housing stock can be bought and built, including ‘special instants housing’ in rural areas where the needs exist. Donegal Comhairle Ceantair

111. This Ard Fheis calls on the Irish Government to make funding available to renovate the vast numbers of local authority accommodation which lie in a serious state of disrepair. John James Kelly/Damien Brolly Cumann, Donegal

112. This Ard Fheis calls on the Six-County Executive to put measures in place for homeowners who have seen the condition of their homes deteriorate since the withdrawal of means-tested grants and commits itself to help those low-earners and those on benefits who have not got the financial ability to bring their homes to a decent standard. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

113. This Ard Fheis commits to a greater involvement through the Department of Environment, if in government, with the maintenance, oversight and support of private estate management companies and a decrease in the cost of re-registering such companies with the Companies’ Registration Office. The increase in the number of such companies, often being run by residents with little outside support or advice, being struck off the Companies’ Register is causing further difficulties for those who need to sell their house. This is due to the legal position of the shared lands and services of these estates which become literally ‘no man’s land’. Sullivan/Enright Cumann, Kerry

30 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 31

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

114. This Ard Fheis resolves that the relevant planning laws be strengthened to ensure that buildings, streets and other infrastructure are adequately protected from a worst case scenario of sea level rise and a combination of high tide and storm surge based on climate change predictions of the Office of Public Works up to the year 2100. Dublin Cúige Smith/Farrell/Griffith Cumann, Dublin

International Solidarity and EU Affairs 115. This Ard Fheis welcomes the growing climate of political and economic co-operation between Central and South American countries. • We condemn the decision of some European countries to deny Bolivian President Evo Morales’s plane airspace on 2 July 2013 and to ground his presidential plane in Vienna. This decision was based on false information and accusations. Their actions humiliated President Morales and all the people of Central and South America. No democratic head of state should be treated as a second-rate president. • Following Edward Snowden’s revelations, we condemn the USA’s massive spy programme against South American countries, and in particular Brazil. This includes the bugging of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s communications and Brazil’s diplomatic mission to the UN, as well as tracking the personal data and communication of Brazilian citizens. This practice violates international law, violates sovereignty, and an individual’s right to privacy. Ard Chomhairle

116. This Ard Fheis commends Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his comrades for continuing to successfully implement and improve the Bolivarian Revolution in what has been an extremely difficult time since the death of Hugo Chávez. We condemn the attacks of right-wing forces on the democratic process in Venezuela and their futile attempts to destabilise the country and discredit President Maduro’s clear and transparent victory in the April 2013 presidential election. Ard Chomhairle

117. This Ard Fheis welcomes and supports the continued efforts to create a sustainable peace process in Colombia. We reiterate our support for attempts to create an inclusive process and secure a democratic, negotiated settlement. • We condemn the arrest and imprisonment of high-profile Colombian trade unionist Huber Ballesteros. His arrest is a clear attempt by Colombian authorities to punish him for his trade union activities. • We call for the release of Huber Ballesteros and increased protection and support for trade union leaders and activists in Colombia. Ard Chomhairle

118. This Ard Fheis reiterates our ongoing solidarity with the people of Palestine and calls for: • An end to all armed actions and acts of violence. • An end to the occupation of the West Bank and the denial of freedom of movement to Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and between the West Bank and Gaza Strip as part of a process to decolonise the West Bank. • An end to the ongoing Israeli colonisation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the building of settlements and the expansion of existing settlements including by so-called natural growth. 31 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 32

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• An immediate halt to the building of the Separation Wall as a first step to its ultimate demolition.

We further call for: • Removal of all restrictions on the export and import of Palestinian goods and trade from the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. • An immediate end to the siege of Gaza and for the reopening of all border points, including the Erez and Rafah crossings for both people and goods. • Reopening of Gaza port and lifting of the three-kilometre limit on fishing within Gaza territorial waters. • Implementation of all United Nations resolutions and the enforcement of international law. • An end to the practice of administrative detention, including the detention of children. • An end to intrusions and restrictions on movement of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, including the vicinity of the Al Aqsa Mosque. • Recognition of all democratic mandates and the removal of all restrictions on political parties with a democratic mandate. Ard Chomhairle Smith/Farrell/Griffith Cumann, Dublin National Youth Committee O’Donoghue/Keenan Cumann, Carlow Darcy/Mellows Cumann, Galway Traoloch Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork

119. This Ard Fheis expresses our concern at the continuing crisis in Egypt, including the imposition of restrictive political and protest laws there, and calls on the Egyptian authorities to lift restrictions on democratic activity immediately and set about restoring democracy. • We further note the deterioration of the situation in Sinai and the restrictions on the Rafah crossing. Coupled with the closure of tunnels, this is creating even more hardship for the people in Gaza who are already suffering the consequences of the Israeli siege. • We call on the Egyptian authorities to reopen the border crossing and allow the free movement of people and goods through the crossing in line with normal international passport and customs provisions. Ard Chomhairle

120. This Ard Fheis notes the continuing conflict taking place in Syria. We note the plight faced by millions of people who have been displaced by the conflict and the terrible suffering caused to non-combatants, including women and children. • We condemn the killing of civilians and human rights violations by any party to the conflict. • We call for inclusive dialogue by all sides to the conflict to seek a resolution without the interference of outside powers. • We support the call for Kurdish representatives to be given their own delegation to all peace talks. This would ensure the inclusivity of all talks and increase the chances of finding a lasting peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict. Ard Chomhairle

121. This Ard Fheis condemns the Sri Lankan Government’s appalling human rights record and its crackdown on freedom of expression. It also calls on the Sri Lankan Government to allow an independent investigation into alleged war crimes carried out by the Sri Lankan military against Tamil communities and to hold accountable the perpetrators of any war crimes. 32 Dublin Cúige SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 33

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

122. This Ard Fheis, noting the Immigration Reform Bill being debated in the United States Congress and how important immigration reform would be for the approximately 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US, calls on both parties in Congress to seize this historic moment and allow the undocumented a route to legalisation and citizenship. Dublin Cúige Carty/Mac Giolla Brighde/Fleming Cumann, Donegal

123. This Ard Fheis requests that the Irish and British governments, through parliamentary resolution, call for the immediate release of Leonard Peltier. O’Malley/Russell Cumann, Dublin

124. This Ard Fheis: • Recognises the impact EU legislation has on member states. • Opposes the further transfer of competence to EU level at the expense of national sovereignty. • In particular, opposes the limitations placed on the social and economic choices of governments by the increased centralisation of fiscal and economic decision- making. • Reaffirms our policy of critical engagement with the European Union. • Recognises the need to ensure that Sinn Fein’s efforts at EU level are maximised and to ensure that party structures are kept informed of European issues and their impact on Ireland • Calls for continued and greater co-operation and coherence between the party’s parliamentary departments in the Oireachtas, the Assembly and the European Parliament. Ard Chomhairle

125. This Ard Fheis has outlined repeatedly the worrying aspects of the militarisation of the European Union. The EU/NATO member states have become increasingly involved in armed intervention across the globe with the Irish Government slowly abandoning the fundamental stance on military neutrality. On 4th April 2014, the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA) will spearhead the Irish ‘Day of Action Against NATO’. This Ard Fheis calls for Sinn Féin to participate in the anti-NATO day of activities in an official capacity and will co-operate with PANA and other bodies to stop the use of Shannon Airport for military purposes or for the purpose of so-called rendition flights. We shall also commit to promoting the Irish Government policy of neutrality as an uncompromised position of Irish foreign policy in the future. Dublin Cúige West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

126. On 17th October 2011, an International Conference for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Basque Country took place in Donostia/San Sebastian. International representation included former Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams. As an outcome of the conference, the Declaration of Aiete was presented. This declaration proposed a process of dialogue and negotiation and a prior declaration of a definitive cessation of armed activity from ETA. ETA’s declaration of a definitive cessation was announced a few days later, creating a unique and historic opportunity to address the causes as well as the consequences of the conflict. This new scenario, however, requires new steps to progress towards a political solution to the conflict. The cessation of armed activity must be responded to with political measures to create the conditions for achieving a just and lasting peace. 33 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 34

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

This Ard Fheis calls on the Spanish and French authorities to implement the following measures to consolidate the peace process: • The end of the policy of dispersal, an arbitrary measure applied to Basque prisoners, and the immediate transfer to prisons closer to their families. • The release of prisoners whom the Spanish courts apply the Doctrine 197/2006 (also called the ‘Parot Doctrine’), as well as the release of those prisoners who can be eligible for parole. • The immediate release of seriously-ill prisoners who, according to current legislation, should be freed to receive adequate treatment for their illnesses. • The immediate release of Arnaldo Otegi and all those imprisoned for their political views or political activity, in political parties, youth organisations, social movements or in the media. • The dismissal of the processes related to these issues, as well as the removal of all European arrest warrants that may have been issued for actions of the same type.

This Ard Fheis further calls on the Irish Government and the political institutions to take an active role in demanding the Spanish Government shift its current policy of obstruction that is diminishing this historical opportunity and to instead promote and support a process of dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Basque Country. This Ard Fheis also expresses solidarity with the 40 Basque pro-independence Left youth activists currently on trial in Madrid. Furthermore, this Ard Fheis calls on the Spanish state to immediately cease all acts of brutal and inhumane methods of torture. Ard Chomhairle Traoloch Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Clancy/O’Callaghan Cumann, Limerick

Environment, Energy and Infrastructure Listening to Communities - Opposing Pylons 127. This Ard Fheis: • Notes the proposed plans to expand the electricity grid on the island via the North-South Interconnector, the Grid Link and Grid West projects. • Supports in principle the enhancement of supply and expansion of the electricity grid and the stated aims of Eirgrid to help secure future electricity supply for homes, businesses, farms, factories and communities, to help Ireland meet its 40% renewable energy target and to provide a platform for economic growth and job creation. • Notes with concern the impact that construction of the proposed high-voltage 400KV pylon supported powerlines would have, most notably, in the areas of: • Agriculture • Health • Landscape • Tourism • Land and property values • Commends the community-based groups across the island who have been campaigning effectively on the issue, who have helped to inform the wider population of the projects, and have been voicing the many genuine and serious concerns that communities have about the proposed projects.

Further notes: • That underground cables have lower transmission losses than overhead lines because, due to thermal reasons, underground cables have a larger conductor and therefore significantly smaller losses. 34 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 35

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Studies on several 400KV transmission grids show that the characteristics of underground cables can in many cases be beneficial to the overall performance of the network. • Disturbance of underground cables occurs less frequently than for overhead lines. Overhead cables are affected by severe weather. Only outside influences can disturb and damage underground cables. Underground cables are low maintenance compared to overhead lines. • Underground cables - at installation - cost more than overhead lines but the fact that they are low-maintenance, have lower transmission losses, have a longer lifespan and no environmental or other negative impact would suggest that the initial additional outlay will be offset over time by the many advantages. • That an international expert commission, employed by the government, found that the undergrounding of cables was “a viable option”.

Calls for: • The Irish Government to direct Eirgrid to proceed with the proposed projects only on the basis that they will be undergrounded. • In the case of the North-South Interconnector, that the lines be placed underground using ducts within the new A5/N2 road development. • The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, which facilitates the forcing through of such projects regardless of the expressed wishes of communities, be repealed. • A united all-party front in opposition to the overgrounding of powerlines and to make the case for undergrounding. Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair O’Hanlon/MacMahon/Lynagh Cumann, Monaghan Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Meath Comhairle Ceantair West Waterford Cumann East Cork Comhairle Ceantair Armagh Comhairle Ceantair Gerard O’Callaghan Cumann, Armagh Swinford Cumann, Mayo Wicklow Comhairle Ceantair Waterford Comhairle Ceantair Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford Fr Murphy/Keegan/Parle Cumann, Wexford

128. This Ard Fheis proposes that those whose homes, lands, lives, and communities are directly impacted by state-imposed energy infrastructure (such as pipelines and pylons) and should be compensated collectively with funded community trust and development organisations (analogous to models in Alaska and Denmark). Also that as the negative impact and costs of rights-of-way and such for public infrastructure falls heaviest on specific individuals, families, and communities along such routes compared to the large social benefits for society at large, these groups be compensated for disturbance and negative impact by funding based on a severance or royalty model to service such community organisations. Cullen/Hayden Cumann, Wexford

A Ban on Fracking 129. This Ard Fheis reaffirms Sinn Féin’s commitment to banning hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) in any part of Ireland. We do this notwithstanding the current investigation being undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because: • The EPA is not legally accountable for the validity of their recommendations, nor for any damage arising from decisions made on foot of their reports. 35 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 36

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• The EPA study does not incorporate study of the impact of hydraulic fracturing on human health. • The likelihood that the EPA study will examine the same scientific reports as Environmental Protection Agencies in other countries who permit hydraulic fracturing ‘provided it is properly regulated’. • The clearly-expressed views of citizens in other countries who were severely impacted by hydraulic fracturing that their Environmental Protection Agencies and other government agencies were more concerned with protecting the interests of the industry than interests of the people. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

130. This Ard Fheis: • Underlines the importance of moving to a low-carbon economy. • Regrets that an EU target for transport fuel has led to a significant scale-up of unsustainable first-generation biofuel demand and that this increase has resulted in large amounts of limited resources such as land and water being used in the developing world to meet this demand. • Underlines that this phenomenon is resulting in global food price rises and the diversion of land from food production which is affecting the global poor. • Stresses that ‘Indirect Land Use Change’ is occurring as demand for land for biofuels is leading to increased deforestation to accommodate both biofuel production and relocated food production. • Highlights concerns that such deforestation is having a negative impact on the environment and emissions. • Calls therefore for the EU to reduce its previous target and cap the amount of renewable energy derived from first generation biofuels and to seek more renewable and sustainable energy sources. Ard Chomhairle

131. This Ard Fheis reiterates Sinn Féin’s opposition to mass burn incineration as a form of waste management. This Ard Fheis notes with concern Dublin City Council’s ongoing plans to build an incinerator on Dublin’s Poolbeg Peninsula. This Ard Fheis calls on the local authority to abandon their plans and the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to establish an independent, public inquiry into the cost and issuing of contracts during the process to date. James Connolly Cumann, Dublin Swinford Cumann, Mayo

132. This Ard Fheis resolves that the natural resources of Ireland (including oil, gas, wind and water resources) belong to the people of Ireland and should be administered by the state for them. They can never be transferred out of being held in trust for the people of Ireland and the Irish Constitution should be amended to secure that ownership. As a specific immediate need, a fee for the commercial use of Irish wind resources that captures the greater part of its value for the people of Ireland must be levied by local authorities to compensate for social, economic and environmental impacts and be distributed to its beneficiaries. Robert Emmet Cumann, Dublin Dublin Cúige Smith/Farrell/Griffith Cumann, Dublin Buncrana Cumann, Donegal

36 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 37

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

133. This Ard Fheis calls on Sinn Féin to examine emerging nuclear technologies with a view to developing policies on these new technologies. Cumann Pádraig Ó Cadhain/Margaret Joyce, Galway

134. This Ard Fheis calls for all gasoline sold in Ireland to contain 5% ethanol in line with the EU fuel Directive as well as the European Standard EN 228 and that the sale of gasoline containing ethanol is properly regulated and labelled at the point of sale. West Limerick Cumann

Climate Change 135. This Ard Fheis calls on: • Local authorities to draft and implement local climate change action plans. The plans will be based on a National Climate Change Bill. They will set specific local targets, based on national and international targets, for the reduction of emissions in relation to energy use, transport, housing and waste management. These targets will be developed following a consultation process with relevant experts and stakeholders. • Local authorities will actively engage and work with local communities to develop and implement action plans. • Council policies will be policy-proofed to ensure they are in line with their climate strategy. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae

136. This Ard Fheis calls on the Minister for the Environment in the North and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, through the North/South Ministerial Council, to develop an all-island National Wind Energy Strategy. This strategy should include planning regulations with regard to wind farms, the public consultation process that must be carried out prior to the erection of wind turbines, the sale of the energy from wind turbines, the taxation levels on wind energy and the need for clear and accountable community benefit. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Buncrana Cumann, Donegal Meath Comhairle Ceantair Eoin McNamee Cumann, Tyrone Seamus Woods Cumann, Tyrone Gallagher/Foy Cumann, Meath Matthew Kane Cumann, Offaly Cumann Pádraig Ó Cadhain/Margaret Joyce, Galway

137. This Ard Fheis recognises the huge potential for the island of Ireland to become an exporter of energy with the full development of wind, wave and tidal power; but believes that the export of energy should only begin when self-sufficiency in electricity generation from renewable sources has been achieved. This Ard Fheis recognises the vital contribution natural resources and energy generation can make to Ireland’s development and prosperity. We recognise that Irish people will only achieve full benefit from these resources when there is a cohesive, comprehensive strategy underpinning the planning, delivery, operation and management of these areas. Successive governments have singularly failed to maximise the opportunities arising from these sectors. Energy companies (whose primary interest is to maximise profits for their investors) have consistently been allowed take the initiative with governments responding to ‘take it or leave it’ offers. This Ard Fheis calls on the party to draw up a strategy for development of our natural 37 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 38

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

resources and for the development of an energy infrastructure that will serve the best interests of the people in all of Ireland. The strategy should incorporate: • Recognition that natural resources belong to the people of Ireland and must generate the maximum return to the people. • Understanding that major infrastructural projects can only be carried through on time and within budget when they have informed support of the majority of people, particularly communities most immediately impacted by those developments. • Development of a Land, Landscape and Off-Shore Planning and Management Strategy to inform major infrastructural planning and delivery projects. • Development of open, transparent, accountable procedures governing all discussions and decisions in relation to natural resources and energy projects. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Pádraig Ó Cadhain/Margaret Joyce, Galway

Defending Rural Ireland 138. This Ard Fheis commends the work of Sinn Féin Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill for her work to date and calls on her to: • Bring forward legislation that makes rural proofing a legal requirement for all Government departments and statutory bodies. • Progress the all-island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy to bring our disease status to similar levels across the island so that it can be brought forward as EU legislation in 2015 to allow the free movement of animals throughout Ireland. • Build on the good work in her Tackling Rural Poverty and Isolation Strategy and to bring forward additional initiatives to help address rural poverty and to ensure that the Rural Development Programme 2014-19 targets disadvantage and creates jobs.

This Ard Fheis also recognises the shortcomings of the Multiple Deprivation Measure (NIMDM) that mask areas of deprivation in rural communities and calls on the Minister for Finance and Personnel to initiate an immediate review of this and bring any findings to the Executive. Ard Chomhairle North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair

139. This Ard Fheis welcomes the work the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Six Counties has done to develop the agri-food strategy ‘Going for Growth’ and supports its targets to create 15,000 additional jobs and increasing export sales by 60%. This Ard Fheis calls on the Agriculture Minister to ensure fairness in the supply chain so that farmers receive a fair price for their produce. Ard Chomhairle 140. This Ard Fheis calls on the Environment Minister in the North to revisit Planning Policy Statement 21 (PPS21) ‘Sustainable Development in the Countryside’ so as to provide non- farming rural communities with greater opportunities to build a home and live in the countryside. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

141. This Ard Fheis supports the re-establishment of a bio-refinery plan in the south-east which would produce sugar as well as ethanol from beet. It is estimated that this would cost €350million to establish and create 5,000 jobs. Ard Chomhairle O’Donoghue/Keenan Cumann, Carlow 38 Wexford Comhairle Ceantair SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 39

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

142. This Ard Fheis calls for the creation of new grants for the suckler beef industry to protect small farms across the 26 Counties. The Irish beef and livestock sector is worth €2.3billion to the economy and must be protected as part of an effort to safeguard rural Ireland’s communities. Parle/Creane/Hogan Cumann, Wexford

143. This Ard Fheis supports the fullest possible redistribution of farm payments under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy and regrets that the Irish EU Presidency did not seek a more radical redistribution for the less than 2% of recipients who receive more between them than over 40% at the lower end of the payments scale. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae

144. This Ard Fheis asks Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill to work with her officials to further improve the system of Single Farm Payments, especially in relation to inspections, so that farmers can address any penalties in a way that lessens the impact on their business. Joe MacManus Cumann, Fermanagh

145. This Ard Fheis supports the call for the Fine Gael/Labour Government to reinstate the insulation grant for young farmers and the early retirement scheme for older farmers who want to give up their land to their sons and daughters. Coen/Savage Cumann, Sligo

146. This Ard Fheis recognises the devastation to lives and communities caused by government inaction, especially in relation to Kilmore Quay, and calls on Sinn Féin to continue to press the Fine Gael/Labour Government to negotiate increased fish quotas, committing Sinn Féin to making fish quotas a key issue if in government in the 26 Counties in the future to enable adequate livelihoods for Irish fishermen and women and to stop the criminalising of coastal communities by state agencies. Wexford Comhairle Ceantair West Waterford Cumann Dunne/Kelly Cumann, Wexford Tamhnach an Tsalainn Cumann, Donegal Cullen/Hayden Cumann, Wexford McGrath/O’Brien Cumann, Waterford

147. This Ard Fheis calls for the development of a sustainable and comprehensive policy on aquaculture in Ireland which best serves the interest of our communities while at the same time extracting best use from the natural resources available to us. Galway West Comhairle Ceantair

148. This Ard Fheis suggests that the Forestry Service, as the actual repository of most existing information on private and public forestry details, and as the de facto quality control body of same, is the natural and most efficient choice as an entity to service the forestry of the land, as a national forestry certification agency; that such should be provided as a matter of course for all state-aided afforestation, since it runs parallel to the maintenance of forest management quality already pursued by the state, and is in the public interest to do so. • The business of the Forestry Service is not simply regulation, and forestry regulation is not punishment and criminalisation to achieve policy, and both should be actively, positively promoting and enabling what is a national resource. 39 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 40

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Institutional inertia (for example, sometimes long and erratic waiting periods for felling licences for too short windows of harvesting) is destructive to forest enterprise and public investment. • Demands for greater forestry management quality should not translate to regulatory capture of real production values by private, corporate, and often foreign contractors through the effective erection of market barriers favouring same. • Forestry producer groups should be a prime focus of positive and enabling government policy as one of the most natural and efficient engines for maintenance, harvesting, and replanting. Cullen/Hayden Cumann, Wexford

Real Political Reform and Ending Cronyism 149. This Ard Fheis supports the document, Towards a New Republic, a comprehensive, all Ireland political reform document. Ard Chomhairle Wolfe Tone Cumann, Kildare Seamus Wrynn Cumann, Leitrim Dunne/Kelly Cumann, Wexford Waterford Comhairle Ceantair Traoloch Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair Keating/Sands Cumann, Waterford Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin

150. This Ard Fheis believes that local government in the 26 Counties must be overhauled. It is not fit for purpose. One of the most important pillars of any democratic republican system of government is local government. Therefore this Ard Fheis supports the local government reform document; Democratic, Accountable & Delivering, which has at its core; • Maximum devolution of power from central government to local government • Democratic accountability • The efficient and cost effective delivery of high quality public services, • Driving economic recovery • A sustainable funding model McBrearty/Maguire Cumann, Donegal West Waterford Cumann Bob Doyle/Dinny Barry Cumann, Kildare

151. This Ard Fheis calls for all charges associated with accessing Freedom of Information (FoI) requests be abandoned and that the Fine Gael/Labour Government must ensure that all public instrumentalities (i.e. semi-state businesses including the Central Bank) come under the remit of the FoI Act 2013 and that NAMA be stripped of its special status (Official Secrets Act) and be deemed a public body subject to full disclosure. A recent report shows that Ireland is the only country in Europe to impose a FoI charge and is one of only three countries worldwide that has such a charge. Maximum transparency of public administration in this country can only be realised through an effective and cost-free system of FoI. Given that the cost of administering the current charge exceeds that of any monetary gain, with this in mind the Government’s only reason for imposing the charge is, we believe, utter embarrassment and an attempt to frustrate and discourage any public sense of wanting to know. 40 We should consider the content of some FoI material obtained over time, for example SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 41

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

that relating to ‘The Bertie Bowl’. This project was estimated to cost the state approximately €750million but did not go ahead due, in no small part, to FoI exposure and a changing climate. Michael J. Marren Cumann, Sligo

152. This Ard Fheis: • Welcomes the overwhelming vote by the Constitutional Convention in September 2013 in favour of extending the right to vote for the President of Ireland to citizens in the Six Counties and the Diaspora. • Calls on the Irish Government to set a date for referendum on the matter to be put before the people on these recommendations during this Dáil term. • Urges the Irish Government to complement and reinforce any such democratic ratification by also amending the Constitution of Bunreacht na hÉireann to enable Northern MPs and Assembly members to have speaking and consultative rights in the Houses of the Oireachtas, including Dáil, Seanad and respective statutory committees. Ard Chomhairle West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

153. This Ard Fheis seeks to reform postal/absentee voting systems to bring them in line with those of other modern societies which allow generally unrestricted absentee ballots while still ensuring one-person, one-vote. This Ard Fheis calls on the party to do everything in its power to reform postal/absentee voting systems to promote voting and citizenship versus the current repression of the vote and marginalisation of students, people with disabilities, and other sectors of society. Those reforms can include but not be limited to: • Online postal/absentee ballot registration. • Absentee ballots for anyone requesting them for any reason. • Changes in the timeframe for requesting postal/absentee ballots (i.e. allowing requests up to seven days before an election). Michael J. Marren Cumann, Sligo

154. This Ard Fheis calls for the creation of an all-Ireland youth parliament. West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

155. This Ard Fheis calls for a youth quota in respect of elections to public office. While we realise that, similar to gender quotas, this measure will not be the cure-all in tackling under- representation in public and political life, the current age imbalance is so severe that a youth quota is necessary to actively counter the forces in society which deter young people from getting involved in politics. National Youth Committee

156. In light of council reform programmes, both North and South, this Ard Fheis calls on the party to work for the establishment of an all-island Local Government Association to improve co-operation and to promote agreed policies between the local authorities within the island of Ireland. Burns/McKerr/Toman Cumann, Armagh

157. This Ard Fheis calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Government to change legislation in relation to how Capital Investment Programme Funding is spent, to give city/county councils greater input into how Capital Investment Programme Funding is used locally, thus enabling 41 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 42

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

them to prioritise local work over capital works if need be. This must be given serious thought due to the following: • Ongoing reduction in the Local Government Fund. • Non-distribution of funding from the Local Property Tax to local councils. • The continuing erosion of local authority services in the face of privatisation. Traoloch Mac Suibhne Cumann, Cork

158. This Ard Fheis calls on the Six-County Finance and Personnel Minister to review the role of the Central Procurement Directorates in relation to assessing tenders for public works. North Antrim Comhairle Ceantair

159. This Ard Fheis: • Recognises that the planning process has proven to be open to inappropriate political interference. • Mandates the incoming Ard Chomhairle and relevant party structures/personnel to explore ways to eliminate such political interference in the planning process with a view to including such a system in Sinn Féin’s local government election manifesto 2014. Thomas Ashe Cumann, Meath

160. This Ard Fheis recognises serious problems in the 26 Counties due to an out-of-touch, elitist judiciary created by decades of appointments by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael/Labour governments. This Ard Fheis calls on the party to conduct a study of the judicial system in relation to how judges are chosen by reviewing best practices in Europe and other parts of the world, and to develop a party position statement on required judiciary reforms. Michael J. Marren Cumann, Sligo

161. This Ard Fheis reiterates our policy for an all-Ireland National Fire Authority. This would remove control of the fire service from underfunded local authorities and would provide a cost-effective system to offer live-saving services to those who need it. Wicklow Comhairle Ceantair

Promoting LGBT Rights 162. This Ard Fheis supports and endorses the Sinn Féin discussion document ‘Equality, Diversity, Solidarity - Fighting with Pride for LGBT rights in Ireland’. This comprehensive document seeks to progress rights for the LGBT community in Ireland including that of marriage equality. We recognise that the vote at the Constitutional Convention was a significant step forward in this respect and call for a referendum on this matter as soon as possible. Ard Chomhairle Dublin Cúige Barrett/MacCurtain Cumann, Cork Gerard Casey Cumann, Rasharkin, Co Antrim

163. This Ard Fheis notes the recent decisions of the High Court in Belfast in respect of same sex adoption and the exclusion of gay men from donating blood, and further locates the basis of these decisions in irrational discrimination which is at variance from current medical and 42 scientific advice. SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 43

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

This Ard Fheis commends the stance of the Sinn Féin Assembly team in standing against this discrimination. This Ard Fheis calls on Health Minister Edwin Poots to comply fully with these judgements and his equality obligations as an Executive minister. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Six-County Cúige

164. This Ard Fheis, recognising Russia’s new law criminalising “the promotion of homosexuality” and breaches of human rights against the LGBT community, calls upon all members to boycott the upcoming Winter Olympics in Russia. Martin Hurson Cumann, UCC

Towards a New Republic Time to Set a Date for a Border Poll 165. This Ard Fheis believes: • The imposition of partition established two ruling elites and promoted sectarian division, inequality, conflict and undermined the economy. • A united, equal and inclusive Ireland is in the best interests of all our people, our economy and the process of reconciliation.

