Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009 Clár

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Ard Fheis 2009 75th Ard Fheis Citywest Hotel, Dublin 3rd & 4th April

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ARD FHEIS 2009 information

SECURITY Entrance to the Ard Fheis can only be gained on production of a Membership or Delegate Card or an Invitation.

CAR PARKING Ample car parking is available within the grounds of the Citywest Hotel. There is no charge for parking.

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FROM HEUSTON STATION Shuttle Bus Service: A free shuttle bus service will operate from the Red Cow Luas Park and Ride facility to the Citywest Hotel every hour from 9am until 7pm on Saturday, April 4th. On Sunday, April 5th, buses will depart Citywest for the Red Cow every hour from 9am to 12noon. Please note the Luas operates a direct service to the Red Cow from Heuston and Connolly rail stations and Busaras bus station.

VOTING Voting for the Executive Council will take place between 1pm and 4pm. To vote, members must produce a valid Membership Card (2008/9) and Delegate Card, and may be asked to produce other means of identification.

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

SOCIAL INFORMATION FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS Full catering facilities are available all weekend in Citywest.

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

ARD FHEIS FUNDRAISING RAFFLE ACCOMMODATION Special room rates for Fine Gael delegates have been negotiated with the Citywest Hotel. The rates are: €100 per room B&B and €110 for superior room B&B. There is limited availability in the hotel. When booking, members must mention that they are Party delegates. Details of alternative accommodation have already been circulated to all members. If you require additional copies please contact Headquarters or visit the website www.finegael.ie

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With the Local and European Elections just a matter of months away, we need to have funds in place to enable us to build on our performance from 2004 and to put us on a strong footing as we look forward to the next General Election, whenever that may be. To do this we need your help. An envelope raffle will take place on Saturday evening just prior to the Leader’s speech. To be in with a chance of winning, simply place your donation in the envelope provided and complete with your name and mobile number. Raffle envelopes will be available in the hall on the night and from the reception desk throughout the weekend.

WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009

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Ard Fheis Contents

05

ARD FHEIS STANDING ORDERS

06

LEADER’S MESSAGE

07

FINE GAEL HEADQUARTERS

08

FINANCIAL REPORT

09

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CANDIDATES

10

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

11

DUBLIN CANDIDATES

12

EAST CANDIDATES

13

NORTH WEST CANDIDATES

14-15

SOUTH CANDIDATES

16

PARLIAMENTARY PARTY CANDIDATES

17

COUNCIL OF LOCAL PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES

18-27

MOTIONS FOR DEBATE

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Ard Fheis Timetable

Friday 3 April 2009 15.00 to 17.00: 19.30 to 20.00: 20.00 to 21.00:

Meeting of Local Election candidates – Verschoyle Suite Opening ceremonies and Leader’s speech – Main Hall Session 1: Ireland on the International Stage – Main Hall (European and Foreign Affairs, Defence) Chair: Senator Paschal Donohoe

Saturday 4 April 2009 09.00 to 10.00: 09.00 to 10.15: 10.15 to 11.15: 11.15 to 13.00:

Breakfast with Enda – Kingswood Suite Session 2: Constitution and Rules – Main Hall Chair: John Delamere Session 3: Fair Health Care – Main Hall (Health) Chair: Jim Higgins MEP 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: 15.15 to 16.30: 16.30 to 17.30:

Session 5: Rights with Responsibilities – Kingswood Suite (Justice, Immigration, Crime & Children’s Rights) Chair: Colm Burke MEP Session 6: Jobs for the Regions – Kingswood Suite (Agriculture, Tourism and Regional Development) Chair: Sean Kelly 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 Suite 13.00 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 Events 23.00:

Dancing to Applecore – Kingswood Suite

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Ard Fheis Standing Orders

1. PROCEDURE

5. SPEAKERS

The ruling of the presiding Chairperson for each session as listed on the Clár on all matters of procedure is final.

A strict time limit will be imposed on all speakers. The proposer of a motion will be allowed two minutes. Every delegate wishing to speak will take his or her place near the rostrum five minutes before he or she expects to be called on to speak. Every delegate on rising must first announce his or her name and the name of his or her unit of the organisation. A speaker must cease speaking when instructed to do so by the Chairperson.

2. MOTIONS A motion which is not on the Clár may only be moved subject to Standing Order Number 3. If, on a motion having been called, no delegate from the unit of the organisation which submitted it rises to speak, the Ard Fheis will proceed to the next business, unless the Chairperson decides to permit some other delegate to propose the motion.

3. EMERGENCY MOTIONS The Steering Committee may admit an emergency motion of exceptional significance, if at least one hour’s notice in writing is given to the Steering Committee, the decision of which shall be final. Standing Orders shall not otherwise be modified.

4. AMENDMENTS An amendment to a motion other than those tabled by the Executive Council may be moved only if notice of the Amendment has been given in writing to the Chairperson one hour before the session begins. An amendment proposing a direct negative to a motion may not be moved.

6. DECISIONS Decisions will be made by a show of delegate cards. In the event of the Chairperson being unable to decide the outcome of any vote, a count will be taken by tellers, drawn firstly from the Executive Council and secondly by a decision of the Chairperson.

7. RELEVANCE If any delegate is directed by the Chairperson to cease speaking on the grounds of irrelevance, he/she must do so forthwith. The Chairperson’s decision on matters of relevance is final.

