Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009 Clár

Ard Fheis 200975th Ard FheisCitywest Hotel, Dublin3rd & 4th April

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Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009

SECURITY

Entrance to the Ard Fheis can only begained on production of a Membership orDelegate Card or an Invitation.

CAR PARKING

Ample car parking is available within thegrounds of the Citywest Hotel. There is nocharge for parking.

VOTING

Voting for the Executive Council will takeplace between 1pm and 4pm. To vote,members must produce a validMembership Card (2008/9) and DelegateCard, and may be asked to produce othermeans of identification.

FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS

Full catering facilities are available allweekend in Citywest.

ACCOMMODATION

Special room rates for Fine Gael delegateshave been negotiated with the CitywestHotel. The rates are: €100 per room B&Band €110 for superior room B&B. There islimited availability in the hotel. Whenbooking, members must mention thatthey are Party delegates. Details ofalternative accommodation have alreadybeen circulated to all members. If yourequire additional copies please contactHeadquarters or visit the websitewww.finegael.ie

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FROM HEUSTONSTATION

Shuttle Bus Service: A free shuttle busservice will operate from the Red CowLuas Park and Ride facility to the CitywestHotel every hour from 9am until 7pm onSaturday, April 4th. On Sunday, April 5th,buses will depart Citywest for the Red Cowevery hour from 9am to 12noon. Pleasenote the Luas operates a direct service tothe Red Cow from Heuston and Connollyrail stations and Busaras bus station.

CRÈCHE

A free crèche, with qualified staff, will beavailable from 10am to 9pm on Saturday,4th April.

SOCIAL INFORMATION

Saturday, 4th April. 11pm: Dancing toApplecore – Kingswood Suite

ARD FHEIS FUNDRAISING RAFFLE

With the Local and European Elections justa matter of months away, we need tohave funds in place to enable us to buildon our performance from 2004 and to putus on a strong footing as we look forwardto the next General Election, wheneverthat may be. To do this we need your help.

An envelope raffle will take place onSaturday evening just prior to the Leader’sspeech. To be in with a chance ofwinning, simply place your donation inthe envelope provided and complete withyour name and mobile number. Raffleenvelopes will be available in the hall onthe night and from the reception deskthroughout the weekend.

WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK

ARD FHEIS 2009 information


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Ard Fheis Contents

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ARD FHEIS STANDING ORDERS

LEADER’S MESSAGE

FINE GAEL HEADQUARTERS

FINANCIAL REPORT

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CANDIDATES

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

DUBLIN CANDIDATES

EAST CANDIDATES

NORTH WEST CANDIDATES

SOUTH CANDIDATES

PARLIAMENTARY PARTY CANDIDATES

COUNCIL OF LOCAL PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES

MOTIONS FOR DEBATE

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

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14-15

16

17

18-27

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Ard Fheis Timetable

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Friday 3 April 200915.00 to 17.00: Meeting of Local Election candidates – Verschoyle Suite 19.30 to 20.00: Opening ceremonies and Leader’s speech – Main Hall20.00 to 21.00: Session 1: Ireland on the International Stage – Main Hall

(European and Foreign Affairs, Defence) Chair: Senator Paschal Donohoe

Saturday 4 April 200909.00 to 10.00: Breakfast with Enda – Kingswood Suite 09.00 to 10.15: Session 2: Constitution and Rules – Main Hall

Chair: John Delamere10.15 to 11.15: Session 3: Fair Health Care – Main Hall

(Health)Chair: Jim Higgins MEP

11.15 to 13.00: Session 4: Getting Ireland Back to Work – Main Hall(Finance, Enterprise, Transport, Energy and Environment)Chair: Gay Mitchell MEP

Televised Live between 11-1pm 14.00 to 15.15: Session 5: Rights with Responsibilities – Kingswood Suite

(Justice, Immigration, Crime & Children’s Rights)Chair: Colm Burke MEP

15.15 to 16.30: Session 6: Jobs for the Regions – Kingswood Suite(Agriculture, Tourism and Regional Development)Chair: Sean Kelly

16.30 to 17.30: Session 7: Leading through Learning – Kingswood Suite(Education and Innovation)Chair: Senator John Paul Phelan

19.00: Warm-up and Speeches

20.30: Presidential Address by Enda Kenny T.D., Party Leader

Leader’s speech televised live Voting for Executive Council Voting will take place between 1pm and 4pm. To vote, members must produce a valid Membership Card(2008/09) and Delegate Card, and may be asked to produce other means of identification.

Parallel Meetings – Verschoyle Suite13.00 to 14.00: Presentation of draw cheques

14.00 to 15.00: Fine Gael Women's Group - “Getting the best out of your Canvass”

15.00 to 16.00: Young Fine Gael “Ireland needs Change” - a discussion on the future for young people in terms of jobs, education and our place in Europe.Chair: Richard Bruton T.D.

Social Events23.00: Dancing to Applecore – Kingswood Suite

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1. PROCEDURE

The ruling of the presiding Chairperson foreach session as listed on the Clár on all mattersof procedure is final.

2. MOTIONS

A motion which is not on the Clár may only bemoved subject to Standing Order Number 3. If,on a motion having been called, no delegatefrom the unit of the organisation whichsubmitted it rises to speak, the Ard Fheis willproceed to the next business, unless theChairperson decides to permit some otherdelegate to propose the motion.

3. EMERGENCY MOTIONS

The Steering Committee may admit anemergency motion of exceptional significance,if at least one hour’s notice in writing is givento the Steering Committee, the decision ofwhich shall be final. Standing Orders shall nototherwise be modified.

4. AMENDMENTS

An amendment to a motion other than thosetabled by the Executive Council may be movedonly if notice of the Amendment has beengiven in writing to the Chairperson one hourbefore the session begins. An amendmentproposing a direct negative to a motion maynot be moved.

5. SPEAKERS

A strict time limit will be imposed on allspeakers. The proposer of a motion will beallowed two minutes. Every delegate wishingto speak will take his or her place near therostrum five minutes before he or she expectsto be called on to speak. Every delegate onrising must first announce his or her name andthe name of his or her unit of the organisation.A speaker must cease speaking wheninstructed to do so by the Chairperson.

6. DECISIONS

Decisions will be made by a show of delegatecards. In the event of the Chairperson beingunable to decide the outcome of any vote, acount will be taken by tellers, drawn firstlyfrom the Executive Council and secondly by adecision of the Chairperson.

7. RELEVANCE

If any delegate is directed by the Chairpersonto cease speaking on the grounds ofirrelevance, he/she must do so forthwith. TheChairperson’s decision on matters of relevanceis final.

Ard Fheis Standing Orders

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Welcome to the 75th Fine Gael Ard Fheis.

