th Ard Fheis RDS BallSBRiDge

77 th Ard FheisRDS BallSBRiDgeFriday, 28 FEBrUary and SatUrday, 1 March, 2014

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ARD FHEIS 2014 // 1

2 Information

3 What’s Happening

4 Message from the

General Secretary

5 Message from

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD

6 Executive Council

Nominations 2014

7 Vice Presidential

Candidates

8 Dublin Candidates

10 East Candidates

11 North West

Candidates

14 South

Candidates

16 Parliamentary Party

Candidates

17 Council of Local Public

Representatives Candidates

18 Accounts

23 Motions for

Debate

31 Dates for

your Diary

As well as your accreditation,

please remember to bring

your 2013/14 Fine Gael/YFG

membership card and photo

i.d. to the Ard Fheis.

CONTENTS

// ARD FHEIS 20142

INFORMATION

RegistRation & PRe-RegistRationDon’t worry if you haven’t pre-registered for the Ard Fheis. You can still register, but please be aware that you cannot register at the RDS.

If you have not pre-registered do not attempt to gain access to the RDS as a security cordon will be in place.

Registration will take place at the nearby Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge, in the Thomas Prior Hall, from 5.00pm-8.00pm on Friday and 9.00am-6.00pm on Saturday.

Delegates will be required to produce their membership card and photo i.d. Travelling companions will have to be vouched for by a member.

ColleCtion of aCCReditationDelegates who have registered but have not received their accreditation can collect it at Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge, in the Thomas Prior Hall, from 5.00pm-8.00pm on Friday and 9.00am-6.00pm on Saturday.

CaR PaRking Public car parking is available at the Simmonscourt Car Park on Simmonnscourt Road.

The following parking rate applies - Daily parking: €6.00 per-day, subject to availability. Cars left overnight are at owner’s risk.

sHUttle BUs A shuttle bus will run from the Simmonscourt Car Park, stopping at Bewley’s Hotel and onwards to the Ard Fheis, on Friday between 5.00pm and 8.00pm and on Saturday between 9.00am and 6.00pm.

eleCtions & VotingVoting will take place in the Industries Hall between 1-4pm. To vote, members must produce a valid Membership Card (2013/14) and Delegate Card and may be asked to produce other means of i.d. Voting is open to all public representatives, members of Executive Council, Constituency and District Officers and five-delegates-per-Branch.

exHiBition aReaThe main hall will be include an exhibition area. Good Food Ireland will be hosting a stand with over 20 indigenous businesses from around Ireland. The area will also host a range of NGOs.

CRèCHeA free crèche, with qualified staff, will be available from 11.00am to 10.00pm on Saturday. Please phone Olivia at Fine Gael National Office at 01 619 8444 to make a reservation.

1. doUBle tRee Hilton Hotel dUBlin (formerly Burlington Hotel) Uppr Leeson St, D4 Single €105.00 B+B pn, Double €115.00 B+B pn Phone: 01 618 5600 E-mail: doubletree3.hilton.com

2. Bewley’s Hotel BallsBRidge Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, D4 Standard Room €106.00 pn, Breakfast €12.00 pp

Please quote: Fine280214 when booking Phone: 01 668 1111 E-mail: [email protected]

3. Clyde CoURt Hotel (formerly Berkley Court Hotel) 4 Landsdowne Road, D4 Single €99.00 B+B pn,

Double €109.00 B+B pn Phone: 01 238 2700 (Quote Ref: 315041) E-mail: [email protected]

4. MesPil Hotel Mespil Rd, D4 Single 2 nights €208.00 B+B, Double 2 nights €232.00 B+B Phone: 01 488 4600 E-mail: [email protected]

5. BallsBRidge Hotel (formerly Jury’s Hotel) Pembroke Rd, Ballsbridge, D4 Single €80.00 pn, Double €90.00 pn Quote ref no 318171 to avail of special rate. Link to Ard Fheis booking: http://fe.avvio.com/convert/site/Ballsbridge%20Hotel/en/rate/30009.html

6. HeRBeRt PaRk Hotel Ballsbridge, D4 Standard Room €115.00 pn Breakfast €15.00 pp (has to be booked in advance) Phone: 01 667 2200 E-mail: [email protected]

7. sandyMoUnt Hotel (formerly Mount Herbert Hotel) Herbert Rd, Lansdowne Rd, D4 Standard Room €99.00 pn, Breakfast €10.00 pp Phone: 01 614 2000 E-mail: [email protected]

ACCOMMODATION

ARD FHEIS 2014 // 3

WHAT’sHAPPENING

Friday FEBRUARY 28:Shelbourne hall7.00pm: opening Ceremony followed by Taoiseach’s address

8.00pm: Towards universal health Insurance Minister James Reilly TD

9.30pm: ard Fheis Social

SATURDAY MARCH 1

Shelbourne hall

9.30am-10.30am: Constitution and rules/Party organisation

10.45am-1.15pm: our Plan for Jobs and Growth (Live TV) Minister Richard Bruton TD Minister Simon Coveney TD Minister Michael Noonan TD Minister Brian Hayes TD Minister John Perry TD

1.30pm-3.00pm: new approaches to Farming and rural Development

Minister Simon Coveney TD Minister Tom Hayes TD

ConCerT hall

1.00pm-2.30pm: local Government reform in the 21st Century Minister Phil Hogan TD

2.45pm-4.15pm: Transparency, accountability, Justice Minister Alan Shatter TD Minister Paul Kehoe TD

MInerva SuITe

1.00pm-2.30pm: Shaping our Children’s Future Minister Frances Fitzgerald TD Minister Ciarán Cannon TD

4.30pm-6.00pm: Driving recovery in europe Minister Paschal Donohoe TD MerrIon rooM

2.30pm-4.00pm: Cross border Co-operation on Jobs Minister Richard Bruton TD Minister Dinny McGinley TD Minister Fergus O’Dowd TD Minister John Perry TD Dr Alasdair McDonnell, MP, MLA 4.15pm-5.45pm: Investing in our Future, Commemorating our heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan TD Minister Leo Varadkar TD Minister Dinny McGinley TD Minister Fergus O’Dowd TD Minister Michael Ring TD

Shelbourne hall

6.30pm: auditorium re-opens for Taoiseach’s address

7.00pm: Warm-up begins

7.30pm: Warm-up speeches

8.30pm: Taoiseach’s address (live Tv)

beWley’S hoTel, ThoMaS PrIor hall

10.30pm-1.30am: Social

PARAllEl MEETINgS – SATURDAY MARCH 1 ConCerT hall

4.30pm-6.00pm: Councillors and Candidates MInerva SuITe

2.45pm-4.15pm: Pressures on young People in Ireland Young Fine Gael session

// ARD FHEIS 20144

MESSAGE FROM THE

gENERAl SECRETARY

A very warm welcome to our 77th Ard Fheis, our first at the RDS since 2001.

Thanks to the hard work of the Irish people and strong leadership by our Government, Ireland’s economic outlook continues to improve.

Hence, we can all be proud that Fine Gael has a superbly positive message of job creation and economic recovery to sell during the course of the European and Local Election campaigns.

It is a message we must communicate strongly. It is vital to Ireland’s continued growth and development that Fine Gael remains the largest Irish party in the European Parliament and in Local Government. Victory will send out a strong signal that we are moving Ireland in the right direction.

We begin these campaigns with a strong slate of candidates, recognising that these elections are important for the future of our Country and our Party. Good Local government makes a real difference to people’s lives. Strong, principled leadership in Europe enhances our international representation. Please do all you can for the Fine Gael candidates in your area.

Elsewhere in the Clár you will see details of the Party’s financial accounts for 2012. Please study this Clár and familiarise yourself with the weekend’s events. I hope you have a constructive and enjoyable Ard Fheis.

Remember, your continued support allows our Government to implement its ambitious programme to restore Ireland’s economy and our international standing.