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Message from Fine Gael Leader ENDA KENNY TD

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 the weekend, we will discuss and debate our many new ideas to create and protect jobs and to reform 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 covering all the key policy areas which will be debated with the relevant spokespeople. I encourage you to attend these debates and the other events over the weekend. This Ard Fheis also marks an important point in the preparations for the Local Authority and European Parliament elections on 5th June. The Party has already selected well over 600 excellent candidates for these elections and I hope you will have the opportunity of meeting and hearing from many of them during the Ard Fheis. It is also an important weekend for those who are contesting the elections to the various positions on 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 you personally. Best regards

Enda Kenny TD

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Fine Gael HQ

DEAR MEMBER, A very warm welcome to our 75th Ard Fheis, which marks the start of our European and Local Election 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 every member of the Party. However, I would counsel that every vote must be earned as part of an unstinting effort between now and June 5. The Party will have 700 candidates in the field for the Local Elections. The Ard Fheis provides an opportunity for them, and all members of the Party, to shape policy as we move together towards 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 of Ireland’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 two years. This increase was largely due to the 2007 General Election and to ongoing strengthening of our organisation. Having incurred an overall loss of €1.82m over the period, we carried a loss of €1.53m into 2008, 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 who have helped plan another tremendous gathering of our great national organisation. I hope you enjoy the weekend and look forward to meeting you.

Tom Curran General Secretary.

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Financial Report FINE GAEL HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR 2006 AND 2007 INCOME

€

Oireachtas Grants

7,220,814

Branch Affiliations

717,916

Party Fund

129,550

Miscellaneous Income Election Superdraw Fundraising and Donations Total

93,744 1,276,747 893,717 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 Bank Charges and Interest

87,743 149,495

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)

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Executive Council Candidates 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

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Vice Presidential Candidates

ALAN DUKES (KILDARE SOUTH)

Outgoing Vice-President of Fine Gael. TD from June 1981 to May 2002. Leader of Fine Gael April 1987 to November 1990. Former Minister for: • Agriculture • Finance • Justice • Transport, Energy and Communications. Director General, Institute of European Affairs, 2003 – 2007. Currently Public Affairs Consultant, Director of Anglo Irish Bank, Chairman of Alliance Francaise, Dublin, Board member of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

GERRY O’CONNELL (TIPPERARY NORTH) Gerry is a 32 year old solicitor from Killenaule, Co. Tipperary. He has served as a Vice President since 2004, is a former President of YFG, the current Director of Elections for Dublin North West and has served on seven different sub committees in the lifetime of the current Executive Council. Gerry is also the Secretary of the Collins 22 Society, has compiled various presentations on FG history and has acted as a motivational speaker for the Party at General Election Rallies, Michael Collins Rallies and Ard Fheiseanna.

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Dublin Candidates

BRENDAN HENEGHAN

BRIAN MURPHY

DANIEL SULLIVAN

MICHAEL VAN TURNHOUT

(DUBLIN SOUTH EAST)

(DUBLIN NORTH)

(DUBLIN NORTH CENTRAL)

(DUBLIN SOUTH)

Brendan was a member of the Executive Council from 1996 to 2006 and chair for two years. Since then he has been a backbench activist (to be recommended!) in Dublin South East. Brendan is seeking re-election as he believes his previous experience can be put to good use in maximizing the opportunities now available to the Party to become the largest player.

Brian believes that Dublin will be the key battle ground in the next General Election and that the Executive Council will play a vital role in ensuring that we get the best possible return in terms of seats. He believes his wide experience in the party over twenty five years, including the last five on the Executive, would enable him to contribute significantly to this task and to being a strong voice for the Dublin membership on the Executive Council.

Daniel Sullivan was a Local Election candidate for Fine Gael in Dublin in 2004 and also stood for the NUI Seanad Panel in 2007. Daniel has worked in the software field in industry and academia since graduating from the University of Limerick in 1991. He has worked mainly in Ireland but also for extended periods in the US and Japan. He writes about technology and its impact on society and politics at www.danielsullivan.ie

I am seeking re-election for a second term. I have been an active member of the Executive and of the Dublin Local Elections, Membership Affiliations, Administration and IT subcommittees.

He has been an active member of the Dublin North Constituency for 25 years including serving as Chairperson 1999/2003. He served as Director of Elections in Dublin North East in 2007 the only Constituency in Dublin where the Party gained a seat at the direct expense of Fianna Fail. He is a member of the party’s delegation to the Forum on Europe and has previously served as Special Advisor to Gay Mitchell, Minister for European Affairs 1995 - 1997, First Vice President and President of the European Young Christian Democrats 1990 - 1996 and President of Young Fine Gael 1986 - 1988.

I am very passionate about politics. I have held many positions in branch and Constituency, including Director of Elections in Dublin South for the last local and General Elections (Only Dublin constituency with two TDs elected). I am now Chairman of the Constituency. As it is important for me and the work of the Executive to talk to members and receive their feedback, I have visited many Dublin constituencies on a regular basis. I am an experienced senior manager and am able to bring a professional and business approach to the work of Fine Gael.

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East Candidates

ELLEN COGAVIN

JOHN HAYES

(MEATH EAST)

(WEXFORD)

Ellen Cogavin, Millfarm, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, lives with her husband Stephen and daughters Stephanie and Caitilin. Ellen is a Roscommon native with a farming background. A trained nurse & midwife, Ellen works as an assistant Director of nursing with the HSE.

John is from the Fethardon-Sea area in the New Ross District of County Wexford. A life long active member of Fine Gael, he has held numerous positions at Branch, District, and Constituency level and has served on the Executive Council for the past three years. As Constituency Director of Elections for many years, he has gained a lot of experience in tallies, opinion polls and electioneering. He contested the Local Elections for Fine Gael in 1985.