This event is an important part of the preparation of Fine Gael’s plan for national recovery. Now, more than ever, Ireland needs Fine Gael’s patriotism, energy and commitment. Over theweekend, we will discuss and debate our many new ideas to create and protect jobs and toreform the ways in which public services are delivered to our people.

As you can see, a wide range of motions have been submitted by the Party organisation coveringall the key policy areas which will be debated with the relevant spokespeople. I encourage you toattend these debates and the other events over the weekend.

This Ard Fheis also marks an important point in the preparations for the Local Authority andEuropean Parliament elections on 5th June. The Party has already selected well over 600 excellentcandidates for these elections and I hope you will have the opportunity of meeting and hearingfrom many of them during the Ard Fheis.

It is also an important weekend for those who are contesting the elections to the various positionson the Executive Council and I want to take this opportunity to send the candidates my best wishes.

Finally, I wish you an enjoyable and productive weekend and I look forward to meeting youpersonally.

Best regards

Enda Kenny TD

Message from Fine Gael LeaderENDA KENNY TD

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DEAR MEMBER,

A very warm welcome to our 75th Ard Fheis, which marks the start of our European and LocalElection campaigns.

The Party is also actively planning by-election campaigns in Dublin Central and Dublin South.

The fact that Fine Gael faces these challenges with tremendous confidence is a tribute to everymember of the Party.

However, I would counsel that every vote must be earned as part of an unstinting effortbetween now and June 5.

The Party will have 700 candidates in the field for the Local Elections. The Ard Fheis providesan opportunity for them, and all members of the Party, to shape policy as we move togethertowards our goal of becoming the largest political organisation in the State.

Fine Gael must continue as the driving force in local democracy and stay at the forefront ofIreland’s representation in the European Parliament.

Our Accounts show an income of €10.33m for the years 2006 and 2007, an increase of 17%on the previous two years, 2004 and 2005.

During the period, our expenditure was €12.15m, an increase of 32% over the previous twoyears. This increase was largely due to the 2007 General Election and to ongoingstrengthening of our organisation.

Having incurred an overall loss of €1.82m over the period, we carried a loss of €1.53m into2008, which we plan to reduce in subsequent years as we prepare for the next General Election.

On your behalf, I thank the members of the Ard Fheis Steering Committee and all those whohave helped plan another tremendous gathering of our great national organisation.

I hope you enjoy the weekend and look forward to meeting you.

Tom CurranGeneral Secretary.

Fine Gael HQ

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FINE GAEL HEADQUARTERSCONSOLIDATED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR 2006 AND 2007

INCOME €

Oireachtas Grants 7,220,814

Branch Affiliations 717,916

Party Fund 129,550

Miscellaneous Income 93,744

Election Superdraw 1,276,747

Fundraising and Donations 893,717

Total 10,332,488

EXPENDITURE

Press Office and Leader’s Office 3,112,247

Salaries and Benefits 2,703,293

Referenda Campaigns and Elections 2,231,039

Dublin Office Activities 794,253

Premises and Equipment 616,897

Youth and Women's Development 416,911

Ard Fheis and Conferences 386,268

Printing and Stationery 585,608

Constituency and Policy Development 636,964

Telephone, Postage and Courier 152,635

Professional Fees 133,120

Travel and Meeting Expenses 87,743

Bank Charges and Interest 149,495

Subscriptions and Donations 38,410

Consultancy Fees 94,867

Miscellaneous Expenses 12,018

12,151,768

DEFICIT FOR PERIOD (1,819,280)

PERIOD OPENING BALANCE (01/01/06) 289,127

PERIOD CLOSING BALANCE (31/12/07) (1,530,153)

Financial Report

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75TH ARD FHEIS 2009

PRESIDENT (1 TO BE ELECTED) Kenny Enda T.D. Mayo

VICE PRESIDENT (2 TO BE ELECTED) Dukes Alan Kildare South

O’Connell Gerry Tipperary North

DUBLIN (3 TO BE ELECTED) Heneghan Brendan Dublin South East

Murphy Brian Dublin North

Sullivan Daniel Dublin North Central

Van Turnhout Michael Dublin South

EAST (3 TO BE ELECTED) Cogavin Ellen Meath East

Hayes John Wexford

Mulvihill Joan Wicklow

NORTH WEST (3 TO BE ELECTED) Carey Leonora Clare

Curley Frank Roscommon South Leitrim

Delamere John Longford/Westmeath

Munnelly Lorraine Mayo

SOUTH (3 TO BE ELECTED) Fitzgerald Maurice Tipperary North

Hoare Jonathan Cork North West

Kelleher Joseph Cork North West

Kelly Cian Limerick City

O’Neill Nuala Cork East

PARLIAMENTARY PARTY (4 TO BE ELECTED) Creighton Lucinda, T.D. Dublin South East

Kehoe Paul, T.D. Wexford

Perry John, T.D. Sligo North Leitrim

COUNCIL OF LOCAL PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES (2 TO BE ELECTED)

Conway Martin, Cllr. Clare

Coonan Pauline, Cllr. Tipperary North

Corcoran Kennedy Marcella, Cllr. Laois/Offaly

McKiernan Sean, Cllr Cavan/Monaghan

Executive Council Candidates

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Vice Presidential Candidates

ALAN DUKES(KILDARE SOUTH)

Outgoing Vice-Presidentof Fine Gael.

TD from June 1981 toMay 2002.

Leader of Fine GaelApril 1987 to November1990.

Former Minister for:

• Agriculture• Finance• Justice• Transport, Energy and

Communications.

Director General,Institute of EuropeanAffairs, 2003 – 2007.

Currently Public AffairsConsultant, Director ofAnglo Irish Bank,Chairman of AllianceFrancaise, Dublin, Boardmember of Irish GuideDogs for the Blind.

GERRY O’CONNELL(TIPPERARY NORTH)

Gerry is a 32 year oldsolicitor from Killenaule,Co. Tipperary. He hasserved as a VicePresident since 2004, isa former President ofYFG, the currentDirector of Elections forDublin North West andhas served on sevendifferent subcommittees in thelifetime of the currentExecutive Council.

Gerry is also theSecretary of the Collins22 Society, has compiledvarious presentations onFG history and hasacted as a motivationalspeaker for the Party atGeneral Election Rallies,Michael Collins Ralliesand Ard Fheiseanna.

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Dublin Candidates

BRENDAN HENEGHAN(DUBLIN SOUTH EAST)

Brendan was a member ofthe Executive Council from1996 to 2006 and chair fortwo years. Since then hehas been a backbenchactivist (to be recommended!)in Dublin South East.Brendan is seeking re-election as he believeshis previous experience canbe put to good use inmaximizing theopportunities now availableto the Party to become thelargest player.

