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# GPC15
Langton’s Hotel, Kilkenny
27th-28th March 2015
Leader’s
welcome
Technical
Motions
Running order
A Chairde,
FRIDAY 27 MARCH: Set Theatre
Welcome to the 2015 Green
7.00pm-7.30pm
Green Party Website Workshop for
Party Annual Convention.
Candidates and Campaign Managers
It’s great to be here in
7.30pm-10.00pm
Public Debate: Community at the Crossroads
Kilkenny, the
Marble A
City,
• Declan Rice - Kilkenny Leader
Motion
– Regional
where our Environment
Partnership
in a non-voting capacity by
Chair (or in his/her
absence
NOTE: If passed at Convention
Quotas for NEC
Spokesperson Cllr Malcolm
• Sadhbh
O’Neill - Environmental
Pillar and the
the General Secretary
the Deputy Chair)
of National
2013, this amendment would
Noonan willElections
be standing in the
• Patricia Brennan -Chair
Community
Workers
(or in his/her
absence
Council.
immediately apply to the
Carlow - Kilkenny by-election
Co-op
the Deputy Chair) of National
Proposed new text
with
election of the new NEC at
in just a few
weeks time.
Council.
amendments in bold.
Convention 2013.
Proposer:
NECI hope
you will all act as ambassadors
SATURDAY
MARCH
5.628
National
Executive
for Malcolm
and our party this
towns andCurrent
villages.Text
We need
9.00am Committee Composition
Registration opens
Explanation:
Motion B – Number
weekend, and
doNEC
yourwish
parttotopropose
toaaddress5.6
them
all if we
are
9.30am-10.15am
The NationalReports
Executive
National
Executive
The
required to constitute a
ensure that
Malcolm
is returned
to reinvigorate
the vibrant
Motions
Committee shall
comprise:
Committee
Composition 10.15am-11.15am
change
to the
manner in which
Constituency Group
as a TD to the
Daíl.
and attract
the
11.15am-11.30am
Break
a) the Party
Leader;
The National
Executive
it is elected.
As the processrural economy,
Kilkennycurrently
is a fitting
placeeach NECinvestment
which creates
jobs.
11.30am-12.15pm
Panel
Discussion on Digital
RightsLimerick
b) the Deputy
Leader;
Committee
shall comprise:
stands,
Proposer:
to hold thismust
annual
meeting ofof at least
How do a)
wethe
make
places
like
• Ann O’Dea (Silicon Republic)
c) the Cathaoirleach;
Party
Leader;
be comprised
“We call on the Green Party to
our party. This
county is
oneeach of Carlow
and Kilkenny
the best
• T J McIntyre
Rights
Ireland)
d) a representative
selected (Digital
b) the Deputy
Leader;
two persons
from
the
reduce
the
number required to
of the mostfive
fertile
in Ireland,
of Cathaoirleach;
a new green
12.15pm-1.15pm
Motions
continue
in advance of
each Annual
c) the
regions
(based on thecase
EU examples
constitute a Constituency Group
with exciting
times aheadDublin,
for
economy and
that is selected
1.15pm-1.30pm
Hustings
Convention NEC
by the
Young Greens from 10 to 5 as defined within
d)society
a representative
constituencies:
East,
food producers,
like the Northern
fairer and in
more
secure?
ThatAnnual
is
1.30pm-2.30pm
/ Óige Ghlas;Lunch
advance
of each
South,but
North-West,
our party constitution.”
rest of theIreland).
countryThese
it is attwo
thepersons
the
question
we need by
to answer
2.30pm-3.30pm
Panel
Discussion on Housing
e) a Treasurer,
elected
Convention
the Young Greens
can
5.1.1 A Constituency Group
crossroadscome
of how
wethe
develop
this weekend.
John Fitzgerald
individually by•preferendum
at (ESRI)
/ Óige Ghlas;
from
ten members
must be recognised by the
a truly green
agriculture
sector.
Take youre)
time
to deliberate
• Dermot Sellars (NABCO)
each Annual Convention;
a Treasurer,
elected
elected
at National
Convention,
National Executive Committee
Tourism and
heritage
are key
with the motions
• Cllr. Ciaran
Cuffe -according
Green Party
f ) 10 other members
elected
individually
by preferendum at
or may
be among
the fiveand engage
to Rules and
to its success,
but who
the powers
good
luck Convention;
to those
• Joan
Campbell
Party and in consultation
by preferendum
at each
Annual - Green
each
Annual
persons
get onto NECon offer, and
Procedures
that be stillautomatically,
think knocking
standing for felection
to members
the NEC. elected
3.30pm-3.40pm
– Cllr.
Roderic
Convention Cathaoirleach
so that [delete:address
“of
) 10 other
as a result of
with
the
relevant Regional
down the old
city
to build
a
wish you
a great weekend
O’Gorman
the 15 members
there will be”] Group where one exists. The
by all
preferendum
at each Annual
their
officer
positions
withinI the
new road makes
sense. Deputy
The
and I look forward
to seeing
3.40pm-4.10pm
Candidates
Session: election
focused
i) of the 15
members there
Convention
so thatas
of the 15
Party (Leader,
Leader,
minimum
membership must be
issues here
about access
to
many of you
as possible.
discussion
will be at least
one member of
members
there will be:
Chairperson,
Treasurer,
Young
10 paid-up members.
public transport,
• Cara
Augustenborg
- Green Party
the Parliamentary
Party
and not
i) at least one member of the
Greensbroadband,
rep).
energy, postal,
and
• Hazel Chu - Cllr. Patrick
Costello’s
more than three
Parliamentary Party and not
Thisbanking
situation
is problematic
Rationale:
The definition of a
water services,
withNEC
Campaign ManagerConstituency
in LE 2014 Group was defined
ii) of the 15 members
more than three
as a) inare
thethose
last two
resonanceelections,
for so many
Irishproblems
• least
Cllr. one
Claire
Byrne -ad
Green
Party was ratified
there will be at
local
ii) at least one local
we had
10 members
governmentBreak
representative
filling our regional quotas of two government representative4.10pm-4.30pm
at a time when the party had
Panel
Discussion on Public
Banking
with
iii) of the 10
members
iii) at least two members4.30pm-5.20pm
from some regions b) a region’s
it’s largest
membership.At
this
Economist Dr
Richard Werner
and Cllr. Mark
there
resident in each EU constituency elected at Convention
quota can be filled by two
time membership
has fallen
Dearey
will be at least
one member
covered by the Party.
Party officers, without anyone
and the number required for
Our annual
draw
available
5.20pm-5.30pm
Deputy
Leader speech a–Constituency
Cllr. Catherine
resident in each
EU constituency
If the above conditions and
from
thattickets
region are
being
actuallyto purchase.
Group should
All profits
will help
us to maintain
our Headgender
Office and
support
Martin
covered by the
Party.
balance
cannot both
elected
at Annual
Convention.
reflect this fact.
our candidates
through
the next
Election.
Please
5.40pm-6.00pm
Party
Leaderand
speech – Eamon Ryan
If the above
conditions
be satisfied
by the candidates
In order
to address
this,General
the
support the
which will
place on Saturday
7.30pm-8.30pm
Dinner
in Langton’s
Restaurant
gender balance
cannot
both
available, evening
additional members
NECdraw
is proposing
twotake
changes,
after dinner
in Langton’s
Hotel.
be satisfied by the candidates
will be selected to achieve
outlined
below. First
of all, from
Please talk
toon
one
of our
sellers
get
ticket(s)
at €10 In this event
SUNDAY 29
MARCH
available,
additional members
balance.
now
each
region
will to
only
beyourgender
each or £8.
Your support
is greatly
11.00am-1.00pm
Meitheal/Canvass/Leaflet
Drop for Carlow/
will be selected
to achieve
the next highest ranking males
automatically
entitled
to oneappreciated.
Kilkenny
By-Election
Candidate Cllr. Malcolm
gender balance.
In this
event
or females in the preferendum
member of NEC. However, this
Noonan.
Meet
at 11am in the Langton Hotel
the next highest
ranking
males
will be elected. Failing this the
automatic position must come
to canvass Kilkenny city centre.
or females inCar
thePark
preferendum
National Executive Committee
from among the ten individuals
As always,elected
children
are very
available for
to use on
will be elected. Failing this the
willchildren
co-opt members
to achieve
at Annual
Convention.
welcome at
Weofficer the day. gender balance.
National Executive Committee
AsConvention.
such, the Party
have a designated
Parents are
free to shall
use the
Beidh lucht
na Gaeilge
sa pháirtí
ag teacht le chéile go sóisialta
will co-opt
members
to achieve
Meetings
be attended
positionsroom
will not count towards
available for
children
in the
they wish
uair ag
Ardfheis an Chomhaontais Ghlais i mbliana
gender
balance.
in atime
non-voting
capacity by den chéad
filling
a regions
automaticroom at any
Green Room,
located in the
but pleasethe
note
that itSecretary
is not and the
ag 8pm DéMeetings
hAoine 27
Márta.