This Ard Fheis recognises: • Irish unity is now in the gift of the people, North and South. • The Good Friday Agreement provides a peaceful and democratic pathway to achieve Irish unity through a Border poll. • The legacy of partition, North and South, and the scale of challenges involved in the democratic and peaceful process of building Irish unity. • The concerns of those opposed to reunification. • The need to engage with all sections of the community to promote a vision of a united, equal and inclusive Ireland. • The success of community-based campaigns for a Border poll in South Armagh/North Louth and in Strabane/Lifford. • The positive role played by the international community.

This Ard Fheis calls for: • The Irish and British governments to call concurrent Border polls in the lifetime of the next Assembly term. • An open, inclusive, informed and respectful debate on the benefits of Irish unity and the costs of continued partition. • The Oireachtas to develop and agree a Green Paper for Irish Unity • Sinn Féin to continue to maximise support for Irish unity through all sections of society, including the development of local Border polls campaigns and the building of international support. Ard Chomhairle Dublin Cúige Meaney/Dunne Cumann, Dublin Nolan/Downey Cumann, Belfast Cadamstown/Birr Cumann, Offaly

Promoting the Irish Language 166. Recognising that the promotion of the Irish language at all levels, including at EU Parliament level is central to our strategy for Irish language revival, this Ard Fheis calls for continued efforts by the party’s EU Department and MEPs to: • Work to ensure Irish is fully respected as an official EU language. • Insist that information available to EU citizens is made available through the Irish language. 43 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 44

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Ensure sufficient resources for Irish-language translation are provided for the benefit of Irish-speakers who wish to engage and work through the medium of Irish. • Highlight the status of the Irish language as an official language in the EU and use the European institutions as a springboard for achieving improved structure and support for the language at home such as on An Acht na Gaeilge in the Six Counties. Ard Chomhairle

167. This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht as integral parts of our Irish identity and that there is a crisis regarding the speaking of Irish. This Ard Fheis also recognises that our culture and our language are very important and that the state has a central role to play in supporting communities which are seeking to preserve, strengthen and promote the language. This Ard Fheis calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Government’s Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge be applied correctly though this Ard Fheis does not trust them to achieve the objectives of the strategy. Worse still, steps have been taken by various Government ministers opposed to the basic principles in the same strategy. This Ard Fheis commends and supports the work of Carál Ní Chuilín as minister in promoting the Irish language through initiatives such as Líofa 2015 and calls on Sinn Féin members to sign up to the programme. This Ard Fheis instructs the Ard Chomhairle to bring forward a new policy on the promotion of the Irish language, its development and promotion, and that the community and voluntary organisations be central in the approach adopted in relation to Irish language as a living language. The policy should be positive, practical and achievable with targets for conservation and the strengthening and development of the number of Irish-speakers throughout the island and abroad. Sinn Féin will take the opportunities available at local government level, nationally and internationally to promote the Irish language as a political issue. Ard Chomhairle West Belfast Comhairle Ceantair

168. This Ard Fheis calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Government to reverse its decision to abolish the system whereby bonus marks are awarded to people sitting Civil Service entrance exams through the Irish language. Brian Campbell/Seán Mulvoy Cumann, Galway

169. This Ard Fheis recognises the importance of affording prominent positioning to the Irish language, especially in public life and calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Government to implement change to vehicle registration plate letters on car number plates so that the letters which are at present an abbreviation of English-language place names will from now on be the abbreviated letters taken from the Irish-language place names. West Waterford Cumann

Importance of Arts and Sports 170. This Ard Fheis recognises the invaluable contribution of so many artists, volunteers, and activists in ensuring that the arts and culture remain vibrant in Ireland and such an integral part of our national identity as well as using them as a tool for social inclusion. This Ard Fheis also acknowledges the considerable challenges in being active in and promoting the arts at a time of economic difficulty and reduced budgets, the economic value the arts bring to Ireland, and that every euro invested in the arts is worth several euros to the economy in terms of creating employment and through various festivals promoting economic activity. 44 That the arts are to be valued in and of themselves, and in promoting social activity, SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 45

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

self-awareness, community involvement and social inclusion, and has proven benefits in terms improving the recovery of patients, theis Ard Fheis therefore criticises the Fine Gael/Labour Government for its poor attitude towards the arts, its failure to promote the arts, and the continued cuts to the funding of the Arts Council, culminating in a cut of €3.9million this year. East Cork Comhairle Ceantair

171. This Ard Fheis acknowledges the historical significance of the upcoming centenary of the 1916 Rising. We commend the work of the ‘Save Moore Street’ campaign and commits the Sinn Féin representatives in the Oireachtas, the Assembly and Dublin City Council to continue to support the campaign. We reiterate our call for the development of a historical revolutionary quarter in Dublin, including the area taking in the GPO, Moore Street and Moore Lane. This Ard Fheis also recognises the role of other towns such as Enniscorthy in the 1916 Rising and calls for the development of similar projects to a 1916 quarter in these towns before the centenary celebrations, including the establishment of walking tours and other events aimed at drawing tourism into the areas. Parle/Creane/Hogan Cumann, Wexford

172. This Ard Fheis welcomes the overdue naming of a Dublin bridge after one of its famous women citizens, Rosie Hackett, and commits all Sinn Féin elected representatives to promote gender equality in the naming of public spaces; that in the immediate term, only female names be considered until a gender parity is achieved. Markievicz/O’Farrell Cumann, Dublin

173. This Ard Fheis calls for regulation on all sulky horse training and racing to protect sulky drivers, road users and road traffic. Kevin Lynch/Cathal Brugha Cumann, Waterford

174. This Ard Fheis proposes that Sinn Féin should press for the online availability of the 1926 Census records. Cumann Piaras McCan, Tipperary

175. This Ard Fheis supports our bid to have Hayes Hotel in Thurles, the birthplace of the GAA, listed on the North Tipperary Planning Authority’s Record of Protected Structures so that it may qualify for protected status under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act of 2000. Robert Emmet Cumann, Tipperary

176. Generations of Irish have fled historical, social and economic tribulations at home by following the flight path of ‘The Wild Geese’ abroad. This has often been at great personal and family sacrifice, collectively showing great physical bravery, all-too-human vulnerability, and sometimes remarkable moral courage, from the Irish Brigades of Continental Europe to the San Patricio Brigade of Mexico, from the US Civil War to the Spanish Civil War, in wars of personal commitment, of international political catastrophes that devoured entire generations of the young, and in modern missions of mercy with the United Nations. In acknowledgement of this, this Ard Fheis believes that Ireland as a whole - from this island to its global diaspora - should create its own inclusive symbols to commemorate this and remember such a legacy that are not merely derivative of another nation’s officially crafted attitude to one particular war. Cullen/Hayden Cumann, Wexford

45 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 46 FRINGE FEIS Events in Wexford Town during Ard Fheis

FRIDAY 7 AND SATURDAY 8 9pm Mooneys on the Quay Traditional Music Free (Raffle)

FRIDAY 7 9pm Bugler Doyles Table Quiz (nominal fee)

SATURDAY 8 1:15-1:30 until later afternoon, Arts Centre Theatre “Living History” Ballymurphy Campaign for Truth and Justice with Prof. Ruan O’Donnell UL (Free) 9pm until late Arts Centre Theatre “Fringe Feis Cabaret” with bar (ticketed) 9:30pm Whites Hotel Le Chéile dinner dance, Tickets €40

SATURDAY 8 - SUNDAY 9 11am & 3pm Wexford Tourism Office Wexford Walking Tours, including Republican Garden of Remembrance English/Gaeilge. €4 per preson

46 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 47

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014 a- s- e of es tic e esent e s will be er ee the Cuban 5 ation of the Cuban r e in Irish society er e TD. ol c y ROOM ROOM ow s r or the futur e’ eland, and the speak ARLE ARLE outh and mental health outh and mental t and incar es om y a, and Seán Cr w Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, Hermes Ireland, to w Cuban Ambassador er es fr ganisations on youth issues; addr issues; ganisations on youth 1pm-2pm P 5pm-6pm P 5 in 1998. Campaign in Ir the ne Herr case of the Cuban 5 – The case and updat a discussion party make This meeting aims to of the injus aware more members SPEAKERS: by Marie Barry who The meeting will be chaired of the F is the Chairperson what Youth: No Disposable f guarantee repr with prominent A discussion SPEAKERS: Kathryn Reill Senator the arr tiv or peopl ing young and politics. 8th FEBRUARY an or AY ate the ate et Ward, ebr gar el omen . Mar ROOM ROOM ons t, Matt Carthy e and are ‘No Ordinary e and are TURD e and c es o Communities - AN AN er at SA ts who w ening t enary of the founding of Cumann na enary of the founding t a O’Hare, Seamus Drumm, Mary Nelis. a O’Hare, omen’. ent oncerns and opposition to the proposed and opposition to oncerns o commemor 5pm-6pm HOG 1pm-2pm HOG c of Republic mBan and the continuity activis W Opposing Pyl Rit Ordinary W No Ordinary T SPEAKERS: Mary Lou McDonald, Dr Lis serious Meeting about Sinn Féin’s c plans pylons HOSTED BY: f candidate Parliament European Sinn Féin Midlands-North-W ection of al ot se range of se range er aoi 30 bliain) a ag t PRIZE €500 áidíocht ommunities 1s al communities is dependent al communities áid ar do rogha ábahar! áid ar do rogha t s and Martin Ferris. al c facing rur enges facing t er es. d Fheis Shinn Féin do mhic léinn do mhic léinn d Fheis Shinn Féin oas McCarthy, of the United Farmers Association. Farmers of the United at McCarthy, abhair Ór 1pm-2pm CREAN ROOM 5pm-6pm CREAN ROOM servic economic activities and the pr economic on the promotion of a div on the promotion Fish Ní Aodha of the South and East Kathleen Produc Chall islands and of off shore The survival coas rural SPEAKERS: P c Ar agus do dhaione óga (f T Abair Amach É Debating Competition Ór Comórtas FRINGE MEETINGS SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 48

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

ORDUITHE SEASTA

1. Glacfar leis an Orduithe Seasta ag 7. Ní mór do rúin éigeandála (sé sin rúin a tosach na hArd Fheise. dhéanann tagairt d’imeachtaí nó cinniúintí a tharla i ndiaidh an spriocdáta do rúin de réir 2. Faomhóidh an Ard Fheis Coiste Stiúrtha Riail 12d de Bhunreacht agus Rialacha an agus ceapfar ceathrar áiritheoir ar a laghad Pháirtí) ní mór iad a thabhairt i bhfoirm ag tús gach Ard Fheis. Ní bheidh aon duine scríofa do Choiste na hArd Fheise, san Ard a ainmnítear le haghaidh thoghchán na Oifig, seacht lá ar a laghad roimh tús na noifigeach nó na hArd Chomhairle hard Fheise. Glacfar le rún éigeandála ar incheaptha ina áiritheoir. dhiscréid an Choiste Stiúrtha.

3. Roimh an Ard Fheis beartóidh 8. Ní féidir rúin nó leasaithe eigeandá eile - Cathaoirleach an Coiste Stiúrtha - I a dhéanann tagairt d’imeachtaí a tharlaíonn gcomhairle le Coiste na hArd-Fheise - cé agus an Ard Fheis faoi lán seol seachas ar mhéid ama a thabharfar do gach roinn. dhiscréid an Choiste Stiúrtha agus ní mór Glacfar leis an amchlár agus na na hOrdaithe Seasta a chur ar fhionraí Cathaoirligh don Ard Fheis seo ag tús n chun an rún a cheadú ar Chlár na hArd hArd Fheise. Fheise.

4. Beartóidh an Coiste Stiúrtha cé mhéid 9. Ceadófar ‘pointí oird’ ar dhiscréid an ama a thabharfar do gach roinn den chlár, chathaoirligh agus ní cheadófar níos mó ná agus tabharfar príoracht do mholtóirí rún 30 soicind dóibh. agus leasaithe i ngach roinn. 10. Caithfear glacadh le rialú an 5. Le linn díospóireachtaí tabharfar tús áite chathaoirligh I gcónaí. Ní mór na Ordaithe do theachtaí atá ainmnithe agus Seasta a chur ar leataoibh chun dushlán a creidiúnaithe mar is ceart. Is féidir leis an thabhairt do rialú an Chathaoirligh agus Choiste Stiúrtha, mas rogha leis é, cead vóta mímhuiníne a ghlacadh ann. cainte a thabhairt de bhaill den pháirtí atá creidiúnaithe mar is ceart ach nach bhfuil 11. Ní mór rún scríofa ag iarraidh na ina dteachtaí, sé sin muna bhfuil teachtaí hOrdaithe Seasta a chur ar leataobh a ar bith ag fanacht le labhairt ag an am.Ar thabhairt don Choiste Stiúrtha ag míniú fáth dhiscréid an Coiste Stiúrtha ceadófar do an rúin sula gceadófar é. Sonrófar am chuairteoirí labhairt atá creidiúnaithe ag an áirithe don rún ar dhiscréid an Choiste Ard Chomhairle leis an Ard Fheis I gcóir Stiúrtha. Ní mór móramh dhá dtrian de na am ar leith. Agus teachtaí ag labhairt ní teachtaí atá I láthair le hiad a chur i mór dóibh a n-ainmneacha a lua mar aon leataobh. Ní mór móramh dhá dtrian de na leis an aonad agus an ceantar a bhfuil siad teachtaí atá I láthair leis na hOrdaithe ag déanamh ionadaíochta thar a gceann. Seasta a thabhairt isteach arís nuair atá an ábhar faoi chaibidil reitithe sula bhféadfaí 6. Nuair a mholtar an rún “go gcuirtear an an Ard Fheis leanúint ar aghaidh. Ní mór cheist” ní bheidh de rogha ag an na hOrdaithe Seasta a chur ar leataobh ag gcathaoirleach ach an rún a chur faoi tús na hArd Fheise ionas gur féidir rúin, bhráid na dteachtaí. Má ghlactar leis an agus leasaithe eigeandála agus aguisíní rún, caithfidh an cathaoirleach, tar éis am don Chlár a cheadú de réir treoir an cainte a cheadú do mholtóir agus do Choiste Stiúrtha. chuiditheoir rúin nó leasaithe de réir fhorálacha Ordú Seasta 4, an rún nó leasú a chur chun vóta.

48 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 49

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014 Loch Garman Aoine 7ú Feabhra 16.00 » Clárú 18.00 » Tús David Cullinane 18.15 » An Geilleagar • Obair Chuibhiúil le haghaidh Pá Cuibhiúil Rúin 1-13 | Leathanaigh 51-54 • An Muirear Cánach ar Ghnáth-Oibrithe a Laghdú Rúin 14-19 | Leathanaigh 54-56 • Coinníollacha na nDaoine ag Obair a Chosaint Rúin 20-21 | Leathanaigh 56-57 • Ceannasacht Eacnamaíoch Rúin 22-25 | Leathanaigh 57-59 19.00 » Spreagaitheasc ó Martin McGuinness 19.15 » Próiseas na Síochána • Déileáil le Leagáid an Ama atá Thart Rúin 26-27 | Leathanaigh 59 • Todhchaí Nua Bunaithe ar Chomhionannas agus ar Mheas a Fhorbairt Rúin 28-37 | Leathanaigh 59-62 19.45 » Póilíneacht agus Ceartas • Stocaireacht a dhéanamh ar son an Chirt Rúin 38-40 | Leathanaigh 62 • Póilíneacht agus Ceartas Rúin 41-49 | Leathanaigh 62-64 20.15 » Forbairt an Pháirtí 20.30 » Party Development Rúin 50-62 | Leathanaigh 64-66 Satharn 8ú Feabhra 10.00 » Infheistiú in Iompar Rúin 63-70 | Leathanaigh 66-77 11.00 » Spreagaithaisc á craoladh go beo ag RTÉ agus ag BBC 13.00 Lón 14.00 » Sláinte • Mórathruithe ag Teastáil sa Bheartas Sláinte Rúin 71-83 | Leathanaigh 67-70 • Ní mór Eochairthosaíocht a D héanamh de Shláinte Mheabhrach Rúin 84-86 | Leathanaigh 70 • Dul i nGleic le Mí-Úsáid Drugaí agus Alcóil Rúin 87-89 | Leathanaigh 71 14.45 » An Bealach ar Aghaidh san Oideachas Rúin 90-99 | Leathanaigh 71-73 » Na Daoine is Leochailí sa tSochaí a Chosaint Rúin 100-106 | Leathanaigh 74-75 » Infheistíocht i dTithíocht Shóisialta agus Dul i nGleic leis an nGéarchéim Mhorgáiste Rúin 107-114 | Leathanaigh 75-77 15.30 » Cainteoir Palaistíneach » Dlúthpháirtíocht Idirnáisiúnta agus Gnóthaí an AE Rúin 115-126 | Leathanaigh 77-80 16.15 » An Comhshaol, Fuinneamh agus Bonneagar • Éisteacht le Pobail - Cur in Aghaidh Piolón Rúin 127-128 | Leathanaigh 80-81 • Toirmeasc ar Scoilteadh Hiodrálach Rúin 129-134 | Leathanaigh 81-83 • An tAthrú Aeráide Rúin 135-137 | Leathanaigh 83-84 17.00 Tae 18.00 » Tuath na hÉireann a Chosaint Rúin 138-148 | Leathanaigh 84-86 » Fíor-Athchóiriú Polaitiúil agus Deireadh a Chur le Cairdeas Fabhair Rúin 149-161 | Leathanaigh 86-88 » Cearta LGBT a Chur Chun Cinn Rúin 162-164 | Leathanaigh 88-89 19.00 » Cainteoir ANC - In Ómós do Mandela 19.20 » I dTreo Poblacht Nua • Is Tráthúil Dáta a Shocrú don Phobalbhreith ar Cheist na Teorann Rúin 165 | Leathanaigh 89 • An Ghaeilge a Chur Chun Cinn Rúin 166-169 | Leathanaigh 89-90 • Tábhacht na nEalaíon agus na Spórt Rúin 170-176 | Leathanaigh 90-91 20.25 » Gerry Adams á chur i láthair ag Liadh Ní Riada 20.30 » Oráid an Uachtaráin Gerry Adams TD

21.00 Deireadh na hArd Fheise 49 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 50

50 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 51

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

An Geilleagar Obair Chuibhiúil le haghaidh Pá Cuibhiúil 1. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Tugann sí dá haire go bhfuil an ghéarchéim dhífhostaíochta ar fud na hÉireann agus an Aontais Eorpaigh ag dul i bhfeidhm ar dhaoine óga thar aon ghrúpa eile den tsochaí. • Tugann sí dá haire freisin gurb iad na rátaí móra seo d’óg-dhífhostaíocht is cúis le mórimirce ár ndaoine óga. • Creideann sí nach mór cruthú fostaíochta bríoch a bheith ina thosaíocht lárnach de chuid rialtas na hÉireann, Choiste Feidhmiúcháin na Sé Chontae agus an Aontais Eorpaigh. • Creideann sí go bhfuil spreagadh ar fud na hEorpa ar an Scéim Ráthaíochta don Aos Óg agus go bhfuil sí ina deis iontach le dóchas a thabhairt do chuardaitheoirí poist óga agus ina plean le tacú leo dul isteach i margadh an tsaothair Iarrann sí: • Scéim Ráthaíochta don Aos Óg a mhaoinítear go hiomchuí a chuireann tairiscint mhaith fostaíochta, oideachas leantach, printíseacht nó cúrsa oiliúna ar fáil do gach duine óg laistigh de cheithre mhí tar éis dóibh éirí dífhostaithe. • Leithdháileadh iomchuí acmhainní chun na críche sin i gcomhréir leo siúd atá molta ag an Eagraíocht Idirnáisiúnta Saothair • Eochairthosaíocht agus téama a dhéanamh d’Ógfhostaíocht le haghaidh Phlean Gníomhaíochta Rialtas na hÉireann i gcomhair Post 2014 • Spriocanna bliantúla i leith ógfhostaíochta agus laghdú ar eisimirce a shocrú Ard-Chomhairle Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Thurlach Uí Chléirigh, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Mhaille/Mhic an Mhíligh, Co. Mhaigh Eo Cumann Uí Nualáin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste 2. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire go bhfuil imní uirthi faoi na rátaí eisimirce as Éirinn a bhfuil ardú suntasach tagtha orthu agus admhaíonn sí gur ar lorg oibre atá formhór na ndaoine atá ag imeacht agus gurbh fhearr leo fanacht in Éirinn. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo nach mór leas na n-eisimirceach thar lear, agus an t-ógra agus daoine scothaosta (agus eisimircigh atá tar éis filleadh) go háirithe, a bheith ina fhócas agus ina phríomhchúram de chuid aon rialtais. Cumann Uí Nualáin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste Cumann Mhairtírigh Bhloc H, Ros Mhic Thriúin

3. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Gurb í an ghéarchéim fostaíochta an tsaincheist gheilleagrach is práinní ar fud an oileáin; • Bhí poist i gcroílár an choir chun donais gheilleagraigh agus ba thoradh ar dhrochbheartas geilleagrach é an t-easnamh agus níorbh é an t-easnamh ba chúis leis an bhfadhb; • Tháirg Sinn Féin tograí mionsonraithe chun poist a choinneáil agus a chruthú. Dá gcuirfí chun feidhme iad, choiscfeadh siad an oiread sin daoine ag dul ar eisimirce agus d’athródh siad an ghéarchéim gheilleagrach chun feabhais; • Ba é an páirtí an chéad pháirtí sna 26 Contae a leag béim ar an ngá le spreagadh comhréireach um chruthú fostaíochta agus leanann sé ar aghaidh ag tairiscint tograí atá ag imirt tionchar ar an rialtas agus ag cur brú air breathnú ar an ngéarchéim fostaíochta; Chomh maith leis sin, aithníonn an Ard-Fheis na nithe seo a leanas sna Sé Chontae, mar a bhfuil an páirtí i gcumhacht: • Gur lárnach i bplean geilleagrach an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin le haghaidh téarnamh atá cruthú fostaíochta agus infheistíocht inbhuanaithe, bíodh sí ina hinfheistíocht intíre nó ina hinfheistíocht dhíreach eachtrach, agus; • Go bhfuil Martin McGuinness, ina ról mar Chomh-Chéad Aire, réamhghníomhach agus rathúil agus é ag cinntiú gur lárnach sa Chlár don Rialtas atá cruthú fostaíochta, agus; 51 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 52

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Gur faoi cheannas Martin McGuinness a chruthaigh an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin tuilleadh post trí infheisteoirí díreacha eachtracha a mhealladh agus trí fhoinsí intíre ná a cruthaíodh ag aon tréimhse eile i stair na Sé Chontae; • Gur thacaigh gach duine dár gcuid Airí sa Choiste Feidhmiúcháin go réamhghníomhach le hinfheistíocht inbhuanaithe agus go ndeachaigh siad i ngleic le míbhuntáiste sóisialta trí úsáid a bhaint as clásail shóisialta i mórthionscadail chaipitil laistigh dá ranna; • Gur chinntigh Michelle O’Neill, an tAire Talmhaíochta, go leanann an earnáil agraibhia ar aghaidh ag cruthú post agus leanann sí ar aghaidh ag tacú leis an earnáil agus ag forbairt na hearnála, atá ar thús cadhnaíochta sa fhreagairt don chor chun donais geilleagrach. Agus tiomnaíonn sí do na nithe seo a leanas: • Go bhfuil cruthú post lárnach i gclár Choiste Feidhmiúcháin an tuaiscirt don rialtas; • Go dtugtar tosaíocht do chruthú post i gceantair thuaithe agus i gceantair dhíothachta agus faoi mhíbhuntáiste • Go leanfaidh ár nAirí ar aghaidh ag tacú le hinfheistíocht inbhuanaithe agus leis an úsáid clásal sóisialta i mórthionscadail chaipitil; • Go nglactar cur chuige Uile-Éireann maidir le cruthú post; • Go dtacaítear le straitéis agraibhia Uile-Éireann chun leanúint ar aghaidh le cumas cruthú post na hearnála seo; Ard-Chomhairle

4. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Cuireann sí imní in iúl faoi leibhéil na héagrothoime réigiúnaí ar fud na hÉireann, go háirithe an difreálach suntasach idir pobail tuaithe agus pobail uirbeacha ó thaobh rathúnas geilleagrach de; • Tugann sí dá haire gur theip ar ghníomhaireachtaí cruthú fostaíochta an rialtais aghaidh iomchuí a thabhairt ar na héagrothromaíochtaí réigiúnacha a leanann ar aghaidh ó thaobh infheistíocht dhíreach eachtrach san oirdheisceart, san iarthar agus feadh chonaire na teorann; • Tugann sí dá haire gur theip ar an rialtas i mBaile Átha Cliath agus ar roinnt ranna an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin seirbhísí rialtais a dhílárú agus poist earnála poiblí a chruthú i bpobail dhíothacha; • Fáiltíonn sí roimh thiomantas Airí Talmhaíochta agus Forbartha Tuaithe comhleantacha de chuid Shinn Féin poist earnála poiblí a aistriú amach as Béal Feirste agus isteach i gceantair thuaithe; • Iarrann sí ar an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Infheistíochta agus ar an Aire Post, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta, trí oibriú na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas, straitéis éifeachtach a chur i bhfeidhm chun braislí réigiúnacha a bhunú agus chun a chinntiú go ndéantar infheistíocht urraithe ag an rialtas agus cruthú post a leathadh ar fud na tíre agus iarrann sí freisin tuilleadh plé a dhéanamh ar na sochair fhéideartha shóisialta agus gheilleagracha a bhaineann le dílárú phoist na hearnála poiblí amach as Baile Átha Cliath agus Béal Feirste. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair an Dúin Theas

5. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na dúshláin gheilleagracha os comhair Réigiún an Oirdheiscirt agus go dtugann sí na nithe seo a leanas dá haire: • Go sáraíonn an dífhostaíocht san Oirdheisceart, arb ionann í agus 16.4%, an meán náisiúnta go mór, arb ionann í agus 12.5% ar fud an stáit • Go bhfuil na daoine sin a bhfuil gnóthachtáil oideachais níos ísle ná tríú leibhéal acu freagrach as 85% den dífhostaíocht san Oirdheisceart, i gcomparáid le 78% sa stát • Go bhfuil na daoine sin faoi bhun 35 bliain d’aois freagrach as 51% den dífhostaíocht iomlán, cé nach bhfreagraíonn siad ach do 38% den Lucht Saothair sa réigiún • Is é 25.08% an figiúr dífhostaíochta do Chathair Thairsí an réigiúin 52 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 53