BRIAN MURPHY(DUBLIN NORTH)

Brian believes that Dublin willbe the key battle ground inthe next General Election andthat the Executive Council willplay a vital role in ensuringthat we get the best possiblereturn in terms of seats. Hebelieves his wide experiencein the party over twenty fiveyears, including the last fiveon the Executive, wouldenable him to contributesignificantly to this task and tobeing a strong voice for theDublin membership on theExecutive Council.

He has been an activemember of the Dublin NorthConstituency for 25 yearsincluding serving asChairperson 1999/2003. Heserved as Director of Electionsin Dublin North East in 2007the only Constituency inDublin where the Party gaineda seat at the direct expense ofFianna Fail. He is a member ofthe party’s delegation to theForum on Europe and haspreviously served as SpecialAdvisor to Gay Mitchell,Minister for European Affairs1995 - 1997, First VicePresident and President of theEuropean Young ChristianDemocrats 1990 - 1996 andPresident of Young Fine Gael1986 - 1988.

MICHAEL VAN TURNHOUT(DUBLIN SOUTH)

I am seeking re-election for asecond term. I have been anactive member of theExecutive and of the DublinLocal Elections, MembershipAffiliations, Administrationand IT subcommittees.

I am very passionate aboutpolitics. I have held manypositions in branch andConstituency, includingDirector of Elections inDublin South for the lastlocal and General Elections(Only Dublin constituencywith two TDs elected).I am now Chairman of the Constituency.

As it is important for me andthe work of the Executive totalk to members and receivetheir feedback, I have visitedmany Dublin constituencieson a regular basis.

I am an experienced seniormanager and am able tobring a professional andbusiness approach to thework of Fine Gael.

DANIEL SULLIVAN (DUBLIN NORTH CENTRAL)

Daniel Sullivan was a LocalElection candidate for FineGael in Dublin in 2004 andalso stood for the NUISeanad Panel in 2007.Daniel has worked in thesoftware field in industryand academia sincegraduating from theUniversity of Limerick in1991. He has workedmainly in Ireland but alsofor extended periods in theUS and Japan. He writesabout technology and itsimpact on society andpolitics atwww.danielsullivan.ie

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East Candidates

ELLEN COGAVIN(MEATH EAST)

Ellen Cogavin, Millfarm,Dunboyne, Co. Meath, liveswith her husband Stephenand daughters Stephanieand Caitilin. Ellen is aRoscommon native with afarming background. Atrained nurse & midwife,Ellen works as an assistantDirector of nursing with theHSE.

Trained in Podiatry, Ellen alsostudied criminal &constitutional law at LondonUniversity, and holds a H.Dipin clinical risk managementfrom U.C.D.

An active member of FineGael, Ellen contested the2004 Local Elections for theDunshaughlin electoral area.She is member of Co. MeathVEC and is a member of theBOM of St Peter’s CollegeDunboyne, DunshaughlinCommunity College,Ashbourne CommunityCollege and DunboynePrimary school. Chairpersonof The Lagore CommunityCreche Committee whereshe recently turned the sodfor a €1.2 million project.Ellen would describe herselfas a community activist.

JOAN MULVIHILL (WICKLOW)

Joan Mulvihill is originallyfrom Ballymahon, Co.Longford. Joan has served onthe Executive Council for thepast two terms and is keento continue her involvementwith the Party as anExecutive Councilrepresentative for East. Sheis currently Chairperson ofMichael Collins branch, Bray,Co. Wicklow and sincebecoming an active memberof the party on her return toIreland in 2002, she hassupported the party across awide range of activities; theLeader’s Tour, Ard Fheis,Disciplinary Committee aswell as on-the-groundcanvassing work.

JOHN HAYES (WEXFORD)

John is from the Fethard-on-Sea area in the NewRoss District of CountyWexford. A life long activemember of Fine Gael, hehas held numerouspositions at Branch, District,and Constituency level andhas served on the ExecutiveCouncil for the past threeyears. As ConstituencyDirector of Elections formany years, he has gaineda lot of experience in tallies,opinion polls andelectioneering. Hecontested the LocalElections for Fine Gael in1985.

Deeply involved in sportingand community activitiesover the years, John is aformer Chairman ofWexford Athletic CountyBoard, Vice President of theCounty Community Games,and present Chairman ofthe Cockleshell Art CentreDuncannon Fort, and hasheld membership of suchorganisations as CivilDefence, FCA, IFA, GAA andMacra na Feirme.

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North West Candidates

LEONORA CAREY(CLARE)

A member of Fine Gaelsince 1989

Daughter of Donal Carey,former FG TD & sister of Joe Carey TD

Vice Chairperson & memberof the Executive Councilsince 2004

Chairperson of ExecutiveCouncil Ard Fheis &Conference Steeringcommittee

Active in designing reformproposals for units of theorganisation

Director of ElectionsEuropean and Local Elections,Dublin Central 2004

Member of Dublin CentralFine Gael 1997-2007 holdingall levels of officer positions

Founding member of EastClare YFG, served on YFGExecutive 1992-1996

Record of fairness and hardwork on the Executive Council

FRANK CURLEY(ROSCOMMON / SOUTHLEITRIM)

A native of Killimor, CoGalway, Frank resides atBallyleague, Co Roscommon.

He is self employed and is alifelong active member ofFine Gael.

At Constituency level Frank is chairman ofRoscommon/South LeitrimConstituency.

He has previously held theposition in Roscommon/EastGalway and LongfordRoscommon.

He has chaired selectionconventions in many parts ofthe region. He has served asDirector of Elections in twoGeneral Elections and iscurrently director for theforthcoming Local Elections.

He was first elected to theExecutive Council in 2006.

LORRAINE MUNNELLY(MAYO)

Lorraine is from CountyMayo and is a member ofthe current ExecutiveCouncil. She was firstelected in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006. Lorrainehas served on various subcommittees during her pasttwo terms and she iscurrently a member of the2009 Ard Fheis SteeringGroup. Lorraine has beeninvolved in various levels ofthe organisation and iscurrently Constituencysecretary in Mayo.

JOHN DELAMERE(LONGFORD/WESTMEATH)

John has been a member ofExecutive Council since1996 and has beenChairperson of theExecutive since 2004. Hasbeen an active participantin all of the Executive’sactivities at subcommitteelevel, including LocalElection, OMOV and Seanadselection committees.

John also continues to beheavily involved at all levelsof the party in his Longford/Westmeath Constituencyand will be party’s Directorof Elections for theforthcoming electioncampaign.

John’s priorities, if re-elected will be to continueto enhance and build onthe improved mutualunderstanding of therespective roles of theExecutive and theparliamentary party whichhas developed in asignificant way under hisChairpersonship and toposition the partystrategically for an earlyreturn to Government.