Más mian leat deis a fháil aithne a
shall
be attended
General
position.
upper tier in the Set Theatre
a supervised crèche and
chur ar chainteoirí Gaeilge eile an pháirtí agus eolas a fháil faoi
and we hope to have colouring
parents are responsible for
fhorbairtí nua Gaeilge sa pháirtí, bí linn ag Óstán Langton ag an
pencils, paper and books
their children at all times.
am thuas. Cuir ceist ag fáiltiú an ostáin chun muid a aimsiú.
Annual Draw Tickets
Children at Convention
Page 2 | Convention
Page 6 | 2015
Convention 2013
Lucht na Gaeilge ag an Ardfheis
facebook.com/GreenPartyireland
@greenparty_ie
greenparty.ie
Guest speakers
Malcolm’s welcome
Prof. Richard
Werner
Ann O’Dea
Richard has
been at the
University of
Southampton
since 2004. He
is Director of
International Development and
founding Director of the Centre
for Banking, Finance and
Sustainable Development.
Richard’s book ‘Princes of the
Yen’ became a No. 1 bestseller
in Japan. His 2005 book ‘New
Paradigm in Macroeconomics’
correctly predicted the collapse
of the UK banking system and
property market. It highlighted
the problem of ‘recurring
banking crises’ and suggested
workable solutions.
He coined the term ‘Quantitative
Easing’ in 1995 about bringing
growth to the Japanese economy.
Co-founder of
Siliconrepublic.
com, Ann is a
leading voice
in the Irish
technology
industry.
After a long stint abroad in
France and Italy, Ann returned
to Ireland and worked for
several years as a freelance
technology and business
journalist, contributing to
a variety of publications
including the Irish Times, Irish
Independent and the Sunday
Tribune.
Ann is coordinator of the
long-running Women Invent
Tomorrow campaign, which
champions role models in the
areas of science, technology,
engineering and maths.
Hazel Chu
John Fitzgerald
Hazel is Head
of Corporate
and Trade
Communications
at Diageo, Ireland.
She is responsible
for Diageo’s overall reputation,
crisis management, corporate
and brand communications.
Hazel has over 15 years
of industry experience with
specific expertise in reputation
management and building agile
communication strategies.
Before Diageo, she held
senior positions in semi-state
and non-profit organisations,
including Forfás, Bord Bia and
MS Ireland.
She graduated from King’s
Inns and subsequently
received a fellowship to
complete an MSc in marketing
practice from UCD Smurfit
Business School. She is
currently a board member of
VSO Ireland.
John has been
a Research
Affiliate at the
ESRI since
November 2014.
Prior to that he
was a Research Professor there
and Programme Coordinator
of the Macroeconomics
Research Area. He is President
of the Association d’Instituts
Européens de Conjoncture
Économique and a former
president of the Irish Economic
Association.
He is currently a member
of the Commission of the
Central Bank of Ireland
and of the Independent
Expert Panel established in
2014 by the Department of
Communications.
He was a member of the
EU “Group for Economic
Analysis” from 2002-2004
advising the President of the EU
Commission.
A chairde Glas,
Thar ceann an Comhaontas
Glas i gCeatharlach agus Cill
Chainnigh...teastaíonn uaim
fáilte ‘s fichead a chur roimh
na toscairí ar fad go dtí an
tionól seo i gcathair álainn Cill
Chainnigh.
On behalf of the Carlow/
Kilkenny Green Party I
am delighted to welcome
delegates to the Green Party
Annual Convention 2015 in our
beautiful city of Kilkenny.
We are here in the aftermath
of a hugely successful local and
European election campaign,
where we returned many
exceptional people to local
government, and came within a
whisker of a European success
with Eamon. Many other
candidates also came so very
close to electoral success.
Having a Green voice in local
government is vital to reestablishing ourselves on the
political landscape in Ireland; a
presence we know is needed
more now than ever. I am
certain that our party will be
back in Dáil Éireann following
the General Election, and here
in Carlow/Kilkenny we have a
shot at being back this year.
We have a wonderful team of
volunteers who will leave no
stone unturned to win back a
seat in this constituency.
I would like to wish you all the
best for the weekend ahead.
Enjoy the lively debates and
make sure to catch up with old
friends. I hope you will get some
time to explore our beautiful city
and county during your stay.
I would like to thank the
Langton family for making
us feel so welcome in the
wonderful Set Theatre, and
our coordinating committee
for their work in putting
together the programme
for the weekend. Here’s to a
successful Convention 2015.
Malcolm
T J McIntyre
Dermot Sellers
T J is a law
lecturer at
University
College Dublin
where he
specialises in
issues involving
information technology law and
civil liberties.
He holds a BCL from
University College Dublin and
a PhD from the University of
Edinburgh. His doctoral thesis
was on the topic of internet
filtering law and governance.
He qualified as a barrister in
King’s Inns, Dublin.
He is chairman of the
independent civil liberties
group Digital Rights Ireland.
Dermot is Policy and
Communications Manager
with NABCO, Ireland’s national
federation for the cooperative housing movement.
Within NABCO his
responsibilities include
supporting the governance
and strategic planning of the
organisation and representing
and promoting the cooperative model.
He represents the
Association on the Community
and Voluntary Pillar of social
partnership and on the National
Homeless Consultative
Committee.
Convention 2015 | Page 3
NEC Technical
Elections Motions
Green Party's character as a
party of strong social justice
principles, and I would hope
This year’s NEC election will
to bring a youthful vision,
be for four seats. Six seats
voice and energy to the NEC.
have been automatically filled
Working in law and studying
based on regional and gender
politics has given me a broad
representation.
experience which I think
Motion A – Regional
The automatically elected
in creating
in a non-voting
capacity by
Chair (or in his/her absencecould be helpful
NOTE: If passed at Convention
Quotas for NEC
candidates are:
a coherence
of policy
the both
General
Secretary and the
the Deputy Chair) of National
2013, this amendment would
Steven Elections
Agnew (Northern Ireland)
and organisation
Green
Chair (orin
inthe
his/her
absence
Council.
immediately apply to the
Margaret Sheehan (Connacht)
we canChair)
bring our
the Deputy
of National
Proposed new text with Party so that
election of the new NEC at
Mary Ryder
(Munster)
messageCouncil.
of change to the Irish
amendments in bold.
Convention 2013.
Proposer:
NEC
Rachel Powers (Munster)
people in this election year.
5.6 National Executive
Suzanne
McEneaney (Leinster)
Committee Composition
Current Text
Explanation:
Motion B – Number
Seán Ó Buachalla
(Leinster).
John Hardy
The National Executive
5.6 National Executive
The NEC wish
to propose a
required to constitute a
Committee shall comprise:Green
Committee Composition
change to the manner in which
Constituency Group
comrades,
a) the Party Leader;
The National Executive
it is elected. As the process
The candidates
contesting
the Committee
four remaining
seats are:b) the Deputy Leader; I would likeProposer: Limerick
shall comprise:
currently stands,
each NEC
to take this
c) the Cathaoirleach;
a) the Party Leader;
must be comprised of at least
“We call on the Green Party to
opportunity
to the number required to
d) a representative selected
b) the Deputy Leader;
two persons from each of the
reduce
Dave Gosling
perspective,
NEC 2015/16.
in advance of each Annual ask for your
c) the Cathaoirleach;
five regions (based on theto
EUensure a Green
constitute a Constituency Group
support infrom
seeking
serve
Since joining
and prevent d)
the
spread of all selected
I have served
Convention by the Young Greens
a representative
constituencies: Dublin, East,
10 toto
5 as
defined within
you as a member
the NEC ”
the Party South, North-West, Northern
forms of political
extremism
in advance
of each Annualon NEC for/ Óige Ghlas;
our partyof
constitution.
Northern
Ireland. Group
in 2008 I Ireland). These two persons
and
militarism.
the past twoe) a Treasurer, elected representing
Convention by the Young Greens
can
5.1.1
A Constituency
I am
Secretary by the
have seen come
a
Nurse and
years, andindividually by preferendum
at currently
/ Óige Ghlas;
from the ten membersI am a Midwife,
must the
be recognised
PartyExecutive
in Northern
fully staffed
Pacifist. I abhor
each Annual Convention; of the Green
e) a violence
Treasurer,and
elected have worked
elected at National Convention,
National
Committee
Ireland and
have served
on and
organisation
will work tirelessly
over
f ) 10 other members elected
individually
by preferendum
at that time
or may be among the fivetorture, and
according
to Rules
the NEC for
the previous
two
in
Rights.
ourpreferendum at each Annual
Annual Convention; to rebuild by
persons who get onto NECfor Humaneach
Procedures
and in
consultation
years.
veryrelevant
much like
Government
and a Volunteer
party. I also
stood in the
2014[delete:
Convention
so that
“of I would
f ) 10 other members elected
automatically,
as a result of
with the
Regional
tobe”]
continue
in this
capacity,
organisation
in the
wilderness.