Trained in Podiatry, Ellen also studied criminal & constitutional law at London University, and holds a H.Dip in clinical risk management from U.C.D. An active member of Fine Gael, Ellen contested the 2004 Local Elections for the Dunshaughlin electoral area. She is member of Co. Meath VEC and is a member of the BOM of St Peter’s College Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin Community College, Ashbourne Community College and Dunboyne Primary school. Chairperson of The Lagore Community Creche Committee where she recently turned the sod for a €1.2 million project. Ellen would describe herself as a community activist.

Deeply involved in sporting and community activities over the years, John is a former Chairman of Wexford Athletic County Board, Vice President of the County Community Games, and present Chairman of the Cockleshell Art Centre Duncannon Fort, and has held membership of such organisations as Civil Defence, FCA, IFA, GAA and Macra na Feirme.

JOAN MULVIHILL (WICKLOW) Joan Mulvihill is originally from Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Joan has served on the Executive Council for the past two terms and is keen to continue her involvement with the Party as an Executive Council representative for East. She is currently Chairperson of Michael Collins branch, Bray, Co. Wicklow and since becoming an active member of the party on her return to Ireland in 2002, she has supported the party across a wide range of activities; the Leader’s Tour, Ard Fheis, Disciplinary Committee as well as on-the-ground canvassing work.

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North West Candidates

LEONORA CAREY

FRANK CURLEY

JOHN DELAMERE

LORRAINE MUNNELLY

(CLARE)

(ROSCOMMON / SOUTH LEITRIM)

(LONGFORD/WESTMEATH)

(MAYO)

John has been a member of Executive Council since 1996 and has been Chairperson of the Executive since 2004. Has been an active participant in all of the Executive’s activities at subcommittee level, including Local Election, OMOV and Seanad selection committees.

Lorraine is from County Mayo and is a member of the current Executive Council. She was first elected in 2004 and was reelected in 2006. Lorraine has served on various sub committees during her past two terms and she is currently a member of the 2009 Ard Fheis Steering Group. Lorraine has been involved in various levels of the organisation and is currently Constituency secretary in Mayo.

A member of Fine Gael since 1989 Daughter of Donal Carey, former FG TD & sister of Joe Carey TD Vice Chairperson & member of the Executive Council since 2004 Chairperson of Executive Council Ard Fheis & Conference Steering committee Active in designing reform proposals for units of the organisation Director of Elections European and Local Elections, Dublin Central 2004 Member of Dublin Central Fine Gael 1997-2007 holding all levels of officer positions Founding member of East Clare YFG, served on YFG Executive 1992-1996 Record of fairness and hard work on the Executive Council

A native of Killimor, Co Galway, Frank resides at Ballyleague, Co Roscommon. He is self employed and is a lifelong active member of Fine Gael. At Constituency level Frank is chairman of Roscommon/South Leitrim Constituency. He has previously held the position in Roscommon/East Galway and Longford Roscommon. He has chaired selection conventions in many parts of the region. He has served as Director of Elections in two General Elections and is currently director for the forthcoming Local Elections. He was first elected to the Executive Council in 2006.

John also continues to be heavily involved at all levels of the party in his Longford/ Westmeath Constituency and will be party’s Director of Elections for the forthcoming election campaign. John’s priorities, if reelected will be to continue to enhance and build on the improved mutual understanding of the respective roles of the Executive and the parliamentary party which has developed in a significant way under his Chairpersonship and to position the party strategically for an early return to Government.

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South Candidates

MAURICE FITZGERALD

JONATHAN HOARE

(TIPPERARY NORTH)

(CORK NORTH WEST)

I am a 24 year old accountant from Cappawhite in Co Tipperary. I was educated at St Fintan’s CBS, Doon and UCC where I attained a degree in Finance. If I was to describe myself in three words I would say honest, hardworking and dependable.

Jonathan Hoare from the Baile Bhuirne Gaeltacht in Co. Cork is a member of the Baile Bhuirne/ Cuil Aodha Fine Gael Branch and a founding member of Muskerry YFG. Currently working as Parliamentary Assistant to Fine Gael Agriculture Spokesperson Michael Creed TD, Jonathan became involved in YFG while completing his degree studies at UCC, majoring in politics. Having held officerships in YFG at both local and National level, and in Fine Gael at Constituency level, Jonathan has a vast experience in the party despite being only 26 years of age. Jonathan is contesting election to the Executive Council of Fine Gael in order to fight for a stronger voice for members in the areas of policy and campaigning. Jonathan is a strong advocate for the involvement of young people in politics and once contested a co-option convention to Cork County Council. Jonathan hopes that his passion for the party, its history, roots and beliefs can be transmitted throughout the Executive Council and bring a positive influence to Fine Gael.

JOSEPH KELLEHER (CORK NORTH WEST) Joseph Kelleher joined FG when 18 years of age and has served in the Millstreet Branch, being at various times Treasurer, Organiser, and currently Secretary. In the Cork North West Constituency Joseph has been Treasurer and PRO, 2005 to 2008, and is currently Policy Officer of the Constituency. Born in Cork City in 1976, he studied in Millstreet C.S. and Cork I.T., thereafter working in the construction industry.

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South Candidates

CIAN KELLY (LIMERICK CITY)

NUALA O’NEILL

Cian Kelly is a 27 year old barrister from Limerick. Cian is a former Chairman of UCG YFG and in addition to being a former member of the YFG national executive he also served two terms on the Galway West Constituency executive. Cian is currently Vice-Chair of the Arthur Griffth branch in Limerick and actively involved in the European and Local Election campaigns. Outside of FG Cian plays hurling for Na Piarsaigh and rugby for Garryowen FC. Cian's number one objective if elected to the Executive Council will be to improve its communication with grass roots members.