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South Candidates

MAURICE FITZGERALD(TIPPERARY NORTH)

I am a 24 year oldaccountant fromCappawhite in Co Tipperary.I was educated at StFintan’s CBS, Doon and UCCwhere I attained a degreein Finance. If I was todescribe myself in threewords I would say honest,hardworking anddependable.

JOSEPH KELLEHER (CORK NORTH WEST)

Joseph Kelleher joined FGwhen 18 years of age andhas served in the MillstreetBranch, being at varioustimes Treasurer, Organiser,and currently Secretary. Inthe Cork North WestConstituency Joseph hasbeen Treasurer and PRO,2005 to 2008, and iscurrently Policy Officer ofthe Constituency. Born inCork City in 1976, hestudied in Millstreet C.S.and Cork I.T., thereafterworking in the constructionindustry.

JONATHAN HOARE(CORK NORTH WEST)

Jonathan Hoare from theBaile Bhuirne Gaeltacht inCo. Cork is a member of theBaile Bhuirne/ Cuil AodhaFine Gael Branch and afounding member ofMuskerry YFG. Currentlyworking as ParliamentaryAssistant to Fine GaelAgriculture SpokespersonMichael Creed TD, Jonathanbecame involved in YFGwhile completing his degreestudies at UCC, majoring inpolitics. Having heldofficerships in YFG at bothlocal and National level, andin Fine Gael at Constituencylevel, Jonathan has a vastexperience in the partydespite being only 26 yearsof age. Jonathan iscontesting election to theExecutive Council of FineGael in order to fight for astronger voice for membersin the areas of policy andcampaigning. Jonathan is astrong advocate for theinvolvement of young peoplein politics and oncecontested a co-optionconvention to Cork CountyCouncil. Jonathan hopes thathis passion for the party, itshistory, roots and beliefs canbe transmitted throughoutthe Executive Council andbring a positive influence to Fine Gael.

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South Candidates

CIAN KELLY(LIMERICK CITY)

Cian Kelly is a 27 year oldbarrister from Limerick. Cianis a former Chairman of UCGYFG and in addition to beinga former member of the YFGnational executive he alsoserved two terms on theGalway West Constituencyexecutive. Cian is currentlyVice-Chair of the ArthurGriffth branch in Limerickand actively involved in theEuropean and Local Electioncampaigns. Outside of FGCian plays hurling for NaPiarsaigh and rugby forGarryowen FC. Cian'snumber one objective ifelected to the ExecutiveCouncil will be to improve itscommunication with grassroots members.

NUALA O’NEILL(CORK EAST)

Nuala has been an activemember of Fine Gael in CorkEast since the early 1980’sand has held variouspositions at Branch, Districtand Constituency level. Sheis now the ConstituencyOrganiser and for the lastnumber of years has beenactively involved infundraising for the party asNational Super DrawCoordinator for Cork East.She is currently a member ofthe Executive Council. Nualais a qualified nurse havingspecialised in Paediatrics andis married with a grown upfamily.

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Parliamentary Party Candidates

LUCINDA CREIGHTON TD (DUBLIN SOUTH EAST)

Lucinda Creighton TD is abarrister and is originallyfrom Claremorris, Co. Mayo.In 2007 she was elected tothe 30th Dáil to representDublin South East, havingpreviously represented thePembroke Ward on DublinCity Council. She is theSpokesperson on EuropeanAffairs, a member of theEuropean Affairs andEuropean ScrutinyCommittees, and a memberof the Fine Gael ExecutiveCouncil.

PAUL KEHOE TD(WEXFORD)

Paul Kehoe TD was firstelected to Dáil Éireann in2002 and again in 2007.Paul was initially appointedFine Gael DeputySpokesperson onCommunications, Marine &Natural Resources and in2004 he was appointedFine Gael Chief Whip, aposition he still holds. Paulhas been a member of theFine Gael Executive Councilfor the past 5 years and hasalso held officer positionswithin Fine Gael in CountyWexford as well as otherlocal organisations.

JOHN PERRY TD(SLIGO NORTH LEITRIM)

John Perry TD is married toMarie and father of Jude.He was re-elected to theDáil in May 2007.

He served as Fine GaelSpokesperson on theMarine, October 2004-September 2007.John served as Fine GaelNational Director ofOrganisation and asChairman of the PublicAccounts Committeebetween September 2002and October 2004 and wasVice-Chairman of theOireachtas Joint Committeeon Communications andNatural Resources.

John is currentlyChairperson of the JointCommittee on EU Scrutiny.

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Council of Local PublicRepresentative Candidates

CLLR MARTIN CONWAY(CLARE)

Cllr. Martin Conway is amember of Clare CountyCouncil representing theEnnistymon electoral area.His election in 2004resulted in Fine Gaelgaining a second seat inNorth Clare for the firsttime. This led to an historicshift in power in localpolitics in Co. Clare whichultimately led to the firstever Fine Gael Mayor ofClare. He has proudlyrepresented Councillors’interests on the ExecutiveCouncil since 2006. MartinConway is at the coal faceof local politics and hisexperiences give him anunrivalled advantage inrepresenting Councillors’interests on the ExecutiveCouncil.

CLLR PAULINECOONAN(TIPPERARY NORTH)

Pauline is a member ofNorth Tipperary CountyCouncil and TemplemoreTown Council. Paulineplayed a pivotal role inregaining a seat for FineGael in North Tipperary inthe last General Electionand is much aware of theneeds of Councillors.

Pauline is passionate aboutpolitics and is a full timePublic Representative whowill work and voiceCouncillors’ concerns on theExecutive Council.

CLLR MARCELLACORCORAN KENNEDY (LAOIS/OFFALY)

• Full-time publicrepresentative since 1999

• Chairperson, Fine GaelCouncil of LocalRepresentatives

• Member, Fine GaelExecutive Council since 2004

• Past Chairperson and current member of Administrative Sub-Group of NationalExecutive Council

• Whip, Fine Gael Groupon Offaly County Council

• Member, Fine GaelWomen’s Group

• Past Super Draw (Offaly)co-ordinator

CLLR SEÁN MCKIERNAN(CAVAN/MONAGHAN)

Seán McKiernan is aged 27 years,and a native of Bailieborough,Co. Cavan.In October 2007 he was co-opted onto Cavan CountyCouncil to replace Senator JoeO’Reilly, with whom he worksclosely.

Seán is a Development Officer forMental Health Ireland, a nationalvoluntary movement, coveringCavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meathand North Dublin. He is acommitted voluntary andcommunity activist, a formerChairman and current Director ofBailieborough CommunityResource House, formerChairman of Cavan People InNeed, former member of CavanCommunity and Voluntary Forumand member of Cavan Healthand Social Care Forum amongmany other local groups.