Tom
local elections,
890there
first will
the 15getting
members
by preferendum at each Annual
their
officer
positions within
theKivlehan
Group
where
one exists. The
I believed the
party’s
realistic
I am a former
votes.
I would
like to there
helping tominimum
build stronger
links must be
i) of the
15 members
Convention so that of the preference
15
Party
(Leader,
Deputy Leader,
membership
policies could
make theTreasurer,
country Young
Councillormembers there will be: continue this
another
between
the
regionsmembers.
within
will work
be at for
least
one member
of
Chairperson,
10 paid-up
a better place.
I think
(Dun
year,
on fundraising
our
party. Please lend me your
the Parliamentary
Party and
not
i) at least one member of
the focusing
Greens
rep).we are
more neededThis
than
ever. Now,
Laoghaire/Parliamentary Party and not
to ensure more
the party
support for
anotherThe
term.
than stays
three open,
situation
is problematic
Rationale:
definition of a
sitting somewhat
at the
and I'd like toii)continue
of the 15making
members Thank you.
as a) in the
lastcentre
two NEC Rathdownmore than three
Constituency Group was defined
of the political
spectrum,
2004-2009),ii) at least one local
reasonable
contributions
at the
there
will be at least
one local
elections,
we had problems
ad 10 members was ratified
I believe wefilling
can sell
the Green Party,
table, planning
for the representative
growing
Aengus Óat a time when the party had
government
government
representative
our our
regional quotasaoftrustee
two of
balanced/practical/long-term
Spokesperson
onleast
Transport
I would
of the 10
members Corráin it’s largest membership.At this
iii) at
two membersfuture of theiii)Greens.
from some regions b) a region’s
vision to the
electorate.
I want
a number
like to askelected
if you would
please there
My nametime
is membership has fallen
at Convention
residenton
in each
EU constituency
quota
can be filled
by twoand have worked
to be on the
NECofficers,
to helpwithout
ensure anyone
of policy committees
including
consider me
NEC
vote.
Aengus Óand the number required for
willfor
beyour
at least
one
member
covered by the
Party.
Party
Corráin. I’m
a Strong/Principled/Realistic/
Energy, Waste,
Water
and
I am seeking
a nomination
resident
in each EU constituency
If the
above
conditions and
from that region being actually
a Constituency Group should
a practicing
Unbowed campaign
2016. Convention.
Planning. Professionally,
have both
to the National
Executive
covered
by the Party.
gender balanceIcannot
elected at in
Annual
reflect this fact.
Barrister from
I have been DSE
Chair,
the this,athe
businessbe
promoting
tourism
Committee in
order
to do
all I
If the
above
conditions
and
satisfied by
the candidates
In order
to led
address
Cork. My practice includes
5 Year Strategy
and two changes,
in Ireland and
have strong
can to maximise
electoral
gender the
balance
cannot both
available,
additional members
NEC isGroup
proposing
commercial, planning, and
Membership
Development
subexperience.
Party
at candidates
beGreen
satisfied
by the
will be
selected to achievevote for the
outlined
below. First
of all,management
from
human-rights law. I’m working
Group. I amnow
currently
National
a teambalance.
with a broad
Local , National
andadditional
Europeanmembers
available,
gender
In this event
on each
region will onlyWe
be need
Fundraising
Coordinator.entitled to one
range of skills
and highest
I am asking
elections.will be selected to achieve with the Agriculture, Planning,
the next
ranking males
automatically
and Justice Policy groups.
supportin
and
1
gender balance. In this event
or females
theNo
preferendum
member of NEC. However,you
thisfor your
I’ve previously worked for
Pat Kinsella
vote, to give
a strong
the next highest ranking males
willour
be party
elected.
Failing thisDónal
the Swan
automatic position must come
Greenpeace in America and
The Greenfrom among the ten individuals
team on our
National
Executive
My name is
Swan,
or Donal
females
in theI've
preferendum
National
Executive
Committee
Party has elected at Annual Convention.
Committeewill
, that
will members
help
recently finished
studyingFailing
law thisdid
will be elected.
thea Masters in Environmental
co-opt
to achieve
Law in TCD. My hope is to help
a vital role As such, the Party officer prepare the
Greenbalance.
Party for the in UCD and
National Executive Committee
gender
grow the party from a small
to play in positions will not count towards
forthcomingMeetings
election and
I'm currently
will co-opt members to achieve
shallthe
be attended
one to a large one. Action on
protectingfilling
the a regions automaticchallenging
ahead. capacity by
working ingender balance.
in year
a non-voting
climate change is needed now.
environment,
the General Secretary andDublin
the as a Meetings shall be attended
position.
Ireland needs a big, influential
the planet and people, and
Cormac Manning
paralegal. I am
Green Party to make these
making a positive difference to
A chairde, my name is Cormac
passionate
changes. I hope you will give
all on this island. The effort is
Manning and I'm running for
about the
Page 4 | Convention
Page 6 | 2015
Convention 2013
facebook.com/GreenPartyireland
@greenparty_ie
greenparty.ie
me the chance to grow the
party on the National Executive
Committee when you vote.
Phil Kearney
Member
since 1982,
helped to draft
the seven
principles.
Member of
the NEC in the ‘80s, ‘90s and
noughties. Coordinator twice.
Campaign manager for ’09 local
elections. Contested leadership
in 2011. More recently a founder
of the An Taisce climate
change committee. Divide my
time between climate activism
and a hillfarm in SW Wicklow
- forestry and sheep. GP/
CG is the only party likely to
prioritise the existential threats
posed by climate change in
the forthcoming election and
to articulate a coherent and
radical response to those
threats. This is why I wish to be
on the NEC.
Tom Duffy
Father,
Volunteer,
Architect,
Businessman.
Born in Dublin's
Northside in
1969. Educated in Marino and
Bolton Street DIT. Married
to Dolly Victoria Arias from
Colombia. Two Sons, Finnegus
Antonio Arias and Edgardo
Fintan Arias. Architect &
Curator at Green Design
Build Design Gallery & Office
in Leeson Street Dublin,
promoting Sustainable
Architecture, Art, Handmade
Crafts. Volunteer with St.
Vincent de Paul Gardiner
Street and Clarendon Street
Dublin. Main interests include
practical Social Justice, social
housing crisis, Political Reform,
Anti Corruption in Politics,
real practical sustainable
development , Education, and
meaningful well paid jobs well
distributed throughout Ireland.
Catering
The hotel will have tea
and coffee stations set
up throughout the day.
All sales are on a cash basis. A lunch menu of soup and a choice of meat and vegetarian sandwiches
is available priced at €6.50 per person. A dinner menu is available in the hotel restaurant @ €25 for
three courses. (There will also be more vegetarian and vegan options available today.)
Starter
Homemade soup of the evening served with
homemade brown bread.
Duo of melon and pineapple, seasonal berries
and exotic fruit coulis.
Salmon-filled mushroom caps on mixed leaves
with garlic dip.
Piri piri chicken wings with Cajun mayonnaise.
Main course
Confit of duck leg on a bed of mash, butternut
squash, puree black cherry jus.
Asian style veg stir-fry on a bed of egg noodles,
chili & sweet soy sauce.
Grilled 8oz sirloin steak, golden fried onion rings
& peppercorn sauce (Supplement €2.00.)
Smoked bacon chorizo and sundried tomato on a
bed of pasta.
Dessert
Oven baked supreme of chicken, mozzarella,
chorizo and sundried tomato filling, served with
baby potatoes, ratatouille and balsamic jus.
Langtons style cheesecake with cassis coulis.
Cajun spiced salmon on a bed of stir-fry
vegetables and coriander rice.
Warm chocolate fudge cake served with hot
chocolate sauce & vanilla ice cream
Thai red chicken curry served on a bed of rice,
mint yoghurt dressing.
Baileys & brown bread ice-cream gateau served
with hot butterscotch sauce.
~~~
Freshly brewed tea and coffee.
Transport (to Dublin on Sunday 29th)
Irish Rail: MacDonagh Junction is a six minute
walk away from Langtons. Trains leave at 1:18,
3:30, 3:49 and 6:43, and arrive at Dublin Houston
Station at 2:50, 5:06, 5:20 and 8:20 respectively.
Approximate cost for journey is €26.
Dublin Coach: MacDonagh Junction is a six
minute walk away from Langtons. Coaches
leave at 11:40, 1:40, 3:40 and 5:40, and arrive at
Dublin d’Olier Street at 1:15, 3:15, 5:15 and 7:15
respectively. Approximate cost for journey is
€10.