On your behalf, I thank the members of the Ard Fheis Steering Committee and all those who have helped plan this great gathering.

Best regards,

TOM CURRANGENERAL SECRETARY

ARD FHEIS 2014 // 5

MESSAGE FROM

AN TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY TD

Welcome to the 77th Fine Gael Ard Fheis, an opportunity to reflect and plan ahead.

We have much to consider. Following the successful exit of Ireland from the bailout programme, there is renewed optimism and confidence in our country.

I am glad to state that with every day that passes, Ireland is increasing its attractiveness as a place in which to do business. While unemployment is still too high, jobs are being created and our international image is substantially improved.

We have a clear plan to build on the recent achievements of the Irish people. There will be no let-up in the efforts of the Government. Fine Gael, with our Labour Party partners, remains committed to working unrelentingly to achieve full economic recovery.

Please remember these key messages when campaigning in the forthcoming European and Local Elections.

I am very glad to see that a wide range of motions have been submitted by the Party organisation for debate. Please take an active part in these debates, and also enjoy the social aspect of this great gathering of our wonderful national movement.

I sincerely hope that your weekend is productive and enjoyable and I send my best wishes to candidates contesting elections to the various positions on the Executive Council.

Best regards,

ENDA KENNY TDTAOISEACH AND LEADER OF FINE GAEL

// ARD FHEIS 20146

PResident (one to Be eleCted)An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD* (Mayo)

ViCe-PResident (two to Be eleCted)Gerry O’Connell* (Tipperary)John Paul Phelan TD (Carlow Kilkenny)

dUBlin (tHRee to Be eleCted)Brendan Heneghan* (Dublin Bay South) Brian Murphy* (Dublin Fingal) Michael van Turnhout (Dublin Rathdown)Barry Walsh* (Dublin Bay North)

east (tHRee to Be eleCted)Leo Butler* (Carlow Kilkenny)John Dreelan (Wexford)Moira Finnegan* (Kildare South)Jim Nevin (Meath West)

noRtH west (tHRee to Be eleCted)Leonora Carey* (Clare)John Delamere* (Longford Westmeath) Willie Geraghty (Mayo) Geraldine Harkin (Donegal)Larry Harney (Galway East)

soUtH (tHRee to Be eleCted)Mary Danagher* (Limerick) Maurice Fitzgerald* (Tipperary)Michael Kiely (Cork East) Eileen Lynch (Cork North West)

PaRliaMentaRy PaRty (foUR to Be eleCted)Seán Conlan TD* (Cavan Monaghan) Charlie Flanagan TD* (Laois)Martin Heydon, TD* (Kildare South)Sen Maurice Cummins* (Waterford)

CoUnCil of loCal PUBliC RePResentatiVes (two to Be eleCted)Cllr. Laura McGonigle* (Cork SC)Cllr. Seán McKiernan* (Cavan Monaghan)

*Denotes outgoing member

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

NOMINATIONS 2014

ARD FHEIS 2014 // 7

VICE-PRESIDENTIAL

CANDIDATES

John Paul Phelan Carlow Kilkenny

John Paul Phelan is a TD for the Carlow Kilkenny Constituency since 2011. Previously, he served as a member of Seanad Eireann from 2002 to 2011 on the Agricultural Panel, and as a member of Kilkenny County Council from 1999 to 2003 for the Piltown Electoral Area.

A member of the Party since joining Young Fine Gael while in secondary school at Good Counsel College in New Ross, Co. Wexford, when elected to the local authority in 1999, he was the youngest ever member of Kilkenny County Council at 20 years-of-age. Currently he serves on the Joint Oireachtas Committee of Justice, Equality and Defence as well as the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

John Paul holds a degree in Economics and recently qualified from the Honorable Society of King’s Inns as a barrister. He is a life long member of the GAA through his local club in Kilkenny, Tullogher/Rosbercon and is a member of New Ross Rugby Club.

He resides in Ferrybank, Co Kilkenny, on the edge of Waterford City.

Gerry O’Connell Tipperary

A 37 year-old solicitor from Killenaule, Co. Tipperary, Gerry O’Connell was first elected a Vice-President of the Party in 2004 and has been re-elected to that position at each subsequent Ard Fheis. He is the current Chairperson of the Executive Council Sub-Committee on the Fine Gael Constitution and Rules.

Gerry is a former President of YFG and has served the Party as a Constituency Director of Elections in the 2007 and 2011 General Elections, the 2009 Local and European Elections and the 2011 Presidential Election.

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.

// ARD FHEIS 20148

DUBLIN

CANDIDATES

Brendan Heneghan DUBLIN BAY SOUTH

”Your Executive Council will be an important contributor to the selection of candidates and tactics for elections. It is critical that the Executive you are electing today does its very best to ensure we win the election scheduled for 2016. I was pleased following my re-election to Executive in 2009 to play my part in the successful 2011 campaign, delivering record seats for Fine Gael. The outgoing Executive has spent an intensive six months preparing for the 2014 election. I am confident we have the right team to deliver again as the largest Party following election 2014. However, I need your number one vote today to be involved in the critical task of winning election 2016 and relegating Fianna Fáil/Sinn Féin to carping from the sidelines. I am a member and sometime officer of Dublin Bay South constituency, a key constituency in terms of what we need to do. As a “very part time” consultant solicitor I have the time to devote to the task at hand. I also believe I have the skillset of knowledge of the country politically to contribute to our task.”

Brian Murphy Dublin Fingal

Brian believes the next two years will be crucial for the Party. We need to ensure that we do as well as possible in the forthcoming elections and then quickly learn the relevant lessons as we prepare to select candidates for the General Election and secure our return to Government.

There will be a need to ensure a close relationship between the Executive Council and the individual Dublin constituencies so that the Dublin membership have the opportunity to express their views, both in relation to the appropriate strategies and candidates for these contests.

As we prepare to present the electorate with our vision of Ireland post 2016, there is also a need to ensure that the membership have the opportunity to voice their ideas and feed into the policy-making process through the holding of discussion fora after the Summer elections.

Brian believes his wide experience in the Party, from President of Young Fine Gael in 1986-1988 to serving more recently as Chairperson of the Executive Council, will enable him to contribute significantly to this task and to being a strong voice for the Dublin membership on the Executive.

Brian is an active member of the Dublin Fingal constituency, including serving as Chairperson, 1999-2003. He served as Director of Elections in Dublin North East in 2007 when Fine Gael won back the seat lost in 2002 and in Dublin North in 2011, where the Party took two seats for the first time in nearly 30 years.

ARD FHEIS 2014 // 9

DUBLIN

CANDIDATES

Michael van Turnhout DUBLIN RATHDOWN

• I have put in the hard work and played an active role in many campaigns; local, national, presidential and referenda.

• In my constituency of Dublin Rathdown (previously Dublin South) I have served the Party as Chairman, Director of Elections and PRO as well as in many other roles. I helped the Party to rebuild after 2002 and grow the number of TD’s from one to three.

• Previously served on the Executive Council – the one which helped win the general election in 2011.

• I am experienced at all levels of the Party – will hit the ground running if elected. • I will always place the best interests of the Fine Gael Party first.• As a former member of the national executive of a political youth organisation, during my youth in the Netherlands, I am a big supporter of a strong and independent youth wing.

• I am an experienced manager in the private sector and will bring a professional, business-like attitude to the many issues facing our Party. I have 13 years management experience; during the good times but also made the difficult decisions that were needed in the bad times.

• I believe it is important to have representation from outside day-to-day politics in the Executive. I work in the private sector and am thus independent from anyone in the Party.

• Apart from politics, I am also involved in a local residents’ association, am an avid gardener, love good food, travel and reading and am interested in history and cars.

Barry Walsh DUBLIN BAY NORTH

Barry Walsh (29) is a member in the Dublin Bay North constituency. Since joining Fine Gael at the age of 16 he has served in a range of positions at constituency and national level.