Elected to the Executive Councilin 2002 for the old Connacht-Ulster Euro Constituency, Seánwas re-elected in 2004 and 2006.He has served on and beenChairman of many sub-committees of the Executive,including Affiliations Appeals,Discipline, Ard Fheis, NationalConference and SpecialConference committees. He wasChairman of the Administrationcommittee from 2004 to 2007which re-launched the Fine GaelWomens Group and Council ofPublic Representatives.

He is a Sub MEP in the NorthWest for Jim Higgins MEP.

Seán is a voice of youth andexperience on the ExecutiveCouncil.

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Session 1 – Friday Night 20.00 - 21.00IRELAND ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis believes that the passage ofthe Lisbon Treaty is more vital than ever forIreland in view of the economic downturn,reassures the Irish people that the treaty offers nothreat to Ireland’s neutrality, social policyconcerns or other matters, and endorses FineGael’s proposal to create a “European CitizensOfficer” to act as a conduit for informationbetween citizens of Ireland and the EuropeanUnion in the future.

Griffith Collins Branch, Dublin North Central

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis urges Fine Gael ingovernment to establish a mechanism to ensurethat future European Union treaties can bereferred to the Irish supreme court prior toenactment to test their constitutionality, to offerreassurance to Irish voters that European treatiesare in keeping with Irish constitutional rights and provisions.

Carnaross Branch, Meath East

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis notes the critical role playedby Ireland’s membership of the Eurozone inoffering stability to the Irish economy during therecent economic collapse and urges theGovernment to ensure that no actions of theirs,or inaction, endangers Ireland’s membership ofthe zone at this most critical time.

Pearse Morris Branch, Dublin South

Motion 4That this Árd Fheis, noting the cholera outbreakin Zimbabwe, and the threat in Sudan to expelNGOs and aid agencies by the end of 2009,urges the Irish Government to ensure anyoverseas development aid cuts do not affect Irishaid to Zimbabwe; and to use its influence at EU

Ard Fheis Motions for Debate

and UN level to ensure that Omar Hassan Ahmadal-Bashir, currently President of Sudan, is broughtbefore the International Criminal Court inaccordance with the warrants issued.

Michael Collins Branch, Wicklow

Motion 5That the Ard Fheis commends the PermanentDefence Forces on their participation in theEUFOR TChad/RCA force, supports Irishparticipation in the new United Nations forcethat has replaced EUFOR TChad/RCA, andbelieves that Ireland should continue to play anactive role in peace keeping and peace-enforcement missions in accordance with Irishconstitutional provisions

West Gate Branch, Louth

Motion 6That the Ard Fheis supports Irish participation inthe European Defence Agency, notes that theagency is intended to ensure greater value formoney in Irish spending to equip and train thePermanent Defence Forces, and urges theGovernment to ensure that Irish participation inthe European Defence Agency is not curtailed orabandoned due to policy disagreements among theparties of the current Fianna Fáil-Green coalition.

Stoneybatter Branch, Dublin Central

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis condemns unreservedly therecent killings of members of the British Armyand a PSNI officer in Northern Ireland anddemands that the security services on both sidesof the border are given adequate resources toeliminate the threat posed by these illegalorganisations who have no mandate for suchactions.

Blackrock/Haggardstown Branch, Louth

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Saturday Morning 09.00 – 10.15CONSTITUTION AND RULES

Amendment 1: Definition of CandidateThat the following sentence be added at the endof Rule 44A (v):- “For the avoidance of all doubtand without prejudice to the operation of (iv)above, only those persons selected as candidatesunder and pursuant to these Rules are entitled todescribe themselves as being Fine Gaelcandidates on literature, advertisements,correspondence, through public discourse andwhilst engaged in any form of political activityincluding inter alia election campaigning.’

Executive Council

Amendment 2: Code of conduct for candidates That Rule 44A (xiv) be amended to read:- “To laydown from time to time a code of conduct forpersons offering themselves for election and co-option and persons who have been selected ascandidates under these Rules and for thebehaviour of Members and Officers at all levels inthe Party which Code shall contain inter aliaprovisions relating to co-options to LocalAuthority and other public bodies and rulesrequiring notification to the ConstituencyExecutive and Executive Council of all occasionsfor co-options as soon as they shall occur.”

Executive Council

Amendment 3: Selection of candidates That a new Rule 44a (xxvii) be enacted and shallread as follows:- “to determine and execute thearrangements for the selection of Dail, EuropeanParliament, Local Authority or Udaras NaGaeltachta election and co-option candidates, byinterview and in lieu of a selection convention,following consultation with the officers of theresident District/Constituency Executive.”

Executive Council

In the event that Amendment 3 is carried thefollowing consequential amendments are required:-

Amendment 3a: That the following be added at the beginning of

the first sentence of Rule 15 (vii);Without prejudice to the operation of Rule 44a(xxvi) hereunder

Amendment 3b: That the following be added at the beginning ofthe first sentence of Rule 23 (i);Without prejudice to the operation of Rule 44a(xxvi) hereunder

Amendment 3c: That the following be added at the beginning ofthe first sentence of Rule 35;Without prejudice to the operation of Rule 44a(xxvi) hereunder

Amendment 3d: That the following be added at the beginning ofthe first sentence of Rule 37 (a); Withoutprejudice to the operation of Rule 44a (xxvi)hereunder

Executive Council

Amendment 4: Selection of candidates (2)That Rule 44A (vii) be amended to read asfollows; “to mandate by way of binding directive(after consultation with the officers of theresident District/Constituency Executive), that aselection convention shall select candidates orparticular candidates for election in accordancewith such geographical, or other considerationsas may be determined by the Executive Council,such other considerations may include, withoutlimitation, incumbency.”

Executive Council

Amendment 5: Local Area RepresentativesThat Rule 44A (ix) be amended to read asfollows;“to appoint, from time to time, AreaRepresentatives to represent the Party in a LocalElectoral Area or part of a Local Electoral Area,and to vary, extend, terminate and do all thingsconsequential to the said appointment”.

Executive Council


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Amendment 6 : Rule 9 (The Branch)That Rule 9 (ii) be amended with the insertion ofthe words “or reconstituted” after the word“established”

Executive Council

Amendment 7: Standing Down of Unit.That Rule 44a (xii) be amended with the insertionof the words “for reasons of maintenance of party discipline orfor strategic political reasons or for either”after the word “order” in the first line,

Executive Council

Amendment 8 : Non College Young Fine GaelbranchesThat the first sentence of the third paragraph ofRule 14 (vi) shall be deleted and substituted bythe following sentence:- “The provisions of thisrule shall also apply to Non College Branches ofYoung Fine Gael”.