Voting
All non-probationary
members who
have renewed their
membership for 2015
will be entitled to
vote. If you haven’t
renewed already, it
is very simple – you
can renew at the
registration desk or
online at greenparty.ie
Bus Eireann: Kilkenny Railway Station is a five
minute walk away from Langtons. Bus #7 leaves
at 12:30, 1:05, 3:30, 4:40 and 6:25, and arrives at
Dublin Heuston Station at 2:35, 3:22, 5:25, 6:35
and 8:30 respectively. Approximate cost for
journey is €13.
J.J. Kavanagh Coaches: Kilkenny Castle is a
six minute walk away from Langtons. Coaches
leave at 11:50, 3:10 and 5:50, and arrive at Dublin
Eden Quay at 1:35, 5:40 and 7:50 respectively.
Approximate travel cost is €13.
A huge thank you...
A huge thank you to our
Convention team and
committed volunteers
who have worked really
hard over the last few
weeks to organise
this year’s annual
Convention.
A special mention
to the local Carlow/
Kilkenny group and
Malcolm’s team who’ve
also worked tirelessly
to ensure our members
are well taken care of
over the few days.
Also a big thank you
to Langton’s Hotel
for going above and
beyond in helping us
to make it a successful
weekend.
Convention 2015 | Page 5
Technical
Motions
Technical
Motions
Motions and Policy
Saturday 28th March
Motion A – End Term
This is to cater for situations
• 5.2.3 Each Regional
(section 5.03) would apply so
where Constituency Groups
Group shall have a Cothat these two members could
Limits throughout the
have become inactive.
ordinator for the purpose of
be of the same sex if necessary
Constitution
communications.”
for gender balance.
Motion A – Regional
Proposer: NEC
in a non-voting capacity by
Chair (or in his/her absence
NOTE:
If passed at Convention
Motion
D
–
Remove
Quotas for NEC
Explanation:
The
exception
in National
the
Secretary and the
the
Deputy
Chair)
of
2013,
this
amendment
would
Motion
H –General
Remove
the Requirement for
Delete: Elections
to the Green Party
Chair (or in his/her absence
Council.
immediately apply to the 5.2.2 relates
Requirement for
Constituency
and
• section 5.05,
Ireland. new
No other
the Deputy Chair) of National
Proposed
text with
election of the new NEC atin Northern
GeneralCouncil.
Secretary
Regional
Development
• sectionProposer:
5.3.4 1st sentence,
Regional Groups
are operative
amendments
in bold.
Convention
2013.
NEC
• section 5.6.1 1st sentence.
Plans
at present.
Proposer: NEC
5.6 National Executive
Committee Composition
Current Text
Explanation:
Motion B – Number
ExplanationThe NEC wish to propose
Proposer:
NEC
Executive • In sections 5.1.4 and 5.2.6
5.6
National Executive
a
Motion The
F –National
Remove
required to constitute a
Term limitschange
were suspended
under Item
Committee shall
Committee Composition the Requirement
to the manner in which
forcomprise: [if not deleted
Constituency
under section
5.05 butAshave
not Delete section
5.1.4 andExecutive
section
7] replace
“the General Group
a) the Party Leader;
The National
it is elected.
the process
Delegates
to national
been reviewed.
Thisstands,
proposal
is NEC5.2.6.
Secretary”
by “Party
staff”.
b) the Deputy Leader;
Committee shall comprise:
currently
each
Proposer:
Limerick
Council to
Elected at • In section
to abolish them.
c) be
the Cathaoirleach;
a) the Party Leader;
must be comprised of at least
“We5.5
call on the Green Party to
Meeting
after selected
• amendreduce
section
5.5(a)
to required to
a representative
b) the Deputy Leader; the First d)
two persons from each of Explanation
the
the
number
not
currently
staff,awho
in advance of each Annual “To employ
c) the
Cathaoirleach;
EU Party does
constitute
Constituency Group
Motion Bfive– regions
Make(based
it on theThe
Convention
have the staff
guide this
may include
a General
Convention by the Young Greens
d) to
a representative
selected
constituencies:
Dublin, East,
from 10
to 5 as defined within
Easier to
Amalgamate
process. in advance of each AnnualProposer:/ NEC
Secretary”;
Óige Ghlas;
South, North-West, Northern
our party constitution.”
Constituency
Groups
and re- Group
e) a Treasurer, elected • delete section
Convention by the Young Greens
Ireland). These two persons can
5.1.1 A5.5(b)
Constituency
Proposer NEC
5.3.5 deleteby“at
letter subsequent
sections;
preferendum at
/ Óige
Ghlas;
come from the ten members
must be recognised
by the
Motion E
– Shorten
the In sectionindividually
the first meeting
of each
• in section
5.5(c)Executive
delete Committee
each
Annual
Convention;
e)
a
Treasurer,
elected
elected at National Convention,
National
Section on Regional
Add to section
5.1.1:
Constituency
Group
and
each elected
“through
the auspices
ofand
the
f ) 10
other
members
individually by preferendum
at
or may
be“A
among the five
according
to Rules
Groups each Annual Convention; Regional Group
Constituency
Group
may
subsequent
General
Secretary”;
by preferendum
at each Annual
persons
who
get onto NEC
Procedures
and in consultation
amalgamate
with one oras a result of
Proposer: NEC
to Convention”
and substitute
• “of
in section
amendRegional
Convention
so that [delete:
f ) 10 other members elected
automatically,
with5.5(h)
the relevant
more Constituency
Groups
in within the
“annually”.
“Chair Group
of National
the 15 members there will be”]
by preferendum at each Annual
their officer
positions
whereCouncil
one exists. The
adjacent constituencies.
The Leader,
Delete sections
5.2.1 to
General membership
Secretary” must be
i) of the 15 members thereand the
Convention
so5.2.7
that of the 15
Party (Leader, Deputy
minimum
National Executive
Committee
inclusive and
substitute:
to “and10
Chair
of National
will be at least one member of
members
there will be: Explanation
Chairperson,
Treasurer, Young
paid-up
members.
may amalgamate
Constituency
Groups
to elect Party and not
Council”;
the
Parliamentary
i) at least one member ofThis
theallows
Greens rep).
Groups for adjacent
• “5.2.1 Regional
Groups
mayand not
their delegates
at any
point of
• in the passage
more than
three
Parliamentary
Party
This situation is problematic
Rationale:following
The definition of a
constituencies
if it
considers
be formed
where
there is a
the year. ii) of the 15 members
sectionConstituency
5.6(e)(iii) delete
“the
more
than three
as a) in
the
last two NEC
Group
was defined
that this will
lead to increased
focus
for
and”;
there will be at least one localGeneral
at least one
local
elections,
we had problems perceivedii)regional
adSecretary
10 members
was ratified
activity.” filling our regional quotas of co-ordinated
activity,
either
replace
representative• in section
representative
two government
at a 5.6.2
time when
the“the
party had
Motion government
G – Add Two
by unanimous
agreement
General
Secretary
between
of the 10 members
iii) at least
two membersMembersiii)to
from some regions b) a region’s
it’s
largest
membership.At
this
Policy
Explanation:
Groups
the Nationalhas fallen
resident in each
EU constituency elected at Convention theremeetings
quota can be filled by two of the Constituency
timeofmembership
Steering
Committee
The way this
can
happen
at the anyonein a region
or byby
decision
by
will be at least one member Executive
covered
the Party.
Party
officers,
without
and Committee”
the number required
for
Electedresident
by National
moment isfrom
unclear.
of the National
Executive
“Partyastaff”;
in each EU constituency
If the above
conditions and
that region being actually
Constituency Group should
Committee.
Councilcovered by the Party.
• in section
5.7.3(d)
replace
gender balance cannot both
elected at Annual Convention.
reflect
this fact.
decision-making
If the above conditions and“General Secretary” by
be satisfied
by the candidates
In Allow
order to address this, •the5.2.2 The
Motion C –
structure
of a Regional
Proposer:gender
NEC balance cannot both “staff”.
available,
additional members
is proposing two changes,
the NECNEC
to Convene
Group shall
beselected
decidedto achieve
• In section 9.6.7 delete
be satisfied by the candidates
will be
outlined below. First of all, from
Constituency
Groups
In sectionavailable,
5.3.6 delete
“and members“drafted by the General
additional
genderMeeting
balance.ofIn this event
now on each region will onlyby
bea General
Proposer: automatically
NEC
thehighest
region who
the Party will
Chairperson”
be selected to achieve Secretary and”.
thein
next
ranking males
entitled to onemembers
have voting
rightsinaccording
and substitute
“the
Party In this event
gender
balance.
or females
the preferendum
member of NEC. However, this
Add 5.1.5: “The
National
to Section
It shall be
and two
members
Explanation
the next
highest
ranking males
will 4.4.
be elected.