Nuala has been an active member of Fine Gael in Cork East since the early 1980’s and has held various positions at Branch, District and Constituency level. She is now the Constituency Organiser and for the last number of years has been actively involved in fundraising for the party as National Super Draw Coordinator for Cork East. She is currently a member of the Executive Council. Nuala is a qualified nurse having specialised in Paediatrics and is married with a grown up family.

(CORK EAST)

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Parliamentary Party Candidates

LUCINDA CREIGHTON TD

PAUL KEHOE TD

JOHN PERRY TD

(DUBLIN SOUTH EAST)

(WEXFORD)

(SLIGO NORTH LEITRIM)

Lucinda Creighton TD is a barrister and is originally from Claremorris, Co. Mayo. In 2007 she was elected to the 30th Dáil to represent Dublin South East, having previously represented the Pembroke Ward on Dublin City Council. She is the Spokesperson on European Affairs, a member of the European Affairs and European Scrutiny Committees, and a member of the Fine Gael Executive Council.

Paul Kehoe TD was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2002 and again in 2007. Paul was initially appointed Fine Gael Deputy Spokesperson on Communications, Marine & Natural Resources and in 2004 he was appointed Fine Gael Chief Whip, a position he still holds. Paul has been a member of the Fine Gael Executive Council for the past 5 years and has also held officer positions within Fine Gael in County Wexford as well as other local organisations.

John Perry TD is married to Marie and father of Jude. He was re-elected to the Dáil in May 2007. He served as Fine Gael Spokesperson on the Marine, October 2004September 2007. John served as Fine Gael National Director of Organisation and as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee between September 2002 and October 2004 and was Vice-Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications and Natural Resources. John is currently Chairperson of the Joint Committee on EU Scrutiny.

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Council of Local Public Representative Candidates

CLLR MARTIN CONWAY (CLARE) Cllr. Martin Conway is a member of Clare County Council representing the Ennistymon electoral area. His election in 2004 resulted in Fine Gael gaining a second seat in North Clare for the first time. This led to an historic shift in power in local politics in Co. Clare which ultimately led to the first ever Fine Gael Mayor of Clare. He has proudly represented Councillors’ interests on the Executive Council since 2006. Martin Conway is at the coal face of local politics and his experiences give him an unrivalled advantage in representing Councillors’ interests on the Executive Council.

CLLR PAULINE COONAN

CLLR MARCELLA CORCORAN KENNEDY

CLLR SEÁN MCKIERNAN

(TIPPERARY NORTH)

(LAOIS/OFFALY)

Pauline is a member of North Tipperary County Council and Templemore Town Council. Pauline played a pivotal role in regaining a seat for Fine Gael in North Tipperary in the last General Election and is much aware of the needs of Councillors.

• Full-time public representative since 1999

Seán McKiernan is aged 27 years, and a native of Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. In October 2007 he was co-opted onto Cavan County Council to replace Senator Joe O’Reilly, with whom he works closely.

Pauline is passionate about politics and is a full time Public Representative who will work and voice Councillors’ concerns on the Executive Council.

• Chairperson, Fine Gael Council of Local Representatives • Member, Fine Gael Executive Council since 2004 • Past Chairperson and current member of Administrative Sub-Group of National Executive Council • Whip, Fine Gael Group on Offaly County Council • Member, Fine Gael Women’s Group • Past Super Draw (Offaly) co-ordinator

(CAVAN/MONAGHAN)

Seán is a Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland, a national voluntary movement, covering Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and North Dublin. He is a committed voluntary and community activist, a former Chairman and current Director of Bailieborough Community Resource House, former Chairman of Cavan People In Need, former member of Cavan Community and Voluntary Forum and member of Cavan Health and Social Care Forum among many other local groups. Elected to the Executive Council in 2002 for the old ConnachtUlster Euro Constituency, Seán was re-elected in 2004 and 2006. He has served on and been Chairman of many subcommittees of the Executive, including Affiliations Appeals, Discipline, Ard Fheis, National Conference and Special Conference committees. He was Chairman of the Administration committee from 2004 to 2007 which re-launched the Fine Gael Womens Group and Council of Public Representatives. He is a Sub MEP in the North West for Jim Higgins MEP. Seán is a voice of youth and experience on the Executive Council. 17

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Ard Fheis Motions for Debate

Session 1 – Friday Night 20.00 - 21.00 IRELAND ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE Motion 1 That this Ard Fheis believes that the passage of the Lisbon Treaty is more vital than ever for Ireland in view of the economic downturn, reassures the Irish people that the treaty offers no threat to Ireland’s neutrality, social policy concerns or other matters, and endorses Fine Gael’s proposal to create a “European Citizens Officer” to act as a conduit for information between citizens of Ireland and the European Union in the future. Griffith Collins Branch, Dublin North Central

Motion 2 That this Ard Fheis urges Fine Gael in government to establish a mechanism to ensure that future European Union treaties can be referred to the Irish supreme court prior to enactment to test their constitutionality, to offer reassurance to Irish voters that European treaties are in keeping with Irish constitutional rights and provisions. Carnaross Branch, Meath East Motion 3 That this Ard Fheis notes the critical role played by Ireland’s membership of the Eurozone in offering stability to the Irish economy during the recent economic collapse and urges the Government to ensure that no actions of theirs, or inaction, endangers Ireland’s membership of the zone at this most critical time. Pearse Morris Branch, Dublin South

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

and UN level to ensure that Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, currently President of Sudan, is brought before the International Criminal Court in accordance with the warrants issued.