Barry was President of Young Fine Gael, from 2007-10, and served previously as Vice-President from 2006-07. This was a period of renewal and growth for the organisation, with membership reaching a high watermark not seen for over 20 years. During his term he was a vocal advocate for the rights of grassroots members, leading successful YFG campaigns to retain the “one member one vote” system for selection conventions and to secure a third seat for YFG on the Fine Gael Executive Council.

Barry was elected to the Executive Council to represent Dublin members for the first time at the last Ard Fheis in 2012 and has continued to be a vocal advocate for the interests of members, particularly in relation to voting rights and allowing members to contribute to Party policy.

He is originally from Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, and has lived in Clontarf, Dublin since 2005. From a family of rugby fanatics, he also enjoys cinema, opera, and lots of reading in his rare moments of spare time.

// ARD FHEIS 201410

EAST

CANDIDATES

LEO BUTLER CARLOW KILKENNY

I am a married father of one from south Kilkenny. For the past 22 years I have worked as an electronics and software engineer for an indigenous Irish company, supplying equipment to the world’s automotive industry.

I have been chairperson of SERCHAM (South East Chambers), co-author of Chambers’ Development Strategy Document and I recently returned to study a BEng in Mechatronics in IT Sligo.

I am actively involved in politics in my constituency, occupying officerships at branch, district and constituency levels. I have also been involved in managing first time candidates at local, national and European level.

From my experiences with branch activities and aiding candidates, it is my ambition to be part of the national strategy committee for the 2016 General Election.

I believe that my passion for politics and my entrepreneurial experience will be an asset to the National Executive in its next term.

JOHN DREELAN WEXFORD

Since the 1999 Local Elections, John has been actively involved in Fine Gael. He has served at local, district and constituency level. John has spent time as District Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman. He has also served as Wexford Constituency Chairman.

Organisational challenges are what motivate John; he has been a member of Wexford Constituency Strategy Committee since the 2007 General Election. Since then John has played a key role within the campaign management team. Working closely with the Director of Elections, John’s strengths are in analysing tallies and previous results to ensure that the best strategy is put in place, and then following through on making sure that each candidate has all support they need for a successful election.

As Superdraw Co-ordinator, John has brought Wexford to the top the national league table in 2011, 2012, and 2013, with an outstanding total sale for 2013 of 825 tickets. John now wants to bring the experience and knowledge gained at local and constituency level to the Fine Gael Executive Council.

John works as an Associate at Lake Region Medical in New Ross. He and Denise have three children, Darragh, Aoife and Callum. A committee member with New Ross Credit Union, John says with three small children and his involvement in Fine Gael he has “no time for hobbies”.

• Member of Executive Council since 2012

• Active Member of four Executive Council Committees

• Secretary of Kildare South Constituency

• Director of Elections 1990 – 2007

• Branch/Constituency Officer 1977 – 2014

• Super Draw Co-ordinator from inception - 2012

• Member of Athy Community Council

• Retired Assistant Principal, Co Kildare VEC

• Volunteer driver Irish Cancer Society

MOIRA FINNEGAN KILDARE SOUTH

ARD FHEIS 2014 // 11

NORTH WEST

CANDIDATES

JIM NEVIN MEATH WEST

Jim Nevin, a retired businessman, comes from Moynalty, Co. Meath - the tidiest village in Ireland!

He believes that Fine Gael can and must get a second term in Government to deliver the much needed change that Ireland needs, and in Jim’s view only Fine Gael can be trusted with single Party Government.

A supporter and worker for Fine Gael all of his adult life, he has held many positions at Branch, District and Constituency level.

He has served as Director of Elections in many Local, General and European Elections, and played a key role in the elections of John Bruton during his time as Leader of Fine Gael and Taoiseach, as well as the elections of Damien English TD and Mairead McGuinness MEP.

As a former National Draw Co-ordinator in Meath he helped ensure vital funding for the Party locally and nationally.

He continues to give of his time voluntarily by mentoring and supporting many councillors and candidates in several different counties.

In addition to his work with Fine Gael, along with Bill Martin, he is a National Organiser of the Collins 22 Society. Jim works to promote the life principles and legacy of the late great General Michael Collins all over Ireland and the U.K.

Leonora Carey CLARE

• Committed member of Fine Gael since 1989; Current Clare Policy Officer. Held position of Vice Chairperson, 2009-2012

• Member of the Executive Council since 2004; has held the position of Vice Chairperson during period 2004-2009.

• Active Membership of Sub-Committees of Executive Council including - Ard Fheis & Conference, Organisational Review, Constitution & Rules Review and Disciplinary.

• Active across a range of constituencies in devising strategy and preparations for General Election 2011.

• Daughter of Donal Carey, former Clare FG TD & Junior Minister & sister of Joe Carey TD

• 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 National Executive 1992-1996

• Strong track record of fairness, independence and hard work on the Executive Council; Responsive to needs of all members.

// ARD FHEIS 201412

NORTH WEST

CANDIDATES

Willie Geraghty MAYO

Willie is Secretary of the Henry Kenny Branch, Castlebar, and Secretary of the Castlebar District Executive. As an active member of Fine Gael in Mayo, he has worked on Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s General Election campaign and has been involved in several local election campaigns.

Having grown up on small mountain farm in Mayo, he proceeded to study Mechanical Engineering at Trinity College, Dublin, and over the last 20 years has gained a breadth of experience in industry, holding positions such as Project Manager in the pharmaceutical industry, Consulting Engineer, and Company Director in the SME sector.

Willie is now a Lecturer at GMIT in Galway, specialising in Energy Engineering. Currently the Programme Chair of the Energy Programme at the Institute, he is also undertaking research in conjunction with SEAI.

He divides his time between work, sheep farming, cycling and spending time with his wife, Clodagh, and their three children.

Willie believes his organisational and management experience in industry, higher education and in Fine Gael gives him a valuable insight into the needs of the Party, especially in ensuring a second term in Government. He will provide a valuable addition to the Executive Council of Fine Gael, providing a fair and objective voice for the North West Region.

JOHN DELAMERE LONGFORD WESTMEATH

John has been a member of Executive Council since 1996. He was Chairperson of the Executive for two terms from 2004-2009, a critical period for the Party when many of the foundations which led to our success in 2011 were put in place.

John has also served on all of the Executive Sub-Committees at different times including Disciplinary, OMOU and Applications appeals. He has acted as Chairperson at many Dáil and Local Election conventions and at Constituency and District AGMs.

John continues to be deeply involved at all levels of the organisation in his home constituency of Longford/Westmeath. A member of Milltownpass Branch, he is currently Joint Treasurer of the Constituency Executive and has held positions of, Chairperson, Secretary and Organiser at various times over the years. He has undertaken the role of Draw Co-ordinator for the Annual Superdraw with great success for many years, he has been Director of Elections for each of the last three General and Local Elections.

In recent weeks, John has been requested by the Party to take on the role of Director of Elections for the Midland North West Euro Constituency, which is reflective of his vast organisational knowledge.

John believes that the Executive which will be elected at this year’s Ard Fheis must be one with the necessary experience to take on the major task of preparing the Party for the 2016 General Election and be willing to adopt the measures required, however difficult they may be in particular situations, in order to achieve our return to power on that occasion.


GERALDINE HARKIN DONEGAL

I am the Equality Officer on the Donegal Executive Committee. I am a proud and loyal supporter of the Fine Gael Party which is actively promoting women in politics.

I come from a small family business and farming background in Co. Donegal. I have worked in the hospitality industry and I am now employed as a Clerical Officer in the Civil Service. With my working background, I have a lot to offer as a female candidate for the Executive Council.

Objectives:

• Attract industries to the North West Constituency.

• Protect and build on the industries that we have in our area.

• Support, promote and protect tourism in the North West Constituency, which will create much needed employment.