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Agus iarrann sí ar an Rialtas na nithe seo a leanas a dhéanamh: • A aithint go bhfuil gá le sraith idirghabhálacha ó raon gníomhaireachtaí Rialtais agus neamh-Rialtais chun tacú le Réigiún an Oirdheiscirt • Moltaí Straitéis Forbartha Geilleagraí an Oirdheiscirt (SEEDS) a chur chun feidhme, arna foilsiú ag an Seanadóir David Cullinane agus ag an gComhchoiste Post, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta, lena n-áirítear: - Straitéis Forbartha Geilleagraí deich mbliana a chur chun feidhme don Oirdheisceart. - Ollscoil theicneolaíoch a bhunú sa réigiún. - Infheistíocht i líonra snáithín dhorcha (Leathanbhanda) a chur i bhfeidhm - An tOirdheisceart a fhorbairt mar cheannaire domhanda i ngnó talmhaíochta agus i dtáirgeadh bia. - Tacú le turasóireacht mar spreagthach tábhachtach fáis gheilleagraigh trí fhís straitéiseach turasóireachta a fhorbairt - An dá leaba agus an cuan ag Calafort Eorpach Ros Láir a dhoimhniú chun freastal ar shoithí níos mó agus stáisiún lasta iarnróid a fhorbairt ag an gcalafort - An líne iarnróid idir Ros Láir agus Port Láirge a athoscailt go hiomlán Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Mháirtín Uí Mhiadhacháin, Loch Garman Comhairle Ceantair Phort Láirge

6. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo plean an rialtais an calafort intíre luachmhar i Ros Mhic Thriúin a dhíol agus tugann sí dá haire gur scrios rialtais chomhleantacha an calafort go mór. Cumann Mhairtírigh Bhloc H, Loch Garman

7. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfar athbhreithniú ar scéim JobBridge le gur féidir monatóireacht iomchuí ar phoist a chur i bhfeidhm agus chun a chinntiú nach ndéanfar teacht i dtír ar chuardaitheoirí poist ná dí-áitiú ar phoist atá ann cheana. Ba chóir treoirlínte diana a shocrú maidir le caighdeán na hoiliúna le linn na hintéirneachta, le fad na hintéirneachta agus le nach mór d’fhostóirí atá ag iarraidh úsáid a bhaint as an scéim a thaispeáint, a oiread is féidir, go mbeidh post íoctha ar fáil ar chur i gcrích na hintéirneachta. Cumann Eoin Shéamais Mhic Shíthigh An Coiste Náisiúnta don Ógra Cumann Bhriain Mhic Cathmhaoil/Uí Maoilmhiadhaigh, Gaillimh Comhairle Ceantair Dhún na nGall Cumann Mhic Fhlannchaidh/Uí Cheallacháin, Luimneach

8. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: Ar mhaithe le hearnáil tógála chothrom chothromasach a chruthú, tugann sí údarás dár rannóg beartais cur san áireamh a dhéanamh, ina chéad fhorógra eile, ar bheartas a chinnteoidh na nithe seo a leanas: • Go ndéanfaidh gach cuideachta mhór tógála ag obair ar thionscadail foirgnimh phoiblí gealltanas a thabhairt le linn an phróisis tairisceana chun a chinntiú go n-íocfar gach fochonraitheoir in am agus ar aon dul le comhaontuithe arna leagan amach ag an dá pháirtí le linn idirbheartaíochta chun na conarthaí sin a aimsiú • Agus go n-íocfaidh an rialtas gach airgead a íocfar leis na cuideachtaí sin ar bhonn céimnithe, i dteannta coinníll maidir le comhlíonadh na gconarthaí agus na struchtúr pá comhaontaithe idir na príomhchonraitheoirí agus na fochonraitheoirí. Comhairle Ceantair na Mí

9. Go n-iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann infheistiú go mór sa Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise trí chomhlacht leathstáit a chruthú a chuirfeadh ardán iontaofa néalríomhaireachta ar fáil. Bheadh sé á óstáil in Éirinn i gcomhair gnóthais dhúchasacha le go bhféadfadh siad leas a bhaint as timpeallacht shlán ar phraghas réasúnta ina bhféadfadh siad a bhfiontar a oibriú agus a fhás. Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath 53 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 54

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

10. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Tugann sí dá haire go ndearna Fine Gael agus Páirtí an Lucht Oibre, agus iad sa rialtas, chomh maith le rialtas Fhianna Fáil, leibhéil soláthar foirne na hearnála poiblí a laghdú trí chóir a bheith 10% i dteannta a chéile • Cáineann sí rún an Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe laghdú breise 7,900 duine, nó 2.7% sa bhreis, a dhéanamh ar líon na ndaoine atá fostaithe san earnáil phoiblí • Creideann sí nach leor teorainneacha bliantúla reatha soláthar foirne na hearnála poiblí chun seirbhísí áitiúla riachtanacha a sholáthar • Iarrann sí ar an Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe comhaontú leis an teorainn bhliantúil soláthar foirne a mhéadú d’Údaráis Áitiúla Comhairle Ceantair Dhún na nGall

11. Réitíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go dtabharfaidh sí tosaíocht do Bhanc Cuspóirí Poiblí amháin ar a laghad a chruthú le caipiteal ón gCúlchiste Náisiúnta Pinsean agus go gcuirfidh sí de chúram air, sa chéad dul síos, iasachtaí a chur ar fáil ag rátaí ísle úis le haghaidh infheistíocht phoiblí i mbonneagar i gcomhair córais uisce agus fuíolluisce, na heangaí ‘cumhachta dáilte’ agus sócmhainní giniúint fuinnimh in-athnuaite agus, sa dara dul síos, iasachtaí a chur ar fáil ag rátaí ísle úis do chuideachtaí pobail áitiúla, do chomharchumainn agus do dhaoine aonair le go bhféadann siad sócmhainní giniúint fuinnimh in-athnuaite a fhorbairt nó a cheannach. Cumann Roibéird Eiméid, Baile Átha Cliath

12. Go n-iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go dtabharfar Dualgas Uilíoch Seirbhíse Leathanbhanda atá reachtúil isteach chun a chinntiú go mbeidh rochtain ag gach teaghlach agus gnó ar oileán na hÉireann ar nasc Idirlín leathanbhanda atá gasta, iontaofa agus inacmhainne. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an infheistíocht atá déanta ag an Aire Talmhaíochta chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar limistéir nach bhfuil rochtain ar nasc Idirlín iontu agus iarrann sí ar an gCoiste Feidhmiúcháin a bheith ag obair le chéile chun an éagothroime sin a réiteach chun nach mbeidh cónaitheoirí agus gnólachtaí tuaithe faoi mhíbhuntáiste dá bharr. Comhairle Ceantair Ard Mhacha Theas Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Mhairtírigh Oileán an Ghuail/Chluain Eo, Tír Eoghain

13. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: tugann sí dá haire gur theip ar chuideachtaí príobháideacha fón póca clúdach leordhóthanach a chur ar fáil i bpobail tuaithe; iarrann sí go soláthrófar clúdach 100% faoi dhíon ó chlúdach fón póca 4G ar fud oileán na hÉireann, gan aon ghá a bheith ann le maoiniú breise a fháil ó chomhairlí áitiúla, ón gCoiste Feidhmiúcháin, ó na Rialtais i mBaile Átha Cliath agus i Londain ná ón tSaoráid um Chónascadh na hEorpa; agus iarrann sí freisin go gcuirfear deireadh le táillí fánaíochta ar fud na hÉireann. Comhairle Ceantair Ard Mhacha Theas Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

An Muirear Cánach ar Ghnáth-Oibrithe a Laghdú 14. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur ar lucht ísealioncaim agus ar lucht meánioncaim is mó a thit an t-ualach a bhaineann le €30 billiún i gcánacha agus i gciorruithe sna 26 Contae go díréireach. Admhaímid gur buaileadh na grúpaí sin le laghdú banda cánach; leis an Muirear Sóisialta Uilíoch; le CBL agus dleacht mháil mhéadaithe; le mótarchánachas níos airde agus leis an muirear teaghlaigh i measc cánacha eile, agus buaileadh iad leis an gcáin réadmhaoine i mbliana. Chuireamar in éadan thabhairt isteach na cánach réadmhaoine agus d’iarramar lena haisghairm. Chomh maith leis sin, rinneamar foráil dá cur ar ceal in aighneacht mhalartach Bhuiséad 2014 a chuireamar faoi bhráid an rialtais. Dhéanfadh sé seo meánchoigilt €278 sa bhliain ar an meán a chur ar fáil do 1.8 milliún úinéir tí. Thugamar rabhadh nach mbainfí úsáid as an gcáin sin chun rialtas áitiúil a mhaoiniú agus cruthaíodh go raibh an ceart againn - chuaigh an t-airgead a bailíodh don bhliain seo go díreach 54 isteach i maoiniú an rialtais láir. SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 55

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Iarraimid díolúine ón muirear idirbhirt do dhaoine aonair a íocann a gCáin Réadmhaoine Áitiúil i dtráthchodanna trí An Post nó trí sholáthraithe eile seirbhíse. Tugann Sinn Féin tiomantas do dheireadh a chur leis an gcáin réadmhaoine agus é i rialtas agus bearta cothroma forásacha cánach a thabhairt isteach chun maoiniú a dhéanamh ar na seirbhísí poiblí den chéad scoth a chuirfeadh ár mbeartais ar fáil. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Eoin Shéamais Mhic Shíthigh

15. Admhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil an costas maireachtála sna 26 Contae chomh hard nach féidir é a chothú, d’ainneoin géarchéim gheilleagrach 5 bliana; íocaíocht tarrthála €65 billiún ar mhaithe leis na bainc sna 26 Contae; agus €30 billiún a bhaint ó gheilleagar an deiscirt. Aithnímid go bhfuil comhcheangal de chánacha níos airde agus de níos lú seirbhísí poiblí, i dteannta caillteanais phoist agus fiachas pearsanta ollmhór ina chúis le fulaingt do theaghlaigh ar fud an Stáit agus gur theip ar bhuiséid chomhleantacha an cás sin a fheabhsú. Molaimid TDanna an pháirtí as aighneacht mhalartach bhuiséid a tháirgeadh i mí Dheireadh Fómhair anuraidh a dhéanfadh na nithe seo a leanas, dá gcuirfí chun feidhme é: deireadh a chur leis an gcáin réadmhaoine, an deontas um chúram faoisimh a athchur i bhfeidhm, liúntas breosla a mhéadú, an costas ar leabhair scoile a laghdú agus béilí scoile a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le 500 scoil bhreise i measc bearta eile, a laghdódh gach ceann acu an costas maireachtála dóibh siúd ar an ngannchuid is mó. Athdhearbhaíonn Sinn Féin an tiomantas go ndéanfaimid, agus sinne i rialtas, laghdú ar an muirear cánach ar ghnáth-theaghlaigh; cosaint ar sheirbhísí poiblí agus tús áite a thabhairt do phoist ardchaighdeáin inbhuanaithe a chruthú. Ard-Chomhairle

16. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo a tacaíocht i bprionsabal do Cháin Tobin, is é sin cáin ar idirbhearta airgeadais, ar chóir na fáltais ina leith a úsáid le haghaidh fhorbairt an gheilleagair dhomhanda agus ní mar mheicníocht chistiúcháin le haghaidh an Aontais Eorpaigh. Ina theannta sin, tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire moltaí Choimisiún an AE maidir le Cáin Idirbheart Airgeadais ach creideann sí nach dtéann sí chomh fada leis an rogha is fearr linn um cháin fhorásach ar amhantraíocht airgeadais ar bhealaí éagsúla. Comhairle Ceantair Chiarraí

17. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo seasamh an Rialtais seo maidir leis an dóigh éagothrom a gcaitear le hAithreacha Singile i dtaca le deireadh a chur le creidmheas cánach an tuismitheora shingil. Cumann Aindriú Uí Shúilleabháin, Corcaigh

18. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Gur chóir stádas na n-institiúidí reiligiúnacha mar charthanais a aisghairm sna 26 contae. • Nár chóir d’institiúidí reiligiúnacha suíomh speisialta a bheith acu laistigh de shochaí na hÉireann Dá bhrí sin, iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar rialtas na 26 contae na dlíthe cánach a chuirtear i bhfeidhm maidir le cuideachtaí a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le hinstitiúidí reiligiúnacha freisin. Cumann Mháirtín Uí Ursáin, COC

19. Go dtugann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas dá haire: • Go mbrúfaí níos mó daoine i dtreo na bochtaineachta mar gheall ar thabhairt isteach muirir uisce agus cáiníocóirí faoi bhrú ag streachailt cheana féin. • Go dtagann tabhairt isteach na muirear seo de bhreis ar chaillteanais phoist atá ag laghdú, ar ioncaim atá ag laghdú agus ar chánacha agus ar mhuirir atá ag méadú, lena n-áirítear an cháin réadmhaoine.

Molann sí: • An ról a d’imir Sinn Féin maidir le tabhairt isteach rátaí uisce a chosc i dTionól an Tuaiscirt 55 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 56

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• An dóigh réamhghníomhach ar chuir foireann Theach Laighean in éadan muirir uisce sa deisceart

Athdhearbhaíonn sí: • Go gcuireann an páirtí in éadan phlean rialtas na hÉireann méadair uisce a shuiteáil agus muirir uisce a thabhairt isteach • Go gcuireann sí in éadan bhunú Uisce na hÉireann mar fhochuideachta de chuid Bhord Gáis, toisc go ndúirt an rialtas go bhfuil sé beartaithe aige an chuideachta sin a dhíol • Go gcuireann Sinn Féin in éadan múchadh uisce nó laghdú brú uisce i gcás neamhíocaíochta

Iarrann sí: • Straitéis Uile-Éireann i leith soláthar uisce a fhorbairt • Bunú a dhéanamh ar Chreat-Fhoireann Náisiúnta don Earnáil Uisce chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar rialachas na hearnála uisce agus ar infheistíocht chaipitil don earnáil • Ar an Tionól agus ar Rialtas na hÉireann araon bheith ag obair le chéile ar sheachadadh seirbhísí a bhaineann le comhbhainistíocht abhantraí a bhunú i réigiúin na teorann, le comhinfheistíocht chaipitil agus le bonneagar agus soláthar • Infheistíocht in uasghrádú a dhéanamh ar an gcóras dáileachán uisce atá ag aosú agus ag sceitheadh Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Wolfe Tone, Cill Dara Cumann Mhíchil S. Uí Mhearáin, Sligeach Comhairle Ceantair Dhún na nGall Cumann Shéamais Fhionntáin Uí Leathlobhair, Laois Cumann an Ath. Uí Mhurchú/Mhic Aodhagáin/Uí Phearail, Loch Garman Cumann Luimnigh Thiar Cumann Phádraig Uí Chadhain/ Mhairéid Seoighe, Gaillimh

Coinníollacha na nDaoine ag Obair a Chosaint 20. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo tacú leis an gcáipéis ‘Cearta na nOibrithe a Chosaint - Moltaí Shinn Féin ar son Athchóiriú’ agus í a fhormhuiniú, lena n-áirítear na nithe seo a leanas: Cearta na n-oibrithe a neartú agus comhlachtaí agus nósanna imeachta um chearta fostaíochta a athchóiriú chun éifeachta, chun réiteach luath díospóidí ionad oibre agus forfheidhmiú láidir na reachtaíochta um chearta fostaíochta a chinntiú. A chinntiú go dtugtar Cearta Cómhargáintíochta isteach de réir Choinbhinsiúin na hEagraíochta Idirnáisiúnta Saothair agus na Cúirte Eorpaí um Chearta an Duine. A chinntiú go gcumhdaítear an ceart chun aitheantas ceardchumainn agus cómhargáintíochta sa dlí. Tá gach oibrí i dteideal obair chuibhiúil agus ba cheart caitheamh leo le meas agus le dínit dhaonna. Ba cheart an ceart chun measa agus dínite san ionad oibre a chumhdach sa dlí agus a léiriú i bpá cuibhiúil agus i ndea-choinníollacha oibre. Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair Cheatharlach/Chill Chainnigh Cumann Pheadair Mhic Fhlannchaidh/Mhairéid Uí Fhearghaill, an Clár

21. Tá impleachtaí dlí ag conarthaí gan uaireanta i leith chearta agus chosaintí na n-oibrithe. Ní dhéanann siad tairbhe d’oibrithe ná don tsochaí. Lagaíonn conarthaí gan uaireanta an ghluaiseacht lucht saothair, laghdaíonn siad an fáltas cánach agus méadaíonn siad spleáchas ar an stát.

Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Éilíonn sí an ceart chun measa agus dínite san ionad oibre a chumhdach sa dlí agus a léiriú i bpá cuibhiúil agus i ndea-choinníollacha oibre. • Iarrann sí deireadh a chur le Conarthaí gan Uaireanta agus na conarthaí sin a dhéanamh neamhdhleathach. 56 • Iarrann sí ar na rialtais a admháil go gcruthaíonn conarthaí gan uaireanta SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 57

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

cothromaíocht neamhchothrom maidir le cearta agus oibleagáidí a chuireann oibrithe go mór faoi mhíbhuntáiste. • Éilíonn sí go nglacann na rialtais leis go bhfuil tionchar ar leith ag conarthaí gan uaireanta ar mhná agus ar dhaoine a bhfuil oideachas foirmiúil teoranta acu, agus go n-admhaíonn siad go mbaineann saothrú comhfhiosach na n-oibrithe leochaileacha costas ollmhór ar dhaoine maidir leis an dínit dhaonna agus le féinmheas, ar shaol an teaghlaigh agus ar phobail ar fad. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na 6 Chontae

Ceannasacht Eacnamaíoch 22. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Gur diúltaíodh, agus go ndiúltaítear, ceannasacht eacnamaíoch a thabhairt d’oileán na hÉireann mar gheall ar chinneadh Rialtas na hÉireann rialú ar an bpróiseas buiséadach a ghéilleadh agus cead a thabhairt don Eoraip é a mhaoirsiú, agus mar gur theip ar Rialtas na hÉireann cinnteoireacht fhioscach a chineachadh don Tionól; • Tar éis 3 bliana i gclár Troika, agus le rialtais chomhpháirteacha chomhleantacha, cuireadh isteach go mór ar sheirbhísí poiblí na 26 Contae agus is troime an muirear cánach a leagtar orthu siúd nach féidir íoc as chun críche na bainc a tharrtháil. • Cé gur scoireadh de chlár an Troika, tá monatóireacht á déanamh ar phróiseas buiséid na 26 Contae agus tá an clár oibre déine á leanúint fós; • Leanann an Pharlaimint in Westminster ar aghaidh ag cur clár oibre déine chun feidhme, rud a léirítear i gciorruithe ar bhlocdheontas an Tionóil. Dá bhrí sin, ní mór do pholaiteoirí na Sé Chontae tionchar na gciorruithe a fheabhsú gan an chumhacht a bheith acu cánachas a athrú;

Agus tiomnaíonn sí do na nithe seo a leanas: • Leanúint ar aghaidh ag éileamh chineachadh na gcumhachtaí fioscacha do na Sé Chontae agus oibriú le páirtithe eile sa Tuaisceart tacaíocht a bhaint amach don seasamh seo; • Béim a leagan ar conas a theip ar rialtas na hÉireann ceannasacht eacnamaíoch na 26 Contae, agus ar a chlár oibre déine féin. D’fhéach sé le húsáid a bhaint as cailliúint na ceannasachta sin chun an clár oibre déine a fholú; • Comhroghanna geilleagracha inmharthana a thairiscint don phobal sa dá dhlínse ar féidir iad a bhaint amach má thugtar tosaíocht pholaitiúil do cheannasacht eacnamaíoch, chomh maith le fís a chur i láthair le haghaidh geilleagar rathúil atá bunaithe ar chomhionannas. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Thurlach Uí Chléirigh, Baile Átha Cliath

23. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas dá haire: • Is briste atá geilleagar an tuaiscirt agus geilleagar an deiscirt agus tá athchóiriú ollmhór ag teastáil uathu. • Bheadh dea-thionchar ag geilleagar oileáin amháin ar fud oileán na hÉireann ar thrádáil, ar infheistíocht, ar fhás geilleagrach, ar scileanna an lucht oibre, ar tháirgiúlacht, ar nuálaíocht, ar thaighde agus forbairt. • Ní bhainfeadh náisiún oileánda ar imeall na hEorpa ina bhfuil 6.4 milliún duine aon leas as dhá chóras cánach, dhá airgeadra agus dhá chóras dlí, dhá chóras seirbhíse poiblí agus dhá gheilleagar iomaíocha ar leith a bheith aige.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Trí fhís, trí thiomantas agus trínár bhfuinneamh agus trínár gcumas comhcheangailte ó thuaidh agus ó dheas a chur i bhfeidhm, is féidir linn geilleagar inbhuanaithe rathúil agus sochaí níos cothromasaí a thógáil ar fud na hÉireann ar mhaithe lena muintir ar fad • Beidh rannpháirtíocht iomlán agus ghníomhach Rialtas na hÉireann agus Choiste 57 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 58

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Feidhmiúcháin agus Thionól an tuaiscirt ag teastáil chun an fhís le haghaidh geilleagar oileáin aonair a bhaint amach. • Beidh páirt lárnach ag comhchuibhiú struchtúr ar fud an oileáin i ngeilleagar lán-chomhtháite rathúil a bhaint amach. • Cheal cumhachtaí fioscacha sa tuaisceart, ní féidir le Coiste Feidhmiúcháin an tuaiscirt córas fioscach dúchasach a fhorbairt a sholáthródh an t-athrú geilleagrach riachtanach agus a chabhródh le geilleagar oileáin aonair a fhorbairt.

Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Cumhachtaí fioscacha a chineachadh do Choiste Feidhmiúcháin agus Thionól an tuaiscirt • Mionscrúdú iomlán ar an úsáid is fearr acmhainní agus ar na samhlacha is iomchuí cuntasachta le haghaidh soláthar geilleagrach ar fud an oileáin • Go sainaithníonn Ranna sa dá dhlínse comhthionscadail ó chéim na pleanála go dtí a gcur i gcrích • Go gcuireann Rialtas na hÉireann agus an Tionól amscála ar fáil le haghaidh seirbhísí poiblí comhtháite a fhorbairt ar fud an oileáin Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Uí Nualáin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste

24. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas dá haire: • Teastaíonn poist agus fás inbhuanaithe agus athchóiriú ollmhór ó gheilleagar an tuaiscirt • Ní féidir lánchumas geilleagrach na hÉireann a bhaint amach ach trí gheilleagar oileáin aonair • Go leanann an Stát Briotanach ar aghaidh ag diúltú figiúirí cruinne a chur ar fáil maidir le seasamh geilleagrach an tuaiscirt • Go leanann an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra agus an Roinn Fiontar Trádála agus Infheistíochta ar aghaidh ag brath ar bhuillí faoi thuairim maidir leis an ngeilleagar atá bunaithe ar mheastacháin mhíchruinne gheilleagracha • An t-athbhreithniú reatha ar chumhachtaí fioscacha atá á dhéanamh ag Coiste Feidhmiúcháin an tuaiscirt agus Rialtas na Breataine • An Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra ag rá arís is arís eile go gcuireann sí in éadan cineachadh fioscach breise mar fhreagairt do cheisteanna parlaiminteacha maidir leis an athbhreithniú

Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Iarrann sí ar Rialtas na Breataine ráiteas iomlán cruinn a chur ar fáil faoi gach foirm ioncaim a ghintear laistigh den tuaisceart agus faoi sheasamh geilleagrach an tuaiscirt • Tomhais chruinne OTI, OTN (etc.) agus beartas geilleagrach bunaithe ar fhíricí a fhorbairt • Cumhachtaí fioscacha a aistriú ó Westminster go Coiste Feidhmiúcháin agus Tionól an tuaiscirt • Beartas geilleagrach a fhorbairt agus a chomhordú ar fud na hÉireann • Straitéis le haghaidh athchóiriú geilleagrach an tuaiscirt a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aici geilleagar láidir, cothromasach agus rathúil a fhorbairt Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Uí Nualáin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste

25. Go n-iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo; • Ar Rialtas na hÉireann promhadh ó thaobh buiséad comhionannais agus measúnachtaí tionchair a thabhairt isteach láithreach ar bhonn reachtúil arna ndéanamh ag gach Roinn agus comhlacht poiblí agus a gcuid feidhmeanna á comhlíonadh agus is cúis lena ndéanamh ar bhealach atá ceaptha chun laghdú a dhéanamh ar na míchothromaíochtaí ioncaim a thagann as míbhuntáiste socheacnamaíoch agus chun cur ar fáil a dhéanamh ar chosaintí breisithe ón stát trí na catagóirí in aghaidh idirdhealú atá ann cheana san Acht um Stádas Comhionann, 2004; • Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Comhionannais monatóireacht ar an scéim um Measúnacht Tionchair Chomhionannais de chuid gach roinne agus comhlachta phoiblí agus í a mheasúnú le haghaidh comhlíonadh; 58 • Athdheimhníonn sí ár dtacaíocht don fheachtas buiséadaithe comhionannais ina bhfuil páirt ag SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 59

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

comhghuaillíocht bhonn-leathan de cheardchumainn, d’eagraíochtaí neamhrialtasacha agus de dhaoine aonair lena mbaineann atá ag iarraidh Buiséadú Comhionannais a thabhairt isteach sa stát 26 contae. • Go dtacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an tuairim, le linn aon bheartas reachtúil, aon oibleagáid nó aon mhír reachtaíochta ceaptha i dTionól na sé chontae a chruthú, go gcloítear leis an riachtanas le measúnacht tionchair chomhionannais i ngach cás iomchuí agus go háirithe i gcás ina bhféadfadh athrú tionchar suntasach a bheith aige ar aon chuid den phobal. Ard-Chomhairle Cúige na 6 Chontae

Próiseas na Síochána Déileáil le Leagáid an Ama atá Thart 26. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo iarrachtaí leantacha Shinn Féin agus daoine eile chun tacaíocht do phróiseas athmhuintearais a leathnú agus a dhoimhniú. Ní le haon pháirtí polaitíochta ná le haon chuid den tsochaí an t-athmhuintearas, agus níl freagracht eisiach orthu as ach oiread. Is rud coiteann é. Fáiltímid roimh an méid dearfach a chuir an earnáil phoiblí agus an earnáil phríobháideach leis an bplé ar an tionscnamh praiticiúil ag teastáil, agus ar an bpráinn a bhaineann leis, chun próiseas cuimsitheach athmhuintearais a neadú. Mar shochaí, is iomaí rud le maitheamh agus a mhaitheamar mar thoradh ar an am atá caite agus ar stair na coimhlinte in Éirinn le déanaí. Creideann ár bpáirtí go bhfuil próiseas cuimsitheach slánaithe ag teastáil go géar chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar fhulaingt daoine eile, glacadh leis an bhfulaingt sin agus í a admháil, chomh maith leis an gcomhthéacs ba chúis leis an bpian sin. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le tionscnamh admhála coitinn a bhfuil gach taobh páirteach ann, chun spreagadh cumhachtach nua a thabhairt isteach i bpróiseas na síochána. Iarraimid an Fóram Saoránach a athbhunú mar mheán le dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt an phróisis athmhuintearais. Ard-Chomhairle

27. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire go bhfuil comóradh agus cuimhneamh ina bhfoinse nua easaontais laistigh dár bpróisis síochána agus pholaitíochta. Aithnímid go bhfuil easaontas ann maidir le cineál an chomórtha agus an chuimhnimh toisc go mbíonn an t-am atá thart á chonspóid. Creideann Sinn Féin gur chóir gach comóradh agus cuimhneamh a dhéanamh ar bhonn dínite, cóimheasa agus gan fearg a chur ar aon duine Molann an Ard-Fheis seo an obair iontach atá déanta ag Máirtín Ó Muilleoir agus é i seilbh oifige mar Mhéara ar Bhéal Feirste. Déanann sé sin forbairt ar an obair ina leith sin ar chuir Alex Maskey, an chéad Mhéara ar Bhéal Feirste de chuid Shinn Féin, tús léi agus ar fhorbair Tom Hartley agus Niall Ó Donnghaile í ina dhiaidh sin. Tacaímid le leanúint a oibre for-rochtana agus guímid gach rath air ar feadh a théarma i mbun oifige. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo rannpháirtíocht trasphobail agus rannpháirtíocht sa phobal chun teacht ar chomhaontú faoi chultúr comóraidh a thacaíonn le hathmhuintearas agus a chuireann le todhchaí chomhroinnte. Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thuaidh Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Theas agus Thoir

Todhchaí Nua Bunaithe ar Chomhionannas agus ar Mheas a Fhorbairt 28. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo go mór tionchar ceantrach an tseicteachais agus na deighilte i sochaí an Tuaiscirt. Tá páirt lárnach ag an dá cheann díobh san am conspóideach atá thart, agus déanann siad easaontais reatha agus deighilt a choinneáil agus a neartú. Molaimid na heagraíochtaí, na pobail agus na saoránaigh sin a bhfuil taithí acu ar réaltacht an tseicteachais fhoréignigh agus dhochraigh agus a chuaigh ina héadan. Ní ann d’aon leibhéal inghlactha seicteachais. Ní féidir é a chosaint. Tacaímid leis an neamhfhulaingt atá á taispeáint ag gach institiúid agus gach cuid den tsochaí. 59 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 60

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Iarrann sí ar na ceannairí polaitíochta agus ar na páirtithe polaitíochta go léir teacht le chéile chun feachtas coiteann in aghaidh seicteachais agus deighilte a chur ar bun. • Cairt na saoránach in aghaidh an tseicteachais a chur chun cinn. • Reachtaíocht in aghaidh an tseicteachais agus Bille Ceart a thabhairt isteach. Ard-Chomhairle

29. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar rialtas na hÉireann agus ar rialtas na Breataine tús a chur le rannpháirtíocht athnuaite shubstainteach a chuimsíonn iad féin agus na páirtithe sa tuaisceart ar mhaithe le Bille Ceart a bhunú ar son thuaisceart na hÉireann agus ar mhaithe le Cairt Ceart Uile-Éireann a chruthú i gcomhréir lenar beartaíodh i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Choiste Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta plean gníomhaíochta comhaontaithe a cheapadh agus a thionscnamh chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar Bhille Ceart a bhunú ar son thuaisceart na hÉireann agus ar Chairt Ceart Uile- Éireann a chruthú i gcomhréir lenar beartaíodh i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta. Ard-Chomhairle

30. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo a tacaíocht do dhualgas Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta um ‘Comhionannas ‘Déileála’ ar údaráis phoiblí ar leagadh béim air go sonrach lena chumhdach le Bille na gCeart. ‘Foirmliú a dhéanamh ar oibleagáid ghinearálta ar an rialtas agus ar chomhlachtaí poiblí lánurraim a thabhairt, ar bhonn comhionannais déileála, d’fhéiniúlacht agus d’aetas an dá phobal’ Tacaímid leis an moladh ón gCoimisiún um Chearta an Duine (HRC), ar cuireadh de chúram air an Bille a fhoirmliú: ‘Ní mór d’údaráis phoiblí lánurraim a thabhairt, ar bhonn comhionannas déileála, d’fhéiniúlacht agus d’aetas an dá phobal phríomha i dTuaisceart Éireann. Aon duine atá ag brath ar an bhforáil seo, ní féidir leis déanamh amhlaidh ar bhealach nach bhfuil i gcomhréir le cearta agus le saoirsí daoine eile’. I gcomhthéacs sochaí atá deighilte, ní féidir le húdaráis phoiblí, agus níor chóir dóibh, féiniúlacht náisiúnta taobh amháin den phobal amháin a léiriú. Ina leith seo, mhol Sinn Féin beartas um ‘comhionannas nó neodracht’. Ciallaíonn sé seo go bhféadtar an dá bhratach náisiúnta a bheith ar taispeáint nó nach gcuirfear aon bhratach ar airde. An rud atá ag teastáil ná cóimheas a léiriú ar an bhféiniúlacht Bhriotanach agus ar an bhféiniúlacht Éireannach araon. Ard-Chomhairle

31. Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo ár dtacaíocht do théarmaí Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta a rialaíonn conas a thabharfar aghaidh ar shaincheisteanna na mbratach, na suaitheantas agus an chomhionannais, lena n-áirítear saincheisteanna cultúrtha ar nós paráidí, agus conas a dhéileálfar leo.