Executive Council

Amendment 8 : Non College Young Fine GaelbranchesThat the first sentence of the third paragraph ofRule 14 (vi) shall be deleted and substituted bythe following sentence:- “The provisions of thisrule shall also apply to Non College Branches ofYoung Fine Gael”.

Executive Council

Amendment 9: Constituency and District StrategyCommitteesThat a new Rule 44a (xxvii) be enacted and shallread as follows:- “To determine thearrangements for the establishment ofConstituency and District Strategy Committees(without prejudice to the operation of Rule 30 (ii))and to prescribe standing orders for thegovernance of same following consultation withthe resident Constituency and DistrictExecutives”.

Amendment 10: European Elections – B ListThat a new Rule 37 (d) be enacted and shall read

as follows:- “The Executive Council shalldetermine the arrangements for the compositionand ranking of the MEP replacement list inrespect of the Fine Gael European Parliamentaryrepresentation.”

Executive Council

Amendment 11: Rule 38 That Rule 38 be deleted in its entirety andreplaced by :- Policy(1) The sole responsibility for the adoption ofpolicy within the Party lies with the ParliamentaryParty, subject to the authority of the Ard Fheis inaccordance with Rule 54 (d) (vii)(2) The Parliamentary Party shall provide, forconsultative purposes, a statement of currentParty policy to all Branches (including Branches ofYoung Fine Gael), District Executives andConstituency Executives annually;(3) The Parliamentary Party shall present aconsolidated statement of party policy to eachArd Fheis.”

Executive Council

Amendment 12: Election to Executive Council –Two Year RuleThat a new Rule 39 (e) be enacted and shall readas follows: “Only those persons who are eligibleto vote in accordance with Rule 14 (vii) aboveshall be entitled to become a member of theExecutive Council.”

Executive Council

Amendment 13: Seanad Eireann Elections – HigherEducation Panels That a new Rule 52 (d) be enacted and shall readas follows:“The Executive Council shall have the power todetermine;(i) the manner in which Fine Gael candidates maybe selected and ratified to contest a SeanadEireann General Election on the NationalUniversity of Ireland and the University of Dublinpanels (or on any successor Higher Educationpanels to the aforesaid) or


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(ii) the manner in which Fine Gael shall endorsethe candidacy of persons nominated to contest aSeanad Eireann General Election on the NationalUniversity of Ireland and the University of Dublinpanels (or on any successor Higher Educationpanels to the aforesaid)In the event that Amendment 13 is carried thefollowing consequential amendment is required:-

Amendment 13 (a)That Rule 2 (ii) be amended by deleting thewords “(other than candidates on the UniversityPanels)”.

Executive Council

Amendment 14: Composition of ElectionCommitteeThat the second sentence of Rule 30 (ii) bedeleted and substituted by the followingsentence “at least one” for “not less than three”so that it reads “The Committee will consist ofthe Constituency Organiser, Constituency P.R.O.,Accounting Officer and at least one othermember selected by the Constituency Executive”.

Executive Council

Amendments 15 to 21: ConventionsAmendment 15: Local Authority Election/co-option conventions and District AGMs (1)That the second paragraph of the preamble toRule 24 be amended by substituting the word“eligible” for “entitled”.

and Amendment 16: Local Authority Election/co-option conventions and District AGMs (2)That the second paragraph of the preamble toRule 24 be amended by adding the words“unless otherwise directed by Executive Council”after “ District Executive Annual Meetings” sothat it reads:- “Those eligible to vote at suchConventions and Annual General Meetingsunless otherwise directed by Executive Councilshall be:”

Amendment 17: Local Authority Election/co-option conventions

That the first paragraph of the preamble to Rule24 be amended to read as follows:- “Withoutprejudice to the operation of Rule 44a (xxvi)hereunder, Local Authority Election and co-option conventions shall be convened inaccordance with the terms of a directive from theExecutive Council to select candidates for LocalAuthority Election or co-option and to takedecisions for any purpose that the ExecutiveCouncil may direct. Local Authority Election andco-option conventions and District ExecutiveAnnual General Meetings shall be conducted asfollows;”

Amendment 18: Dail Conventions andConstituency AGMs (1)That Rule 35 (i) be amended by substituting theword “eligible” for “entitled”.

and Amendment 19: Dail Conventions andConstituency AGMs (2)That Rule 35 (ii) be amended by adding thewords “unless otherwise directed by ExecutiveCouncil” after “Constituency Annual GeneralMeetings” so that it reads:- “Those eligible tovote at any such Convention or Annual GeneralMeeting unless otherwise directed by ExecutiveCouncil shall be:”

Amendment 20: Borough and Town CouncilConventions/Co-Options.That the second paragraph of Rule 15 (vii) beamended by substituting the word “eligible” for“entitled”.

Amendment 21: Borough and Town CouncilConventions/Co-Options (2)That the first paragraph of Rule 15 (vii) beamended to read as follows:-

“Without prejudice to the operation of Rule 44a(xxvi) hereunder, Conventions for the selection ofCandidates for Borough/Town Councils or co-options shall be convened by the ConstituencySecretary in consultation with the GeneralSecretary and in accordance with the terms of a


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directive from the Executive Council to selectcandidates for Borough and Town CouncilElection or co-option and to take decisions forany purpose that the Executive Council maydirect”

Executive Council

Amendment 22: Provisional Membership incl.online applicationsThat the first sentence of Rule 14 (v) be amendedto read as follows:- “Provisional Membership, fora period not exceeding three months, may begranted to those seeking to join the Party onlyfollowing a determination of the relevantConstituency Officer Board situated in thefunctional area where the applicant ordinarilyresides, and pending consideration of thatperson’s application for membership by therelevant Branch”.

Executive Council

Amendment No. 23 - OMOVInsert the word “Nominated” at the start of Rule15 (vii)(i)Amendment 2 in the name of the ParliamentaryParty: Insert new Rule 15 (vii)(iv) after the Current Rule15 (vii)(iii) as follows:“The number of members who can benominated for the purposes of Rule 15 (vii)(i)shall be determined by reference to the numberof members in each Branch. Where a Branch has20 members or less, it shall have an equalnumber of nominated members as there aremembers of the Branch. Where a Branch has inexcess of 20 members, it shall be entitled tonominate one additional member for each fivemembers in excess of 20 members of theBranch”Consequential amendments to Rule 24(i) and Rule35 (ii) would follow new Amendment 1 and 2

Parliamentary Party

Related motions from Galway West Constituencyand Bunbeg/Dore Branch/ Donegal South West

AMENDMENT NO. 24 - EXECUTIVE COUNCILAmend Rule 39 (b) paragraph 4 to read asfollows: "three representatives (who shall not bePublic Representatives) of Young Fine Gaelelected by and from its membership".