Michael Collins Branch, Wicklow

Motion 5 That the Ard Fheis commends the Permanent Defence Forces on their participation in the EUFOR TChad/RCA force, supports Irish participation in the new United Nations force that has replaced EUFOR TChad/RCA, and believes that Ireland should continue to play an active role in peace keeping and peaceenforcement missions in accordance with Irish constitutional provisions West Gate Branch, Louth

Motion 6 That the Ard Fheis supports Irish participation in the European Defence Agency, notes that the agency is intended to ensure greater value for money in Irish spending to equip and train the Permanent Defence Forces, and urges the Government to ensure that Irish participation in the European Defence Agency is not curtailed or abandoned due to policy disagreements among the parties of the current Fianna Fáil-Green coalition. Stoneybatter Branch, Dublin Central

Motion 7 That this Ard Fheis condemns unreservedly the recent killings of members of the British Army and a PSNI officer in Northern Ireland and demands that the security services on both sides of the border are given adequate resources to eliminate the threat posed by these illegal organisations who have no mandate for such actions. Blackrock/Haggardstown Branch, Louth

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Saturday Morning 09.00 – 10.15 CONSTITUTION AND RULES Amendment 1: Definition of Candidate That the following sentence be added at the end of Rule 44A (v):- “For the avoidance of all doubt and without prejudice to the operation of (iv) above, only those persons selected as candidates under and pursuant to these Rules are entitled to describe themselves as being Fine Gael candidates on literature, advertisements, correspondence, through public discourse and whilst engaged in any form of political activity including inter alia election campaigning.’ Executive Council

Amendment 2: Code of conduct for candidates That Rule 44A (xiv) be amended to read:- “To lay down from time to time a code of conduct for persons offering themselves for election and cooption and persons who have been selected as candidates under these Rules and for the behaviour of Members and Officers at all levels in the Party which Code shall contain inter alia provisions relating to co-options to Local Authority and other public bodies and rules requiring notification to the Constituency Executive and Executive Council of all occasions for co-options as soon as they shall occur.” Executive Council

Amendment 3: Selection of candidates That a new Rule 44a (xxvii) be enacted and shall read as follows:- “to determine and execute the arrangements for the selection of Dail, European Parliament, Local Authority or Udaras Na Gaeltachta election and co-option candidates, by interview and in lieu of a selection convention, following consultation with the officers of the resident District/Constituency Executive.” Executive Council In the event that Amendment 3 is carried the following consequential amendments are required:-

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 of the 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 of the 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 of the first sentence of Rule 37 (a); Without prejudice to the operation of Rule 44a (xxvi) hereunder Executive Council

Amendment 4: Selection of candidates (2) That Rule 44A (vii) be amended to read as follows; “to mandate by way of binding directive (after consultation with the officers of the resident District/Constituency Executive), that a selection convention shall select candidates or particular candidates for election in accordance with such geographical, or other considerations as may be determined by the Executive Council, such other considerations may include, without limitation, incumbency.” Executive Council

Amendment 5: Local Area Representatives That Rule 44A (ix) be amended to read as follows;“to appoint, from time to time, Area Representatives to represent the Party in a Local Electoral Area or part of a Local Electoral Area, and to vary, extend, terminate and do all things consequential to the said appointment”. Executive Council

Amendment 3a: That the following be added at the beginning of 19

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

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

Amendment 8 : Non College Young Fine Gael branches That the first sentence of the third paragraph of Rule 14 (vi) shall be deleted and substituted by the following sentence:- “The provisions of this rule shall also apply to Non College Branches of Young Fine Gael”. Executive Council

Amendment 8 : Non College Young Fine Gael branches That the first sentence of the third paragraph of Rule 14 (vi) shall be deleted and substituted by the following sentence:- “The provisions of this rule shall also apply to Non College Branches of Young Fine Gael”. Executive Council

Amendment 9: Constituency and District Strategy Committees That a new Rule 44a (xxvii) be enacted and shall read as follows:- “To determine the arrangements for the establishment of Constituency and District Strategy Committees (without prejudice to the operation of Rule 30 (ii)) and to prescribe standing orders for the governance of same following consultation with the resident Constituency and District Executives”. Amendment 10: European Elections – B List That a new Rule 37 (d) be enacted and shall read

as follows:- “The Executive Council shall determine the arrangements for the composition and ranking of the MEP replacement list in respect of the Fine Gael European Parliamentary representation.”

Executive Council

Amendment 11: Rule 38 That Rule 38 be deleted in its entirety and replaced by :Policy (1) The sole responsibility for the adoption of policy within the Party lies with the Parliamentary Party, subject to the authority of the Ard Fheis in accordance with Rule 54 (d) (vii) (2) The Parliamentary Party shall provide, for consultative purposes, a statement of current Party policy to all Branches (including Branches of Young Fine Gael), District Executives and Constituency Executives annually; (3) The Parliamentary Party shall present a consolidated statement of party policy to each Ard Fheis.” Executive Council

Amendment 12: Election to Executive Council – Two Year Rule That a new Rule 39 (e) be enacted and shall read as follows: “Only those persons who are eligible to vote in accordance with Rule 14 (vii) above shall be entitled to become a member of the Executive Council.” Executive Council

Amendment 13: Seanad Eireann Elections – Higher Education Panels That a new Rule 52 (d) be enacted and shall read as follows: “The Executive Council shall have the power to determine; (i) the manner in which Fine Gael candidates may be selected and ratified to contest a Seanad Eireann General Election on the National University of Ireland and the University of Dublin panels (or on any successor Higher Education panels to the aforesaid) or