• The small farmer is struggling. Give them their fair share of the price we pay in the supermarket.

• Our children’s education, our health system and caring for the elderly are everyday issues that must be carefully managed.

Vote for me and you can be assured that I will represent you well as an Executive Council Member. We need a strong voice with strong views for the Northwest Constituency.

Larry Harney GALWAY EAST

Current Chairman of Galway East Fine Gael. Married to Margaret, and we have two adult children.

A wage-earner, I work with a print and packaging company in Galway as a sales representative.

I am a part-time sheep and suckler cow farmer, partly retired from farming as my son now runs the farm, so I have some more time on my hands. I love farming, it is a great way of life, but to survive on the average farm in the West of Ireland an outside wage is essential.

Represented Schools’ Parent Councils at national level on the Executive of the National Parents’ Council post-primary, serving as PRO. I am interested in education from a parents’ point of view and would like to see some innovative methods that are available brought into the system so as to better stimulate students, particularly boys who are falling behind girls academically. I worked in England on construction in the last bad recession of the 1980s where I learned of the value of education in practice.

I am honoured to be nominated to run for the Executive Council and will do my best to be elected with your help so I ask for your number one vote.

If elected, I would represent the views of the rank and file members at national level and endeavour with others to ensure the Fine Gael Party wins as many seats as possible in forthcoming elections.

// ARD FHEIS 201414

SOUTH

CANDIDATES

Mary Danagher LIMERICK

Current Chair of the Deel District in Limerick and member of the Constituency’s Officer Board, Mary has held various positions over the years.

She was first elected to Executive Council in 2004 and again in 2007, topping the poll on both occasions. She was subsequently elected in 2012 and served on the Party’s Disciplinary Committee as well as being a member of the National Conference Committee.

She previously served on the Ard Fheis and Constitution and Rules Committees, and was appointed Director of Elections for both local and national elections in Limerick County. She worked on all previous European Elections and is currently involved in Ireland South.

Educated locally in Newcastle West, at the University of Limerick and the Chartered Insurance Institute, Mary owns and manages her own successful Training & Development company based in Raheen in Limerick. She has a deep knowledge of every Munster Constituency and is known to be a straight talker who respects the views of every member and is always willing to share their views with the broader Executive Council.

Mary believes it is imperative for Ireland that Fine Gael is successful in serving two consecutive periods in Government. To achieve this aim people of experience, ability, courage, honesty and integrity must be elected to Executive Council so Mary is happy to earnestly request your support at the Ard Fheis.

Maurice Fitzgerald TIPPERARY

I am currently working in the Wholesale Telecom sector based in the Plassy Technology Park in Limerick. I live in Cappawhite in Co. Tipperary. I am the eldest in the family with three younger brothers. My interests include current affairs (obviously), but also most types of sport, especially swimming and I have a keen interest in farming having grown up on a mixed dairy and beef farm.

I am standing for re-election to the Executive Council because I believe we are facing into the most important electoral cycle in our history. We have the opportunity to be re-elected to government for the first time ever. To achieve that, we need to be smart about what we do, keep ourselves focused, organised and approach our challenges with a level of ambition and confidence that we have gained from our recent history. Things never just happen – we made them happen for ourselves and I want to use the experience I gained during that time on the Executive Council to make sure we make things happen again.

I ask you for your number one this weekend and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported/helped and advised me in my time in Fine Gael so far.


EILEEN LYNCH CORK NORTH WEST

I am 23 years old and from Aghabullogue, Macroom. I studied Law and Gaeilge in UCC and graduated in 2012. I currently work in Leinster House for Senators Colm Burke and Michael Comiskey. I come from a farming background and am an active member of Macra Na Feirme. I am also very involved in the greyhound industry.

Throughout my time in Fine Gael I have been heavily involved in the Party at various levels. In the past, I was Munster Regional Organiser of Young Fine Gael, chairperson of Cork North Central Young Fine Gael and Youth Officer on the Cork North Central Constituency Committee. I am currently Chairperson of the Donoughmore-Rylane Branch of Fine Gael and member of the Cork North West Strategy Committee.

I am running for the Executive Council as I believe I would be a strong voice for Munster on it, and that I have a lot to contribute. I have gained a lot of experience from my time in both Young Fine Gael and Fine Gael and I feel this would stand to me were I to be elected to the Executive Council.

I humbly ask for your support and number one vote.

Michael Kiely CORK EAST

I’ve been a Fine Gael member since 1978 and I have worked as a Party activist during local, General and European elections, as well as numerous referendums. I am also very proud to have held the position of Chairperson at both Branch and District level during my involvement. I presently hold the position of Constituency Organiser for Cork East and I’m also the Director of Elections for the Fermoy and Cobh/Glanmire electorial areas.

Personal Skills & Qualities: I believe that the knowledge and experience that I have gained through my personal and professional life are very important and will assist me in the role that I am applying for on the Executive Council.

I have been described as being a good communicator with high interpersonal skills that I have utilised in the past to resolve conflict through negotiation and mediation. My problem solving and analytical skills have enabled me to get to the bottom of an issue and present different ways of resolving it.

My organisational and management skills have also been honed from the 25 years I have spent managing and operating my own business. My business and personal life have also seen me involved in a range of community based clubs and groups that include Mitchelstown Golf Club, Mitchelstown Youth Café and the Irish Road Hauliers’ Association.

I am also an active member of the Irish Kidney Association and a recent kidney transplant recipient, which was successfully donated by my sister. I believe that my ability with the help of family and friends to maintain my business throughout my illness, which involved three years of dialysis treatment for renal failure, also highlights the high levels of motivation and perseverance that I possess.

// ARD FHEIS 201416

PARLIAMENTARY PARTY

CANDIDATES

SeN MAURICE CUMMINS WATERFORD

Maurice Cummins is a lifelong member of the Fine Gael Party and is the current Leader of Seanad Éireann. He is also Seanad Spokesperson on Northern Ireland and a member of the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Senator Cummins has been a member of Seanad Éireann since 2002 when he was elected on the Labour Panel, prior to which he was a member of Waterford City Council (1979-2003) where he held the office of Mayor from 1995-1996. During his public life to date, Maurice has been a member of the European Committee of the Regions, the South East Regional Authority, the Association of City and County Councils, served as Vice President of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and also is the only Senator currently serving on the Fine Gael National Executive.

Maurice is also very much involved in the commercial, cultural and sporting communities in his native city of Waterford which has included holding positions on the Port of Waterford Authority, the Schoolboys’ F.A.I. and the Board of the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera.

MARTIN HEYDON TD KILDARE SOUTH

Martin Heydon is TD for Kildare South and Chairperson of Fine Gael’s Internal Agriculture Committee. He was elected to Dáil Éireann in February 2011 on his first attempt, topping the poll and receiving the highest percentage vote in the country. He previously served on Kildare County Council and worked as a farmer. He also sits on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

CHARLIE FLANAGAN TD LAOIS

Charlie Flanagan TD is a member of Dáil Éireann representing the Constituency of Laois/Offaly. He is Chairperson of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

Charlie has served on numerous Fine Gael front benches and was spokesperson for Justice, Children, Enterprise and Trade and was opposition Chief Whip on two occasions.

Charlie Flanagan is currently a member of the Executive Council of Fine Gael, and is leader of Fine Gael Group on the Constitutional Convention.

SeAN CONLAN TD CAVAN MONAGHAN

Seán is a native of Ballybay, Co Monaghan. He first joined Young Fine Gael during his student days in UCD. He is an Economics graduate. Seán is also a qualified solicitor and owns Conlan’s Bar on Main Street in Ballybay. He was first elected to Ballybay Town Council in 2009 and was elected to the Dáil in 2011. Seán is a member of Ballybay Economic Forum and is its representative on the County Development Board.

In his spare time, Seán enjoys kayaking. He also enjoys listening to music and reading.