Is iad sin: • “...bunaithe ar na prionsabail seo a leanas: lánurraim agus comhionannas do chearta sibhialta, polaitiúla, sóisialta agus cultúir, saoirse ón leithcheal do gach uile shaoránach, cothroime gradaim agus déileáil go cóir comhionann le féiniúlacht, aetas agus toilmhianta an dá phobal.” • “...an ceart ar shaoirse ó chiapadh seicteach.” • “...a áirithiú go... n-úsáidfear siombailí agus suaitheantais den sórt sin ar mhodh a chothóidh comhurraim seachas deighilt.” • Tá an phríomhfhreagracht ar Rialtas na Breataine, faoi na téarmaí a leagtar amach thuas, agus é “ar an rialtas ag a bhfuil dlínse” as cur ar fáil a dhéanamh ar “paireacht ghradaim agus... déileáil chóir chothrom don... dá phobal”. Ard-Chomhairle

60 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 61

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

32. Comhaontaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an lucht gnó agus le ceardchumainn go mbíonn ríthábhacht ag cobhsaíocht pholaitíochta maidir le forbairt gheilleagrach agus cruthú post sa tuaisceart, cáineann sí gníomhartha na ndaoine sin a chuireann in aghaidh phróiseas na síochána a bhain úsáid as modhanna neamhdhleathacha chun an bonn a bhaint ó na hinstitiúidí polaitíochta agus tiomnaíonn sí í féin do chur in éadan aon iarrachtaí ar an mbonn a bhaint ó na hinstitiúidí polaitíochta sa tuaisceart. Cumann Ghearóid Uí Chathasaigh, Ros Earcáin, Co. Aontroma

33. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo tuairim Shinn Féin gurb é dialóg agus comhaontú deireanach idir na daoine sin a bhfuil fonn orthu dul ar paráid agus pobail áitiúla an bealach inmhianaithe agus is éifeachtaí chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar an réiteach ar an líon beag paráidí conspóideacha a imríonn drochthionchar ar an tsochaí agus, go dtí go mbainfear an seasamh sin amach, go ndéanfar an rialú éifeachtach ar pharáidí conspóideacha a choinneáil agus a fhorbairt. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur gnéithe riachtanacha chun déileáil le saincheist iomlán na bparáidí iad na nithe seo a leanas: • Cur chuige bunaithe ar chearta a ghlacadh, laistigh de chreat an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh um Chearta an Duine (ECHR). • Aitheantas a thabhairt do chearta iomaíocha na ndaoine sin ar mian leo a cheart chun saoirse cruinnithe a chleachtadh agus do chearta agus do shaoirsí na ndaoine sin a chónaíonn, a oibríonn, a dhéanann siopadóireacht, a thrádálann agus a théann i mbun gnó sna limistéir trínar mian leo dul ar paráid. • Cuirtear in iúl i gcásdlí na Cúirte Eorpaí le déanaí go n-áirítear cosaint ar léiriú Ciníoch/Seicteach le “cearta agus saoirsí daoine eile”. An Príomh-Chomhlacht Conartha de chuid Chomhairle na hEorpa a dhéileálann le ciníochas, shonraigh sé gurb ionann seicteachas anseo agus saghas de chiníochas. Ghlac coiste frithchiníochais na NA seasamh cosúil leis sin. Dá réir sin, ba chóir an cásdlí sin, lena ndéileáiltear le srianta ar léiriú ciníoch, lena n-áirítear léiriú a bhaineann le paráidí, a bheith i bhfeidhm maidir le seicteachas anseo. • An ceart do gach duine chun bheith saor ó chiapadh seicteach. • Fíor-idirphlé idir na daoine sin ar mian leo máirseáil agus pobail áitiúla ina bhfuil conspóid faoi pharáidí beartaithe sonracha. • Cumhachtaí rialaithe níos láidre do Choimisiún na Mórshiúlta. Ard-Chomhairle

34. Tá meas ag an Ard-Fheis seo ar chearta gach saoránaigh chun a chultúr agus a fhéiniúlacht a cheiliúradh ar bhealach inghlactha. Ag an am céanna, tugann sí aitheantas agus meas do thuairimí na ndaoine sin a cheapann gur an-seicteach, scanrúil agus, go deimhin, bagrach ina gcineál iad taispeántais den saghas sin. Mura ndéantar amhlaidh, neartófar easaontas agus éagobhsaíocht. Táimid tiomanta d’oibriú go réamhghníomhach leis an bpobal poblachtach/náisiúnach chun prótacail chomhaontaithe a fhorbairt lenár gcomharsana aontachtacha/is dílseoirí maidir le bratacha, siombailí agus suaitheantais ar chóir tacú leo sa reachtaíocht trí bhearta a leagadh amach inár n-aighneacht do na cainteanna le déanaí a ndearna an Dr. Richard Hass agus Meghan O’Sullivan cathaoirleacht orthu. Ard-Chomhairle

35. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo próiseas rannpháirtíochta agus for-rochtana do Phoblachtaigh a d’fhéadfadh bheith scortha ón bpróiseas polaitíochta agus iarraimid ar an bpáirtí tabhairt faoi phlean i ngach ceann de na Cúigí chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh air. Cumann Feirste, Béal Feirste Cumann Mhairtírigh Bhaile Andarsan Cumann Léana Dúna, Béal Feirste

36. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar rialtas na Breataine a thiomantas faoi Chomhaontú Weston Park maidir le teifigh a chomhlíonadh. Cumann Mhic Cába/Uí Choigligh, Baile Átha Cliath 61 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 62

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

37. Réitíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go leanfaidh Sinn Féin ar aghaidh sa dá institiúid polaitíochta ag uasmhéadú ár gcomhair le Coiste na nIarchimí agus le comhpháirtithe leasmhara eile chun dul i ngleic le haon bhacainní dlí, polaitíochta nó sochaíocha ar fhostaíocht, ar thaisteal nó ar nithe eile atá os comhair iarphríosúnaigh anois agus a bheidh os a gcomhair san am atá le teacht. Chomh maith leis sin, diúltaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo gach iarracht coirpigh a dhéanamh de Phoblachtaigh agus seasann sí i ndlúthpháirtíocht leo siúd a ndearnadh leatrom orthu ó thaobh fostaíochta de tríd an Acht um Cheadúnú Tacsaithe sna 26 Contae agus tríd an reachtaíocht SPAD sa tuaisceart. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cumann Uí Mháille/Uí Ruiséil, Baile Átha Cliath

Ceartas agus Póilíneacht Stocaireacht a dhéanamh ar son an Chirt 38. Go dtugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire Comóradh 20 Bliain Shléacht Loch an Oileáin le teacht i mí an Mheithimh, go n-athdhearbhaíonn sí a tacaíocht do Theaghlaigh Loch an Oileáin agus iad ar lorg an chirt; agus go n-iarrann sí freisin ar Ombudsman SPTÉ a sheacht ndícheall a dhéanamh an méid a d’imir Claonpháirteachas Briotanach páirt i ndúnmharú seisear neamhchiontacha sa bhliain 1994 a nochtadh. Comhairle Ceantair an Dúin Theas

39. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo gach duine a chuaigh i mbun feachtais ar son na fírinne faoi rannpháirtíocht an stáit Bhriotanaigh i maruithe in Éirinn, lena n-áirítear teaghlach Pat Finucane, sléacht Bhaile Uí Mhurchú, Seisear an Lóiste Úir agus iarrann sí ar an Rialtas i mBaile Átha Cliath brú a chur ar an Rialtas i Londain an fhírinne a insint faoi rannpháirtíocht bhaill arm na Breataine, an RUC, an UDR agus an RIR i ndrong Ghleann Anna agus san Fhórsa Freagartha Míleata chun saoránaigh Éireannacha a mharú Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na 6 Chontae Cumann Thraolaigh Mhic Shuibhne, Corcaigh

40. Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo ár dtacaíocht do mhuintir Jordan agus iad ag leanúint ar aghaidh ag lorg na fírinne agus an chirt ar son Pearse, a mac a dúnmharaíodh. Iarraimid go n- athosclaítear an t-ionchoisne le déanaí agus go nochtar gach comhad a bhaineann lena dhúnmharú ina n-iomláine. Déanaimid an meas leantach atá againn ar thuismitheoirí Pearse, is iad sin, Theresa agus Hugh, a chur i dtaifead. Is éard atá ina sithiúlacht agus ina ndiongbháilteacht leantach ná spreagadh do gach duine atá ar lorg na fírinne agus an cheartais. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar Cumann Mhórcheantar Bhaile Uí Mhurchú, Béal Feirste

Póilíneacht agus Ceartas 41. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an dul chun cinn atá déanta le blianta beaga anuas ar fhorbairt a dhéanamh ar struchtúir shábháilteachta pobail a sholáthraíonn ardáin le haghaidh próisis ‘rannpháirtíochta criticiúla’ le comhlachtaí reachtúla le go mbeidh rath orthu. Beidh bóthar fada romhainn sula mbeidh seirbhísí reachtúla atá cuntasach agus ag díriú ar an bpobal agus iarraimid ar an Ard-Fheis seo dul chun cinn a shonrú agus ár gcuid iarrachtaí ina leith seo a mhéadú go mór. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar Cumann Ghleann na hAbhann, Béal Feirste Cumann Mhórcheantar Bhaile Uí Mhurchú, Béal Feirste

42. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach a chruthódh údarás neamhspleách póilíneachta sna 26 contae sa deireadh thiar thall. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae 62 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 63

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

43. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo beartas um shráideanna níos sláine chun Gardaí, comhairlí áitiúla agus pobail a ionchorprú le dul i ngleic le sciúirse na hiompraíochta frithshóisialta. Ní mór do thuilleadh Gardaí bheith i láthair sna sráideanna. Cumann Chathail Mhig Léid, Baile Átha Cliath

44. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo straitéis chuimsitheach lucht oibre ina bhfuil amchláir agus spriocanna, rud a dhéanfadh seirbhís póilíneachta atá sibhialachtaithe go cuí agus ionadaíoch go hiomlán a sholáthar i dtuaisceart na hÉireann, agus iarrann sí freisin deireadh láithreach a chur le beartas SPTÉ um póilíní scortha a athfhostú i róil mar shibhialtaigh. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

45. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo dúnadh stáisiúin na nGardaí faoi thuath na hÉireann. Mar thoradh ar bheartas costchiorraithe an Rialtais, tháinig méadú ar robálacha tí agus braistint ghinearálta imeagla i bpobail tuaithe, go háirithe i measc cónaitheoirí scothaosta atá ina gcónaí ina n-aonar. Comhairle Ceantair Loch Garman

46. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le pianbhreitheanna níos déine mar thoradh ar choireanna a bhaineann le buirgléireacht throm agus le spriocdhíriú ar dhaoine scothaosta faoi thuath na hÉireann. Cumann Uí Chadhain/Mhic an tSábhaisigh, Sligeach

47. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Tugann sí dá haire an leibhéal ard millteanach d’ionsaí gnéasach, d’fhoréigean gnéasach, d’fhoréigean inscne agus d’fhoréigean teaghlaigh ar fud an oileáin • Aithníonn sí na 16 Lá i gCoinne Foréigean Inscne a bhíonn ar siúl gach bliain ón 25 Samhain go dtí an 10 Nollaig • Tiomnaíonn sí do reáchtáil a dhéanamh ar Fheachtas Náisiúnta i gCoinne Foréigean Inscne le linn na 16 Lá i gcoinne foréigean inscne • Infheistíocht shuntasach i bhfeachtais feasachta poiblí chun é a chosc. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo tacú leis an bhfeachtas ‘Man Up’ ó SAFE Ireland agus é a fhormhuiniú go hiomlán • Infheistíocht san fhorbairt bhreise ar shainseirbhísí líne tosaigh foréigin teaghlaigh chun comhlíonadh a dhéanamh ar íoschaighdeáin Chomhairle na hEorpa agus Threoir an AE maidir le hÍospartaigh atá ag teacht. • Athbhreithniú iomlán ar an gcóras dlí agus póilíneachta chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na mainneachtainí córasacha atá fianaithe ag taighde. Ba chóir athbhreithnithe ar an gcleachtas reatha atá ina chúis le scoilteadh fhreagairt an chórais dlí d’íospartaigh agus dá leanaí a chur san áireamh anseo. • Sainmhonatóireacht éigeantach forbartha gairmiúla do ghairmithe dlí chun a chinntiú go gcuirtear an reachtaíocht atá ann cheana chun feidhme go hiomlán. • Sainmhíniú cuimsitheach reachtaíochta a fhorbairt ar fhoréigean teaghlaigh, ina gcuimsítear ‘smacht comhéigneach’ agus ina n-aithnítear go soiléir na sáruithe seo ar chearta an duine laistigh de dhlí coiriúil na hÉireann. • Cistiú iomchuí do Thearmainn do Mhná • Iarrann sí straitéis ar fud an oileáin chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar fhoréigean inscne • Treoir an AE maidir le hÍospartaigh a chur chun feidhme go hiomlán roimh an spriocdháta i 2015 • Coinbhinsiún Chomhairle na hEorpa um Fhoréigean i gCoinne Ban agus Foréigean Teaghlaigh a dhaingniú gan tuilleadh moille. Cumann Uí Mhaille/Mhic an Mhíligh, Co. Mhaigh Eo Cumann Mhairtírigh Mhanchain, Loch Garman Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

Cumann Uí Nualáin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste 63 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 64

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

48. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar na hairí Dlí agus Cirt sa tuaisceart agus sa deisceart dul i mbun birt go práinneach, d’fhonn an córas cróinéara ar an oileán seo a chothromú agus d’fhonn seasamh le cearta agus teidlíochtaí na dteaghlach i leith ionchoisní a chomhlíonann go hiomlán airteagal 2 den Choinbhinsiún Eorpach um Chearta an Duine Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na 6 Chontae

49. Go bhfáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh thabhairt isteach an Bhille um Inniúlacht Meabhrach mar chéim shuntasach chun dul chun cinn agus cosaint a dhéanamh ar chearta an duine agus ar dhínit ar mhaithe le daoine aonair leochaileacha Cumann Markievicz/Uí Fhearail

Forbairt an Pháirtí 50. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Molann sí an obair a rinne gach duine ag a raibh baint leis an tsamhail nua bhainistíochta a bhainistiú agus a sholáthar • Admhaíonn sí an tábhacht a bhaineann le plé agus díospóireacht pholaitíochta • Iarrann sí ar chomhlachtaí ábhartha an pháirtí tús áite a thabhairt do chur i bhfeidhm chúrsa oiliúna polaitíochta nua Shinn Féin roimh na toghcháin Eorpacha agus rialtais áitiúil Cumann Thomáis Ághas, an Mhí

51. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Molann sí obair leanúnach Mary Lou McDonald agus Jennifer McCann ina róil chomhionannas inscne agus an tiomantas a thug an páirtí d’athbhunú a dhéanamh ar ghannionadaíocht na mban i struchtúir eagrúcháin ar an leibhéal áitiúil agus ar an leibhéal náisiúnta araon; • Athdheimhníonn sí sprioc an pháirtí maidir le hionadaíocht na mban sa cheannaireacht, in oifigí tofa agus sa bhallraíocht: 40% a bhaint amach roimh 2016, agus paireacht inscne iomlán 50% a bhaint amach ina dhiaidh sin. • Molann sí an breithniú agus an glacadh atá á ndéanamh ar bhearta breise gníomhaíochta dearfaí láithreach ball chun na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach Cúige na 6 Chontae Cumann Uí Nualáin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste Cumann Uí Mhuiris/Uí hAirmheadhaigh, Ard Mhacha Theas

52. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo an dóigh a ndéileálann na meáin le mná; rud is cúis le fuath ban, cultúr éignithe, oibiachtú ban agus go gcruthaíonn sí steiréitíopaí dochracha a d’fhéadfadh mianta ceannairí féideartha is mná a mhúchadh. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Shinn Féin aithint a dhéanamh ar an ról atá le himirt ag mná agus ag an bhfeimineachas inár bpáirtí agus iarrann sí ar bhaill na caighdeáin is airde a chur chun cinn i ngach gné den saol trína ndícheall a dhéanamh dul in éadan cultúr fuath ban. Cumann Shéamais Lochrie, Ard Mhacha Theas Cumann Uí Dhorchaidhe/Mhic Maol Íosa, Gaillimh

53. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Molann sí obair Ógra Poblachtach Shinn Féin agus an Choiste Náisiúnta don Ógra • Aithníonn sí na dúshláin an-sainiúil os comhair daoine óga in Éirinn inniu • Spreagann sí an tacaíocht is mó is féidir dár mbaill óga agus dár ngníomhaígh óga de réir mar a leanann siad ar aghaidh ina gcuid iarrachtaí 64 ar pholaitíocht Phoblachtach a chur chun cinn i measc a bpiaraí SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 65

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Iarrann sí breithniú cuí a dhéanamh ar an bpost mar Eagraí Náisiúnta don Ógra a athbhunú mar phost íoctha lánaimseartha, ar a bhfuil freagracht fhollasach as forbairt an ógra, laistigh den pháirtí Cumann Thomáis Ághas, an Mhí An Coiste Náisiúnta don Ógra Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

54. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Tugann sí dá haire cé chomh maith a d’éirigh le clár earcaíochta an pháirtí. • Tiomnaíonn sí do chlár leanúnach um fhorbairt an pháirtí, lena n-áirítear ballraíocht a mhéadú, cumas a fhorbairt, oideachas polaitíochta agus daonlathas inmheánach an pháirtí a bhreisiú. • Tugann sí údarás don Ard-Chomhairle tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú ar struchtúir an pháirtí laistigh de bhliain chun a chinntiú go bhfuil na struchtúir agus na próisis iomchuí i bhfeidhm ar son na dtoghchán i 2016. Ba cheart moltaí i gcomhair athrú a chur san áireamh sa tuarascáil, nuair is iomchuí. Comhairle Ceantair Thiobraid Árann Cumann Chathail Mhig Léid, Baile Átha Cliath Cúige na 6 Chontae

55. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Athdheimhníonn sí nach mór dúinn mar pháirtí oibriú ar son neartú na Gaeilge laistigh de Shinn Féin le go mbeidh sé ina pháirtí dátheangach • Athdheimhníonn sí beartas an pháirtí gur dátheangach atá foilseacháin nuair is féidir agus go gcloífear leis an mbeartas sin Cumann Uí Leathlobhair/Uí Maoilmhíchil/Chlais Maolchon, Ciarraí Cumann Mháirtín Uí Chadhain, Gaillimh

56. Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo tiomantas Shinn Féin do chomhionannas. Cinnteoimid gurb oiriúnach do chathaoir rothaí atá gach foirgneamh a úsáideann an páirtí chun spreagadh a thabhairt do níos mó daoine faoi mhíchumas ballraíocht den pháirtí a bhaint amach. Comhairle Ceantair Chorcaí Thiar

57. Spreagann an Ard-Fheis seo iompar freagrach comhshaoil agus déanann sí cur chun cinn ar an úsáid earraí athchúrsáilte lena n-úsáid agus ábhair thoghcháin á dtáirgeadh Cumann Shéamais Lochrie, Ard Mhacha Theas

58. Go dtugtar cead do gach ball de Shinn Féin labhairt agus vótáil ar shaincheist an ghinmhillte de réir a gcoinsiasa. Cumann Uí Bhairéid/Mhic Curtáin, Corcaigh Cumann Ráth Chairn, an Mhí Cumann Driver/Uí Bhaoighill, Cill Mhantáin Cumann Sheoirse Mhic Dhiarmada Cumann TJ Breatnach, Sligeach Cumann Dhroim Sorn, Doire Cumann Uí Chadhain/Mhic an tSábhaisigh, Sligeach Cumann Uí Ghallchchobhair/Uí Fhiaich, an Mhí Cumann Mhaitiú Uí Chatháin, Uíbh Fhailí Cumann Shéamais Lochrie, Ard Mhacha Theas Cumann Uí Dhuibhir/Uí Dhoibhilin, Cill Mhantáin Cumann Éadan Doire, Uíbh Fhailí Cumann Bhun Cranncha, Dún na nGall Cumann Ghleann na Rua, Doire Cumann Uí Dhonnchadha/ Uí Chianáin, Ceatharlach

65 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 66

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

59. Go gcreideann an Ard-Fheis seo nach mbeadh sé inmholta dul isteach i gcomhrialtas le haon pháirtí den eite dheis sna 26 Contae Cumann Uí Leathlobhair/Uí Maoilmhíchil/Chlais Maolchon, Ciarraí

60. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Molann sí obair Choiste Náisiúnta Shinn Féin um Chuimhneacháin Chéad Bliain as a gcuid oibre i 2013 lenar sonraíodh cuimhneacháin chéad bliain an Fhrithdhúnta, bhunú Arm Cathartha na hÉireann agus bunú Óglaigh na hÉireann • Tiomnaíonn sí do chuimhneachán Chumann na mBan a shonrú ar bhealach iomchuí cosúil leis Cumann Chathail Mhig Léid, Baile Átha Cliath

61. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo moladh gur chóir do Shinn Féin tabhairt faoi fheachtas náisiúnta bolscaireachta, agus úsáid á baint as na meáin thraidisiúnta agus na meáin leictreonacha araon, lena leagtar béim ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le Lile na Cásca, go háirithe roimh an gCáisc. Cumann Phiarais Mhic Cána, Tiobraid Árann

62. Iarraimid ar an Ard-Fheis seo obair ‘an Choiste chun ár nÓglaigh a Chuimhneamh’ a mholadh agus spreagadh a thabhairt do cheantair eile féachaint ar an tsamhail nuálach seo chun ár mairbh ba thírghráthóirí a chuimhneach toisc go n-onóraíonn sé ár gcomrádaithe nach maireann ar bhealach a dhéanann a saol a chartlannú agus ár stair a chaomhnú. Cumann Mhórcheantar Bhaile Uí Mhurchú, Béal Feirste

Infheistiú in Iompar 63. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an gá le straitéis fhadtéarmach a fhorbairt le haghaidh cur ar fáil a dhéanamh ar chóras iompair phoiblí den chéad scoth, ar phraghas réasúnta agus atá inrochtana ar fud an oileáin d’fhonn an deis a thabhairt d’Éirinn a lánchumas a bhaint amach mar shochaí nua-aimseartha rathúil ag a bhfuil geilleagar a mheallann infheistíocht; tugann sí dá haire an tábhacht a bhaineann le bonn uile-oileáin um bonneagar bóithre agus iarnróid a fhorbairt tuilleadh; tugann sí dá haire freisin an cistiú atá ar fáil tríd an nGréasán tras-Eorpach, a bhfuil buiséad 49 billiún euro aige chun córais iompair a fhorbairt ar fud an AE.

Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas, agus aird á tabhairt ar an méid thuas: • Athdhearbhaíonn sí a tacaíocht do chonair Iompair Iarthair an A5 agus iarrann sí ar an mbeirt Airí Bóithre, sa tuaisceart agus sa deisceart, a gcuid iarrachtaí ar an mórthionscadal bonneagair seo a sholáthar a mhéadú. • Tacaíonn sí le huasghrádú láithreach Sheachbhóthar Dhún Geimhin A6 agus le dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar sheachbhóthar Bhaile na hInse. • Athdhearbhaíonn sí a tacaíocht do Dhroichead Chaol Uisce a thógáil • Iarrann sí ar rialtas na hÉireann agus ar an Aire Forbartha Réigiúnaí, Danny Kennedy, plean Uile-Éireann a fhorbairt chun an tarraingt anuas is mó is féidir de chistiú TEN-T a aimsiú agus an gréasán TEN-T a leathnú níos faide anonn ná bord farraige an oirthir agus i dtreo an iarthair. • Iarrann sí conair iompair an A5/N2 a chur san áireamh ar an ngréasán TEN-T. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair Léim an Mhadaidh Comhairle Ceantair an Dúin Theas

64. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre córas iompair phoiblí tuaithe a thabhairt chun suntais mar iarracht ar sholáthar a dhéanamh do phobail iargúlta, agus an deis a thapú le bogadh amach ón tsamhail reatha um iompar comaitéirí in Éirinn mar a dtéann gach bóthar i dtreo Bhaile Átha Cliath. 66 Cumann Uí Dhonnchadha/ Uí Chianáin, Ceatharlach SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 67

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

65. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Ard-Chomhairle breithniú a dhéanamh ar an bhféidearthacht a bhaineann le plean mionsonraithe iompair phoiblí a cheapadh le haghaidh ceantair uirbeacha lasmuigh de Bhaile Átha Cliath, agus in iarthar na hÉireann go háirithe, d’fhonn aghaidh a thabhairt ar bhealach éifeachtach ar na fadhbanna iompair a théann i bhfeidhm ar gach duine, beag beann ar aois, laistigh dár bpobail. Comhairle Ceantair na Gaillimhe Thiar

66. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo nach mór bonneagar bunúsach an iarnróid a choinneáil faoi úinéireacht phoiblí, ós rud é go bhfuil iarnród ar cheann de na foirmeacha iompair phoiblí is éifeachtúla ó thaobh breosla de. Táimhe institiúideach nó an lucht bainistíochta a dhéanann bac nó sabaitéireacht ar a éifeachtúla atá sé, ní mór tús áite a thabhairt do bhaint a dhéanamh ar na srianta sin in ionad costchiorrú simplíoch a imríonn drochthionchar ar bhunsoláthar seirbhíse ag leibhéal na talún. Cumann Mhairtírigh Bhloc H, Ros Mhic Thriúin

67. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an fhíric go bhfágtar pobail tuaithe ar mhaith leo leas a bhaint as córas iompair phoiblí faoi mhíbhuntáiste toisc nár tugadh stadanna dóthanacha iarnróid isteach ar an líne idir Doire agus Béal Feirste, agus iarrann sí ar an Aire Forbartha Réigiúnaí tograí a thabhairt ar aghaidh le haghaidh stad nua a thabhairt isteach chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar an mbearna seo sa soláthar. Comhairle Ceantair Aontroma Thuaidh

68. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo gur féidir le rothaíocht, mar chóir iompair, na nithe seo a leanas a dhéanamh: • Cabhrú le folláine coirp, sláinte mheabhrach agus folláine a fheabhsú agus dul i ngleic le strus • Na costais iompair a thabhaíonn teaghlach a laghdú go mór • Plódú tráchta a laghdú • Líon na laethanta breoiteachta a ghlacann fostaithe a laghdú

Agus iarrann sí ar an Aire Forbartha Réigiúnaí na nithe seo a leanas a dhéanamh: • Pleananna a thabhairt ar aghaidh chun infheistíocht sa rothaíocht a mhéadú ó thart ar 58p an duine gach bliain sa tuaisceart go dtí £10 ar a laghad an duine sa daonra. • Treoir a thabhairt don aonad nua Rothaíochta breithniú a dhéanamh ar chás-staidéir Amstardam agus Cóbanhávan i ndáil le bonneagar rothaíochta sábháilte ar leith a thabhairt isteach. • A chinntiú go gcuirtear cóiríocht ar fáil do rothaithe ar sheirbhísí bus agus iarnróid Translink i gcónaí agus stóráil agus racaí iomchuí rothar a thabhairt isteach ar bhusanna • A chinntiú go gcoimeádtar lánaí rothar glan agus go bhforfheidhmítear iad • Soilse tráchta scagaire agus ‘oileáin stadanna bus’ a thabhairt isteach do rothaithe i mbailte agus i gcathracha. Cumann Ghearóid Uí Chathasaigh, Ros Earcáin, Aontroim

69. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo iarrachtaí na ndaoine sin a bhí páirteach i bhfeachtais sábháilteachta ar bhóithre i bpobail tuaithe agus uirbeacha araon agus tacaíonn sí leis an bhfeachtas ‘is leor 20’ agus leis an ngá le 20mph a shocrú mar luasteorainn réamhshocraithe i gceantair chomhthógtha. Comhairle Ceantair Aontroma Thuaidh

70. Go dtugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire neamh-chomhsheasmhacht chritéir na Seirbhíse Bóithre i ranna éagsúla le haghaidh scéimeanna um rampaí/shrianadh ingearach a shuiteáil, tugann sí dá haire an riosca breise a chruthaíonn an méid sin do choisithe i mbailte tuaithe agus i sráidbhailte tuaithe lasmuigh den roinn Thiar agus iarrann sí ar an Aire Forbartha Réigiúnaí aird chuí a thabhairt ar shábháilteacht na gcoisithe i gceantair thuaithe trí aghaidh a thabhairt ar fhrithbheartaíocht na Seirbhíse Bóithre i leith na scéimeanna sin. Comhairle Ceantair Aontroma Thuaidh 67 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 68

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Sláinte Mórathruithe ag Teastáil sa Bheartas Sláinte 71. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo aischur láithreach na gcártaí leighis lánroghnacha dóibh siúd ar baineadh díobh iad mar thoradh ar chiorruithe a thug rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre isteach ina bhuiséad déine le déanaí. Iarrann sí beartas atruach trínar faomhadh cártaí leighis do gach duine ar aithníodh go raibh tinneas foirceanta/tinneas a d’fhéadfadh bheith foirceanta orthu. Comhairle Ceantair Dhún na nGall Cumann Uí Mháille/Uí Ruiséil

72. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo seirbhís sláinte aontaithe uile-Éireann chun an cúram sláinte is fearr is féidir a chur ar fáil do mhuintir na hÉireann, agus é saor in aisce ag an bpointe soláthair. Cumann Uí Chárthaigh/Mhic Giolla Bhrighde/Pléamonn, Dún na nGall

73. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo, mar thoradh ar an ngéarghá leantach le trasphlanduithe orgáin agus ar na liostaí feithimh atá chomh fada nach féidir glacadh leo, ar an bplé méadaithe agus ar eolas méadaithe an phobail ar an tsaincheist seo le bliain anuas agus ar an aitheantas leathan go bhféadfaí ár gcumas chun ár ráta deonaithe orgáin a mhéadú go mór dá n-athróimis chuig córas bog rogha an diúltaithe maidir le deonú orgáin, go ndéanann sí athdheimhniú ar ár n-iarraidh ar an Rialtas na nithe seo a leanas a dhéanamh: • Comhairliúchán fairsing a dhéanamh le páirtithe leasmhara agus leis an bpobal i gcoitinne • Reachtaíocht chun córas beag rogha an diúltaithe maidir le deonú orgáin a fhoilsiú • Na hacmhainní agus an bonneagar atá ag teastáil a chur i bhfeidhm chun tacú leis an gcóras nua. Ard-Chomhairle

74. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo i gcoinne aon trasdula ar sheirbhísí ospidéil go stádas iontaobhais sna 26 Contae a bheadh ina chúis le hathruithe diúltacha ar chonarthaí fostaíochta, ar phá nó ar choinníollacha na n-oibrithe cúram sláinte. Cumann Uí Chadhain/Mhic an tSábhaisigh, Sligeach

75. Go gcáineann an Ard-Fheis seo nach láithreánaíodh ach ionad cúram sláinte príomhúil amháin i gceantar an Iarthair Láir, go háirithe tar éis Ospidéal Ginearálta Inse a íosghrádú roinnt bheag blianta ó shin. Cumann Pheadair Mhic Fhlannchaidh/Mhairéid Uí Fhearghaill, an Clár

76. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo FSS toisc gur theip uirthi aghaidh a thabhairt ar ráta leathnaithe na n-ionfhabhtuithe faighte san ospidéal, rud atá eindéimeach maidir lenár n-ospidéil phoiblí ag an am seo. Níor thaispeáin an an tÚdarás um Fhaisnéis agus Cáilíocht Sláinte, an “foras faire”, go bhfuil aon chumas aige ospidéil a choinneáil cuntasach tar éis dó tuarascálacha diana ar ospidéil a eisiúint sna meáin agus iarrann sí cumhachtaí riachtanacha a thabhairt don HIQA le gur féidir leis a chinntiú go bhfuil a mholtaí á gcur chun feidhme. Cumann Mhic Craith/Uí Bhriain, Port Láirge

77. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo i gcoinne aon fhóirdheontais stáit ar son ospidéil phríobháideacha do leanaí a bhunú nó a reáchtáil in Éirinn. Cumann Uí Laoghóg/Uí Mhearthaile, Baile Átha Cliath

78. Go n-athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an iarraidh a rinneamar ag Ard-Fheis 2013 ar Rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre na nithe seo a leanas a dhéanamh: • Freaschur láithreach a dhéanamh ar na ciorruithe ar uaireanta cúram baile, ar phacáistí cúram baile, ar an deontas cúram faoisimh agus ar an liúntas faoisimh agus cistiú a chur ar ais go dtí na leibhéil ag a raibh sé roimh Bhuiséad 2012; • Coinneáil, forbairt agus breisiú a dhéanamh ar sheirbhísí cúram baile duine le duine agus rochtain iontaofa leantach ar chúram pobail a chinntiú do dhaoine breacaosta 68 agus do na heasláin; agus SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 69

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Straitéis Náisiúnta um Aosú Dearfach a dhréachtú, a fhoilsiú agus a chur chun feidhme roimh mhí na Nollag 2014. Chomh maith leis sin, iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo athbhreithniú ar choimisiúnú na bpacáistí cúram sláinte 15 nóiméad chun measúnú a dhéanamh ar a n-úsáid iomchuí i dtaca leis an dínit agus an atrua atá riachtanach chun aire a thabhairt do dhaoine breacaosta laistigh den phobal sna Sé Chontae. Ard-Chomhairle Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

79. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar FSS athrú chun dáta agus feabhsú a dhéanamh ar chóir leighis agus ar chúram do dhaoine aosta, go háirithe dóibh siúd a bhfuil galar meabhrach orthu. Ní mór an t- idirchaidreamh idir dochtúirí ginearálta, Altraí Seirbhíse Poiblí, oibrithe sóisialta agus an t-ospidéal a fheabhsú chun cás an othair a thuiscint agus chun an cúram atá ag teastáil uathu a dheimhniú. D’íoc na daoine sin cánacha ar fud a saoil agus ba chóir an dínit atá tuillte acu a thabhairt dóibh. Cumann Chathail Mhig Léid, Baile Átha Cliath

80. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an gá le cistiú breise le haghaidh Uathachais agus Diagnóis ASD (neamhord ar speictream an uathachais). Cumann Aindriú Uí Shúilleabháin, Corcaigh

81. Go spreagann an Ard-Fheis seo Feasacht ar Shláinte Chíche a thabhairt isteach i measc mná níos óige sa timthriall deireanach den mheánscolaíocht. Má bhunaítear an t-éiteas sin, spreagfaidh sé leanúint an chleachtais sa todhchaí agus, mar sin de, cabhróidh sé le hailse chíche a shainaithint agus líon na ndaoine a bhfuil sí orthu a laghdú. Cumann Thurlach Uí Chléirigh, Baile Átha Cliath

82. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Leagann sí béim ar an bhfíric go bhfaigheann 7000 duine bás in Éirinn gach bliain mar gheall ar ghalair a bhaineann le tobac • Cuireann sí béim go mbaineann ríthábhacht le háitiú ar leanaí agus ar dhaoine óga gan tobac a chaitheamh. • Tá bearta níos cruthaithí agus níos nuálaí fós á n-úsáid ag tionscal an tobac chun an táirge a dhéanamh mealltach do dhaoine óga, lena n-áirítear: pacáistiú tarraingteach dathannach, blasóirí amhail seacláid agus cruthanna pacáistithe. Dá bhrí sin, tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le bearta ar nós Threoir an AE um Tháirgí Tobac, a fhéachann le teorainn a chur leis an drochthionchar a imríonn tionscal an tobac ar leanaí. • Iarrann sí pacáistiú caighdeánaithe a chur chun feidhme ar bhonn uile-oileáin. • Iarrann sí táirgí atá ceaptha chun cabhrú le caiteoirí tobac éirí as a chur ar fáil saor in aisce do dhaoine ar mhaith leo leas a bhaint astu Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Uí Laoghóg/Uí Mhearthaile, Baile Átha Cliath

83. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas; Tugann sí an méid seo a leanas dá haire: • Tugadh fluairídiú isteach den chéad uair sa bhliain 1965, nuair a bhí meath na bhfiacla ina mhórfhadhb sláinte phoiblí. B’ionann fluairídiú agus bealach saor chun dul i ngleic le fadhb a bhí forleathan, go háirithe i measc na mbocht. • Níl aon chúiseanna sláinte poiblí ann a thuilleadh le leanúint ar aghaidh le fluairídiú uisce. Mar thoradh ar an taos fluairíde fiacla a úsáidtear sa lá atá inniu ann, rud atá freagrach as soláthar an-leordhóthanach fluairíde, agus mar thoradh ar sheirbhísí feabhsaithe fiaclóireachta, níl gá le fluairídiú a thuilleadh. • Toisc gur tráthúil atá an cheist ar an tairbhe a mheastar a bheith ag baint le fluairíd, agus toisc gur sistéamach atá na rioscaí a ghabhann léi, tá sé níos ciallmhaire an fhluairíd a chur go díreach ar an bhfiacail i bhfoirm taos fiacla. • Tá taos fluairíde fiacla ar an gcineál cóireála fluairíde is mó a úsáidtear agus a ndéantar an mheasúnacht is déine air. Molann sí: • Feachtasóirí ar a gcuid iarrachtaí leanúnacha chun aisiompú a dhéanamh ar an mbeartas chun uisce óil phoiblí a fhluairídiú 69 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 70

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Iarrann sí: • Ar Rialtas na hÉireann an Bille Sláinte (Soláthairtí Uisce a Fhluairídiú) a aisghairm láithreach agus an t-airgead a shábhálfar a úsáid chun seirbhísí bia shláintiúil agus seirbhísí fiaclóireachta níos fearr a chur ar fáil do leanaí. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae

Ní mór Eochairthosaíocht a Dhéanamh de Shláinte Mheabhrach 84. Go n-iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na 26 Contae méadú a dhéanamh ar an airgead breise do 2014 le haghaidh Fís don Athrú a chur i bhfeidhm atá cothrom leis na leibhéil i 2012 agus i 2013 agus spreagann sí athmheasúnú láithreach a dhéanamh ar gach plean chun leapacha/aonaid ghéarmhíochaine um shláinte mheabhrach a laghdú tuilleadh nó a athlonnú, rud a aithníonn an tábhacht a bhaineann le soláthar iomchuí agus dea-chleachtais fhadbhunaithe agus compord na n-othar, lena n-áirítear rochtain an phobail. Comhairle Ceantair Mhuineacháin Cumann Uí Anluain/Mhic Mhathúna/Laighnigh, Muineachán

85. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo cur chuige feabhsaithe maidir le féinmharú a chosc agus cabhair a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhfuil fadhbanna sláinte meabhrach acu. Ós rud é go mbeidh Reach Out: an Straitéis Náisiúnta um Ghníomhú chun Féinmharú a Chosc, 2005- 2014, curtha i gcrích ar ball, tugtar deis dúinn bearta nithiúla a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le féinmharú a chosc. Ní mór acmhainní agus cistiú iomchuí a imfhálú chun a chinntiú go soláthraíonn an straitéis seo dea-thorthaí do chách, beag beann ar stádas socheacnamaíoch.

Ba chóir na nithe seo a leanas a chur san áireamh sa straitéis: • Seirbhísí sláinte meabhrach a thacaíonn leis an ógra (ar nós Jigsaw, Gaillimh) a bhunú i ngach contae. • Cothroime rochtana agus torthaí do gach duine a bhfuil drochshláinte mheabhrach orthu. • Aitheantas go bhfuil gach duine freagrach as féinmharú a chosc agus éilíonn sí forbairt á déanamh ar na nithe seo a leanas: – Feasacht a spreagadh agus oideachas a mhéadú ar na comharthaí agus na siomptóim a bhaineann le smaointe féinmharaithe/le hintinn féinmharaithe agus le drochshláinte mheabhrach do theaghlaigh agus do phobail – Freagairtí iomchuí an phobail – Cur chuige comhpháirtíochta ar fud na seirbhísí agus na ngníomhaireachtaí go léir – Beartais a chuireann sláinte dhearfach chun cinn agus a thugann aghaidh ar mhíchothromaíochtaí sláinte atá ann cheana Cumann Uí Mhaille/Mhic an Mhíligh, Co. Mhaigh Eo

86. Go n-iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar na Rialtais sa Tuaisceart agus sa Deisceart na nithe seo a leanas a dhéanamh; • Méadú a dhéanamh ar chistiú ar fáil d’eagraíochtaí agus do sheirbhísí atá gníomhach i bhféinmharú a chosc agus i dtacaíocht a thabhairt do theaghlaigh a ndeachaigh féinmharú i bhfeidhm orthu • Gach straitéis a athrú chun dáta chun freastal ar an suíomh geilleagrach agus sóisialta reatha • A aithint go bhfuil géarghá le clár oideachais um fhéinmharú agus um fhéindíobháil a thabhairt isteach sna hiar-bhunscoileanna lena n-athrófaí treoirlínte maidir le féinmharú a chosc chun dea-chleachtas a léiriú, go háirithe 2.1 de threoirlínte na Roinne Oideachais sna 26 Contae ina sonraítear go mbeadh sé fritorthúil oideachas a chur ar fáil do dhaltaí meánscoile ar fheasacht ar Fhéinmharú. • Spreagadh a thabhairt do bhaill de Shinn Féin páirt a ghlacadh i gCúrsaí um Fheasacht ar Fhéinmharú agus um Fhéinmharú a Chosc • Údarás Náisiúnta Uile-Éireann um Fhéinmharú a chur ar bun leis an aidhm iarrachtaí na n- eagraíochtaí frith-fhéinmharaithe go léir a shioncronú agus soiléireacht agus aontacht a chruthú i bhféinmharú a chosc. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Bhriain Mhic Cathmhaoil/Uí Maoilmhiadhaigh, Gaillimh 70 Cumann Mháirtín Uí Ursáin, COC SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 71

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Dul i nGleic le Mí-Úsáid Drugaí agus Alcóil 87. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas dá haire: • Na dúshláin agus an t-éileamh méadaithe ar thionscadail drugaí phobalbhunaithe mar gheall ar úsáid ildrugraí • An bhagairt thromchúiseach a sholáthraíonn dronganna coiriúla a bhfuil baint acu leis an trádáil drugaí neamhdhleathacha • Gur íospartaigh iad úsáideoirí drugaí agus ba chóir caitheamh leo mar a chaifí le híospartaigh

Molann sí: • An obair atá déanta ag pobail agus iad ag dul i ngleic leis na cúiseanna leis an ngéarchéim leanúnach drugaí agus leis na torthaí atá uirthi • An obair atá déanta ag Tascfhórsaí Drugaí Áitiúla agus Réigiúnacha • Na teaghlaigh a bhíonn ag streachailt le handúil ar bhonn laethúil • Teaghlaigh agus pobail nach bhfuil á n-imeaglú ag dronganna coiriúla

Iarrann sí: • Ar an rialtas an Fhoireann Straitéise Náisiúnta i gCoinne Drugaí a athbhunú • Ciorruithe ar Thascfhórsaí Drugaí Áitiúla agus Réigiúnacha a fhreaschur • Ar FSS freaschur a dhéanamh ar a beartas um sheirbhísí drugaí a lárú • Méadú ar líon na leapacha ar fáil le haghaidh athshlánú drugaí • Ar rialtas na hÉireann páirt iomlán a ghlacadh sa Seisiún Speisialta um Dhrugaí a bheidh á chur ar siúl ag Comhthionól Ginearálta na NA i 2016 Cumann Shéamais Uí Chonghaile, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Laoghóg/Uí Mhearthaile, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Dhorchaidhe/Mhic Maol Íosa, Gaillimh

88. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tráma fairsing dochrach atá á fhulaingt ag ár sochaí mar thoradh ar andúil alcóil agus mí-úsáid alcóil agus éilíonn sí go n-infheistíonn an Roinn Sláinte go hiomchuí i seirbhísí éifeachtacha agus i dtaighde a thabharfaidh eolas don dea-chleachtas. Cumann Markievicz/Uí Fhearail

89. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo siabhráin dhleathacha a bhaint láithreach ó dhíol poiblí. Ina theannta sin, iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo reachtaíocht nua a dhréachtú a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aici an bealach éalaithe atá ann a dhúnadh. Is bealach éalaithe é a ligeann díol na ndrugaí sin thar an gcuntar. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

An Bealach ar Aghaidh san Oideachas 90. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Athdhearbhaíonn sí gur buncheart bunúsach an duine é an t-oideachas agus gur cheart é a bheith saor in aisce, ar fáil do chách agus cabhrú le gach duine gan eisceacht a lánchumas a bhaint amach agus cáineann sí beartais an rialtais a neartaigh míchothromaíochtaí oideachais agus tugann sí dá haire an gealltanas atá i bhForógra na Poblachta i 1916 “gach leanbh sa tír a chaomhnú go cothrom” • Aithníonn sí na sochair shóisialta agus oideachais a bhaineann le scoileanna cumais mheasctha, déanann sí comhghairdeas le formhór na scoileanna ar fud na hÉireann a chleachtann oideachas cumais mheasctha den chéad scoth, agus molann sí obair leanúnach Airí Oideachais chomhleanúnacha Shinn Féin sna 6 chontae as na scoileanna sin a chur chun cinn • Molann sí freisin seasamh comhsheasmhach an Aire John O’Dowd in aghaidh úsáid an roghnaithe acadúil agus daltaí 11 bliain d’aois, rud atá neamhfhónta ó thaobh oideachais de agus atá á cleachtadh ag mionlach scoileanna; agus iarrann sí ar gach eagraíocht atá i gcoinne chleachtas an roghnaithe acadúil, atá ina chúis le heasaontas sóisialta, feachtas leathan a fhorbairt chun deireadh a chur leis; • Molann sí Urlabhraí Oideachais na 26 Contae, Jonathan O’Brien TD, as reachtaíocht a fhoilsiú chun dul i ngleic le bulaíocht scoile, rud a chuir iallach ar an Aire Ruairí Quinn treoirlínte nua a eisiúint do scoileanna, agus as béim a leagan ar an tsocraíocht ranníocaíochta deonaí i 71 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 72

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

scoileanna a bhí ina cúis leis an Aire ag reáchtáil próiseas comhairliúcháin le Comhairle Náisiúnta na dTuismitheoirí faoin tsaincheist; agus as tacaíocht bhreise a thabhairt do chearta na leanaí atá ag freastal ar Ghaelscoileanna chun leanúint ar aghaidh lena n-oideachas in iar-bhunscoileanna Gaeilge trí aghaidh a thabhairt ar bheartais iontrála agus as dul i ngleic le costais um fhilleadh ar scoil atá ag ardú • Molann sí na múinteoirí ar fud na hÉireann a dhéanann post doiligh agus acmhainní teoranta acu • Athdhearbhaíonn sí tiomantas Shinn Féin d’oideachas a chur ar fáil do chách mar cheart, ar bhonn comhionannas iomlán. • Tugann sí dá haire go bhfuil an Roinn Oideachais agus roinnt pátrún, lena n-áirítear comhlachtaí reiligiúnacha, páirteach i gcuid de na scoileanna faoina rialú a atheagrú agus iarrann sí comhairliúchán le tuismitheoirí, le daltaí agus le baill foirne a bheith ina chuid dhílis d’aon phróiseas cinnteoireachta Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Thomáis Ághas, an Mhí Cumann an Chairn/Mhálanna

91. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Molann sí an tAire Oideachais sa Tuaisceart ar an gcóras maoiniúcháin scoile a athchóiriú chun acmhainní a spriocdhíriú ar riachtanas oibiachtúil d’fhonn cabhrú le deireadh a chur leis an nasc idir dealús sóisialta agus drochthorthaí oideachais - mar is léir ón bhfíric go bhfuil leanaí ó theaghlaigh shaibhre a dhá oiread níos dóchúla ná leanaí ó chúlraí níos boichte an sprioc-thagarmharc cáilíochta a bhaint amach. • Fáiltíonn sí roimh chinneadh an Aire Oideachais sna Sé Chontae na critéir do Bhéilí Saora Scoile agus do dheontais Éidí Scoile a leathnú arís eile, rud a fhágann go mbainfidh thart ar 100,000 teaghlach ísealioncaim tairbhe astu faoin mbliain 2014, i gcomparáid le 60,000 duine sa bhliain dheireanach ina raibh Riail Dhíreach i bhfeidhm. • Fáiltíonn sí freisin roimh an ngealltanas atá tugtha ag an Aire Oideachais sna Sé Chontae go gcoinneofar scoileanna beaga ar bun agus go dtabharfaidh tacaíocht dóibh - i gceantair inar féidir a thaispeáint go bhfuil gá leo - chun a chinntiú go gcuirfidh siad soláthar oideachais ar ardchaighdeán ar fáil, fiú amháin i gcásanna ina mbíonn an líon daltaí ar rollú sna scoileanna sin ag titim. • Molann sí an méadú leanúnach atá tagtha ar ghnóthachtáil oideachais sa Tuaisceart faoi stiúir Airí de chuid Shinn Féin i ndiaidh a chéile. Tháinig méadú de níos mó ná 10% ó Riail Dhíreach ar líon na ndaoine óga atá ag baint an sprioc-thagarmhairc cháilíochtaí amach. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair Dhoire

92. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis an tábhacht a bhaineann leis na scoileanna beaga Gaeltachta agus an ról ríthábhachtach a imríonn siad i múineadh na Gaeilge do chainteoirí dúchais Gaeilge. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo an cinneadh atá tógtha ag Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta deireadh a chur le maoiniú a chur ar fáil d’Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta, agus iarrann sí air athmhachnamh a dhéanamh ar an gcinneadh sin. Is é ESG an t-aon eagraíocht amháin a labhraíonn ar son mhúinteoirí, thuismitheoirí agus dhaltaí na scoileanna atá suite sa Ghaeltacht agus tá ról lárnach le himirt aici i gcúrsaí oideachais Ghaeltachta sa todhchaí, go háirithe i gcomhthéacs fheidhmiú na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. Cumann Mháirtín Uí Chadhain, Gaillimh

93. Níl an Ard-Fheis seo sásta leis an laghdú leanúnach a bhíonn á dhéanamh ar ghnáthdheontais chaipitíochta san earnáil oideachais agus éilíonn sí • Go ndéanfar gach deontas caipitíochta a cuireadh ar fáil do scoileanna le déanaí a aisiompú • Agus go gcuirfear bunchúnamh méadaithe deontais chapitíochta ar fáil do scoileanna beaga. 72 Cumann an Chairn/Mhálanna SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 73

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

94. Ba chóir iompar scoile a chur ar fáil do gach dalta a fhreastalaíonn ar scoileanna náisiúnta/mheánscoileanna atá suite lasmuigh de theorainneacha scoile. Faoi láthair, ní féidir le daltaí leas a bhaint as an tseirbhís sin mar gheall ar chritéir atá leagtha síos ag an Roinn Iompair, critéir a fhágann go mbraitheann rannpháirtíocht sa tseirbhís ar an achar idir an scoil agus an áit a bhfuil cónaí ar an dalta. Cuireann sé sin brú ollmhór ar thuismitheoirí a gcuid teaghlaigh a thabhairt chun na scoile. Tá sé go háirithe contúirteach i gceantair thuaithe, áit nach bhfuil aon chosáin agus a mbíonn ar leanaí siúl ar bhóithre ar a mbíonn méid an-mhór tráchta. Iarraim go gcuirfear iompar scoile ar fáil do gach leanbh scoile agus go gcuirfear deireadh leis an gcóras teorainneacha. Cumann Phádraig Mhíchil Airt, Dún na nGall

95. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire an rath leanúnach atá ar Ionad Uathachais Choillidh Chanannáin; fáiltíonn sí roimh an soláthar den scoth atá ar fáil do mheasúnú, d’oiliúint agus do thaighde oideachais ar bhonn Uile-Éireann; agus iarrann sí ar an mbeirt Airí Oideachais féachaint ar bhealaí ina bhféadfaí rath an tionscadail trasteorann seo a fhorbairt sna blianta amach romhainn. Comhairle Ceantair an tSratha Bháin

96. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an ilchineálacht mhéadaithe i bpobal na hÉireann, thuaidh agus theas. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire go bhfuil seans ann nach bhfuil rochtain ag leanaí ó theaghlaigh a tháinig go hÉirinn le déanaí ar thacaíocht mhaoinithe ina gcuid oideachais ar mhaithe lena gcuid scileanna teanga labhartha agus scríofa a fhorbairt. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go soláthrófar tacaíocht sa seomra ranga chun deiseanna oideachais na leanaí sin a uasmhéadú. Cumann Uí Nualláin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste

97. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir eaglaisí agus an stát a bheith scartha ó chéile. Iarraimid go ndéanfar gach scoil, idir bhunscoileanna agus mheánscoileanna, a mhaoinítear go poiblí dhí-eaglaisiú agus go mbeidh bainistíocht na scoileanna sin faoi rialú agus faoi údarás ag comhairlí contae áitiúla. Níor chóir aon oideachas reiligiúnach seicteach a bheith ceadaithe in aon scoil a mhaoinítear go poiblí. Ba chóir do theaghlaigh ar mian leo éiteas reiligiúnach a bheith ann i scoil a leanaí íoc as scoileanna den sórt sin óna gcuid cistí príobháideacha féin nó ó thabhartais. Cumann Mhic Fhlannchaidh/Uí Cheallacháin, Luimneach

98. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an rialtas oideachas tríú leibhéal a dhéanamh níos inrochtana láithreach tríd an réim ioncaim chun deontas de chineál éigin a fháil a mhéadú go €75000 in aghaidh an teaghlaigh, in aghaidh na bliana. Fágfaidh sé sin gur féidir deontais a leithdháileadh ar mhic léinn a thagann ó theaghlaigh ina bhfuil beirt ar mheánioncam. Má ghabhann ráthaíocht leis sin nach gcosnóidh táillí níos mó ná €3000 in aghaidh na bliana, beidh oideachas níos inrochtana. Cumann Mhic Fhlannchaidh/Uí Cheallacháin, Luimneach

99. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an gceart atá ag Coláiste Ollscoile Naomh Muire an neamhspleáchas agus an tacaíocht rialtais a theastaíonn uaidh a bheith aige chun a mhisean a chur chun cinn, is é sin: sármhaitheas acadúil, oideachas múinteoirí, Gaeloideachas, rochtain ar an ardoideachas do ghrúpaí faoi mhíbhuntáiste agus rannpháirtíocht sa phobal; agus iarrann sí ar an Aire Fostaíochta agus Foghlama tacú le Coláiste Naomh Muire bearta a fhorbairt a chinnteoidh inbhuanaitheacht fhadtéarmach an choláiste i gcroílár iarthar Bhéal Feirste. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

73 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 74

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Na Daoine is Leochailí sa tSochaí a Chosaint 100. Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil Sinn Féin i gcoinne an chláir dhéine atá á shaothrú ag comhghuaillíocht na dTóraithe/na nDaonlathaithe Liobrálacha i Londain agus ag comhghuaillíocht Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre i mBaile Átha Cliath, rud a rinne ionsaí ar na daoine is leochailí, orthu siúd faoi mhíchumas agus ar theaghlaigh dhícheallacha. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo na hiarrachtaí atá déanta ag ár bhfoirne sa Tionól agus sa Dáil go dtí seo chun an clár déine sin a chosc ar a bheith á fhorchur ar mhuintir na hÉireann. Murar thug Sinn Féin tacaíocht láidir do na daoine is leochailí inár sochaí, tugaimid dár n- aire go mbeadh clár ciorruithe leasa shóisialaigh Rialtais na Breataine i bhfeidhm cheana féin. Athdhearbhaímid go bhfuilimid fós in aghaidh Cháin an tSeomra Leapa, mar a thugtar uirthi. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go dtugann na tograí sin neamhaird ar na cúinsí ar leith atá i réim i sochaí atá ag teacht amach ó choinbhleacht agus ar na hiarmhairtí millteacha atá ag na tograí orthu seo a leanas: ceantair aontachtacha agus náisiúnacha faoi mhíbhuntáiste, teaghlaigh ísealioncaim agus teaghlaigh gan ioncam, daoine scothaosta agus saoránaigh a bhfuil míchumas fisiciúil nó intleachta acu. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na Breataine arís eile dul i mbun comhphlé bríoch le gach páirtí an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin chun teacht ar réiteach cuí ar na ceisteanna amuigh. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na 6 Chontae

101. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Cáineann sí Buiséad 2014, rud a laghdaigh croírátaí agus croí-íocaíochtaí leasa shóisialaigh ón gcliabhán go dtí an uaigh agus a dhírigh ar na daoine seo a leanas: máithreacha nua trí chiorruithe ar Shochar Máithreachais, daoine óga trí chiorruithe ar Liúntas Cuardaitheora Poist, daoine scothaosta agus daoine faoi mhíchumas trí dheireadh a chur leis an Liúntas Teileafóin agus trí laghduithe ar Phinsean Easláine faoi seach, agus daoine éagtha, fiú, trí dheireadh a chur leis an Deontas Méala; • Teipeann go hiomlán ar an rialtas seo fíorshaol na máthar nua a thuiscint agus ciorruithe á ndéanamh aige ar Shochar Máithreachais. Fágfaidh an ciorrú sin go bhfuil baol ann nach mbeidh a lán máithreacha nua in ann a gcuid teidlíocht iomlán saoire mháithreachais a thógáil agus go mbeidh orthu filleadh ar ais ag obair nuair a shroicheann a gcuid leanbán 6 mhí. • Tagann sí ar an gconclúid go bhféadfadh an rialtas na ciorruithe sin, as a dtiocfaidh tuilleadh cruatain agus eisimirce, a sheachaint go hiomlán dá nglacfadh sé leis na bearta a leagadh amach i mBuiséad Malartach Shinn Féin; • Iarrann sí ar an rialtas glacadh le cur chuige nua agus tús a chur leis na ciorruithe sa Bhuiséad seo agus i mBuiséid roimhe sin a aisiompú, buiséid a rinne an-dochar do na daoine lena mbaineann agus do na geilleagair áitiúla; Foireann Theach Laighean Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair na Gaillimhe Thiar Cumann Bhaile Mhic Ádaim/Bhiorra, Uíbh Fhaillí Cumann Aindriú Uí Shúilleabháin, Corcaigh

102. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann a chinntiú go ndéanfaidh siad siúd atá ag teacht amach as leas sóisialach chun cúrsa SOLAS a dhéanamh a gcuid sochair fhorlíontacha uile a choinneáil, agus geallann sí go ndéanfaidh Sinn Féin amhlaidh agus é i mbun rialtais. Cumann Pheadair Mhic Fhlannchaidh/Mhairéid Uí Fhearghaill, an Clár

103. Geallann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfaidh an páirtí athrú, agus é i mbun rialtais, ar an dóigh a ndéantar Íocaíochtaí Liúntais Bhreosla. Bheadh rogha ag daoine a fhaigheann íocaíochtaí den sórt sin íocaíocht dhíreach a dhéanamh, i bhfoirm suime iomláine nó mar chéatadán comhaontaithe den liúntas iomlán is iníoctha, le soláthraí as bulcsholáthairtí ola, gáis agus breosla sholadaigh. Bheadh sé sin chun tairbhe ollmhór dóibh siúd a mbaineann a gcuid príomhchóras teasa úsáid as 74 breoslaí a cheannaítear i mbulc-chainníochtaí de ghnáth nó go heisiach, sa chás nach SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 75

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

leordhóthanach chun íocaíochtaí móra aonuaire a chlúdach a bhíonn íocaíocht bheag a dhéantar gach seachtain thar thréimhse sé mhí. Cumann Uí Shúilleabháin/Mhic Ionnrachtaigh, Ciarraí

104. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo an páirtí as grúpa oibre a chur ar bun chun tús áite a thabhairt do na 3 thoghcheantar is mó díothacht sna 6 chontae tar éis an rúin a ritheadh ag an Ard-Fheis dheireanach. Iarraimid ar an bpáirtí tacú leis na moltaí agus iad comhaontaithe ag an ngrúpa oibre agus leas a bhaint as a chumhacht pholaitíochta ar fad chun cabhrú leis na pleananna seo a sholáthar. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

105. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach a chuirfidh teorainn leis na rátaí millteanacha úis a ghearrann cuideachtaí iasachtú airgid in Éirinn a thagann i dtír ar na baill is leochailí dár bpobail. Cumann Eoin Shéamais Uí Cheallaigh/Dhiarmada Uí Bhrolaigh, Dún na nGall

106. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo tiomantas Shinn Féin do chur in aghaidh chiorruithe an Rialtais ar sheirbhísí don ógra a ndearnadh ciorrú 30% orthu san iomlán ón mbliain 2008. Imríonn seirbhísí don ógra ról ríthábhachtach i gcumhachtú agus spreagadh a thabhairt do dhaoine óga páirt dhearfach a bheith acu sa tsochaí. Easpa infheistíochta, tuisceana agus fadbhreathnaitheachta, baineann siad go léir an bonn ónár ndaoine óga agus fágfaidh sé sin an ghlúin seo i saol mar a mbeidh an dífhostaíocht, an bhochtaineacht, an eisimirce, an choireacht, andúil agus fadhbanna sláinte meabhrach ar an nós coiteann agus ní ar an eisceacht. Cumann Thraolaigh Mhic Shuibhne, Corcaigh

Infheistíocht i dTithíocht Shóisialta agus Dul i nGleic leis an nGéarchéim Mhorgáiste 107. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil 184,534 teaghlach in anacair morgáiste sna 26 Contae faoi láthair. Aithnímid go mbíonn eagla ar na teaghlaigh sin gach lá go gcaillfidh siad an t-áras teaghlaigh agus is minic a chuireann siad gach riachtanas eile, bia agus teas san áireamh, ar leataobh chun íocaíochtaí a dhéanamh ar a gcuid morgáistí. Creidimid gur theip go hiomlán ar fhreagairt Rialtas na hÉireann don ghéarchéim morgáiste, freagairt a bhí bunaithe go hiomlán ar chumhacht a thabhairt do na bainc daoine in anacair morgáiste a chiapadh agus árais teaghlaigh a athshealbhú. Tacaíonn na fíricí leis an tuairim sin - sheol na bainc 15,000 litir athshealbhaithe amach laistigh den chéad chúpla mí ó forchuireadh spriocanna chun anacair morgáiste a ‘réiteach’ sa bhliain 2013. Leanann Sinn Féin ar aghaidh le réiteach COTHROM ar an ngéarchéim morgáiste a mholadh - réiteach a thugann tús áite don Teaghlach, a dhéanann Breithniú ar bhonn Neamhspleách, agus a thugann isteach Fuascailtí a d’fhéadfadh díluachálacha a bheith i gceist leo, ar bhonn cás ar chás. Creideann an páirtí gur chóir do na bainc gan an cinneadh deireanach a bheith acu ar réitigh mhorgáiste agus creideann sé gur gá tuilleadh cosanta a thabhairt don áras teaghlaigh sa dlí. Iarrann sé ar Rialtas na hÉireann an cheannaireacht riachtanach is gá a thaispeáint sa cheist seo agus aghaidh a thabhairt uirthi dáiríre - trí thús áite a thabhairt do theaghlaigh, agus ní do na bainc. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Thomáis Ághas, an Mhí

108. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil an stát, trí Údaráis Áitiúla, ag bogadh ar shiúl ó thithíocht phoiblí a sholáthar agus i dtreo rud ar a dtugtar tacaíocht tithíochta. Cuireann an múnla sin de dhualgas ar an earnáil dheonach agus phobail tithíocht a sholáthar agus tugann sé fóirdheonú do thiarnaí talún príobháideacha.

Cé go soláthraíonn comhlachtaí tithíochta san earnáil dheonach agus phobail seirbhís den 75 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 76

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

scoth agus cé gur cuid ríthábhachtach dár gcóras tithíochta iad, níl siad in ann an leibhéal tithíochta is gá a chur ar fáil. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfidh gach Údarás Áitiúil iontaobhais tithíochta ar bun, iontaobhais a d’fhéadfadh maoiniúchán a lorg do mhórfhorbairt tithíochta poiblí gan airgead a fháil ar iasacht mar chuid den fhiachas náisiúnta. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Thomáis Ághas, an Mhí Comhairle Ceantair Chill Mhantáin

109. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Dearbhaíonn sí gurb é an modh is éifeachtaí chun comhionannas rochtana a chur chun cinn ar fud gach earnála sa phobal ná an tosaíocht atá ag an riachtanas oibiachtúil is mó ó thaobh beartas, soláthar agus leithdháileadh tithíochta sóisialta de. • Mar gheall ar na hardleibhéil easpa dídine agus anacra morgáiste atá ann faoi láthair agus atá ag éirí níos measa de bharr cíosanna atá ag ardú san earnáil phríobháideach, de bharr fiachas morgáiste agus de bharr athshealbhuithe, glacann sí leis gur gá moratóir a thabhairt isteach ar an ‘Ceart Ceannaigh’ go dtí gur féidir le tithíocht shóisialta agus inacmhainne freastal ar an ngá práinneach ina leith sin. • Diúltaíonn sí do phríobháidiú na tithíochta sóisialta agus tacaíonn sí le Feidhmeannas Tithíochta an tuaiscirt a chur i gcomhréir le soláthraithe eile tithíochta poiblí trí athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an moratóir airgeadais atá leagtha síos ag an Roinn Forbartha Sóisialta chun cur ar chumas na Feidhmeannas Tithíochta leas a bhaint as na cearta iasachta a tugadh isteach i 2011 chun forbairtí nua tithíochta sóisialta a mhaoiniú agus tithíocht phoiblí a choimeád ar bun san earnáil phoiblí ag an am céanna. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

110. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo nádúr srianta bheartas tithíochta sóisialta na Rialtas atá ann faoi láthair agus geallann sí go n-athchuirfidh sí beartas cabhrach tithíochta sóisialta tuaithe ar bun, rud a chabhróidh le saoránaigh dhúchasacha teacht ar thithíocht shóisialta sa cheantar tuaithe. Geallann sí freisin go gcinnteoidh sí gur féidir stoc tithíochta a cheannach agus a thógáil, lena n- áirítear “Tithíocht Áisc Speisialta” i gceantair thuaithe ina bhfuil gá léi. Comhairle Ceantair Dhún na nGall

111. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Rialtas na hÉireann maoiniú a chur ar fáil chun athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar an méid mór cóiríochta údaráis áitiúil a bhfuil drochbhail air faoi láthair. Cumann Eoin Shéamais Uí Cheallaigh/Dhiarmada Uí Bhrolaigh, Dún na nGall

112. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar choiste feidhmiúchán na 6 chontae bearta a chur i bhfeidhm d’úinéirí tí ar tháinig meath ar riocht a gcuid tithe ó tarraingíodh siar deontais de réir tástáil acmhainne. Tiomnaíonn sí dó féin cabhrú leis an lucht ísealioncaim sin agus le daoine atá ag fáil sochar nach bhfuil acmhainn acu a gcuid tithe a athchóiriú chun feabhais. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

113. Geallann an Ard-Fheis seo go mbeidh an páirtí níos gníomhaí ina leith sin sa Rannóg Tithíochta, agus é i mbun rialtais, go ndéanfaidh sí cothabháil, maoirseacht agus tacú ar Chuideachtaí Príobháideacha Bainistíochta Eastát agus go ndéanfaidh sí laghdú ar an gcostas a bhaineann lena leithéid cuideachtaí a athchlárú leis an Oifig um Chlárú Cuideachtaí. Tá sé ag éirí níos deacra dóibh siúd ar ghá dóibh a gcuid tí a dhíol mar gheall ar an líon méadaithe de na cuideachtaí sin atá á mbaint den Chlárú Cuideachtaí, cuideachtaí atá á reáchtáil i mórán cásanna ag cónaitheoirí nach bhfaigheann an oiread sin tacaíochta ná comhairle seachtraí. Tá sé sin amhlaidh mar gheall ar staid dhlíthiúil thailte agus sheirbhísí comhroinnte na n-eastát sin, eastáit a éiríonn ina ‘dtalamh eadrána’. Cumann Uí Shúilleabháin/Mhic Ionnrachtaigh, Ciarraí

76 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 77

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

114. Geallann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfar na dlíthe cuí pleanála a neartú chun a chinntiú go dtabharfar an chosaint cheart d’fhoirgnimh, do shráideanna agus do bhonneagar eile ar ardú contúirteach leibhéal na mara agus ar mheascán de lán mara agus de bhorradh stoirme, bunaithe ar réamh-mheastacháin Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí suas go dtí an bhliain 2100. Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath Cumann Mhic Gabhann/Uí Fhearghail/Uí Ghríofa, Baile Átha Cliath

Dlúthpháirtíocht Idirnáisiúnta agus Gnóthaí an AE

115. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an gcomhar méadaithe ó thaobh cúrsaí polaitiúla agus eacnamaíochta de i measc tíortha i Meiriceá Láir agus i Meiriceá Theas. • Cáinimid an cinneadh a rinne roinnt tíortha Eorpacha diúltú d’eitilt Evo Morales, Uachtarán na Bolaive, taisteal in aerspás a gcríoch féin an 2 Iúil 2013 agus fuireacht poirt a chur ar eitleán an Uachtaráin i Vín. Bhí an cinneadh sin bunaithe ar fhaisnéis agus ar chúisimh a bhí bréagach. Chaith gníomhartha na dtíortha sin drochmheas ar an Uachtarán Morales agus ar mhuintir Mheiriceá Láir agus Mheiriceá Theas. Níor chóir caitheamh le aon cheann daonlathach Stáit mar uachtarán den dara grád. • Ina theannta sin, cáinimid an fhaisnéis a thug Edward Snowden chun solais le déanaí, is é sin, go bhfuil mórchlár spiaireachta á oibriú ag Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá (SAM) i dtíortha Mheiriceá Theas, an Bhrasaíl go háirithe. Mar chuid den chlár sin, rinneadh cluasaíocht ar Uachtarán na Brasaíle, ar chumarsáid Dilma Rousseff agus ar mhisean taidhleoireachta na Brasaíle chuig na Náisiúin Aontaithe. Ina theannta sin, rianaigh SAM sonraí pearsanta agus cumarsáid phearsanta shaoránaigh na Brasaíle. Sáraíonn an cleachtas sin an dlí idirnáisiúnta, sáraíonn sé ceannasacht agus sáraíonn sé an ceart atá ag an duine aonair chun príobháideachais. Ard-Chomhairle

116. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo Nicolás Maduro, Uachtarán Veiniséala, agus a chuid comhghleacaithe, ar a bheith ag leanúint le Réabhlóid Bholavarach a chur i bhfeidhm agus a fheabhsú i dtréimhse an-deacair tar éis bhás Hugo Chávez. Cáinimid na hionsaithe atá déanta ag fórsaí na heite deise ar an bpróiseas daonlathach i Veiniséala agus na hiarrachtaí díomhaoine atá déanta acu an tír a dhíchobhsú agus amhras a chaitheamh ar bhua soiléir trédhearcach an Uachtaráin Maduro sa toghchán Uachtaránachta i mí Aibreáin 2013. Ard-Chomhairle

117. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh na hiarrachtaí leanúnacha chun próiseas inbhuanaithe síochána a chruthú sa Cholóim agus tacaíonn sí leis na hiarrachtaí sin. Athluaimid go bhfuilimid i bhfách le hiarrachtaí chun próiseas cuimsitheach a chruthú agus réiteach daonlathach idirbheartaithe a bhaint amach. • Cáinimid gabháil agus príosúnacht Huber Ballesteros, an ceardchumannaí Colómach mór le rá. Is léir gur ghabh údaráis na Colóime é chun pionós a chur air mar gheall ar a chuid gníomhaíochtaí ceardchumainn. • Iarraimid go scaoilfear saor é agus go dtabharfar tuilleadh cosanta agus tacaíochta do cheannairí agus do ghníomhaithe ceardchumainn sa Cholóim. Ard-Chomhairle

118. Athluann an Ard-Fheis seo ár ndlúthpháirtíocht leanúnach le muintir na Palaistíne agus iarrann sí na nithe seo a leanas: • Deireadh a chur le gach gníomh armtha agus le gach gníomh foréigin. • Deireadh a chur le gabháil seilbhe an Bhruaigh Thiar agus leis an diúltú don cheart saorghluaiseachta a thabhairt do Phalaistínigh idir an Bruach Thiar agus Stráice Gaza mar chuid den phróiseas chun an Bruach Thiar a dhíchoilíniú. • Deireadh a chur le coilíniú leanúnach an Bhruaigh Thiar, Iarúsailéim Thiar san áireamh, ag Iosrael, le lonnaíochtaí a thógáil agus le lonnaíochtaí atá ann cheana a leathnú trí fhás nádúrtha, mar a thugtar air. 77 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 78

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Stop a chur láithreach leis an mBalla Scartha a thógáil mar chéad chéim i dtreo scartáil an bhalla.

Iarraimid freisin na nithe seo a leanas: • Gach srian a bhaint ar earraí agus ar thrádáil na Palaistíne a onnmhairiú agus a allmhairiú as an mBruach Thiar, as Iarúsailéim Thiar agus as Gaza. • Deireadh a chur láithreach le Léigear Gaza agus gach pointe teorann a athoscailt, lena n-áirítear Pointí Trasnaithe Erez agus Rafah do dhaoine agus d’earraí araon. • Calafort Gaza a athoscailt agus an teorainn trí chiliméadar a bhaint ar iascaireacht laistigh d’uiscí críche Gaza. • Gach rún na Náisiún Aontaithe a chur i bhfeidhm agus an dlí idirnáisiúnta a fhorfheidhmiú. • Deireadh a chur le cleachtas na coinneála riaracháin, lena n-áirítear coinneáil leanaí. • Deireadh a chur le cur isteach agus le srianta ar ghluaiseacht na bPalaistíneach in Iarúsailéim Thiar, i gcomharsanacht Mhosc Al-Asqa san áireamh. • Aitheantas a thabhairt do gach sainordú daonlathach agus gach srian a bhaint ar pháirtithe polaitíochta a bhfuil sainordú daonlathach acu. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Mhic Gabhann/Uí Fhearghail/Uí Ghríofa, Baile Átha Cliath An Coiste Náisiúnta don Ógra Cumann Uí Dhonnchadha/ Uí Chianáin, Ceatharlach Cumann Uí Dhorchaidhe/Mhic Maol Íosa, Gaillimh Cumann Thraolaigh Mhic Shuibhne, Corcaigh

119. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo a cuid imní in iúl maidir leis an ngéarchéim leanúnach san Éigipt agus maidir leis na dlíthe a chuireann srian ar ghníomhaíocht pholaitiúil agus agóide. Iarrann sí ar údaráis na hÉigipte na srianta ar ghníomhaíocht dhaonlathach a chur i leataobh agus tús a chur leis an daonlathas a thabhairt ar ais. • Tugaimid dár n-aire freisin an meath atá tagtha ar chúinsí i Síonáí agus na srianta ar phointe trasnaithe Rafah. In éineacht le dúnadh na dtollán, tá sé sin ina chúis le cruatan méadaithe do mhuintir Gaza, atá ag fulaingt iarmhairtí léigear Iosrael cheana féin. • Iarraimid ar údaráis na hÉigipte an pointe trasnaithe teorann a athoscailt agus saorghluaiseacht daoine agus earraí trasna an phointe sin a cheadú i gcomhréir le gnáthfhorálacha idirnáisiúnta pas agus custaim. Ard-Chomhairle

120. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire an choinbhleacht leanúnach sa tSiria. Tugaimid dár n-aire cruachás na milliún duine atá easáitithe de bharr coinbhleachta agus tugaimid faoi deara an fhulaingt uafásach atá tagtha ar dhaoine nach bhfuil páirteach sa choinbhleacht, mná agus leanaí san áireamh. • Cáinimid marú saoránach agus sárú chearta an duine ag aon duine atá páirteach sa choinbhleacht. • Iarraimid go rachaidh gach taobh sa choinbhleacht i mbun comhphlé cuimsitheach chun réiteach a lorg ar an gcoinbhleacht gan aon chur isteach ag páirtí seachtrach. • -Tacaímid leis an iarraidh go dtabharfar a dtoscaireacht féin d’ionadaithe na gCoirdíneach sna cainteanna síochána uile. Chinnteodh sé sin gur cuimsitheach a bheadh na cainteanna uile agus mhéadódh sé an seans go dtiocfar ar réiteach buan síochánta ar choinbhleacht na Siria. Ard-Chomhairle

121. Cáineann an Ard-Fheis seo taifead chearta an duine atá ag rialtas Shrí Lanca agus cáineann sí cniogbheartaíocht an rialtais chéanna in aghaidh saoirse cainte. Iarrann sí ar an rialtas freisin imscrúdú neamhspleách a cheadú ar choireanna líomhanta cogaidh a rinne arm Shrí Lanca in aghaidh phobail na dTamalach, agus déantóirí aon choireanna cogaidh a thabhairt chun cuntais. Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath

78 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 79

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

122. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire an bille athchóirithe inimirce atá á phlé faoi láthair i gComhdháil na Stát Aontaithe agus tugann sí faoi deara cé chomh tábhachtach a bheadh athchóiriú inimirce do na 50,000 Éireannach gan cáipéisí inimirce a mheastar a bheith sna Stáit Aontaithe. Iarrann sí ar an dá pháirtí sa Chomhdháil an seans stairiúil seo a thapú agus deis a thabhairt dóibh siúd gan cáipéisí inimirce fíorú agus saoránacht a bhaint amach. Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Chárthaigh/Mhic Giolla Bhrighde/Pléamonn, Dún na nGall

123. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar rialtas na hÉireann agus ar rialtas na Breataine a éileamh trí Rún Parlaiminte go scaoilfear Leonard Peltier saor láithreach. Cumann Uí Mháille/Uí Ruiséil, Baile Átha Cliath

124. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Aithníonn sí an tionchar a bhíonn ag reachtaíocht an AE ar na Ballstáit • Cuireann sí i gcoinne tuilleadh aistriú cumhachta go leibhéal an AE, é chun éadairbhe ceannasacht náisiúnta • Go háirithe, cuireann sí i gcoinne na dteorainneacha atá ar na roghanna sóisialta agus eacnamaíochta atá ag rialtais de bharr an lárúcháin mhéadaithe atá tar éis teacht ar chinnteoireacht fhioscach agus eacnamaíochta • Athdheimhníonn sí go nglacann an páirtí le beartas rannpháirtíochta criticiúla leis an Aontas Eorpach • Aithníonn sí an gá atá lena chinntiú go mbaintear an chuid is fearr as iarrachtaí Shinn Féin ar leibhéal an AE agus go gcoinnítear struchtúir an pháirtí ar an eolas faoi shaincheisteanna tábhachtacha na hEorpa agus faoin tionchar atá acu ar Éirinn • Iarrann sí, mar sin, go mbeidh comhar agus comhtháthú leanúnach méadaithe i measc ranna parlaiminte an pháirtí san Oireachtas, sa Tionól agus i bParlaimint na hEorpa. Ard-Chomhairle

125. Leag an Ard-Fheis seo béim arís agus arís eile ar na gnéithe iad de mhíleatú an Aontais Eorpaigh, rudaí ar ábhar imní iad. Is minice ná riamh a bhíonn ballstáit an AE ar bhaill de NATO iad páirteach in idirghabháil armtha ar fud an domhain agus, de réir a chéile, tá rialtas na hÉireann ag tréigean an chur chuige neodraigh atá glactha aige go traidisiúnta i leith cúrsaí míleata. Beidh an Comhaontas Síochána agus Neodrachta (PANA) i gceannas ar lá gnímh na hÉireann in aghaidh NATO an 4 Aibreán. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Shinn Féin páirt a ghlacadh i gcáil oifigiúil sna gníomhaíochtaí in aghaidh NATO an lá sin agus comhoibreoidh sí le PANA agus le comhlachtaí eile chun deireadh a chur le húsáid Aerfort na Sionainne chun críocha míleata agus le haghaidh eitiltí géillte, mar a thugtar orthu. Geallfaimid freisin go gcuirfimid beartas neodrachta rialtas na hÉireann chun cinn mar ghné dho-athraithe de bheartas eachtrach na hÉireann amach anseo. Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

126. An 17 Deireadh Fómhair 2011, tionóladh Comhdháil Idirnáisiúnta um Réiteach na Coinbhleachta i dTír na mBascach in Donostia San Sebastian. I measc na n-ionadaithe idirnáisiúnta a bhí i láthair; An tUas. Kofi Annan, iarArd-Rúnaí na Náisiún Aontaithe, agus Gerry Adams, Uachtarán Shinn Féin. Cuireadh Dearbhú Aiete i láthair mar thoradh ar an gcomhdháil. Sa Dearbhú sin, moladh próiseas comhphlé agus idirbheartaíochta agus bhí dearbhú roimhe ó ETE i ndáil le scor de ghníomhaíocht armtha. Fógraíodh dearbhú ETA i ndáil le scor cinntitheach cúpla lá ina dhiaidh sin, rud a thug deis stairiúil ar leith chun féachaint ar na cúiseanna leis an gcoinbhleacht ar na hiarmhairtí a bhí aici. Mar gheall ar an gcás nua, áfach, is gá bearta nua a chur i bhfeidhm chun bogadh i dtreo réiteach polaitiúil ar an gcoinbhleacht. Ar mhaithe leis na dálaí a chruthú inar féidir síocháin chothrom bhuan a bhaint amach, ní mór bearta polaitiúla a chur i bhfeidhm mar fhreagairt don scor de ghníomhaíocht armtha. 79 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 80

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar údaráis na Spáinne agus na Fraince na bearta seo a leanas a fhorfheidhmiú chun an próiseas síochána a chomhdhlúthú: • Deireadh a chur le scaipeadh, ar beart dírialta é a chuirtear i bhfeidhm i gcás príosúnaigh Bhascacha, agus na príosúnaigh sin a aistriú láithreach go príosúin atá suite níos cóngaraí dá gcuid teaghlach. • Príosúnaigh a gcuireann cúirteanna na Spáinne Dúnghaois 197/2006 (ar a dtugtar “Dúnghaois Parot” freisin) i bhfeidhm ina leith a scaoileadh saor; agus na príosúnaigh sin atá i dteideal parúil a scaoileadh saor. • Príosúnaigh atá an-tinn - is iad sin, príosúnaigh ar chóir iad a scaoileadh saor láithreach de réir na reachtaíochta atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair - a scaoileadh láithreach chun gur féidir leo cóireáil chuí a fháil ar a gcuid tinneas. • Arnaldo Otegi agus gach duine a cuireadh i bpríosún mar gheall ar a gcuid tuairimí polaitiúla nó gníomhaíocht pholaitiúil - i bpáirtithe polaitíochta, in eagraíochtaí óige, i ngluaiseachtaí sóisialta nó sna meáin - a scaoileadh saor láithreach. Deireadh a chur leis na próisis a bhaineann leis na saincheisteanna sin agus deireadh a chur le gach barántas gabhála Eorpach a eisíodh i leith gníomhartha den chineál céanna.

Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo freisin ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar na hinstitiúidí polaitiúla ról gníomhach a ghlacadh maidir le héileamh ar Rialtas na Spáinne athrú a dhéanamh ar an mbeartas atá i bhfeidhm aige cheana chun an deis stairiúil seo a bhacadh agus a lagú agus, ina ionad sin, éileamh air próiseas comhphlé a chothú agus tacaíocht a thabhairt don phróiseas sin ar mhaithe le síocháin atá cóir agus buan a bhaint amach i dTír na mBascach. Cuireann an Ard-Fheis seo a dlúthpháirtíocht in iúl leis na 40 gníomhaí óige ar Bascaigh na heite clé ar son an neamhspleáchais iad atá ar triail i Maidrid faoi láthair. Ina theannta sin, iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar stát na Spáinne stop a chur láithreach le gach gníomh céasta atá brúidiúil agus mídhaonnachtúil. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Thraolaigh Mhic Shuibhne, Corcaigh Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar Cumann Mhic Fhlannchaidh/Uí Cheallacháin, Luimneach

An Comhshaol, Fuinneamh agus Bonneagar Éisteacht le Pobail - Cur in Aghaidh Piolón 127. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Tugann sí dá haire na pleananna a bheartaítear chun an eangach leictreachais ar an oileán a leathnú trí na tionscadail seo a leanas: an tIdirnascaire Thuaidh-Theas, an Nasc Eangaí agus an Eangach Thiar. • Tacaíonn sí i bprionsabal le feabhas a chur ar an soláthar, leis an eangach leictreachais a leathnú agus le haidhmeanna sonraithe EirGrid chun soláthar leictreachais amach anseo a dhaingniú do theaghlaigh, do ghnólachtaí, d’fheirmeacha, do mhonarchana agus do phobail chun cabhrú le hÉirinn a sprioc 40% a bhaint amach - is é sin, go dtiocfaidh 40% dá húsáid fuinnimh as foinsí fuinnimh in-athnuaite - agus chun bunús a chur ar fáil le haghaidh fás geilleagrach agus cruthú post a bhaint amach. • Tá imní uirthi faoin tionchar a bheadh ag tógáil na línte cumhachta ardvoltais 400 kV a bheartaítear, go háirithe sna réimsí seo a leanas: • Talmhaíocht • Sláinte • Tírdhreach • Turasóireacht • Luachanna talún agus réadmhaoine • Molann sí na grúpaí pobalbhunaithe ar fud an oileáin atá i mbun feachtas éifeachtach ar an tsaincheist chéanna. Chabhraigh na grúpaí sin le heolas a thabhairt don mhórphobal ar na tionscadail agus chuir siad an iomad ábhair imní fhíora agus thromchúiseacha atá ar phobail faoi na tionscadail a bheartaítear in iúl.

Tugann sí dá haire freisin: 80 • Go ngabhann méideanna níos lú caillteanais tarchuir le cáblaí faoin talamh i gcomparáid le SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 81

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

línte lasnairde toisc go bhfuil seoltóir níos mó ag cáblaí faoin talamh ar chúiseanna teirmeacha. Dá bhrí sin, ní thagann an oiread sin caillteanais as cáblaí faoin talamh. • Léirítear i staidéir ar eangacha éagsúla tarchuir 400 kV gur féidir le saintréithe na gcáblaí faoin talamh a bheith chun tairbhe d’fheidhmíocht fhoriomlán an ghréasáin i mórán cásanna. • Ní bhíonn an oiread sin cur isteach ar cháblaí faoin talamh i gcomparáid le línte lasnairde. Téann drochaimsir i bhfeidhm ar cháblaí lasnairde. Is iad tionchair sheachtracha na haon rudaí a chuireann isteach ar cháblaí faoin talamh agus a dhéanann damáiste dóibh. Ní gá an oiread céanna airde a thabhairt do cháblaí faoin talamh i gcomparáid le línte lasnairde. • Cé go bhfuil sé níos daoire cáblaí faoin talamh a shuiteáil, ní bhíonn gá leis an oiread sin cothabhála a dhéanamh orthu, bíonn méideanna níos ísle caillteanais acu, bíonn saolré níos faide acu. Níl aon tionchar comhshaoil ná aon tionchar diúltach eile a thugann le fios go sáródh an infheistíocht bhreise thosaigh an iomad tairbhí a thiocfadh chun cinn. • Fuair sainchoimisiún idirnáisiúnta, arna cheapadh ag an rialtas, amach gur “rogha inmharthana” a bhí i gcáblaí a leagan faoin talamh. Iarrann sí: • Iarrann sí ar an rialtas EirGrid a threorú chun leanúint ar aghaidh leis na tionscadail amháin a bheartaítear ar choinníoll go leagfar faoin talamh iad. • I gcás an Idirnascaire Thuaidh-Theas, iarrann sí go leagfar na línte faoin talamh trí úsáid a bhaint as duchtanna i bhforbairt nua bóthair an A5/N2. • Iarrann sí go n-aisghairfear an tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach), acht lena ndéantar é níos éasca tionscadail den sórt sin a bhrú chun cinn, beag beann ar mhianta sainráite na bpobal. • Iarrann sí go nglacfaidh na páirtithe uile le cur chuige aontaithe i leith cur i gcoinne línte cumhachta a leagan os cionn talún agus go gcuirfidh siad na tairbhí a bhaineann le leagan faoin talamh in iúl. Comhairle Ceantair Mhuineacháin Cumann Uí Anluain/Mhic Mhathúna/Laighnigh, Muineachán Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Comhairle Ceantair na Mí Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar Comhairle Ceantair Chorcaí Thoir Comhairle Ceantair Ard Mhacha Cumann Gearóid Uí Cheallacháin, Ard Mhacha Cumann Bhéal Átha na Muice, Maigh Eo Comhairle Ceantair Chill Mhantáin Comhairle Ceantair Phort Láirge Cumann Uí Chéitinn/Uí Sheachnasaigh, Port Láirge Cumann Uí Mhurchú/Mhic Aodhagáin/Uí Phearail, Loch Garman 128. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir cúiteamh ó eagraíochtaí maoinithe Iontaobhais Phobail agus Forbartha (ar aon dul le múnlaí atá i bhfeidhm in Alasca agus sa Danmhairg) a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd a dtéann bonneagar fuinnimh arna fhorchur ag an stát (amhail píblínte agus piolóin) i bhfeidhm ar a gcuid tithe, tailte, saolta agus pobal; toisc gurb iad daoine aonair, teaghlaigh agus pobail ar leith feadh bealaí den sórt sin na daoine a ndéanann an tionchar diúltach agus an costas a bhaineann le cearta slí agus le rudaí den chineál céanna ó thaobh bonneagar poiblí de an difear is mó dóibh i gcodarsnacht leis na mórthairbhí sóisialta i gcoitinne, molann sí gur chóir cúiteamh a chur ar fáil do na daoine sin as aon chur isteach nó as aon tionchar diúltach ó mhaoiniú atá bunaithe ar mhúnla téarfa nó ríchíosa chun freastal ar eagraíochtaí pobail den sórt sin. Cumann Uí Chuilinn/Uí Éideáin, Loch Garman

Toirmeasc ar Scoilteadh Hiodrálach 129. Athdheimhníonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil Sinn Féin tiomanta do chosc a chur ar Scoilteadh Hiodrálach i ngach cuid d’Éirinn. Beag beann ar an imscrúdú atá á dhéanamh faoi láthair ag an nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil (EPA), is ar na cúiseanna seo a leanas a fhéachaimid le cosc a chur ar scoilteadh hiodrálach: • Níl EPA freagrach ó thaobh an dlí de as bailíocht a cuid moltaí, ná as aon damáiste a thagann ó chinntí a dhéantar de bhun a cuid tuarascálacha 81 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 82

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• Ní fhéachtar i staidéar EPA ar an tionchar atá ag scoilteadh hiodrálach ar shláinte an duine • Is dócha go ndéanfar scrúdú i staidéar EPA ar na tuarascálacha eolaíocha céanna a úsáideann Gníomhaireachtaí um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil i dtíortha eile ina bhfuil Scoilteadh Hiodrálach ceadaithe “ar choinníoll go rialaítear i gceart é”. • Tá sé curtha in iúl go soiléir ag saoránaigh i dtíortha eile a ndeachaigh Scoilteadh Hiodrálach i bhfeidhm go mór orthu gurbh é príomhaidhm na nGníomhaireachtaí um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil agus na nGníomhaireachtaí eile Rialtais ina gcuid tíortha leasanna an tionscail a chosaint, agus ní leasanna an phobail Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae

130. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Leagann sí béim ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le dul i dtreo geilleagar ísealcharbóin • Is oth léi gur chruthaigh sprioc an AE i dtaca le breosla iompair méadú suntasach in éileamh neamh-inbhuanaithe ar bhithbhreosla den chéad ghlúin agus go bhfuil an méadú sin ina chúis le méideanna móra acmhainní teoranta, amhail talamh agus uisce, a bheith á n-úsáid sa domhan forbartha chun freastal ar an éileamh sin. • Leagann sí béim go bhfuil an feiniméan seo ag méadú praghsanna bia ar fud an domhain agus go bhfuiltear ag bogadh ar shiúl ó thalamh a úsáid le haghaidh táirgeadh bia, rud a théann i bhfeidhm ar na boicht ar fud an domhain • Cuireann sí i bhfios go láidir go bhfuil Athrú Indíreach Úsáide Talún ar bun toisc go gcruthaíonn an t-éileamh ar thalamh le haghaidh bithbhreoslaí méadú ar dhífhoraoisiú chun gur féidir freastal ar tháirgeadh bithbhreoslaí agus ar tháirgeadh athlonnaithe bia • Tarraingíonn sí aird ar na hábhair imní atá ann go bhfuil tionchar diúltach á imirt ag dífhoraoisiú den sórt sin ar an gcomhshaol agus ar astaíochtaí araon • Dá bhrí sin, iarrann sí ar an AE an sprioc a bhí aige roimhe a laghdú, teorainn a chur leis an méid fuinnimh in-athnuaite a bhaintear as breoslaí den chéad ghlúin agus dul ar lorg tuilleadh foinsí fuinnimh atá in-athnuaite agus inbhuanaithe. Ard-Chomhairle

131. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo go bhfuil Sinn Féin i gcoinne oll-dóloiscthe mar bhealach chun dramhaíl a bhainistiú. Tá imní ar an Ard-Fheis seo faoi phleananna leanúnacha atá ag Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath loisceoir a thógáil ar Leithinis an Phoill Bhig i mBaile Átha Cliath. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an údarás áitiúil céanna na pleananna sin a thréigean. Iarrann sí freisin ar an Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil fiosrúchán neamhspleách poiblí a chur ar bun ar an gcostas agus ar an eisiúint conarthaí le linn an phróisis sin go dtí seo. Cumann Shéamais Uí Chonghaile, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Bhéal Átha na Muice, Maigh Eo

132. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo gur le muintir na hÉireann acmhainní nádúrtha na hÉireann, acmhainní ola, gáis, gaoithe agus uisce san áireamh. Dá bhrí sin, ní mór don Stát na hacmhainní sin a riar ar son mhuintir na tíre. Ní féidir na hacmhainní a aistriú amach as an tír go deo toisc go bhfuil siad á sealbhú ar iontaobhas agus toisc go bhfuil siad faoi úinéireacht mhuintir na hÉireann. Mar sin, ba chóir Bunreacht na hÉireann a leasú chun an úinéireacht sin a dhaingniú. Ina theannta sin, agus ba chóir féachaint air seo mar riachtanas láithreach ar leith, ní mór d’údaráis áitiúla táille a ghearradh i leith úsáid tráchtála a bhaint as acmhainní gaoithe na hÉireann mar chúiteamh as na tionchair shóisialta, eacnamaíochta agus chomhshaoil a thagann as an úsáid sin. Ba chóir an táille sin a bheith comhionann le huasluach na hacmhainne do mhuintir na hÉireann agus ba chóir í a leithdháileadh ar na tairbhithe. Cumann Roibéird Eiméid, Baile Átha Cliath Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath Cumann Mhic Gabhann/Uí Fhearghail/Uí Ghríofa, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Bhun Cranncha, Dún na nGall

82 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 83

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

133. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar Shinn Féin scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na teicneolaíochtaí núicléacha atá ag teacht chun cinn d’fhonn beartais a chur le chéile ar na teicneolaíochtaí nua sin. Cumann Phádraig Uí Chadhain/ Mhairéid Seoighe, Gaillimh

134. Iarrtar ar an Ard-Fheis seo tacú le rún gur chóir eatánól a bheith freagrach as 5% den ghásailín ar fad a dhíoltar in Éirinn, rud a bheadh ar aon dul le Treoir an AE maidir le breosla agus le Caighdeán Eorpach EN 228. Iarrtar freisin go ndéanfar díolachán gásailín a bhfuil eatánól ann a rialáil agus a lipéadú i gceart ag an díolphointe. Cumann Luimnigh Thiar

An tAthrú Aeráide 135. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Iarrann sí ar Údaráis áitiúla pleananna áitiúla gníomhaíochta um athrú aeráide a dhréachtú agus a chur chun feidhme. Beidh na pleananna bunaithe ar bhille náisiúnta um athrú aeráide. Sna pleananna sin, leagfar síos spriocanna áitiúla ar leith, bunaithe ar spriocanna náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta, chun laghdú a dhéanamh ar astaíochtaí a thagann as úsáid fuinnimh, as iompar, as tithíocht agus as bainistíocht dramhaíola. Forbrófar na spriocanna sin tar éis próiseas comhairliúcháin le saineolaithe agus le páirtithe leasmhara cuí. • Oibreoidh údaráis áitiúla go gníomhach le pobail áitiúla chun pleananna gníomhaíochta a fhorbairt agus a chur chun feidhme. • Déanfar beartais chomhairle a phromhadh ó thaobh beartais de chun a chinntiú go bhfuil siad ar aon dul leis na straitéisí aeráide atá i bhfeidhm. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae

136. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Aire Comhshaoil sa tuaisceart agus ar an Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha Straitéis Náisiúnta Uile-Oileáin um Fhuinneamh Gaoithe a chur le chéile tríd an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas. Ba chóir an méid seo a leanas a bheith ar áireamh in aon straitéis den sórt sin: rialacháin phleanála i ndáil le feirmeacha gaoithe, an próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí nach mór a dhéanamh sula dtógfar tuirbíní gaoithe, an díolachán fuinnimh ó thuirbíní gaoithe, na leibhéil chánachais ar fhuinneamh gaoithe, agus an gá atá le tairbhe shoiléir chuntasach don phobal Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae Cumann Bhun Cranncha, Dún na nGall Comhairle Ceantair na Mí Cumann Eoin Mhic Conmidhe, Tír Eoghain Cumann Shéamais Mhic Conchoille, Tír Eoghain Cumann Uí Ghallchchobhair/Uí Fhiaich, an Mhí Cumann Mhaitiú Uí Chatháin, Uíbh Fhailí Cumann Phádraig Uí Chadhain/ Mhairéid Seoighe, Gaillimh

137. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an cumas mór atá ag oileán na hÉireann a bheith ina onnmhaireoir fuinnimh má dhéantar cumhacht ghaoithe, cumhacht tonnta agus cumhacht taoide a fhorbairt ina n-iomláine; creideann sí, áfach, nár chóir tosú ag onnmhairiú fuinnimh ach amháin tar éis dúinn féindóthain a bhaint amach i nginiúint leictreachais ó fhoinsí in-athnuaite. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an rannchuidiú ríthábhachtach is féidir le hAcmhainní Nádúrtha agus Giniúint Leictreachais a dhéanamh maidir le forbairt agus le rathúnas na hÉireann. Aithnímid nach mbainfidh muintir na hÉireann lántairbhe as na hacmhainní sin ach amháin go dtí go mbeidh straitéis chomhtháite chuimsitheach taobh thiar de na réimsí sin a phleanáil, a sholáthar, a oibriú agus a bhainistiú. Theip ar Rialtais i ndiaidh a chéile an chuid is fearr a bhaint as na deiseanna atá ag teacht chun cinn sna réimsí sin. Agus na Rialtais ag géilleadh do thairiscintí “tóg nó fág é” ó chuideachtaí fuinnimh, tá an chumhacht i lámha na gcuideachtaí sin anois - cuideachtaí arb é is príomhaidhm dóibh brabús a uasmhéadú dá gcuid infheisteoirí féin. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an bpáirtí Straitéis um ár nAcmhainní Nádúrtha a Fhorbairt a 83 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 84

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

ullmhú, in éineacht le straitéis chun bonneagar fuinnimh a fhorbairt a fhreastalóidh ar shainleasanna mhuintir na hÉireann ar fad ar an mbealach is fearr. Ba chóir an méid seo a leanas a bheith ina leithéid straitéise: • Ba chóir aitheantas a thabhairt gur le muintir na hÉireann acmhainní nádúrtha na tíre agus nach mór iad a shaothrú chun lántairbhe don phobal • Ba chóir a thuiscint nach féidir mórthionscadail bhonneagair a chur i gcrích in am agus laistigh den bhuiséad ach amháin i gcásanna ina bhfaigheann siad tacaíocht eolach ó fhormhór an phobail ar fad - go háirithe ó phobail a dtéann na forbairtí sin go díreach i bhfeidhm orthu. • Straitéis um Bainistíocht agus Pleanáil ar an Talamh, ar an Tírdhreach agus Amach ón gCósta a fhorbairt chun eolas a thabhairt do Mhórthionscadail Phleanála agus Seachadta Bonneagair • Nósanna imeachta atá oscailte, trédhearcach agus cuntasach a fhorbairt, rudaí a rialódh na díospóireachtaí agus na cinntí uile a bhaineann le Tionscadail Acmhainní Nádúrtha agus Fuinnimh. Foireann Theach Laighean Cumann Phádraig Uí Chadhain/ Mhairéid Seoighe, Gaillimh

Tuath na hÉireann a Chosaint 138. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo an obair atá déanta go dtí seo ag Michelle O’Neill, an tAire Talmhaíochta agus Forbartha Tuaithe de chuid Shinn Féin, ar a cuid oibre go dtí seo agus iarrann sí uirthi • Reachtaíocht a thabhairt anuas lena gcuirtear ceanglas dlí ar gach Roinn Rialtais agus comhlacht reachtúil promhadh ó thaobh na tuaithe de a dhéanamh • Dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar an Straitéis uile-oileáin um Shláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe, ár stádas galair a thabhairt i gcomhréir le leibhéil den chineál céanna ar fud an oileáin chun gur féidir í a thabhairt ar aghaidh mar reachtaíocht AE sa bhliain 2015 ar mhaithe le saorghluaiseacht ainmhithe ar fud na hÉireann a cheadú • Cur leis an dea-obair atá déanta ag Dul i nGleic le Bochtaineacht faoin Tuath agus ag an Straitéis Leithlise, tionscnaimh bhreise a thabhairt anuas chun cabhrú le dul i ngleic le bochtaineacht faoin tuath agus a chinntiú go ndíreoidh an Clár Forbartha Tuaithe 2014-19 ar mhíbhuntáiste agus go gcruthóidh sé poist.

Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin easnaimh sa Bheart Ildíothachta (NIMDM) a cheileann limistéir dhíothachta i bpobail tuaithe agus iarrann sí ar an Aire Airgeadais agus Pearsanra athbhreithniú láithreach a thionscnamh air sin. Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair Aontroma Thuaidh

139. Fáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh an obair atá déanta ag an Aire Talmhaíochta agus Forbartha Tuaithe sna sé chontae chun an Straitéis Agraibhia ‘Ar Lorg Fáis’ agus tacaíonn sí le spriocanna na straitéise 15,000 post breise a chruthú agus díolacháin onnmhairí a mhéadú faoi 60%; agus iarrann sí ar an Aire cothroime i slabhra an tsoláthair a chinntiú chun go bhfaighidh feirmeoirí praghas cóir ar a gcuid torthaí. Ard-Chomhairle

140. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an aire comhshaoil sa tuaisceart dul siar ar ráiteas beartais phleanála 21 (PPS21) “forbairt inbhuanaithe faoin tuath” chun tuilleadh deiseanna a thabhairt do phobail tuaithe neamhfheirmeoireachta teach a thógáil agus cónaí faoin tuath. Foireann an Tionóil

141. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le hathbhunú an phlean bithscaglainne san Oirdheisceart, rud tháirgfeadh siúcra agus eatánól ó bhiatas. Meastar go mbainfeadh costas €350 milliún leis an mbithscaglann a bhunú agus go gcruthódh sí 5,000 post. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Uí Dhonnchadha/ Uí Chianáin, Ceatharlach 84 Comhairle Ceantair Loch Garman SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 85

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

142. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcruthófar deontais nua don tionscal mairteola diúil chun feirmeacha beaga ar fud an stáit a chosaint. Is fiú €2.3 billiún dár ngeilleagar í earnáil mhairteola agus beostoic na hÉireann agus ní mór an earnáil sin a chosaint mar chuid den iarracht pobail tuaithe na hÉireann a chosaint. Cumann Uí Phearail-Uí Chorraidhín-Uí Ógáin, Loch Garman

143. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo le híocaíochtaí feirme a dháileadh chomh hiomlán agus is féidir faoin gComhbheartas Talmhaíochta leasaithe, agus is oth léi nár fhéach Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar an AE le híocaíochtaí a dháileadh ar bhealach níos radacaí, go háirithe toisc go bhfaigheann níos lú ná 2% de na faighteoirí níos mó airgid le chéile ná an tsuim iomlán a fhaigheann níos mó ná 40% de na daoine ag an leibhéal íseal den scála íocaíochtaí. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 26 Contae

144. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Aire O’Neill a bheith ag obair lena cuid oifigeach feabhas a chur arís eile ar chóras na nÍocaíochtaí Feirme Aonair, go háirithe iad siúd a bhaineann le cigireachtaí, ionas gur féidir le feirmeoirí aghaidh a thabhairt ar aon phionóis ar bhealach a chruthaíonn an méid is lú cur isteach ar a gcuid gnólachtaí. Cumann Sheosaimh Mhic Mhaghnuis, Fear Manach

145. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an éileamh ar Rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre an deontas inslithe a athbhunú d’fheirmeoirí óga agus an scéim luathscoir a athbhunú d’fheirmeoirí scothaosta ar mian leo a gcuid talún a thabhairt ar aghaidh dá gcuid mac agus iníonacha. Cumann Uí Chadhain/Mhic an tSábhaisigh, Sligeach

146. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an damáiste a dhéanann easpa gnímh an rialtais do shaolta agus do phobail, go háirithe i gcás Ché na Cille Móire, agus iarrann sí ar Shinn Féin leanúint le brú a chur ar rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre cuótaí méadaithe éisc a idirbheartú. Geallann sí go mbeidh cuótaí éisc mar shaincheist thábhachtach do Shinn Féin agus é i mbun rialtais sna 26 Contae sa todhchaí chun gur féidir cur ar chumas iascairí na hÉireann slite leordhóthanacha beatha a bheith acu agus chun deireadh a chur le coiriúlú pobal cois cósta ag gníomhaireachtaí stáit. Comhairle Ceantair Loch Garman Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar Cumann Uí Dhuinn/Uí Cheallaigh, Loch Garman Cumann Thamhnach an tSalainn, Dún na nGall Cumann Uí Chuilinn/Uí Éideáin, Loch Garman Cumann Mhic Craith/Uí Bhriain, Port Láirge

147. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfear beartas inbhuanaithe cuimsitheach um Dhobharshaothrú in Éirinn le chéile, rud a fhreastalóidh ar leasanna ár bpobal ar an mbealach is fearr agus a bhainfidh an chuid is fearr as na hacmhainní nádúrtha atá ar fáil dúinn ag an am céanna. Comhairle Ceantair na Gaillimhe Thiar

148. Toisc gur stór fhormhór na faisnéise atá ann faoi láthair maidir le foraoiseacht phoiblí agus phríobháideach í, agus toisc gur comhlacht rialaithe cáilíochta de facto na faisnéise céanna í, molann an Ard-Fheis seo gurb í an tSeirbhís Foraoiseachta an rogha nádúrtha is éifeachtúla chun freastal ar fhoraoiseacht na talún mar ghníomhaireacht náisiúnta Deimhniúcháin Foraoiseachta; molann sí gur é sin a chur ar fáil mar ghnás do gach foraoisiú faoi chúnamh stáit mar go mbaineann sé go díreach le cothabháil na cáilíochta bainistíochta foraoise atá á saothrú ag an Stát cheana agus mar gurb é leas an phobail déanamh amhlaidh; • Nach mbaineann gnó na Seirbhíse Foraoiseachta le rialáil amháin, agus nach pionós ná coiriúlú atá i rialáil Foraoiseachta chun beartas a bhaint amach, agus gur chóir don dá cheann a bheith ag cothú agus ag cumasú go gníomhach agus go dearfach rud atá ina acmhainn náisiúnta; go ndéanann táimhe institiúideach dochar d’fhiontar foraoise agus d’infheistíocht phoiblí (mar shampla, bíonn 85 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 86