(Effect: Increases the number of Young Fine Gaelrepresentatives on the Fine Gael ExecutiveCouncil from two to three.)

Dublin North Central YFG

ORGANISATIONAL MOTION NO. 1 “That Fine Gael would no longer compelbranches to carry out a National Collection atchurch gates and would instead opt to allowbranches to carry out collections organisedvoluntarily, on individual dates at local level.”.

Roscommon Town Branch, Roscommon/South Leitrim

ORGANISATIONAL MOTION NO. 2 “At a recent meeting where a crowd of one

hundred people and public representativesattended there was a 100% agreement that thenational collection should not be abolished.”

Ballinrobe/Claremorris District, Mayo


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Saturday Morning 10:15 – 11.15FAIR HEALTH CARE

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis notes with serious concernthe outstanding difficulties with the NursingHome Support Scheme Bill; the implications thishas for monies repaid on the family home andassociated land or assets, and the worryingrepercussions this has for older people and theirfamilies.

Dollymount/Hollybrook Branch, Dublin North Central

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’sdecision to withdraw automatic entitlement tothe over-70s medical card and calls on Fine Gaelin Government to immediately reverse thisdecision.

Jim Gill Blackrock Branch, Dun Laoghaire

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis recognising and valuing theenormous contribution by carers, condemns theGovernment’s decision to scrap the NationalCarers’ Strategy, that this action exposesGovernment promises as nothing but emptyrhetoric and calls on Fine Gael in Government todevelop and improve services and supports for allcarers.

Terenure Branch, Dublin South East

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis recognising the increase insuicide rates and mental illness during times ofeconomic recession; calls on the Government touphold its commitment to ring-fence fundingraised from the sale of properties associated withpsychiatric hospitals for reinvestment in mentalhealth services and facilities.

Bailieboro Branch, Cavan/Monaghan

Motion 5That this Ard Fheis condemns the Governmentfor targeting the vulnerable and cutting frontlineservices, rather than achieving savings throughother means, such as addressing the burgeoningbureaucracy within the HSE, through theprescribing of generic medicines and theelimination of costly inefficiencies.

Kildare Town, Kildare South

Related motions from: Templemore Branch,Tipperary North, Kildare Town, YFG, Kildare South.

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis fully approves and supportsthe Fine Gael decision to introduce UniversalHealth Care which will improve the safety, qualityand efficiency of our health service, whileensuring it is patient centred and that it deliversequal and timely access, guaranteeing truly faircare for everyone.

Clonsilla Branch, Dublin West

Related motions from: Kildare Town


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Saturday 11.15 – 13.00 GETTING IRELAND BACK TO WORK

Motion 1

This Ard Fheis, alarmed at Ireland’s dramaticallyrising unemployment rate and fallinginternational competitiveness standing, calls onthe Government to immediately reassess thenational development plan to prioritise labourintensive projects that will deliver improvednational infrastructure.

Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West

Motion 2This Ard Fheis condemns the Government forlacking any coherent plan for job creation, andfor not having any innovative or imaginativestrategies for embracing new sectors for jobgrowth, and calls on Fine Gael to promote jobspolicy that takes advantage of emerging marketsand technology.

Naas Branch, Kildare North

Motion 3This Ard Fheis supports Fine Gael policy to start agreen energy revolution in Ireland by supportingand investing in new renewable energyinfrastructure and by redeveloping the nationalgrid which will result in thousands of new jobs inthe economy.

Young Fine Gael, Dublin South East

Motion 4This Ard Fheis condemns the Government forwide scale duplication of services and inefficiencyin support for local job creation and calls on FineGael to place Local Government at the centre ofbusiness support and job creation strategies atthe community level.

Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West

Motion 5This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for itsfailure to anticipate or prepare for the inevitableend of the property bubble and its failure toeffectively maintain the fundamentals of a strongeconomy, which would have provided protectionagainst the tougher external conditions whichare now being experienced, and also condemnsthe failure of the government to curb theexcesses of a small circle engaged in dangerousproperty speculation.

Charleville Branch, Cork North West

Motion 6This Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in Governmentto support struggling small and medium sizedbusinesses by reducing unnecessary red tape,lowering Government controlled utility costs, byintroducing a Government-backed loanguarantee for viable small & medium enterprises,and suspending PSRI payments for newemployees for the next two years.

Deansgrange Branch, Dun Laoghaire

Motion 7This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for itswasteful spending and for creatingunaccountable quangos, and calls for totalreform in the way budgets are put together toachieve better value given scarce availableresources.

Taylors Hill Kingston Branch, Galway West

Motion 8This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for itspoor record in providing training services for theunemployed, reducing the budget for Skillnets,and for excluding recently unemployed personsfrom the back to education allowance scheme,and calls on Government to completely overhaultraining services and provision on both a nationaland local level.

Blackrock/Haggardstown Branch, Louth

Related motions from Ratoath Curragha andDunboyne branches, Meath East.


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Saturday 14.00 – 15.15 RIGHTS WITH RESPONSIBILITIES

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis calls for the resignation of theMinister for Children and Youth Affairs for his abjectfailure to ensure proper and uniform application ofthe Children First: National Guidelines for theProtection and Welfare of Children of 1999 and forhis failure to take the action necessary to ensure theHSE provides to children at risk the protection towhich they are entitled.

Oliver J Flanagan Mountmellick Branch Laois/Offaly

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael inGovernment to request High Court judges to sitlonger in the vacation period to clear the backlogof asylum applications as a contribution to thecurrent economic climate thus reducing costs tothe Exchequer of the asylum process.

Mount Merrion Branch, Dublin South

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’sabject failure to ensure that independentinvestigations are conducted and that regularand comprehensive reports are published into theunacceptable standards of HSE accommodationfor unaccompanied children seeking asylum,which is the main reason for these children goingmissing from care.

Cosgrave/Mitchell Branch, Dublin South Central

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis, acutely aware of theovercrowding crisis in our prisons, of the€97,000 annual cost of imprisoning one person,and of the lack of comprehensive rehabilitationprogrammes for prisoners, condemns theMinister for Justice for failing to introduceprogressive fines legislation to lower the prisonpopulation and its costs and for failing toconstructively reduce recidivism rates amongstoffenders.

Ballyroan Branch, Laois/Offaly

Motion 5That this Ard Fheis, noting the significant rise inserious offences committed by suspects while onbail, calls on Fine Gael in Government toempower the courts to electronically tag personson bail, to reduce the number of crimescommitted while on bail and to ensure thatvictims of crime can feel safe.