Cllr Laura McGonigle CORK SOUTH CENTRAL

Laura has been a member of Cork City Council since 2007. Originally co-opted to replace Deirdre Clune following the 2007 General Election and subsequently elected on the first count in the 2009 Local Elections.

She has served the City of Cork as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2009/2010.

She believes hard work at local level and close co-operation with Fine Gael at parliamentary and national level, is key to the ongoing progress of the Party. Laura is committed to the Fine Gael goal of making Ireland a strong and proud country once again.

At the 2012 Ard Fheis, Laura was honoured to be elected to the Fine Gael Executive Council to represent the interests of the Fine Gael councillors across the country and looks forward to continuing that work in the coming two years.

Cllr SeAn McKiernan Cavan Monaghan

Cllr. Seán McKiernan (32) is a member of Cavan County Council since 2007 and a former Chairman of the authority.

He is currently Vice-Chairperson of the Fine Gael Executive Council, elected to represent Councillors since 2009 and prior to that the voluntary Party Organisation in Connacht/Ulster and Ireland North West from 2002-2009.

Seán believes that the role of the elected member in Party organisation and strategy is paramount. He will use his new term on Executive Council to ensure that a second term in Government for Fine Gael becomes a reality.

Seán is Chairperson of County Cavan Joint Policing Committee, a member of Cavan and Monaghan ETB, Chairperson of the Board of Breifne College, Cavan Town, a member of the Board of Cavan Third Level Institute and a member of the Board of his old school – Bailieborough Community School.

As Cavan Monaghan National Draw Co-ordinator for the last three years, the constituency achieved the second highest sales in the country.

COUNCIL OF LOCAL

PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES

CANDIDATES

// ARD FHEIS 201418

2012 2011

€ €

oiReaCHtas gRant – PaRty leadeR

Income 2,678,403 2,579,030Expenditure (2,885,688) (2,390,959)

Surplus/(Deficit) (207,285) 188,071

oiReaCHtas gRant - eleCtoRal aCt

Income 2,281,055 2,173,173 Expenditure (1,470,419) (1,421,351)

Surplus/(Deficit) 810,636 751,822

PaRty inCoMe

Income 1,171,068 1,394,217 Expenditure (499,343) (2,767,441)

Surplus/(Deficit) 671,725 (1,373,224)

Total Surplus/(Deficit) for the year 1,275,076 (433,331)

Balance brought forward (540,345) (107,014)

balance carried forward 734,731 (540,345)

REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2012

ACCOUNTS


ACCOUNTS

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2012

1. oiReaCHtas gRant – PaRty leadeR 2012 2011 € € Oireachtas grant – Party Leaders Allowance 2,678,403 2,579,030

2. oiReaCHtas gRant – eleCtoRal aCt Oireachtas grant – Electoral Act 2,281,055 2,173,173

3. PaRty inCoMe Affiliation fees 383,487 392,029 Party fund 128,680 109,125 National draw 543,854 567,020 Special events and other income 115047 326043

1,171,068 1,394,217

// ARD FHEIS 201420

ACCOUNTS



4. oiReaCHtas gRant – PaRty leadeR exPenditURe

2012 2011

€ €

Headquarters salaries, benefits and related costs 696,259 673,596

Leader’s office 814,730 658,219

Consultancy fees 290,470 292,441

Press office and publicity 131,034 183,060

Dublin office 158,111 151,406

Printing office 85,148 89,694

Youth office 73,082 55,816

Rates and insurances 25,302 29,629

Repairs, maintenance, cleaning and security 23,041 29,279

Depreciation of office furniture and equipment 9,080 29,044

Telephone 24,916 23,594

Computer supplies and maintenance 124,199 21,548

Legal and professional fees 25,866 20,184

Auditors remuneration – as auditor 17,910 16,903

Auditors remuneration – other services 84,710 36,252

Travel, meetings and subsistence 20,117 13,487

Depreciation of computer equipment 9,846 9,992

Subscriptions and donations 16,251 9,702

Depreciation of motor vehicles 4,415 7,681

Stationery supplies 4,654 7,155

Staff recruitment/temporary staff 860 6,836

Light and heat 6,603 5,522

Depreciation of buildings 5,200 5,200

Bank interest and charges 2,970 4,426

Postage, couriers and taxis 2,594 4,009

Motor expenses 3,960 3,108

Papers, magazines and flowers 2,657 2,235

Staff training and development 5,329 777

Women’s development programme 417 164

Ard Fheis 215,957 -

2,885,688 2,390,959


ACCOUNTS



5. oiReaCHtas gRant – eleCtoRal aCt exPenditURee

2012 2011

€ €

Headquarters salaries, benefits and related costs 642,699 621,780

Printing office 198,679 209,287

Constituency expenses 105,309 163,624

Dublin office 145,949 139,760

Youth office 67,641 51,523

Rates and insurances 23,356 27,349

Repairs, maintenance, cleaning and security 21,268 27,026

Depreciation of office furniture and equipment 8,381 26,810

Telephone 23,000 21,779

Computer supplies and maintenance 114,645 19,890

Legal and professional fees 23,876 18,631

Auditors remuneration – as auditor 16,532 15,603

Travel, meetings and subsistence 18,569 12,450

Depreciation of computer equipment 9,089 9,224

Subscriptions and donations 15,000 8,955

Depreciation of motor vehicles 4,075 7,090

Stationery supplies 4,296 6,605

Staff recruitment/temporary staff 794 6,311

Light and heat 6,095 5,098

Depreciation of buildings 4,800 4,800

Hire purchase/finance lease interest - 4,170

Postage, couriers and taxis 2,395 3,700

Bank interest and charges 2,740 4,084

Motor expenses 3,655 2,869

Papers, magazines and flowers 2,453 2,063

Staff training and development 4,919 718

Women’s development programme 384 152

1,470,419 1,421,351

// ARD FHEIS 201422

ACCOUNTS



6. PaRty exPenditURe

2012 2011 € €

Campaigns and elections 343,919 2,591,112 Fundraising 103,691 109,813 Affiliation expenses 13,686 14,137 Interest on bank borrowings 38,047 52,379

499,343 2,767,441


FRIDAY: 8.00pm Shelbourne hall

towards Universal Health insurance

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis welcomes the expansion of the Primary Care Centre network and calls on the Government to ensure that the promised number of Centres is delivered as a matter of urgency.

Dublin Bay South Constituency Executive

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis welcomes the progress that has been made in reducing waiting lists and emergency trolleys, and calls on the Minister for Health to continue to prioritise this area of work.

Donaghmede Branch, Dublin Bay North

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis proposes that legislation be introduced to prohibit the sale of tobacco or tobacco products upon all and/or any premises licenced for the sale, supply or consumption of intoxicating liquor on or off the premises.

Limerick City Constituency Executive

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in Government to regulate the sale of so-called “E-Cigarettes”

Alfie Byrne YFG, Dublin Bay North

Motion 5 That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government (i) to provide additional resources for frontline mental health care services, (ii) to establish a committee on mental health and suicide, (iii) to establish a rolling campaign on suicide prevention, similar to campaign ran against smoking and speeding, and (iv) to investigate introducing mandatory annual counselling sessions for all second level students.

Mid-Waterford Branch, WaterfordRelated motions received from: Young Fine Gael National Executive

Cosgrave/Mitchell Branch Dublin South Central

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis prioritises the need for increased and timely access to specialist rehabilitation services for stroke patients.

Ballaghaderreen Branch, Roscommon Galway

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in government to make Private Health Insurance more affordable and sustainable for families.

Enfield Rathmolyon Branch, Meath West

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to set up the proposed National Patient Safety Agency with sufficient resources and legislative power to be an effective patient champion.

Dublin Rathdown Constituency Executive

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis commends the Government for the audit of Section 38 Agencies to ensure taxpayers’ money is maximised for service provision and now calls on the Government to ensure that transparent and accountable funding mechanisms are put in place; That Fine Gael in government would now move to implement the Programme for Government commitment on personalised budgeting for people with disabilities.