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(ii) the manner in which Fine Gael shall endorse the candidacy of persons nominated to contest a Seanad Eireann General Election on the National University of Ireland and the University of Dublin panels (or on any successor Higher Education panels to the aforesaid) In the event that Amendment 13 is carried the following consequential amendment is required:Amendment 13 (a) That Rule 2 (ii) be amended by deleting the words “(other than candidates on the University Panels)”. Executive Council

Amendment 14: Composition of Election Committee That the second sentence of Rule 30 (ii) be deleted and substituted by the following sentence “at least one” for “not less than three” so that it reads “The Committee will consist of the Constituency Organiser, Constituency P.R.O., Accounting Officer and at least one other member selected by the Constituency Executive”. Executive Council

Amendments 15 to 21: Conventions Amendment 15: Local Authority Election/ co-option conventions and District AGMs (1) That the second paragraph of the preamble to Rule 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 to Rule 24 be amended by adding the words “unless otherwise directed by Executive Council” after “ District Executive Annual Meetings” so that it reads:- “Those eligible to vote at such Conventions and Annual General Meetings unless otherwise directed by Executive Council shall be:” Amendment 17: Local Authority Election/ co-option conventions

That the first paragraph of the preamble to Rule 24 be amended to read as follows:- “Without prejudice to the operation of Rule 44a (xxvi) hereunder, Local Authority Election and cooption conventions shall be convened in accordance with the terms of a directive from the Executive Council to select candidates for Local Authority Election or co-option and to take decisions for any purpose that the Executive Council may direct. Local Authority Election and co-option conventions and District Executive Annual General Meetings shall be conducted as follows;”

Amendment 18: Dail Conventions and Constituency AGMs (1) That Rule 35 (i) be amended by substituting the word “eligible” for “entitled”. and Amendment 19: Dail Conventions and Constituency AGMs (2) That Rule 35 (ii) be amended by adding the words “unless otherwise directed by Executive Council” after “Constituency Annual General Meetings” so that it reads:- “Those eligible to vote at any such Convention or Annual General Meeting unless otherwise directed by Executive Council shall be:” Amendment 20: Borough and Town Council Conventions/Co-Options. That the second paragraph of Rule 15 (vii) be amended by substituting the word “eligible” for “entitled”. Amendment 21: Borough and Town Council Conventions/Co-Options (2) That the first paragraph of Rule 15 (vii) be amended to read as follows:“Without prejudice to the operation of Rule 44a (xxvi) hereunder, Conventions for the selection of Candidates for Borough/Town Councils or cooptions shall be convened by the Constituency Secretary in consultation with the General Secretary and in accordance with the terms of a 21

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directive from the Executive Council to select candidates for Borough and Town Council Election or co-option and to take decisions for any purpose that the Executive Council may direct” Executive Council

Amendment 22: Provisional Membership incl. online applications That the first sentence of Rule 14 (v) be amended to read as follows:- “Provisional Membership, for a period not exceeding three months, may be granted to those seeking to join the Party only following a determination of the relevant Constituency Officer Board situated in the functional area where the applicant ordinarily resides, and pending consideration of that person’s application for membership by the relevant Branch”. Executive Council

Amendment No. 23 - OMOV Insert the word “Nominated” at the start of Rule 15 (vii)(i) Amendment 2 in the name of the Parliamentary Party: Insert new Rule 15 (vii)(iv) after the Current Rule 15 (vii)(iii) as follows: “The number of members who can be nominated for the purposes of Rule 15 (vii)(i) shall be determined by reference to the number of members in each Branch. Where a Branch has 20 members or less, it shall have an equal number of nominated members as there are members of the Branch. Where a Branch has in excess of 20 members, it shall be entitled to nominate one additional member for each five members in excess of 20 members of the Branch” Consequential amendments to Rule 24(i) and Rule 35 (ii) would follow new Amendment 1 and 2

Related motions from Galway West Constituency and Bunbeg/Dore Branch/ Donegal South West

AMENDMENT NO. 24 - EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Amend Rule 39 (b) paragraph 4 to read as follows: "three representatives (who shall not be Public Representatives) of Young Fine Gael elected by and from its membership". (Effect: Increases the number of Young Fine Gael representatives on the Fine Gael Executive Council from two to three.)

Dublin North Central YFG

ORGANISATIONAL MOTION NO. 1 “That Fine Gael would no longer compel branches to carry out a National Collection at church gates and would instead opt to allow branches to carry out collections organised voluntarily, 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 representatives attended there was a 100% agreement that the national collection should not be abolished.” Ballinrobe/Claremorris District, Mayo

Parliamentary Party

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Saturday Morning 10:15 – 11.15 FAIR HEALTH CARE Motion 1 That this Ard Fheis notes with serious concern the outstanding difficulties with the Nursing Home Support Scheme Bill; the implications this has for monies repaid on the family home and associated land or assets, and the worrying repercussions this has for older people and their families.

Dollymount/Hollybrook Branch, Dublin North Central

Motion 2 That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’s decision to withdraw automatic entitlement to the over-70s medical card and calls on Fine Gael in Government to immediately reverse this decision. Jim Gill Blackrock Branch, Dun Laoghaire

Motion 3 That this Ard Fheis recognising and valuing the enormous contribution by carers, condemns the Government’s decision to scrap the National Carers’ Strategy, that this action exposes Government promises as nothing but empty rhetoric and calls on Fine Gael in Government to develop and improve services and supports for all carers.