Edenderry Branch, Laois/Offaly

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis commits Fine Gael inGovernment to enforce and extend the penaltieswithin the Companies Act 1995 and 2003 andCriminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act2001 to prevent and deter white collar crime.

Swords Branch, Dublin North

Related motions from: Ratoath-Curragha Branch,Meath East and Christy Walsh Fine Gael Branch,Cork North Central and YFG

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis, alarmed at the upsurge inorganised crime and the reduced surveillanceactivity of Operation Anvil, calls on Fine Gael ingovernment to enact and enforce the CriminalJustice (Prevention of Violence) Bill 2008 whichwill address the rise in gangland crime and theproliferation of the drugs trade by introducingCriminal Organisation Civil Restriction Ordersamongst other measures.

Corbally Branch, Limerick City

Related motions from: Christy Walsh branch, CNC


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Saturday 15.15 – 16.30 JOBS FOR THE REGIONS

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’sintroduction of an air travel tax as a counterproductive measure, which has resulted in areduction in airline services, is acting as adisincentive for the rapidly declining number ofoverseas visitors travelling to Ireland, and isparticularly short-sighted considering the fact thatGovernment will benefit from the auctioning ofcarbon credits from the sector from 2012 and callson Fine Gael in Government to reverse the levy.

Swords Branch, Dublin North

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis deplores the Government’sfailure to adequately exploit one of the fastestgrowing areas of the world tourism market bynot maximising Ireland’s potential as a culturaltourism destination, its failure to make culturalattractions and collections easily accessible totourists and to maintain our national culturalinstitutions to a high standard and calls on FineGael in Government to produce a strategy forremoving barriers to tourism in this growing area.

Bartlemy-Rathcormac Branch, Cork East

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’slack of a coherent strategy to develop sustainablejob opportunities or enterprise creation in rural andregional areas and calls on Fine Gael in Governmentto focus on employment in the regions.

Killala Branch, Mayo

Motion 4That the Fine Gael Party insists that Governmentgive full consideration to the viability and cost ofputting new electricity grid infrastructureunderground as an alternative to constructingfurther over ground pylons as part of the processto upgrade Ireland's electricity grid infrastructure,and that international best practice and the latesttechnologies be examined in full in this regard.

Carrickatee Branch, Cavan/Monaghan

Motion 5That this Ard Fheis rejects the Government’sdelay in rolling out broadband in rural areas, thepoor quality of existing broadband services in theregions, the impediment this poses to jobcreation and sustainability and calls on Fine Gaelin Government to deliver high quality broadbandservices to rural areas.

Cahir Branch, Tipperary South

Motion 6Cáineann an Ard Fheis seo An Rialtas ar an easpadul chun cinn maidir le straitéis fadthéarmach dofhorbairt na Gaeilge a chur ar fáil agus an teipfostaíocht agus saol pobail cuimsitheach achruthú sna ceantair Ghaeltachta.

Bunbeg Dore Branch, Donegal South West

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis acknowledges the potential ofthe agri-food sector to stimulate job creation andcalls on Fine Gael in Government to capitalisefully on the opportunities the sector offers foremployment and economic growth.

Ballyforan Dysart Branch, Roscommon/South Leitrim

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis recognises the burden that redtape, over-interpretation of EU regulations andlayers of bureaucracy are placing on theagriculture, fisheries and food industries, themonitoring and traceability problems highlightedby the recent food safety crisis and calls on FineGael in Government to undertake an audit of allsuch regulations and measures, to reduce theburden placed on the sector withoutcompromising on food safety or quality.

Michael Collins Letterkenny Branch, Donegal North East

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis recognises the injusticesattached to the use of criminal sanctions forminor fisheries offences, condemns theGovernment for their failure to address this issueand calls on Fine Gael in Government to adopt asystem of administrative sanctions for minoroffences for the fisheries sector.

Michael Og McFadden Kilcar Branch, Donegal South West

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Saturday 16.30 – 17.30LEADING THROUGH LEARNING

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis welcomes the publication ofthe Fine Gael Green Paper on Third Level Reform,The Third Way.

Ballinteer Branch, Dublin South

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis calls for Fine Gael in Governmentto introduce greater links between the educationsector and industry to encourage stronger levels ofinnovation, to improve the skills of emerginggraduates and to facilitate a speedier transition ofthose unemployed back into the workforce.

Ward 3 Branch, Waterford

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis condemns the fact thatthroughout twelve years of power Governmentignored the need to prepare our educationalsystem for the emerging needs of a knowledgeeconomy and recognises that schools are nowstruggling with third world standard computersand a now out-of-date and much needed ICTStrategy for schools has been shelved.

Clonkeen Branch, Dun Laoghaire

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’shistoric neglect of the PLC and Further Educationsector, its restriction of the number of placesavailable to students in further education at atime when unemployment is at an all-time highand calls on Fine Gael in Government todistribute resources committed to training placesfor existing service providers across the furthereducation sector.

Dunboyne Branch - Meath East

Related motions from: Rhebogue, Limerick

Motion 5That this Ard Fheis rejects the Government’sdecision to callously withdraw a wide range ofeducational services and resources withouteducational foundation or justification and callson Fine Gael in Government to protect frontline

services at all costs by looking for savings in areasof waste and inefficiency to ensure all childrenreceive the education they deserve.

Rathoath/Curragha Branch, Meath East

Related motions from: Lucan Branch, Dublin MidWest, Ashbourne Branch, Meath East, RhebogueBranch, Limerick City, Dunboyne Branch, MeathEast, Young Fine Gael.

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis rejects the Government’spoliticisation of the school building programme,the lack of transparency and accountabilityassociated with the system and the resultinguncertainty and frustration schools experience inplanning for future needs and calls on Fine Gaelin Government to review the school buildingprogramme, to weed out inefficiencies and theenormous waste of money involved and toimplement a transparent system of buildingwhich delivers better value for money.

Kenmare/Bonane Branch, Kerry South

Related motions from: Ashbourne Branch, MeathEast, Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West, DunboyneBranch, Meath East, Killala Branch, Mayo.

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis recognises the lack ofinformation available to parents in deciding whereto send their children to school and theGovernment’s poor system of inspection andassessment and calls on Fine Gael in Government tointroduce a system of Annual School Reportsproviding parents with a fully rounded view of whata school has to offer students and their families.

John Kelly Rathfarnham Branch, Dublin South

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis recognises the importance ofschools in developing an interest in sport,condemns the Government’s introduction ofrestrictions on supervision which have posed athreat to the future of schools’ participation insporting competitions and calls on Fine Gael inGovernment to do all in its power to support thedevelopment of sport in young people.

Birr Branch, Laois Offaly

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Notes

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Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009 Clár

Documents

Transcript of Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009 Clár