SATURDAY: 9.30am-10.30am Shelbourne hall

fine gael Constitution and Rules

amendment 1 Minimum number of meetings of the branchThat the first sentence of rule 17 be amended to read as follows:Meetings of the Branch shall be held at regular intervals and unless the Branch shall otherwise determine, with the consent of the Constituency Executive, a Branch shall meet not less than twice yearly and on a day to be determined by the Chairperson.

Executive Council

amendment 2 Constituency organiser/Pro becoming eligible to stand as election candidates That rule 29 (ii) be amended to read as follows:Save with the consent of the Executive Council, a person on accepting appointment as Constituency Organiser or Constituency P.R.O. shall remain ineligible to be nominated as a candidate for election to Dáil Éireann or Local Authority or European Parliament in that Constituency, until after the next Dáil Election, whether or not he or she continues to hold office.

Executive Council

amendment 3 election of Members to executive CouncilThat the second paragraph of rule 39 (b) which reads “twelve members (who shall not be Public representatives) elected at the ard Fheis, three of whom shall be elected from each of the euro Constituencies” be deleted and substituted as follows:

MOTIONS FOR

DEBATE

// ARD FHEIS 201424

• three members (who shall not be Public Representatives) elected from the County of Dublin

• three members (who shall not be Public Representatives) elected from the province of Leinster (excluding Dublin)

• three members (who shall not be Public Representatives) elected from the province of Munster

• three members (who shall not be Public Representatives) elected from the provinces of Connacht and Ulster

The Executive Council shall have power to determine the allocation of delegates for any constituency which crosses a provincial boundary.

Executive Council

amendment 4 election of branch officersThat rule 15 (vi) be amended to read as follows:A person who is a member of the Parliamentary Party of a member of a Local Authority shall not be elected as an Officer of a Branch. If an Officer of a Branch becomes a member of the Parliamentary Party or a member of a Local Authority, they shall cease forthwith to hold their Branch office and the Branch shall proceed as soon as may be to fill the vacancy.

Executive Council

amendment 5 rule 15(iii)Insert after “then current year” the following “except in circumstances where no other valid nomination is put before the said Annual General Meeting”.

Limerick City Constituency Executive

organisation Motions

Motion 1 Formulation of Party PolicyThat Executive Council be mandated to review Rules 38 and 54 in conjunction with the Parliamentary Party, and to consider generally, the role of members in the formulation of Party policy.

Executive Council

Motion 2 That the option of paying for membership via direct debit annually be explored.

Carlow Town Branch

Motion 3That this Árd Fhéis mandates the Fine Gael Executive Council to set up a working group of politicians, ‘rank and file’ members and those with organisational responsibilities to explore Fine Gael contesting future Local, Assembly and European elections in Northern Ireland.

Raheny Branch, Dublin Bay North

SATURDAY: 10.45am-1.15pm Shelbourne hallour Plan for Jobs and growth

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis recognises the sacrifices made by the Irish people in helping the State exit its bailout programme and asks the Government to strictly follow the fiscal targets as set out in the Government’s Medium Term Economic Strategy.

Kinnity Branch, Offaly

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to alleviate the income tax burden when the public finances allow.

Dublin Rathdown Constituency ExecutiveRelated motions received from: Dublin Bay South Constituency Executive

Dublin North West Constituency Executive

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to ensure NAMA is most effectively meeting its objective of assisting in the sustainable recovery of the property market and wider economy on behalf of the Irish people.


Motion 4That this Ard Fheis recognises that youth unemployment is still too high and calls on the Government to ensure that young people are prioritised for training schemes and offered every support possible in order to join the workforce.

Louth YFG

Motion 5That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to explore new export markets and trade opportunities to build on last year’s record food and drinks exports.

Lixnaw Branch, Kerry

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis welcomes the recent agreement of a new draft Rural Development Programme, which will see more on-farm investment and support rural jobs throughout the country.

Falcarragh Branch, Donegal

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to ensure that the 31 new first-stop-shop Local Enterprise Offices are in place by Summer 2014 so that small Irish businesses can benefit from a range of world-class enterprise supports under one roof.

Charleville Branch, Cork NW

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to offer real supports to start-up businesses and cut the red tape surrounding access to these supports

Rathangan Allen Branch, Kildare South

Related motions received from: Dublin Bay South Constituency Executive

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to implement the key recommendations of the new Entrepreneurship Forum Report,

MOTIONS

FOR DEBATE


which sets out a range of measures to help new Irish start-ups in creating employment.

Monkstown Branch, Dun Laoghaire

Motion 10That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to explore tax reform proposals to help new and start-up companies.


Motion 11That Fine Gael ensures that work always pays by removing the barriers in our social welfare system that discourage people from re-joining the workforce.

Wexford Town Branch, Wexford

Motion 12That this Ard Fheis recognises that young people who become long term unemployed are at greatest risk of permanently leaving the work force and that Government needs to take urgent action to encourage these people to join the workforce.

University of Limerick, YFG

Motion 13That this Ard Fheis recognises that with nearly 300,000 people unemployed the reform of our social welfare system needs to be accelerated so that caseworkers in our social welfare offices can provide supports to jobseekers.

Cobh Branch, Cork East

Motion 14That this Ard Fheis recognises that State funded training courses should reflect the changing needs of the jobs market.

Kinvara Branch, Galway East

SATURDAY: 1.30pm-3.00pm Shelbourne hall

new approaches to farming and Rural development

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis commends the Government for prioritising measures to support young farmers under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy and calls on the Minister for Agriculture to ensure that suitable capital investment incentives are prioritised.


Motion 2That this Ard Fheis welcomes proposals for a new agri-environment scheme for farmers and calls on the Government to ensure that the new scheme is sufficiently strong to provide meaningful support to farmers who implement its provisions and that it can be implemented in a straightforward manner with minimal bureaucracy.

Toomevara Branch, Tipperary

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis commends the Government for the new CAP agreement and calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that farmers in areas where restrictions apply are

properly supported so that they can continue to make a living from the land while ensuring the protection of vulnerable habitats.

Rossmore Branch, Cork South West

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that Ireland invests in agricultural research and development to give Irish farming a competitive edge.

Abbeyknockmoy Branch, Galway East

Motion 5This Ard Fheis supports the Government’s work to lift the restrictions on Irish Beef exports to America and China and calls on Bord Bia to begin advertising and marketing campaigns to reap the maximum benefits from these changes.

Young Fine Gael National Executive

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to ensure that Ireland is prepared for the abolition of dairy quotas and to maximise the opportunities this provides to Irish farmers.

The John Lombard Branch, Cork SC

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to ensure that Ireland fully benefits from its marine assets by implementing the ‘Harnessing our Ocean Wealth’ action plan.

Galway West Constituency Executive

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to deliver on its commitment to replace the criminal sanctions system for minor fisheries offences with an administrative sanction system to bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions.

Mullingar Branch, Longford Westmeath

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis commends Minister Coveney for the reforms contained in the new Common Fisheries Policy and calls on the Government to ensure that the new provisions, particularly those relating to the abolition of discards, are implemented speedily and comprehensively.

Kilmore Branch, Wexford

SATURDAY: 1.00pm-2.30pm ConCerT hall

local government in the 21st Century

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis welcomes the reform of Local Government structures including the establishment of Municipal Districts, and the extensive devolution of powers to local level along with the reduction of Councillor numbers by 41% as part of the modernisation of Local Government.

Dublin North West ConstituencyRelated motion received from: Tipperary Constituency Executive

MOTIONS

FOR DEBATE

// ARD FHEIS 201426

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis resolves that the elected Councillors and the people of Dublin should have their say on a directly elected Mayor.