Failing thisChairperson,
the
automatic
position must come
Executive from
Committee
subjectNational
to approval
by theCommittee
elected byorNational
As the Party no longer has
femalesCouncil.”
in the preferendum
Executive
amonghas
the the
ten individuals
right to convene
meeting
National
Council
in to achieve
General Secretary these
will be elected. Failing thisathe
will
co-optexcept
members
electedaat
Annualof
Convention.
any Constituency
by officer
the case
of an balance.
organisation
Explanation:
The Policy
provisions are inoperable. If
National
Executive Committee
gender
As such, Group
the Party
notifying all
members
the
outside the
Republic
of be attended
Steering Committee
already to achieve
the Party is able to employ a
will co-opt members
Meetings
shall
positions
willon
not
count towards
records maintained
by theautomatic Ireland in
recognised
by capacity byhas several
non-voting
General Secretary in future
gender
balance.
a non-voting
filling a regions
national party.”
[This will be
the National
Executive
who
assist shall
in itsbe attended
the NEC will have power
Meetings
the General
Secretary and members
the
position.
5.1.4 if Item 7 is passed.]
Committee as having
work. This would allow two of
under the amended 5.5(a)
Regional Group status in the
them to be voting members.
to appoint one and allocate
Explanation
Party.
The gender balance rule
appropriate functions to them.
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Page 6 | 2015
Convention 2013
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However, giving the General
Secretary voting rights at
the Management Committee
would require a subsequent
constitutional amendment.
Explanation
This reflects current procedure
by chairpersons and provides a
way of objecting.
Motion I – Clarify
Distinction between
Appeals Panel and
Appeals Committee
Motion K – Change
Reference to
‘Convention Delegates’
to ‘All Members’
Proposer: NEC
Proposer: NEC
• In section 5.9.1 amend “The
Appeals Tribunal” to “The
members of an Appeals
Tribunal”;
• In section 5.9.3, section
5.9.4, and section 5.9.5
amend “The Appeals
Committee” to “An Appeals
Tribunal”.
Delete 7.3 and 7.4 and
substitute:
Explanation:
This reflects what has
always been the practice as
the Constitution as drafted
appeared to be unworkable.
Motion J – Align
Consensus DecisionMaking With What
Actually Happens
Proposer: NEC
Amend section 6.1.1 to read:
“In circumstances where, in
the view of the chairperson, all
reasonable efforts to achieve
consensus have failed and
the time available for debate
is exhausted, the chairperson
may put the matter to a
vote. Upon the chairperson
announcing a decision to
do so, any member entitled
to vote at the meeting may
request that a procedural
vote be taken to overturn the
chairperson’s decision; in which
case the procedural vote will
be held immediately without
discussion.”
• “7.3 At all Conventions, all
paid-up members of the
Party shall be entitled to
attend, speak and vote,
except as specified in
section 7.4.
• “7.4 If the National Executive
Committee considers that
the number of members of
the Party has grown to such
an extent that Conventions
organised under section
7.3 are not practicable, the
National Council shall adopt
Rules and Procedures for
Conventions to be held
on a delegate basis, with
Regional Groups and/or
Constituency Groups and/
or Local Groups being
represented proportionally.
The number of members for
the purpose of establishing
the ratio of delegates shall
exclude members in their
probationary period. The
decision of the National
Council on the issue of
proportionality shall be final
and binding.”
Explanation
At present, by a long-standing
decision of National Council,
all members are deemed to be
delegates. This amendment
makes the present situation
easier to understand, while
allowing change in the future.
Motion L – Remove
Obsolete Provisions
About Ending of NEC
Terms of Office
Proposer: NEC
In the passage following section
7.5(l), delete
• “or until the conclusion
of the following Annual
Convention where elected
for 2 years; with the
exception that those
members of the National
Executive Committee
elected other than by
Convention shall remain in
office until such elections
are held, or for one month
after Convention, whichever
period is the shorter.”
Explanation
These provisions referred to
members elected for 2 years
and delegates from Regional
Councils and from groups of
public representatives, and
should have been deleted when
these positions were abolished.
Motion M – Allow
NEC to Convene a
Selection Convention
if Constituency Group
Does Not
Proposer: NEC
Add to section 9.1: “The
National Executive Committee
may call a Selection Convention
if it considers that the Local
Group or Constituency Group is
unduly delaying doing so.”
Explanation
This is to cater for situations
where Constituency Groups
may be inactive.
Motion N - Change the
names of the “National
Council” and “NEC” to
be more indicative of
their functions
Proposer: Dun Laoghaire
Greens
Throughout the Constitution,
the name ‘National Council’
would be replaced by “Policy
and Rules Committee”
and “National Executive
Committee” would be replaced
by “Executive Committee”.
Explanation
The functions of these two
committees is not clear from
their titles and it can take years
to realise what they are, unless
one enquires.
In particular:
• The word “National” is
superfluous because
(a) it is a word normally
reserved for State bodies,
countrywide businesses
and the like, (b) within the
Party, party-wide is, in
our view, implied unless
qualified by, say, “Branch”
and (c) we are an all-Island
party.
• There should be good
reason if one group is
to be identified as a
different type from the
other, i.e. “Council” versus
“Committee”.
• It is important that “Policy”
or “Policy and Rules” is
included in the title of
what is currently National
Council.
Non technical
motions
continue
overleaf...
Delete section 6.1.5 and renumber 6.1.6 as 6.1.5.
Convention 2015 | Page 7
NonTechnical
technicalMotions
motions
Motion 1 – Rainwater
Harvesting Systems
Explanation
The development of public
“That Convention calls on the
Cllr Mark Dearey, has been
banking in Ireland will require
Minister for the Environment,
working with the SBFIC to
significant primary legislation
Communities and Local
Proposer: Motion
Dublin South
try and realise the goal of
to be successful, and it will also
Government to tackle the
A –West
Regional
establishingNOTE:
a network
of local
need broad-based
hoarding capacity
of
in and
a non-voting
by
Chair (or inpolitical
his/her absenceunder-use
If passed
at Convention
Quotas for NEC public banks in Ireland.
The Green Party will require
support. Discussions
have of National
derelict land
the state,
semithe by
General
Secretary
and the
the Deputy Chair)
2013, this amendment would
Electionssystems
rainwater harvesting
A regional
bank significantly
initiated with the
state andChair
private
byabsence
(orsectors
in his/her
Council.
immediately
apply to the already been
in all new developments so
increaseselection
the financial
as a first
step
theDeputy
Derelict
SitesofAct
Chair)
National
Proposed
new
textinwith reformingthe
of the new NEC atCentral Bank
that county
councils NEC
must
resilience Convention
of local economies,
what will have
to be a rigorous
to make available
Council. such lands for
amendments
in bold.
2013.
Proposer:
include the standard BS 8525,
as lending is carried out
regulatory5.6
approval
self-build and other forms of
Nationalprocess.
Executive
in their development
plans and
exclusively
within Text
the region
To makeCommittee
public banking
housing”B – Number
Composition affordableMotion
Current
Explanation:
so comply with
and
or profit
work, a reliable
institutional
The National
Executive
5.6 National
Executive
Thethe
NECRegional
wish to propose
a any interest
required to constitute a
Planning Guidelines.
earned is retained
locally,
with
trusteeship
needs to shall
be found,
Committee
comprise:Motion 4 – Amend the
Committee
Composition
change to the manner in which
Constituency Group
This measure
will promote
directed
by political
a) the Party
Leader;
Thethen
National
Executive and any attempts
it is elected.
As the processthose profits
Constitution to Prevent
water conservation,
save each NECtowards further
local shall
lending
theLeader;
idea
b) the Deputy
Committee
comprise:agents to appropriate
currently stands,
Proposer: Limerick
the Privatisation
of
money formust
residents
and
or retaineda)as
capital.
need to be resisted.
There is
c) the Cathaoirleach;
thecore
Party
Leader;
be comprised
of at least
“We call on the Green Party to
Public Water
reduce rainwater
run-off
which
would
be concentrated
to ensure selected
d) a representative
b) the
Deputy Leader; also the imperative
two persons
from
each of Lending
the
reduce the number required to
contributes
toregions
flooding.
and
small
that whatever
new banking
in advance
of each Annual
c) the
Cathaoirleach;
five
(based on thein
EUthe domestic
constitute a Constituency Group
business sector,
with larger selected
system evolves
is compatible
Proposer:from
Dublin
West
Convention
by the Young Greens
d) a representative
constituencies: Dublin, East,
10 to
5 asGreens
defined within
Explanation
loans approved
than of
those
small
scale
/ Óige
Ghlas;
in advance
each Annualwith existing,
South, North-West, Northern
our party constitution.”
Passing this
motion
will enable
typically
provided
by the
credit
community e)
savings
entities,
a Treasurer,
elected The Green Party
Convention
by the
Young Greens
Ireland).