Motion 5 That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government for targeting the vulnerable and cutting frontline services, rather than achieving savings through other means, such as addressing the burgeoning bureaucracy within the HSE, through the prescribing of generic medicines and the elimination of costly inefficiencies. Kildare Town, Kildare South Related motions from: Templemore Branch, Tipperary North, Kildare Town, YFG, Kildare South.

Motion 6 That this Ard Fheis fully approves and supports the Fine Gael decision to introduce Universal Health Care which will improve the safety, quality and efficiency of our health service, while ensuring it is patient centred and that it delivers equal and timely access, guaranteeing truly fair care for everyone. Clonsilla Branch, Dublin West Related motions from: Kildare Town

Terenure Branch, Dublin South East

Motion 4 That this Ard Fheis recognising the increase in suicide rates and mental illness during times of economic recession; calls on the Government to uphold its commitment to ring-fence funding raised from the sale of properties associated with psychiatric hospitals for reinvestment in mental health services and facilities. Bailieboro Branch, Cavan/Monaghan

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Saturday 11.15 – 13.00 GETTING IRELAND BACK TO WORK This Ard Fheis, alarmed at Ireland’s dramatically rising unemployment rate and falling international competitiveness standing, calls on the Government to immediately reassess the national development plan to prioritise labour intensive projects that will deliver improved national infrastructure.

Motion 5 This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for its failure to anticipate or prepare for the inevitable end of the property bubble and its failure to effectively maintain the fundamentals of a strong economy, which would have provided protection against the tougher external conditions which are now being experienced, and also condemns the failure of the government to curb the excesses of a small circle engaged in dangerous property speculation.

Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West

Charleville Branch, Cork North West

Motion 2 This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for lacking any coherent plan for job creation, and for not having any innovative or imaginative strategies for embracing new sectors for job growth, and calls on Fine Gael to promote jobs policy that takes advantage of emerging markets and technology.

Motion 6 This Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in Government to support struggling small and medium sized businesses by reducing unnecessary red tape, lowering Government controlled utility costs, by introducing a Government-backed loan guarantee for viable small & medium enterprises, and suspending PSRI payments for new employees for the next two years.

Motion 1

Naas Branch, Kildare North

Motion 3 This Ard Fheis supports Fine Gael policy to start a green energy revolution in Ireland by supporting and investing in new renewable energy infrastructure and by redeveloping the national grid which will result in thousands of new jobs in the economy. Young Fine Gael, Dublin South East

Motion 4 This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for wide scale duplication of services and inefficiency in support for local job creation and calls on Fine Gael to place Local Government at the centre of business support and job creation strategies at the community level. Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West

Deansgrange Branch, Dun Laoghaire

Motion 7 This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for its wasteful spending and for creating unaccountable quangos, and calls for total reform in the way budgets are put together to achieve better value given scarce available resources. Taylors Hill Kingston Branch, Galway West

Motion 8 This Ard Fheis condemns the Government for its poor record in providing training services for the unemployed, reducing the budget for Skillnets, and for excluding recently unemployed persons from the back to education allowance scheme, and calls on Government to completely overhaul training services and provision on both a national and local level. Blackrock/Haggardstown Branch, Louth Related motions from Ratoath Curragha and Dunboyne branches, Meath East.

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Saturday 14.00 – 15.15 RIGHTS WITH RESPONSIBILITIES Motion 1 That this Ard Fheis calls for the resignation of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for his abject failure to ensure proper and uniform application of the Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children of 1999 and for his failure to take the action necessary to ensure the HSE provides to children at risk the protection to which they are entitled. Oliver J Flanagan Mountmellick Branch Laois/Offaly

Motion 2 That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in Government to request High Court judges to sit longer in the vacation period to clear the backlog of asylum applications as a contribution to the current economic climate thus reducing costs to the Exchequer of the asylum process. Mount Merrion Branch, Dublin South

Motion 5 That this Ard Fheis, noting the significant rise in serious offences committed by suspects while on bail, calls on Fine Gael in Government to empower the courts to electronically tag persons on bail, to reduce the number of crimes committed while on bail and to ensure that victims of crime can feel safe. Edenderry Branch, Laois/Offaly

Motion 6 That this Ard Fheis commits Fine Gael in Government to enforce and extend the penalties within the Companies Act 1995 and 2003 and Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 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 3 That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’s abject failure to ensure that independent investigations are conducted and that regular and comprehensive reports are published into the unacceptable standards of HSE accommodation for unaccompanied children seeking asylum, which is the main reason for these children going missing from care.

Motion 7 That this Ard Fheis, alarmed at the upsurge in organised crime and the reduced surveillance activity of Operation Anvil, calls on Fine Gael in government to enact and enforce the Criminal Justice (Prevention of Violence) Bill 2008 which will address the rise in gangland crime and the proliferation of the drugs trade by introducing Criminal Organisation Civil Restriction Orders amongst other measures.

Cosgrave/Mitchell Branch, Dublin South Central

Corbally Branch, Limerick City

Motion 4 That this Ard Fheis, acutely aware of the overcrowding crisis in our prisons, of the €97,000 annual cost of imprisoning one person, and of the lack of comprehensive rehabilitation programmes for prisoners, condemns the Minister for Justice for failing to introduce progressive fines legislation to lower the prison population and its costs and for failing to constructively reduce recidivism rates amongst offenders.