Griffith Collins Branch, Dublin Bay North

Motion 3That this Árd Fheis would recommend the introduction of ‘Participatory Budgeting’ projects by local authorities in Ireland in an effort to involve communities to a greater extent in local decision making.

Ballincollig Branch, Cork North West

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in Government to prioritise a programme of economic and investment measures to support Ireland’s provincial towns and to enhance the regional competitiveness of areas outside of our main cities.


Motion 5That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to introduce measures to alleviate the commercial rates burden on SMEs, particularly start-ups, and takes commercial rates into account when addressing the need to revitalise town centres.

Dr. Garret FitzGerald (Clonard) Branch, WexfordRelated motions received from: Dublin Bay South Constituency

Young Fine Gael National ExecutiveCosgrave/Mitchell Branch Dublin South Central

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to encourage Local Authorities to examine parking charges with a view to encouraging shoppers to visit the town centre and, moreover, to introduce a regime that gives priority to residents regarding on street parking on their streets in residential areas.


Motion 7That this Ard Fheis supports the establishment of Irish Water as a single water utility for Ireland and calls on the Government to ensure that Irish Water introduces a water charges regime that is characterised by fairness and that rewards conservation; and embarks on an ambitious water and sewerage infrastructure development drive to improve important infrastructure and create employment.

Killala Branch, MayoRelated motions received from: Dublin Bay South Constituency Executive

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis calls on the government to provide an assurance that as previously stated 80% of monies paid in Local Property Tax remain in the area it was sourced, and that the Government explore ways to reduce the burden of the LPT.

Howth Sutton Branch, Dublin Bay North


Motion 9That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to introduce a new social housing tenant purchase scheme to give families the opportunity to own and invest in their own home thereby promoting community stability, individual empowerment and local employment.

Strand Street Branch, Tralee, Kerry

Motion 10That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to commit to help solve the housing rental crisis in Dublin.

Cork South West Constituency Executive

Motion 11That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to engage with private insurers to look at options for providing cover to properties currently uninsurable due to their location which may be susceptible for flooding: That That this Ard Fheis calls on the government to improve sea defences along the coast.

Dublin Central Constituency Executive


Motion 12That this Ard Fheis calls for the establishment of an Electoral Commission to carry out a range of functions including the maintenance of the Register of Political Parties; the compilation and maintenance of the Electoral Register; the delimiting of constituency and local electoral boundaries; the administration of elections and referenda; the regulation of political party and election funding; and the carrying out of research.

Killenaule Branch, Tipperary

SATURDAY: 2.45pm-4.15pm ConCerT hall

transparency, accountability, Justice

Motion 1This Ard Fheis calls on the Minister for Justice to replace the current system of Garda vetting with a new system (covering multiple organisations), to be valid for two years as this would ensure a swifter process of Garda Vetting applications and would assist to clear the backlog of applications.

YFG Branch, Dublin Central

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis calls on the Minister for Justice to ensure that resources are directed to rural policing; and that advances in modern communications and technology must be maximised in order to safeguard rural communities against crime.

Ardara Branch, Donegal

Motion 3This Ard Fheis calls for an end to the right of automatic remission in prison sentences and calls for remittance to be judged on an individual basis, as a reward to those deemed to have genuinely reformed.

Wexford YFG

MOTIONS

FOR DEBATE


Motion 4That this Ard Fheis calls for the legalisation of the use of Cannabis for personal consumption, sale and production.

Trinity YFG

Motion 5This Ard Fheis calls on the Government to consider much tighter regulations on Cash for Gold outlets and the scrap metal industry.

Ashbourne Branch, Meath East

Motion 6This Árd Fhéis calls on the Irish Government to start accession talks with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

UCD YFG

Motion 7That This Ard Fheis welcomes the Government decision to establish a Charities Regulator, and urges the Government to consider introducing a ‘quality standard mark’ to be awarded to charities that adhere to a set of standards;

Dublin Bay South Constituency ExecutiveRelated motions received from:

Dublin Rathdown Constituency ExecutiveDublin North West Constituency Executive

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis proposes that a condition of a non-governmental organisation receiving exchequer funding must be that they disclose the remuneration packages of their CEO and senior management.

Dublin West YFG

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to immediately implement the 1979 decision of the Irish people to extend the provisions for the election of members of Seanad Eireann by certain universities to other institutions of higher education in the State.

Clare YFG

Motion 10That this Ard Fheis supports the passing of the forthcoming referendum on same sex marriage.

Bishopstown West Branch, Cork South CentralRelated motions received from:

Cosgrave/Mitchell Branch, Dublin South Central

Motion 11That this Árd Fheis calls for the reform of elections to Dáil Éireann so that 100 members would be elected by PR in single-seat constituencies, with the remainder being elected on a regional party list system, in order to encourage TDs to focus on national politics and protect smaller parties.

Alfie Byrne YFG, Dublin Bay NorthRelated motion received from: Griffith Collins Branch, Dublin Bay North

Motion 12That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to implement more radical political reforms along the lines of those in the ‘New Politics’ document.


Motion 13That this Ard Fheis would set clear limits on the powers of the Public Accounts Committee, in line with decision of the people in the referendum on the Thirtieth Amendment to the Constitution.

Dublin South West Constituency Executive

SATURDAY: 1.00pm-2.30pm MInerva SuITe

shaping our Children’s future

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to address the high cost of childcare by identifying measures that would alleviate the financial burden on parents, particularly low and middle-income parents, while ensuring the quality agenda is implemented.

Tipperary Constituency ExecutiveRelated motions received from: Dublin Bay South Constituency Executive

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to continue to expand the capacity of the Child and Family Agency, including through development of an appropriate child and adolescent mental health service within the Agency and the inclusion of child detention schools; and calls on the Government to implement the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group of the early years Strategy to establish a new ‘Child and Family’ public health service within the Child and Family Agency as soon as funding permits.

Young Fine Gael Branch, Cork South Central

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to bring all relevant Ministers together to address the issue of childhood obesity focussing on education about nutrition, exercise and sport from pre-school onwards.

Newbridge Branch, Kildare South

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to treat families of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder equally in terms of disability rights; that this Ard Fheis recognises the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.


Motion 5That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government reject any attempt to close any small primary schools in rural areas around the country; to adhere to the right to parental choice.

Foxford Branch, Mayo

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis commends the decision in the last budget not to raise the pupil teacher ratio for fee paying schools and calls on Fine Gael in Government to continue with this policy.


MOTIONS

FOR DEBATE

// ARD FHEIS 201428

Motion 7This Ard Fheis supports the Government’s policy of providing greater diversity of patronage of primary schools, through the divestment of patronage and the building of new schools

Killala Branch, Mayo

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis strongly supports the right of primary and post primary schools of a faith ethos to teach religious education during class time in line with the ethos of the school.


Motion 9That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in government to implement its Programme for Government commitment to give greater freedom and autonomy to school principals and boards to raise educational standards, by devolving more responsibility locally, with greater freedom to allocate and manage staff with required flexibility and to delegate management responsibilities to teachers as school priorities require.

Laytown Donacarney Branch, Louth

Motion 10That Fine Gael call on the Minister for Education and Skills to reverse his decision to phase out the externally assessed Junior Certificate, and engage with education partners to implement reform while not undermining the credibility of the Junior Cycle.

Bartlemy and Rathcormac Branch, Cork EastRelated motions received from: Alfie Byrne YFG, Dublin Bay North


Motion 11That this Ard Fheis opposes the abolition of history as a core subject at Junior Certificate level as we enter the decade of commemorations, and calls on Fine Gael in Government to reverse this decision.

Clare YFGRelated motion received from: Dublin South West YFG


Motion 12This Ard Fheis calls on the Government to focus on developing ICT skills through education at as early a stage as possible with a particular emphasis on programming as set out in the Programme for Government.


Motion 13That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in government to pursue the phasing out of the student registration fee as an upfront charge and look to an alternative model for funding the third level sector.