These
two persons
can
5.1.1 A/ Comhaontas
Constituency Group
and inspirecome
the party’s
county
unions, but
smaller
than the
such as credit
unions.by
Before
Glas
itsrecognised
call for a by the
individually
preferendum
at reiterates
/ Óige
Ghlas;
from the
ten members
must be
councillorselected
to follow
the lead of
typical lending
existing elected any of thiseach
happens,
to amend
the Committee
Annualhowever,
Convention; referendum
e) aof
Treasurer,
at National
Convention,
National
Executive
Green Party
Duffy’s
banks. by preferendum
a piece
research
Constitution
to prevent
the and
f ) 10 other
members elected
individually
at of applied
or Cllr
mayFrancis
be among
the five commercial
according
to Rules
who successfully
this NEC A publiceach
bankAnnual
is a financial
place in the market
privatization
of publicand
water
at each Annual
Convention; identifyingbyapreferendum
persons proposed
who get onto
Procedures
in consultation
motion in South
Dublin County
institution which
is publicly
for public Convention
savings banks
needs
and
supply
in
so that
[delete:
“ofwaterwith
f ) 10 other
members elected
automatically,
as a result of
the services
relevant Regional
Council which
nowpositions
includedwithin
held
in trust
a statutoryat each Annual
to be completed,
followed by
Ireland.
Green
Party
isexists. The
the 15 members
there will
be”] The
by by
preferendum
theirhas
officer
the
Group
where
one
this standard
in(Leader,
its draftDeputy Leader,
regional institution
(for
support from
thethe
Attorney
committed
to working
towards must be
i) of
15 members there
Convention
so that of the 15
Party
minimum
membership
development
plan.
instance amembers
Municipalthere
or Local
office
a
this
the lifetime
of
beinatidentifying
least one member
of goal during
will be: General’s will
Chairperson,
Treasurer, Young
10 paid-up
members.
Authority). Iti)has
stakeholders
pathway.
the
next Oireachtas.
the
Parliamentary Party and
not
at least
one member oflegislative
the
Greens rep).
not shareholders,
and aParty
publicand not The question
before
Ireland
more than
three
Parliamentary
situation
is problematic
Rationale: The definition of a
Motion 2 –This
Local
Public
mandate can
bethan
specified
to
now is: whatii)should
of thefill
15the
members MotionConstituency
more
three
as
a)
in
the
last
two
NEC
5 – IrelandGroup was defined
Banking
legally compel
the
bank
tolocal
space leftthere
by thewill
crisis
and
be at
least one local
ii) at
least
one
elections, we had problems
ad
10 members the
was ratified
should Implement
Proposer: filling
Louthour
Greens
some profitsrepresentative
to public the withdrawal
of several
government
representative
regional quotasapportion
of two government
at a time when the party had
EU Reception
Directive
projects. With
obligations
banks
from
the
of the
10 members
iii) no
at least
two memberscommercialiii)
from some regions b) a region’s
it’s largest membership.At this
The Greenquota
Partycan
supports
the
market? Clearly
previous
Proposer:time
Mayo
Greens has fallen
electedthe
at Convention
there
residentdividends
in each EUare
constituency
be filled
by twoto shareholders,
membership
proposal from
Savings
Bankanyone
not paid and
resources
banking model,
bymember
a
will bedominated
at least one
covered
by theare
Party.
Partythe
officers,
without
and the number required for
Foundation
for International
instead channelled
into building
small number
of high-lending
The Green
Party calls forGroup should
resident
in each EU constituency
If the above
conditions and
from
that region being actually
a Constituency
Co-operation
(SBFIC),
to Convention.
capacity within
commercial
banks,byfailed
and
Ireland toreflect
sign up
to fact.
the EU
covered
the Party.
genderindividual
balance cannot both
elected
at Annual
this
establish a network
borrowers.
is still failing.If An
‘Reception Directive’ in order
theopportunity
above conditions and
be satisfied This
by the candidates
In order of
to Local
address this, business
the
Public Banks
greatly improves
the
quality ofmembers
exists to recreate
the banking
that the present arbitrary and
gender balance
cannot both
available,
additional
NECinisIreland.
proposing two changes,
We further
urge the
oneby
which
inhumane accommodation of
be satisfied
the candidates
willthe
be management
selected to achievesector in Ireland,
outlined
below. First of all,lending,
from and
Government
toon
provide
the will only
capacity
the SME
sectorIn this event
works foravailable,
communities
and members
asylum seekers by this State
additional
gender
balance.
now
each region
be of
necessaryautomatically
resources toentitled
allow a to one
more generally.
small andwill
medium
sized to achieve may be legislatively outlawed
be selected
the next highest ranking males
detailed Business
of aHowever,
new
Public bank
lendinginisthe
a preferendum
enterprises.
We believe
and a equitable fair system
gender
balance.that
In this event
or females
memberPlan
of NEC.
this
Local Public
Bankingposition
system must come
proven concept,
and it works
banking
model which
implemented.
next highest
ranking males
will be elected.
Failing thisthe
thepublicthe
automatic
to be drawn
up in
co-operation
well in countries
where
it Committee
has worked
over in
200
or for
females
theyears
preferendum
National
Executive
from
among
the ten individuals
with the SBFIC.
Convention
already exists.
In themembers
German to achieve
in Germany
the gap
willcan
be fill
elected.
Failing thisMotion
the
will co-opt
elected
at Annual Convention.
6 – Site Value
urges the Government
to officer context, where
both
public
that existsNational
in Irish Executive
banking atCommittee
gender
balance.
As such, the Party
Tax
facilitate the
drawing
upnot
of count towards
banks and commercial
banks
present. will co-opt members to achieve
Meetings shall
be attended
positions
will
the necessary
banks
Proposer: UCC Young Greens
gender balance.
in a non-voting
capacity by
fillingestablishing
a regions automaticoperate, Sparkassen
legislationposition.
to allow these new
are more efficient
andSecretary
more and Motion
shallof
be attended
the General
the
3 Meetings
– Reform
banks to be set up as soon as
commercially successful
The Green Party / Comhaontas
the Derelict Sites Act
possible.
than their private commercial
Glas calls for the immediate
competitors.
Proposer: Dublin Central Greens reform of the property tax and
Page 8 | Convention
Page 6 | 2015
Convention 2013
facebook.com/GreenPartyireland
@greenparty_ie
greenparty.ie
commercial rates, transforming
from the current faulty system
to a coherent site value tax.
Motion 7 – Mandatory
Green Infrastructure
Proposer: Dun Laoghaire
Greens
“The Green Party supports
mandatory green
infrastructure planning to
be integrated into traditional
planning and implemented in all
urban and rural development”.
Explanation
Green infrastructure is an
interconnected network of
green space that conserves the
natural ecosystem and assists
in the loss of biodiversity.
There is a need to proactively
develop green infrastructure
which both enhances
biodiversity and improves
resilience to climate change.
This approach has to be
incorporated into the planning
process so that it actively
promotes and conserves green
spaces, in both urban and rural
development.
Motion 8 – Creation
of a Public Liability
Insurance Scheme
Proposer: Galway Greens
“That the Green Party supports
the drawing up of legislation
that creates a public liability
scheme similar to the ACC
(Accident Compensation
Corporation) in New Zealand”.
Explanation
The ACC provides
comprehensive, no-fault
personal injury cover for all
New Zealand residents and
visitors to New Zealand.
This would have potentially
far-reaching implications for
various sectors including the
medical/healthcare sector.
Motion 9 - The
Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership
(TTIP)
Proposer: Brussels Greens
• Noting with dismay that
freedom of information
requests have shown
that 92% of preparatory
meetings the European
Commission has conducted
in the run-up to EU-US
trade talks were with
corporate lobbyists,
dooming negotiations
from the start to corporate
capture;
• Noting that the concerns
of ordinary citizens, trade
unions, environmental,
health and safety groups
have been all but ignored;
• Believing that the minor
trade benefits do not
warrant the huge risk to EU
and Irish labour standards
and environmental
regulations;
• Noting with pride that
Ireland is one of the only
EU countries that does not
currently avail of investorto-state dispute settlement,
a mechanism that could
allow foreign corporations
to sue our government if
it passes new laws that
impacted on their profits;
• Noting the threat posed
to European farmers and
consumers by any watering
down of prohibitions on
unsustainable and unhealthy
agricultural practices,
including hormone and
antibiotic use in farming,
chlorination of chicken
carcasses, etc.
• Recognising with concern
that even the European
Commission itself has
acknowledged that TTIP is
likely to bring “prolonged and
substantial’ dislocation to
European workers;
• Mindful of the potentially
damaging effects of a
deregulatory treaty on
taxpayers, SMEs and
ordinary workers here in
Europe and in the United
States.