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

tréimhsí fada neamhrialta feithimh le haghaidh ceadúnais leagtha róghearr uaireanta le haghaidh bainte); • Nár chóir gabháil rialála fíorluachanna táirgthe ag conraitheoirí príobháideacha, ag conraitheoirí corparáideacha agus, go minic, ag conraitheoirí eachtracha a bheith ann trí bhacainní margaidh atá ina bhfabhar a thógáil mar thoradh ar éilimh go mbeidh cáilíocht níos fearr bainistíochta foraoise ann; agus gur chóir do bheartas dearfach cumasúcháin rialtas díriú ar ghrúpaí is táirgeoirí foraoiseachta mar cheann de na réimsí is nádúrtha agus is éifeachtúla ó thaobh cothabhála, bainte agus athchuir de. Cumann Uí Chuilinn/Uí Éideáin, Loch Garman Fíor-Athchóiriú Polaitiúil agus Deireadh a Chur le Cairdeas Fabhair 149. Tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an gcáipéis, I dTreo Poblacht Nua, ar cáipéis chuimsitheach uile-Éireann um athchóiriú polaitíochta í. Ard-Chomhairle Cumann Wolfe Tone, Cill Dara Cumann Shéamais Wrynn, Liatroim Cumann Uí Dhuinn/Uí Cheallaigh, Loch Garman Comhairle Ceantair Phort Láirge Cumann Thraolaigh Mhic Shuibhne, Corcaigh Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar Cumann Uí Chéitinn/Uí Sheachnasaigh, Port Láirge Cumann Markievicz/Uí Fhearail

150. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo nach mór rialtas áitiúil sna 26 Contae a ollchóiriú. Níl sé oiriúnach don fheidhm. Ceann de na colúin is tábhachtaí d’aon chóras poblachtach daonlathach rialtais is ea rialtas áitiúil. Dá bhrí sin, tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an gcáipéis um athchóiriú an rialtais áitiúil; Daonlathach, Cuntasach agus ag Soláthar, a bhfuil na nithe seo a leanas lárnach di; • An cineachadh cumhachta is mó is féidir ón rialtas láir go rialtas áitiúil • Cuntasacht dhaonlathach • Seirbhísí poiblí ardchaighdeáin a sholáthar go héifeachtach agus go héifeachtúil ó thaobh costais de, • Téarnamh geilleagrach a bhrú chun cinn • Samhail mhaoiniúcháin inbhuanaithe Cumann Mhic Bhriartaigh/Mhig Uidhir, Dún na nGall Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar Cumann Bob Doyle/Dinny Barry, Cill Dara

151. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfear deireadh le gach táille a bhaineann le Saoráil Faisnéise a rochtain agus go gcinnteoidh an rialtas go dtiocfaidh gach ionstraim phoiblí, i.e. gnólachtaí leathstáit, an Banc Ceannais, mar shampla, faoi chuimsiú an Achta um Shaoráil Faisnéise, 2013. Iarrann sí freisin gur chóir an stádas speisialta atá aici (an tAcht um Rúin Oifigiúla) a bhaint den Ghníomhaireacht Náisiúnta um Bainistíocht Sócmhainní agus go bhféachfar uirthi mar chomhlacht poiblí atá faoi réir nochtadh iomlán. Léiríodh i dtuarascáil le déanaí gurb í Éire an t-aon tír san Eoraip ina ngearrtar táille ar sheirbhísí Saorála Faisnéise agus nach bhfuil ach trí thír san iomlán ar fud an domhain ina ngearrtar a leithéid táille. Ní féidir trédhearcacht uasta an riaracháin phoiblí a bhaint amach sa tír seo ach amháin trí chóras Saorála Faisnéise atá éifeachtach agus saor ó chostas. Toisc gur mó an costas a bhaineann leis an táille reatha a riar ná aon ghnóthachan airgeadaíochta a dhéantar, creidimid nach bhfuil ach cúis amháin ag an rialtas leis an táille a ghearradh, is é sin, náire iomlán agus iarracht chun ceisteanna ón bpobal a shárú agus a dhíspreagadh.

86 Ba chóir dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar roinnt den ábhar Saorála Faisnéise a SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 87

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

fuarthas le himeacht ama, mar shampla, an fhaisnéis sin a bhain leis an “Bertie Bowl”, is é sin, an pháirc spóirt a bhí beartaithe ag Bertie Ahern. Measadh go gcosnódh an tionscadal sin thart ar €750 milliún ar an Stát, ach níor leanadh ar aghaidh leis mar gheall ar nochtadh Saorála Faisnéise agus ar thimpeallacht a bhí ag athrú. Cumann Mhíchil S. Uí Mhearáin, Sligeach

152. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Fáiltíonn sí roimh an tacaíocht a thug formhór an Choinbhinsiúin Bhunreachtúil i mí Mheán Fómhair 2013 chun an ceart chun vóta a chaitheamh i dToghchán Uachtaránachta na hÉireann a thabhairt do shaoránaigh sna Sé Chontae agus don diaspóra; • Iarrann sí ar Rialtas na hÉireann dáta a shocrú do reifreann de bhun na moltaí sin chun gur féidir an cheist sin a chur roimh an bpobal le linn théarma seo na Dála; • Iarrann sí freisin go ndéanfaidh Rialtas na hÉireann aon daingniú daonlathach den sórt sin a chomhlánú agus a neartú trí Bhunreacht na hÉireann a leasú chun go mbeidh cearta labhartha agus comhairleacha ag Feisirí an Tuaiscirt agus ag Baill an Tionóil i dTithe an Oireachtais, lena n- áirítear an Dáil, an Seanad agus na coistí reachtúla faoi seach. Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

153. Féachann an Ard-Fheis seo le córais vótála poist a athchóiriú chun go mbeidh siad ag teacht leo siúd atá i bhfeidhm i sochaithe nua-aimseartha eile, a ligeann do bhallóidí neamhtheoranta vótála de ghnáth agus a chinntíonn prionsabal ‘vóta amháin an duine’ ag an am céanna. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an bpáirtí a sheacht ndícheall a dhéanamh chun córais vótála poist a athchóiriú ar mhaithe le vótáil agus le saoránacht a chothú in ionad an chórais atá ann cheana ina gcuirtear srian le cearta vótála agus ina gcuirtear mic léinn, daoine faoi mhíchumas agus daoine eile ar an imeall. Áirítear leis na hathchóirithe sin na nithe seo a leanas, ach gan a bheith teoranta dóibh: • Clárú ar líne do bhallóidí poist • Ballóidí poist do dhuine ar bith a iarrann iad ar chúis ar bith • Athruithe sa tréimhse ama inar féidir ballóidí poist a iarraidh (i.e. iarratais a cheadú suas le 7 lá roimh thoghchán) Cumann Mhíchil S. Uí Mhearáin, Sligeach

154. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcruthófar parlaimint óige uile-Éireann. Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

155. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go gcuirfear cuóta óige ar bun i gcás toghchán chun oifig phoiblí. Cé go nglacaimid leis nach réiteoidh an beart sin tearcionadaíocht na mban sa saol poiblí agus polaitiúil, mar atá amhlaidh i gcás cuótaí inscne, is chomh dian sin atá an éagothroime aoise atá ann faoi láthair gur gá cuóta óige a chur i bhfeidhm chun fórsaí sa tsochaí a chuireann daoine óga ó pháirt a ghlacadh sa pholaitíocht a chomhrac. An Coiste Náisiúnta don Ógra

156. Go n-iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an bpáirtí, i bhfianaise na gclár um athchóiriú Comhairlí sa Tuaisceart agus sa Deisceart araon, obair a dhéanamh chun Cumann uile- oileáin Rialtais Áitiúil a bhunú ar mhaithe le feabhas a chur ar chomhar agus ar mhaithe le beartas comhaontaithe i measc na n-údarás áitiúil a chur chun cinn ar oileán na hÉireann. Cumann Uí Bhroin/Mhic Ciorra/Uí Thuamáin, Ard Mhacha

157. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an Rialtas seo reachtaíocht a athrú lena rialaítear conas a chaitear Maoiniú an Chláir Infheistíochta Caipitil agus tuilleadh cumhachta a thabhairt do Chomhairlí Cathrach/Contae maidir le conas a úsáidtear Maoiniú an Chláir Infheistíochta Caipitil ar bhonn áitiúil, rud a chuirfeadh ar a gcumas tosaíocht a thabhairt 87 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 88

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

d’obair áitiúil in ionad oibreacha caipitil más gá. Ní mór é sin a bhreithniú dáiríre mar gheall ar an méid seo a leanas: • An laghdú leanúnach sa Chiste Rialtais Áitiúil • Neamhdháileadh maoinithe ó Cháin Réadmhaoine Áitiúla ar Chomhairle áitiúla • Creimeadh leanúnach na seirbhísí údaráis áitiúil de bharr príobháidithe Cumann Thraolaigh Mhic Shuibhne, Corcaigh

158. Go ndéanfaidh Aire Airgeadais agus Pearsanra na Sé Chontae athbhreithniú ar róil Lár-Stiúrthóireachtaí an tSoláthair maidir le tairiscintí ar oibreacha poiblí a mheasúnú. Comhairle Ceantair Aontroma Thuaidh

159. Go ndéanann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Aithníonn sí go bhfuil fianaise ann go bhfuil an próiseas pleanála, mar atá sé faoi láthair, faoi réir cur isteach polaitiúil míchuí • Tugann sí údarás don Ard-Chomhairle nua agus do struchtúir chuí/pearsanra cuí an pháirtí féachaint ar dhóigheanna inar féidir deireadh a chur le cur isteach polaitiúil den sórt sin sa phróiseas polaitiúil d’fhonn córas den sórt sin a chur san áireamh i bhforógra Shinn Féin do na toghcháin rialtais áitiúil sa bhliain 2014 Cumann Thomáis Ághas, an Mhí

160. Go n-aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo fadhbanna tromchúiseacha sna 26 Contae a tháinig chun cinn de bharr breithiúnacht chaillte scothroghnach atá á ceapadh ag rialtais Fhianna Fáil/Fhine Gael le blianta fada. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar an bpáirtí tabhairt faoi staidéar ar an gcóras breithiúnachta maidir leis an dóigh a roghnaítear breithiúna trí athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an dea-chleachtas san Eoraip agus i gcodanna eile den domhan agus ráiteas seasaimh an pháirtí a chur le chéile i leith na n-athchóirithe breithiúnachta is gá. Cumann Mhíchil S. Uí Mhearáin, Sligeach

161. Athdhearbhaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo an beartas atá againn le haghaidh Údarás Náisiúnta Uile-Éireann Dóiteáin. Dá mbeadh údarás náisiúnta dóiteáin i bhfeidhm, ní bheadh an tseirbhís dóiteáin faoi rialú ag Údaráis Áitiúla thearcmhaoinithe agus bheadh córas atá éifeachtúil ó thaobh costais de ar bun chun seirbhísí tarrthála a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhfuil gá acu leo. Comhairle Ceantair Chill Mhantáin

Cearta LGBT a Chur Chun Cinn 162. Déanann an Ard-Fheis seo tacú le plécháipéis Shinn Féin ‘Comhionannas, Éagsúlacht, Dlúthpháirtíocht - Ag Troid le Bród ar son cearta LGBT in Éirinn’. Féachann an cháipéis chuimsitheach sin le dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar chearta don phobal LGBT in Éirinn, lena n-áirítear an ceart chun comhionannas pósta. Aithnímid gur chéim shuntasach chun cinn ina leith sin a bhí sa vóta ag an gCoinbhinsiún Bunreachta agus iarraimid reifreann ar an ábhar sin a luaithe is féidir. Ard-Chomhairle Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Bhairéid/Mhic Curtáin, Corcaigh Cumann Ghearóid Uí Chathasaigh, Ros Earcáin, Co. Aontroma

163. Tugann an Ard-Fheis seo dá haire na cinntí a rinne an Ard-Chúirt i mBéal Feirste le déanaí maidir le huchtú ag daoine den ghnéas céanna agus maidir le fir aeracha a eisiamh ó fhuil a thabhairt, agus tá sí den tuairim go bhfuil na cinntí sin bunaithe ar leithcheal neamhréasúnach atá neamhréireach le comhairle leighis agus eolaíoch atá ann faoi 88 láthair. SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 89

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

Molann an Ard-Fheis seo seasamh fhoireann Shinn Féin sa Tionól agus í ag cur in aghaidh an leithcheala sin. Iarrann sí ar Edwin Poots, Aire Sláinte an Tuaiscirt, na tuairimí sin agus na dualgais chomhionannais atá air mar Aire Feidhmiúcháin a chomhlíonadh go hiomlán. Grúpa Parlaiminteach na 6 Chontae Cúige na 6 Chontae

164. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an cosc ar bholscaireacht aerach agus na sáruithe a dhéanann an bholscaireacht sin ar chearta an duine atá ag an bpobal LGBT. Dá bhrí sin, iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar na baill go léir na cluichí Oilimpeacha atá ag teacht sa Rúis a bhaghcatáil. Cumann Mháirtín Uí Ursáin, COC I dTreo Poblacht Nua Is Tráthúil Dáta a Shocrú don Phobalbhreith ar Cheist na Teorann 165. Creideann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Mar gheall ar fhorchur na críochdheighilte, cruthaíodh dhá scothaicme rialaithe, cothaíodh easaontas seicteach, éagothroime agus coinbhleacht agus baineadh an bonn ón ngeilleagar. • Tá Éire atá aontaithe, cothrom agus cuimsitheach chun tairbhe dár muintire go léir, don gheilleagar agus don phróiseas athmhuintearais. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Aithníonn sí go bhfuil Aontú na hÉireann i lámha na ndaoine, ó thuaidh agus ó dheas • Aithníonn sí go ndéantar foráil i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta do bhealach síochánta daonlathach i dtreo Aontú na hÉireann a bhaint amach trí Phobalbhreith ar Cheist na Teorann. • Aithníonn sí oidhreacht na críochdheighilte, ó thuaidh agus ó dheas, agus scála na dúshlán a bhaineann leis an bpróiseas daonlathach síochánta chun Aontú na hÉireann a fhorbairt. • Aithníonn sí a hábhair imní atá orthu siúd atá in aghaidh athaontaithe • Aithníonn sí an gá atá le bheith ag obair le gach cuid den phobal chun fís ina bhfuil Éire aontaithe, cothrom agus cuimsitheach a chur chun cinn • Aithníonn sí an rath atá ar fheachtais phobalbhunaithe ar son pobalbhreithe ar Cheist na Teorann in Ard Mhacha Theas/Lú Thuaidh agus ar an Srath Bán/Leifear • Aithníonn sí an ról dearfach atá á imirt ag an bpobal idirnáisiúnta Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo na nithe seo a leanas: • Iarrann sí ar Rialtas na hÉireann agus ar Rialtas na Breataine Pobalbhreitheanna as a chéile a eagrú ar Cheist na Teorann thar shaolré an Chéad Téarma Tionóil eile • Díospóireacht atá oscailte, cuimsitheach, eolach agus measúil ar na tairbhí a bhaineann le hAontú na hÉireann agus na costais a bhaineann le críochdheighilt leanúnach. • Iarrann sí ar an Oireachtas Páipéar Uaine a fhorbairt agus a chomhaontú ar Aontú na hÉireann • Iarrann sí ar Shinn Féin leanúint le tacaíocht a uasmhéadú d’aontú na hÉireann ar fud gach coda den tsochaí, lena n-áirítear feachtais áitiúla ar son pobalbhreithe ar cheist na teorann a fhorbairt agus tacaíocht idirnáisiúnta a chothú. Ard-Chomhairle Cúige Bhaile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Mhaonaigh/Uí Dhuinn, Baile Átha Cliath Cumann Uí Nualláin/Mhic Giolla Domhnaigh, Béal Feirste Cumann Bhaile Mhic Ádaim/Bhiorra, Uíbh Fhaillí An Ghaeilge a Chur Chun Cinn 166. Agus í ag aithint go bhfuil sé mar chuid lárnach dár straitéis i leith athbheochan na Gaeilge an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ag gach leibhéal, leibhéal Pharlaimint an AE san áireamh, iarrann an Ard- Fheis seo go leanfadh Rannóg AE agus Feisirí de Pharlaimint na hEorpa de chuid an Pháirtí leis na nithe seo a leanas a dhéanamh - • A bheith ag obair chun a chinntiú go dtabharfar meas iomlán don Ghaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil san AE 89 SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 90

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

• A éileamh go mbeidh fáil ar fhaisnéis atá ar fáil do shaoránaigh an AE trí mheán na Gaeilge • A chinntiú go gcuirfear dóthain acmhainní ar fáil d’aistriúchán na Gaeilge chun tairbhe do Ghaeilgeoirí ar mian leo a bheith ag obair trí mheán na Gaeilge, rud a chruthóidh deiseanna poist do Ghaeilgeoirí in institiúidí an AE • Béim a leagan ar stádas na Gaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil san AE agus leas a bhaint as Institiúidí na hEorpa mar bhonn chun struchtúr agus tacaíocht níos fearr a bhaint amach don teanga sa tír seo, mar shampla Acht na Gaeilge sna Sé Chontae. Ard-Chomhairle

167. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge agus leis an nGaeltacht mar chuid dhílis dár bhféiniúlacht Éireannach agus aithníonn sí go bhfuil géarchéim ar bun maidir le labhairt na Gaeilge. Aithníonn sí go mbaineann an-tábhacht lenár gcultúr agus lenár dteanga agus go bhfuil ról lárnach le himirt ag an Stát maidir le tacaíocht a thabhairt do phobail ar mian leo an teanga a chaomhnú, a neartú agus a chur chun cinn. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfar Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge de chuid rialtas Fhine Ghael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre a chur i bhfeidhm mar is ceart, cé nach bhfuil muinín ag an Ard-Fheis seo go mbainfidh siad cuspóirí na straitéise amach. Rud is measa fós, rinne roinnt Airí éagsúla bearta cheana chun cur in aghaidh bhunphrionsabail na straitéise céanna. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo an obair atá déanta ag an aire Carál Ní Chuilín, agus tacaíonn an Ard-Fheis seo leis an obair atá déanta aici, maidir leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn trí thionscnaimh ar nós Líofa 2015 agus iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar bhaill Shinn Féin clárú don chlár. Treoraíonn an Ard-Fheis seo an Ard-Chomhairle beartas nua a thabhairt anuas ar an nGaeilge a fhorbairt agus a chur chun cinn. Iarrann sí go mbeidh ról lárnach ag eagraíochtaí pobail agus deonacha sa chur chuige a nglactar leis i leith an Ghaeilge a bhunú mar theanga bheo. Ba chóir don bheartas a bheith dearfach, praiticiúil agus indéanta agus ba chóir spriocanna a leagan síos chun líon na nGaeilgeoirí ar fud an oileáin seo agus thar lear a chaomhnú, a mhéadú agus a fhorbairt. Tapóidh Sinn Féin deiseanna atá ar fáil ag leibhéal rialtais áitiúil, ag leibhéal náisiúnta agus ag leibhéal idirnáisiúnta an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar cheist pholaitiúil. Ard-Chomhairle Comhairle Ceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar

168. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo ar rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre aisiompú a dhéanamh ar an gcinneadh a rinne sé deireadh a chur leis an gcóras trína mbronntar bónasmharcanna ar dhaoine a dhéanann scrúduithe iontrála státseirbhíse trí Ghaeilge. Cumann Bhriain Mhic Cathmhaoil/Uí Maoilmhiadhaigh, Gaillimh

169. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge a chur in ionad feiceálach, go háirithe sa saol poiblí, agus iarrann sí leis seo ar rialtas Fhine Gael/Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre athrú a dhéanamh ar litreacha plátaí cláraithe feithiclí ar phlátaí uimhreach gluaisteán ionas go n-úsáidfear litreacha giorraithe ar logainmneacha Gaeilge as seo amach in ionad litreacha ar giorrúcháin ar logainmneacha Béarla iad atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair. Cumann Phort Láirge Thiar

Tábhacht na nEalaíon agus na Spórt 170. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an rannchuidiú luachmhar a dhéanann cuid mhór ealaíontóirí, oibrithe deonacha agus gníomhaithe maidir lena chinntiú go leanfaidh rath agus bláth le bheith ar na hEalaíona agus Cultúr in Éirinn, go leanfaidh siad de bheith ina gcuid dhílis dár bhféiniúlacht náisiúnta agus go mbainfear leas astu le haghaidh cuimsiú sóisialta, beag beann ar na deacrachtaí suntasacha a bhaineann le bheith gníomhach sna healaíona agus leis na healaíona a chur chun cinn le linn tréimhse deacrachta eacnamaíche, agus beag beann ar an mbuiséid laghdaithe atá ar fáil dóibh. Aithníonn sí an luach eacnamaíoch a thugann na healaíona d’Éirinn agus aithníonn sí freisin gur fiú cúpla euro don gheilleagar gach euro a infheistítear sna hEalaíona ó thaobh cruthú post de agus gur chun tairbhe an gheilleagair atá féilte éagsúla a chuireann gníomhaíocht eacnamaíoch chun cinn Aithníonn sí gur chóir meas a thabhairt do na hEalaíona, go gcuireann siad gníomhaíocht 90 shóisialta, féinfheasacht, rannpháirtíocht phobail agus cuimsiú sóisialta chun cinn agus go bhfuil SFAF Clar 2014.qxd 24/01/2014 11:34 Page 91

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014

fianaise ann go gcabhraíonn siad le téarnamh othar. Dá bhrí sin, cáineann sí an Rialtas mar gheall ar an drochdhóigh a gcaitheann sé leis na healaíona, mar gheall go dteipeann air na hEalaíona a chur chun cinn agus mar gheall ar na laghduithe leanúnacha a bhíonn sé á ndéanamh ar mhaoiniú na Comhairle Ealaíon, rud a raibh laghdú €3.9m sa bhuiséad i mbliana mar thoradh air. Comhairle Ceantair Chorcaí Thoir

171. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo an tábhacht stairiúil a bhaineann le comóradh céad bliain éirí amach na cásca 1916. Molaimid an obair atá déanta ag Feachtas Shráid an Mhúraigh agus geallaimid go leanfaidh ionadaithe Shinn Féin san Oireachtas, sa Tionól agus i gComhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath le tacaíocht a thabhairt don fheachtas. Athdhearbhaímid ár n-éileamh go ndéanfar ceathrú réabhlóideach stairiúil a fhorbairt i mBaile Átha Cliath, lena n-áirítear an ceantar a chuimsíonn Ard-Oifig an Phoist, Sráid an Mhúraigh agus Lána an Mhúraigh. Aithníonn an Ard-Fheis seo freisin an ról a bhí ag bailte eile, amhail Inis Córthaidh, san éirí amach i 1916 agus iarrann sí go ndéanfar tionscadal atá cosúil le ‘ceathrú 1916’ a fhorbairt sna bailte sin roimh an gcomóradh, lena n-áirítear turais siúil agus imeachtaí eile a eagrú arb é is aidhm dóibh turasóireacht a tharraingt isteach sna ceantair sin. Cumann Uí Phearail-Uí Chorraidhín-Uí Ógáin, Loch Garman

172. Go bhfáiltíonn an Ard-Fheis seo roimh ainmniú thar téarma dhroichead Bhaile Átha Cliath i ndiaidh duine dá bhansaoránaigh is cáiliúla, is í sin, Rosie Hackett; geallann sí go gcuirfidh gach ionadaí tofa de chuid Shinn Féin comhionannas inscne chun cinn agus spásanna poiblí á n- ainmniú, agus nach gcuirfear ach ainmneacha ban san áireamh sa ghearrthéarma go dtí go mbainfear paireacht inscne amach. Cumann Markievicz/Uí Fhearail

173. Iarrann an Ard-Fheis seo go ndéanfar rialáil ar gach oiliúint agus rásaíocht sulcaithe chun tiománaithe sulcaithe, úsáideoirí bóithre agus trácht ar bhóithre a chosaint. Cumann Chathail Bhrugha/Chaoimhín Uí Loingsigh, Port Láirge

174. Molann an Ard-Fheis seo gur chóir do Shinn Féin brú a chur chun go gcuirfear taifid Dhaonáireamh 1926 ar fáil ar líne. Cumann Phiarais Mhic Cána, Tiobraid Árann

175. Iarraimid ar an Ard-Fheis seo tacú leis an iarracht Óstán Hayes i nDurlas, áit bhreithe an Chumainn Lúthchleas Gael, a liostú ar Thaifead Struchtúr Cosanta Údarás Pleanála Thiobraid Árann Thuaidh chun gur féidir leis cáiliú le haghaidh stádas cosanta faoi Chuid IV den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000. Cumann Roibéard Eiméid, Tiobraid Árann

176. De réir mar a éalaíonn glúine Éireannach ó dheacracht stairiúil, shóisialta agus eacnamaíoch sa tír seo trí bhealach na nGéanna Fiáine a leanúint thar lear; agus móríobairt phearsanta agus teaghlaigh á déanamh acu go minic; agus mórchrógacht fhisiciúil, leochaileacht dhaonna agus fíormhisneach morálta, uaireanta, á dtaispeáint acu; idir Bhriogáidí Éireannacha Mhór-Roinn na hEorpa agus Bhriogáid San Patricio i Meicsiceo, idir Chogadh Cathartha na Stát Aontaithe agus Chogadh Cathartha na Spáinne; i gcogaí tiomantais phearsanta, i gcatastrófa polaitiúla idirnáisiúnta a rinne dochar do ghlúine daoine óga, i misin nua-aimseartha trócaire leis na Stáit Aontaithe; creidimid gur chóir d’Éirinn ina hiomláine - a chuimsíonn an t-oileán seo agus an diaspóra idirnáisiúnta - siombailí cuimsitheacha féin a chruthú chun an oidhreacht sin a chomóradh agus chun cuimhneamh uirthi, siombailí nach malairt iad ar shiombailí atá cruthaithe go hoifigiúil ag tír eile chun dearcadh na tíre sin i leith cogadh amháin ar leith a chur in iúl. Cumann Uí Chuilinn/Uí Éideáin, Loch Garman

91

Clar 2014 Cover spread no spine 24/01/2014 11:36 Page 1

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2014 Dé hAoine 7ú & Dé Sathairn 8ú Feabhra, Loch Garman Friday 7th & Saturday 8th Febuary, Wexford Bí le Shinn Féin / Join Sinn Féin

Bí le Téacs / Join by Text: Seol an focal SINN FEIN ansin d’ainm agus seoladh chuig / Text the word SINN FEIN followed by your name and address to: 51444 (26 Chondae / 26 counties) 60060 (6 Chondae / 6 counties)

Ar Líne / Join online: www.sinnfein.ie/join-sinn-fein PUTTING IRELAND Sinn Féin Sinn Féin 44 Cearnóg Pharnell, 44 Parnell Square, Baile Átha Cliath 1, Éire. Dublin 1, Ireland. FIRST Tel: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Tel: (353) 1 872 6100/872 6932 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Fax: (353) 1 889 2566 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] ÉIRE CHUN TOSAIGH Sinn Féin Sinn Féin 53 Bóthar na bhFál, 53 Falls Road, Béal Feirste, BT 12PD, Éire. Belfast, BT 12PD, Ireland. Tel: 028 90 347350 Tel: 028 90 347350 Fax: 028 90 347386 Fax: 028 90 347386 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

www.sinnfein.ie www.sinnfein.ie