Trinity Branch, YFG

SATURDAY: 4.30pm-6.00pm MInerva SuITe

driving Recovery in europe

Motion 1In the context of the clear desire of the peoples of wider Europe for membership of the European Union, as the forum to promote and protect democracy, peace and stability in the continent, this Ard Fheis reaffirms the support of the Fine Gael Party for Ireland’s membership of the Union.

Cabra Branch, Dublin Central

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis welcomes the significant increase in European Investment Bank lending in Ireland and calls on the Government to ensure that the EIB continues to invest in vital infrastructure projects in the State.


Motion 3That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to ensure that Irish Ministers exercise their influence in Europe to advance the creation of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership in a way that protects Irish interests, while providing maximum opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

Deansgrange Branch, Dún Laoghaire

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis supports the continued development of a digital single market within the EU.

Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown Branch, Dublin West

Motion 5That this Ard Fheis calls for the completion of banking union and for the European Union institutions to honour their commitments regarding direct bank recapitalisation.

Mullingar Branch, Longford Westmeath

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to robustly protect and defend the four fundamental freedoms of the EU: free movement of people, goods, capital and services.

Ballinteer Branch, Dublin Rathdown

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis welcomes the initiative of the EU in promoting plain packaging for cigarettes and calls on Fine Gael MEPs and Ministers to continue to support such innovations.

Lusk Branch, Dublin Fingal

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis welcomes EU action to promote consumer rights in areas such as mobile phone roaming charges, and calls for the continued introduction of new measures to protect consumers within the EU.

YFG National Executive

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis welcomes the positive impact on gender equality achieved through the EU and calls on the Government to

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promote the continued prioritisation of gender equality initiatives in the context of issues such as the gender pay gap.

Dún Laoghaire Constituency Executive

Motion 10That this Ard Fheis, recognising the important positions held by Irish citizens within the EU institutions since Ireland joined the European Community, calls on the Government to continue to promote employment opportunities in EU institutions to Irish graduates.

Tom Hyde Branch, Midleton, Cork East

Motion 11That this Ard Fheis calls on the next President of the European Council to recognise the vital role of small countries within the EU.

Dublin South West Constituency Executive

Motion 12That this Ard Fheis, recognising the unique and ever strengthening relationship of co-operation between Ireland and the UK, supports the development of that relationship within the framework of stability and peace provided by the European Union.

Dublin Central Constituency Executive

SATURDAY: 2.30pm-4.00pm MerrIon rooM

Cross Border Co-operation on Jobs

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis welcomes the recent joint trade mission undertaken by Ministers of the Irish Government, Northern Ireland Executive and British Government and calls for further collaboration on trade promotion in appropriate areas of complementarity.

South Ward Branch Dundalk, Louth

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to bring about greater cooperation in accessing EU funding.

West Gate Branch Drogheda, Louth

Motion 3That this Ard Fheis supports the work of Intertrade Ireland and calls on the Government to ensure it is appropriately resourced and supported to ensure it meets its objectives.

Drumshanbo Branch, Sligo Leitrim

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to identify and address barriers to employment in the border region.

Carrickmacross Branch, Cavan Monaghan

Motion 5That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to ensure greater coordination between the National Roads Authority, Local Authorities on each side of the border and the Road Service of Northern Ireland on addressing roads infrastructure in the border area.

Churchill Branch, Donegal

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to work in close partnership with the Northern Ireland authorities to address illicit trade, including smuggling and fuel laundering.

Letterkenny Dr. McGinley/Michael Collins Branch, Donegal

Motion 7That this Ard Fheis supports the creation of greenways and other all-island tourism routes to increase economic activity, particularly in rural areas.

Querrin-Doohannah Branch, Clare

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to work in partnership with the Northern Ireland healthcare authorities to devise an Emergency Care Strategy for the border region.

Monaghan Town Branch, Cavan Monaghan

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to expedite progress on the Ulster Canal project.

Kinlough Glenade Branch, Sligo Leitrim

Motion 10That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and the IRFU to submit an all island application for the Rugby World Cup 2023.

James Reidy Branch, Limerick CityRelated motion received from:


SATURDAY: 4.15pm-5.45pm MerrIon rooM

investing in our future, Commemorating our Heritage

Motion 1That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael in Government to initiate a scheme to preserve the historic buildings of Ireland associated with religious orders and congregations now in decline, in order to prevent them from falling into an irrecoverable condition.

Bartlemy and Rathcormac Branch, Cork East

Motion 2That this Ard Fheis welcomes the new Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme, designed to help fund repair and conservation of historic structures, and calls on the Government to ensure that Local Authorities engage with the scheme so that construction projects can start as soon as possible.

YFG National Executive

Motion 3That Fine Gael, as the founders of this Republic, should play a key role in the centenary commemorations.

Killenaule Branch, Tipperary

Motion 4That this Ard Fheis welcomes the special allocation of funding provided in the 2014 Estimates to support the 20-year Strategy

MOTIONS

FOR DEBATE

// ARD FHEIS 201430

for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and calls on the Government to continue every support for the Irish language


Motion 5That this Ard Fheis calls on Fine Gael to build on its Manifesto and Programme for Government commitment to fund the arts by adding to the philanthropic and other private sector initiatives it has already implemented since 2011.

Ballyroan Branch, Laois

Motion 6That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to ensure the speedy delivery of national strategic infrastructure such as the National Grid Development and to ensure that the best technology and most appropriate routes are chosen for this essential infrastructure.


Motion 7This Ard Fheis supports NewERA and proposes greater investment in research and development associated with new energy technologies, such as wave and tidal power.

Killala Branch, Mayo

Motion 8That this Ard Fheis supports the provision of adequate Internet access across all regions of the country and supports the recent legislation which allows ESB to use its existing grid to provide high-speed fibre optic internet services across the country.

Longford YFG

Motion 9That this Ard Fheis calls on the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport to undertake a review of the public transport pricing structure to ensure that all full time students pay student fares only.


Motion 10That this Ard Fheis calls on the Minister for Transport to review the current operation of Rosslare Harbour Port with a view to setting up a structure that will develop the port to its full potential.

Dr. Garret FitzGerald (Clonard ) Branch, Wexford

Motion 11That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to begin to increase bus service capacity in Dublin, both private and public, to help alleviate traffic congestion and support economic growth.

Lucan Branch, Dublin Mid West

Motion 12That this Ard Fheis calls on the Government to build on the success of the Gathering in communities across the country and to place a renewed emphasis on business tourism in order to attract large international conferences to Ireland

Knocklyon Branch, Dublin South West

Motion 13That this Ard Fheis welcomes the current round of grants for sporting organisations and recognises their importance for local communities.


MOTIONS

FOR DEBATE

2014 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Please return the form to the box at the information desk or post to:Helen Connolly, Head of Fundraising, Fine Gael Headquarters, 51 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Alternatively email your details to [email protected]

Many thanks for your support!

For further information and a booking form for any of these events, please tick the corresponding box and complete your contact details below. We will then add you to the mailing list for the relevant events.

Presidential Dinner Ladies’ Lunch

Name: Address:

Telephone: (Home) (Mobile)

E-mail:

fine gael annUal PResidential dinneRThe 11th annual Fine Gael Presidential Dinner will take place on Saturday 28 June 2014. Booking forms will be

available in April.

fine gael annUal ladies’ lUnCH

The date has been set for this year’s Fine Gael Ladies’ Lunch. The event will take place in the Four Seasons Hotel on Friday 21

November 2014.

eleCtion sUPeRdRaw 2014

Following the success of Superdraw 2013, we are pleased to announce that Superdraw 2014 will take place on Thursday 11 December 2014. Tickets will be distributed nationally

during September.

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77 th Ard FheisRDS BallSBRiDgeFriday, 28 FEBrUary and SatUrday, 1 March, 2014

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