The Green Party:
• Rejects the inclusion of
the Investor-State Dispute
Settlement Mechanism in
any final agreement;
• Demands full transparency
on all chapters of the
agreement for all levels of
national, regional and local
government that the trade
deal will impact;
• Urges the rejection of the
TTIP agreement should
the final treaty include
significant compromises
on the EU standards for
environmental protection,
labour protections and other
select areas of economic
interest;
Motion 10 – Support for
a referendum on the
8th Amendment
Proposer: Dublin Young Greens
The Green Party supports
the holding of a referendum
to allow the people of Ireland
determine whether or not the
8th Amendment should be
repealed.
Motion 11 – Support
for a Yes Vote in any
Referendum on the
Repeal of the 8th
Amendment
Proposer: Dublin Young Greens
The Green Party will support a
vote in favour of repeal in the
above proposed referendum
on the 8th amendment, on the
condition that the Government
have provided draft legislation
which will be put in place if the
referendum passes.
the floor if Motion 10 is passed.
Motion 12 – Legislation
Regulating Abortion
in the Event that the
8th Amendment is
Repealed
Proposer: UCC Young Greens
That upon the repeal of the
8th amendment the Green
Party will advocate legislation
allowing for the lawful
termination of pregnancies
in cases of fatal foetal
abnormality, rape, incest and
endangerment to the health of
the mother
Explanation
This motion will only be put to
the floor if Motion 11 is passed
Motion 13 – Funding of
the Health Service
Proposer: Carlow Kilkenny
Greens
The Green Party strongly
disagrees with other party’s
who prioritise tax cuts over
solving the crisis in the Health
Service. The Green Party will
campaign for an increase in
the staffing levels in the health
service to abate the crisis.
Motion 14 – Tax Rebate
on Gas Oil
Proposer: Dublin South Central
The Green Party/Comhaontas
Glas supports a change to the
legislation to consider replacing
the marking of gas oil (Green/
Red Diesel) with a tax rebate
to farmers and agricultural
contractors.
Explanation:
This motion will only be put to
Convention 2015 | Page 9
Non technical motions (continued)
Motion 15 – Removal of
Rent Allowance
• To provide a focus for local
Technical Motions
activities
territory of Ireland should be
providing access to low
permitted only for humanitarian
interest government loans
• To enable community
or United Nations approved
for community and domestic
Proposer: QUB Young Greens
minded person to take the
purposes.
energy and
first step on a community
Foreign military seeking
• c) That the Green Party
That the Green Party
representative role
passage through Ireland
/ Comhaontas Glas are
condemns the unjust
The present district council
bearing weapons for offensive
gravely concerned at this
enrichment
and subsidy
electoral requirement is too
purposes or transporting
Governments lack of action
Motion
A – of
Regional
private landlords by means of
large a step NOTE:
for small
local at Convention
captured prisoners
Change” capacity by
in a non-voting
Chair (or inshould
his/herbe
absence on Climate
If passed
Quotas for NEC participation
the rent allowance scheme and
subject tothe
specific
approval
the General Secretary and the
Deputy
Chair) ofbyNational
2013, this amendment would
Elections
supports measures
to phase
• To teach
active civicapply to the both houses
of the Oireachtas
in his/her absence
Council.
immediately
Motion Chair
20 –(orSelf
out the scheme in favour of
participation
by case basis.
the Deputy Chair) of National
new text with Determination
election of the new NEC aton a case Proposed
for
housing policies
thatNEC
do not
• The post
to be unpaid
except
The current
situation in
in bold.
Council.
amendments
Convention
2013.
Proposer:
Kurds
involve the payment of tax
for vouched expense’s as
Shannon airport
demands
that
5.6 National
Executive
revenue toExplanation:
private landlords
per authorised
schedule
spot checks
be carried
out on
Proposer:Motion
QUB Young
Committee
Composition
Current Text
B –Greens
Number
and the necessary
distortions
• aTo hold5.6
monthly
scheduled
all militaryThe
assets
of foreign
National
Executive
National
Executive
The NEC
wish to propose
required to constitute a
of competition
in the
rental
meetings
locally and
be
nations entering
Ireland.
Committee
shall comprise:That the Green Party would
Committee
Composition
change
to the
manner in which
market such
byNational
the district
call on theConstituency
Irish governmentGroup
to
a) the Party Leader;
The
Executive
it ispolicies
elected.cause.
As the process serviced
The Greencurrently
Party instead
administration
the rightLimerick
to selfDeputy Leader; recogniseProposer:
shall comprise:Motion 18b)–the
stands, each NEC councilCommittee
Access
supports increased
social of at least
• To act as
a support
for
of the
Kurdish
c) the
Cathaoirleach; determination
a) the
Party Leader;
must be comprised
“We call
on the
Green Party to
to Publicly
Funded
housing and
and Leader;
to
people. reduce the number required to
d) a representative selected
b) council
the Deputy
twoimplementing
persons fromrent
each of thethe district
Schoolsin advance of each Annual
controls. five regions (based on the EUencourage
in to Co
c) buy
the Cathaoirleach;
constitute a Constituency Group
Proposer:Convention
Cork Greens
by the Young Greens
d) a representative selected
constituencies: Dublin, East, Council structures
to 5 as defined within
Motion from
21 –10Liveable
• To haveinaadvance
limited role
/ Óige Ghlas;
of each Annual
South,
our
party
constitution.”
Motion 16
– North-West, Northern
Streets
mainly Convention
in arts, culture,
The Green Party:
e)
a
Treasurer,
elected
by
the
Young
Greens
Ireland).
These
two
persons
can
5.1.1
A
Constituency
Group
Reestablishment of
maintenance, • condemns
discrimination
in
Proposer:
Dublin
individually
by preferendum
at
/ Óige Ghlas;
come from the ten members environmental
must
be Central
recognised by the
Town Councils
and
tourism, economic
activity,
accesseach
to publicly-funded
Annual Convention;
e) a Treasurer,
elected
elected at National Convention,
National Executive Committee
creationorof
Rural
schools on
theother
grounds
of elected
That in order
to improve
road
f ) 10
members
individuallyand
by as
preferendum at
may
be among the five communications
according
to Rules
and
Community
Councils
conduit
the
religion;by preferendum at each Annual
safety and
make more
liveable
each
Annualfor
Convention;
persons
who get onto NEC a two way
Procedures
and
in consultation
county
• believes
that publiclystreets,
this
calls
Convention
so that [delete:
“of
f ) 10
other council
members elected
automatically, as a result of district and
withConvention
the relevant
Regional
Proposer: their
Tipperary
• the
To havebyeach
Rural
fundedthe
schools
must meet
onbe”]
all Local
Authorities
to exists. The
15 members
there will
preferendum
at each Annual
officerGreens
positions within
Group
where one
of there
introduceminimum
30 kph speed
limits must be
of all
thechildren,
15 members
ConventionCouncil
so that of the 15 the needsi) of
Party (Leader, Deputy Leader,Community,Town
membership
The GreenChairperson,
Party supports
on a local
centre
all faiths
and
and
asof
the default
in urban
areas
will
benone;
at least
one member
members
there
will be:
Treasurer, Younganchored
10 paid-up
members.
the reestablishment
of population
eg; Cahir,
due to the
the Parliamentary
separation of Party and
apart
not from National Roads and
i) at least
one member of• the
Greens rep).of “town
councils “andThis
new
rural is problematic
Fethard,
Clonmel, Ck.Party
on and not churchmore
and state,
believes it
Motorways
and calls
ondefinition
the
than three
Parliamentary
situation
Rationale:
The
of a
community
Suir, Thurles,
Borriseligh,
is not theii)role
of a15
publiclyTransport,Group
Sportswas defined
of the
members Minister for
more than
three
ascouncils
a) in the on
lastatwo NEC
Constituency
statutory basis
elected
by poll
Newport,
fundedthere
school
to be
promote
and Tourism
to members
update the
will
at least one local
ii) at least
one local
elections,
we had
problems Cloughjordan
ad 10
was ratified
from the register
of regional
electorsquotas
in
Roscrea,Killenaule,
religion
to its
outdated at
regulations
that
only
government
representative
representative any particular
filling our
of Nenagh,
two government
a time when
the
party had
each district
council
to act
Borrisokane
limits
in areas this
iii) at, Cashel,
least two members students.iii) of the 10 members allow suchit’sspeed
from
some area
regions
b) a region’s
largest
membership.At
as a lower quota
tier ofcan
consultative
Ardfinnian,
where thetime
majority
of vehicles
resident
in each EU constituency elected at Convention there
be filled by two Ballyporeen,
membership
has fallen
community
engagement
and anyoneClogheen,
Mullinahone
do not currently
at least one
member
covered
by the Party.