Related motions from: Christy Walsh branch, CNC

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Saturday 15.15 – 16.30 JOBS FOR THE REGIONS Motion 1 That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’s introduction of an air travel tax as a counter productive measure, which has resulted in a reduction in airline services, is acting as a disincentive for the rapidly declining number of overseas visitors travelling to Ireland, and is particularly short-sighted considering the fact that Government will benefit from the auctioning of carbon credits from the sector from 2012 and calls on Fine Gael in Government to reverse the levy. Swords Branch, Dublin North

Motion 2 That this Ard Fheis deplores the Government’s failure to adequately exploit one of the fastest growing areas of the world tourism market by not maximising Ireland’s potential as a cultural tourism destination, its failure to make cultural attractions and collections easily accessible to tourists and to maintain our national cultural institutions to a high standard and calls on Fine Gael in Government to produce a strategy for removing barriers to tourism in this growing area. Bartlemy-Rathcormac Branch, Cork East

Motion 3 That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’s lack of a coherent strategy to develop sustainable job opportunities or enterprise creation in rural and regional areas and calls on Fine Gael in Government to focus on employment in the regions. Killala Branch, Mayo

Motion 4 That the Fine Gael Party insists that Government give full consideration to the viability and cost of putting new electricity grid infrastructure underground as an alternative to constructing further over ground pylons as part of the process to upgrade Ireland's electricity grid infrastructure, and that international best practice and the latest technologies be examined in full in this regard. Carrickatee Branch, Cavan/Monaghan 26

Motion 5 That this Ard Fheis rejects the Government’s delay in rolling out broadband in rural areas, the poor quality of existing broadband services in the regions, the impediment this poses to job creation and sustainability and calls on Fine Gael in Government to deliver high quality broadband services to rural areas. Cahir Branch, Tipperary South

Motion 6 Cáineann an Ard Fheis seo An Rialtas ar an easpa dul chun cinn maidir le straitéis fadthéarmach do fhorbairt na Gaeilge a chur ar fáil agus an teip fostaíocht agus saol pobail cuimsitheach a chruthú sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. Bunbeg Dore Branch, Donegal South West

Motion 7 That this Ard Fheis acknowledges the potential of the agri-food sector to stimulate job creation and calls on Fine Gael in Government to capitalise fully on the opportunities the sector offers for employment and economic growth. Ballyforan Dysart Branch, Roscommon/South Leitrim

Motion 8 That this Ard Fheis recognises the burden that red tape, over-interpretation of EU regulations and layers of bureaucracy are placing on the agriculture, fisheries and food industries, the monitoring and traceability problems highlighted by the recent food safety crisis and calls on Fine Gael in Government to undertake an audit of all such regulations and measures, to reduce the burden placed on the sector without compromising on food safety or quality. Michael Collins Letterkenny Branch, Donegal North East

Motion 9 That this Ard Fheis recognises the injustices attached to the use of criminal sanctions for minor fisheries offences, condemns the Government for their failure to address this issue and calls on Fine Gael in Government to adopt a system of administrative sanctions for minor offences for the fisheries sector. Michael Og McFadden Kilcar Branch, Donegal South West Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009

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Saturday 16.30 – 17.30 LEADING THROUGH LEARNING Motion 1 That this Ard Fheis welcomes the publication of the Fine Gael Green Paper on Third Level Reform, The Third Way. Ballinteer Branch, Dublin South

Motion 2 That this Ard Fheis calls for Fine Gael in Government to introduce greater links between the education sector and industry to encourage stronger levels of innovation, to improve the skills of emerging graduates and to facilitate a speedier transition of those unemployed back into the workforce. Ward 3 Branch, Waterford

Motion 3 That this Ard Fheis condemns the fact that throughout twelve years of power Government ignored the need to prepare our educational system for the emerging needs of a knowledge economy and recognises that schools are now struggling with third world standard computers and a now out-of-date and much needed ICT Strategy for schools has been shelved. Clonkeen Branch, Dun Laoghaire

Motion 4 That this Ard Fheis condemns the Government’s historic neglect of the PLC and Further Education sector, its restriction of the number of places available to students in further education at a time when unemployment is at an all-time high and calls on Fine Gael in Government to distribute resources committed to training places for existing service providers across the further education sector. Dunboyne Branch - Meath East Related motions from: Rhebogue, Limerick

Motion 5 That this Ard Fheis rejects the Government’s decision to callously withdraw a wide range of educational services and resources without educational foundation or justification and calls on Fine Gael in Government to protect frontline Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009

services at all costs by looking for savings in areas of waste and inefficiency to ensure all children receive the education they deserve.

Rathoath/Curragha Branch, Meath East Related motions from: Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West, Ashbourne Branch, Meath East, Rhebogue Branch, Limerick City, Dunboyne Branch, Meath East, Young Fine Gael.

Motion 6 That this Ard Fheis rejects the Government’s politicisation of the school building programme, the lack of transparency and accountability associated with the system and the resulting uncertainty and frustration schools experience in planning for future needs and calls on Fine Gael in Government to review the school building programme, to weed out inefficiencies and the enormous waste of money involved and to implement a transparent system of building which delivers better value for money. Kenmare/Bonane Branch, Kerry South Related motions from: Ashbourne Branch, Meath East, Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West, Dunboyne Branch, Meath East, Killala Branch, Mayo.

Motion 7 That this Ard Fheis recognises the lack of information available to parents in deciding where to send their children to school and the Government’s poor system of inspection and assessment and calls on Fine Gael in Government to introduce a system of Annual School Reports providing parents with a fully rounded view of what a school has to offer students and their families. John Kelly Rathfarnham Branch, Dublin South

Motion 8 That this Ard Fheis recognises the importance of schools in developing an interest in sport, condemns the Government’s introduction of restrictions on supervision which have posed a threat to the future of schools’ participation in sporting competitions and calls on Fine Gael in Government to do all in its power to support the development of sport in young people. Birr Branch, Laois Offaly

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