Party
officers, without
and theexceed
numberthis
required for
Motion will
19 –beEnergy
and
to provide from
a participate
rolebeing
for actually
Rearcross,Tempemore
etc
speed, and
furthermore Group
calls should
in each EU constituency
If the above conditions
and
that region
a Constituency
Climateresident
Change
small communities.
etc
on him to reflect
regulate
20 kph
covered by the Party.
gender balance cannot both
elected at Annual Convention.
thisfor
fact.
many
communities
Proposer: Dublin
Bay North
pedestrian priority zones in
If the above
conditions and
satisfied
by the candidates
In order to address this,There
the are be
Explanation
who feel completely
removed members
residential areas and make the
gender balance cannot both
available, additional
NEC is proposing two changes,
The demise
of townbelow.
councils
and council
Greenby
Party/
more powerful road user liable
bethe
satisfied
the candidates
will be selected
to achieve• a) “That
outlined
First of all,from
fromthe political
has left a gap
community
process
the detriment
Glas
are in members
by default for accidents unless
available,
additional
balance.ofInthe
this eventComhaontas
nowinon
each region will only
be togender
representation
and
entire body
politic
favour will
of the
ofto achieveit can be clearly shown that the
be option
selected
the
next highest ranking males
automatically
entitled to one
participation
in local
havinggender
an interconnector
vulnerable road user was at
balance. In this event
or females in the preferendum
member
ofactivities
NEC. However, this
The newautomatic
district councils
with Germany
the other
fault.”
the nextand
highest
ranking males
will–
beForeign
elected. Failing this the
positionare
must come
Motion 17
too large and
remote
the individuals
Countries
that areinplanning
or females
the preferendum
National
Executive
Committee
from
amongfrom
the ten
Military Using Irish
local community:
on 100%
renewable
energy
will
be elected.
Failing this the
will co-opt members to achieve
elected at Annual Convention.
Sovereign
Territory
• To provide
a meet
and notNational
nuclearExecutive
energy and
Committee
gender balance.
As such,
theand
Party officer
greet for
local activities
Proposer: Clare
Greens
• b) Thatwill
individual
domestic to achieve
co-opt members
Meetings
shall be attended
positions
will not and
count towards
dignitaries
renewable
gender balance.
in a non-voting capacity by and community
filling a regions automatic
• To enable
active
The Greenthe
Party/Comhaontas
is shall
to bebe attended
Meetings
General Secretary and theenergy creation
position.
participation by interested
Glas declares that foreign
encouraged by provide no
persons in a local
military that enter or use
obstacles’ to selling energy
environment
assets within the sovereign
to the national grid and by
Page 10 | Convention
2015
Page 6 | Convention
2013
facebook.com/GreenPartyireland
@greenparty_ie
greenparty.ie
Motion 22 – Renew the Republic
Proposer: Brussels Greens
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recognising that 2016 is the centenary of the Easter
Rising, and deploring that Ireland remains so far from
the social and political vision of the 1916 Proclamation;
Recognising that the faith of a strong majority of
Irish people in the political system has been severely
damaged in the light of the economic collapse, and
that this has in turn led to resistance to government
policy, as we have seen in the water charges protests;
Recognising the failure of the Fine Gael-Labour
coalition to honour their commitments to political
reform;
Recognising the good work performed by the
constitutional convention, despite their severely
limited remit and unsatisfactory lack of tangible
outcomes, and the good work on political engagement
and political reform being done by civil society groups
such as the People’s Conversation, Second Republic,
etc., but also the need for this work to be translated
into concrete policy;
Seeing that all political parties in the Republic of
Ireland, established and nascent, are exhibiting a
dearth of policies sufficient to restore the faith of the
Irish people in their political system, to ensure that we
avoid the mistakes of the recent past and to realise
the opportunities, economic, social and environmental
of a world experiencing a period of accelerating
change;
Recognising that the 1937 Constitution, while
containing items of worth is no longer fit for purpose,
having been submitted to over 40 amendments,
the majority in the past four decades, and yet still
containing directives on social policy, the role of
women and blasphemy, and others that do not enjoy
any significant level of support;
Recognising that the Irish legislature in Dáil Éireann
is one of the weakest in western Europe, serving as a
rubber stamp for the executive branch, which utilises
it’s majority to dominate and control all aspects of its
work;
Recognising that Ireland needs a strong, independent
parliament that will actually hold governments to
account, whose members will engage in their work as
national legislators as well as local representatives,
and where consensus and cooperation between
government and opposition can produce stronger
legislation and better governance;
Acknowledging the positive example set by the
parliaments of Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Germany
and others in this regard, where strong committees,
opposition input into legislation and more effective
parliamentary rules and procedures result in much
stronger and more effective legislatures;
Recognising also the extraordinarily weak position
and basis of local government in Ireland, and the
deleterious effects this has on public policy;
Recognising the precedent of renewal of republican
principles through radical constitutional change,
such as that seen in post Soviet Eastern Europe and
elsewhere:
The Green Party will:
• Seek to renew the faith of the Irish people in the
political system through its radical reconstruction and
the declaration of a Second Republic;
• Make the establishment of a Constitutional
Convention to transform the constitution and declare
a Second Republic a priority during the next Dáil and
Seanad;
• That the convention should begin its work in 2016
• That this convention should consist of selected
academic experts, representative members of the
public, a small and limited number of experienced
politicians, and others as deemed appropriate;
• That this process should seek throughout to be as
consultative, transparent and wide in it’s discourse
as possible, and should seek to engage the entire
population in its deliberations;
• That this constitutional convention should
endeavour to complete it’s work within two and a
half years;
• That the aim of the convention are:
• The assessment of the existing constitution
• The drafting of a replacement constitution
• The consideration of new directive principles
for Irish society
• In-depth consideration and recommendations
on the political system of the new constitution,
particularly the relationship between the
executive and legislative branches, the role
and powers of local government, the role and
duties of elected representatives, and the
role of the electoral system in guaranteeing
democratic representation and good
governance;
• That nothing be off the table, outside of Ireland’s
EU and international obligations – including
the structure of the government and of the
legislature, the role of head of state, the role of
local government, the
• That this convention would produce a new
constitution to be put before the people in a
popular vote;
• Seek to advance it’s own vision of a second Irish
Republic, which would include but not be limited to:
• The enshrining of protection of the
environment in the constitution;
• A strong legislature with significant
independence from the executive branch and
which would hold governments more properly
accountable;
• New parliamentary rules to avoid the use of
guillotining, to promote strong committees and
more consensual drafting of legislation;
• Change the way that government ministers
report on the work of their departments
– ministers should not be responsible for
every act of every civil servant under their
jurisdiction, but should be obliged to release
all relevant information as demanded by
the legislature unless extreme extenuating
circumstances apply;
• Local government with powers of local revenue
raising and dramatically increased authority
over areas such as education, planning, health,
policing and other local issues;
• A change of the electoral system to one
better suited to delivering nationally minded
legislators; seek the reform of multi-seat
constituencies for the national parliament
and the establishment of one single Irish
constituency for European elections, in line
with 22 other EU member states;
• An upper house that would represent civil
society, social partners and local government,
and would have the power to amend legislation
from the lower house.
• The possibility of a citizen initiated referendum,
along the lines of the Swiss model.
Motion 23 – Move
Responsibility for Food
Processing Sector
to Department of
Jobs, Enterprise and
Innovation
Proposer: Galway Greens
“That the responsibility for
the food processing sector
should be transferred from the
Department of Agriculture,
Food and the Marine to the
Department of Jobs, Enterprise
and Innovation. Governmental
responsibility for primary food
producers (ie. farmers) should
remain with the Department
of Agriculture, Food and the
Marine”.
Motion 24 – Elections
and Elected
Representatives
Proposer: Dublin Bay North
Greens
a) “That the Green Party /
Comhaontas Glas are in favourer
of fairer elections making the
playing field more equal by
reducing expenditure, limiting
posters to designated areas with
the same space and quantity for
each candidate, limiting printed
materials also and advertising
in the papers and online to be
provided equally to all candidates
with a photo bio, points of policy,
links to website, contacts and
social media”.
b) “That the Green Party /
Comhaontas Glas are in favour
of measures to bring new people
into politics and prevent career
politicians by putting a limit of
the amount of terms of office of
elected reps.”
c) “That the Green Party /
Comhaontas Glas election task
force target seats well to ensure
best use of limited resource
that into count the votes from
the local elections and gender
balance, also that in certain
areas the option of running
multiple candidates should be
explored”.
Convention 2015 | Page 11
You can make
a difference
Hopefully this year’s convention will have convinced
you that the Green Party has a vital role to play in the
months and years ahead.
We need as much help as possible with our mission
to make Ireland a better, fairer, greener place for
everybody - especially as we prepare to contest the
approaching General Election. This is where you
come in. Here are three simple things you can do to
make a difference:
1. Donate today at greenparty.ie/donate or at one
of our buckets over the weekend
2. Offer to help your General Election Candidate
3. Find and convince two people to join
the party in the next 12 months.