Convention 2012

Set Theatre, Kilkenny. 18-20 May 2012

Our annual gathering to examine Irelands environmental, European and economic future!

Leaders welcome
We meet this weekend free from government, free from elections for the next short while, and free to rethink and imagine a new future for our country and for our Party. There are important procedures we have to go through, in electing people to run the Party, in deciding what view we take on the Fiscal Compact Treaty, and in considering the other motions that have been put forward by local groups. But we also have the chance to get involved in more informal debate to listen to our international guests debate what future they see for the European Union; to question what new business and economic models we need as we pick up the pieces from our economic crash; and, perhaps more importantly than anything else, to talk and listen to each other about how we can progress our green

A message from Malcom

A Chairde Gls, Ba mhaith liom filte mr a thabhairt chuig gach inne go dt an Ard Fheis 2012 sa cathair stairil agus glas; Chill Chainnigh! break through from the narrow confines of left and right politics. But we have some very hard work ahead; success will be measured by the local and European elections in 2014. Our few public reps in local authorities across the state need the support of having Green colleagues by their side, fighting for the green agenda and social justice. So I hope that you will stay with us for what promises to be a challenging but rewarding weekend both in the Set Theatre and in the stunning venue that is Castalia in Ballytobin. Ours is largely a voluntary political organisation now, and we are most grateful to everyone who still believes that we have something vital to offer Irish politics. I look forward to meeting you all over the weekend and hope you get time to savour our vibrant little city.

political vision so we can win back the hearts and minds of the Irish people. I cannot think of a better venue than the Castalia Centre, where we are going to on Sunday morning, to make that happen. Many thanks to Councillor Malcolm Noonan and our local members, and many many thanks to Alison, Ann, Karen and Darcy for making it happen.

Voting Card, Catering, Standing Orders

Voting Card
The voting card to Vote In the Votingcard has sixofsections Vote Awhere it isF.difficult event of a closeshow hands vote,

The voting card has six sections Vote A to Vote short time available to determine the exact numbers in the F. In the event of a closeshowaskhands vote, to detachdifficult to determine the exact we will of members where it is the section relevant to the numbers in the short time available we willwhere it canto detach vote and deposit it in a ballot box ask members be easily the section relevant to the vote and deposit it in a ballot box where it counted. can be is very important that once you have collected your It easily counted. It is verycard fromthat once you have collected yourit safe.card voting important registration that you keep voting We from registration that you keep it safe. Werecommend when you cannot reissue voting cards. We cannot reissue voting cards. We recommendwrite yourcollect it that you write your name collect it that you when you name on the card and perhaps on the card and perhaps athat if it is foundthat ifcan found we can a phone number so phone number so we it is return it to return it to you. you.

Dear colleagues, on behalf of the Carlow Kilkenny Constituency group, I would like to extend a warm welcome to delegates from across the Island of Ireland to Convention 2012. This is a critical time for our party and indeed for ecological politics in Ireland, Europe and worldwide. The consensus of business as usual political thinking and the obsession with economic growth as the solution to the debt crisis will ensure that the space for ecology in the discourse will remain limited. It falls on us as part of a global political movement to make our voice heard on behalf of many who are conscious of the indifference of mainstream politics towards sustainable development and to the twin Catering crises of climate and energy. The voting card has Kilkenny Beir beannacht, As we gather here in six sections Vote A to Vote F. In the event of a closeshow of hands vote, where it is difficult Malcolm this weekend, it is my hope that to can continue to exact the we determine the rebuildnumbers in the short time available we will ask members to detach Cllr Malcolm Noonan to the the section relevant Green Party in Ireland; Stephen vote and deposit it the ballot box where it for Environment, Spokesperson can be easily and his team are flying in aflag counted. Community and Local in Northern Ireland and success Government in It islocal and London Mayoralonce you have collected your the very important that voting card us great hope elections givesfrom registration that you keep it safe. We cannot reissue voting cards. that our message is beginning to We recommend when you

collect it that you write your name on the card and perhaps a phone number so that if it is found we can return it to you.

A huge thank you

1. Convention will be chaired primarily by the Cathaoirleach Page 2who may appoint substitutes to | Convention 2012 chair parts of the meeting, minute

Convention cant happen without the hard work and commitment of so many dedicated Green Party Appeals committee: Volunteers. Their generous spirit, Elizabeth Davidson (Dublin SW / Dublin); Mary Rice (CarlowStanding Orders skills and energy are so important to Kilkenny / East); John Goodwillie (Dublin SC / Dublin); John (as passed by National Council 2 Convention to Dublin); circulated with the list of motions. Bolger (Carlow-Kilkenny / East); Ryan Meade (Dublin SE /voting procedures will be and we deeply appreciate December 2006) decided The talents Subcommittee Danny Forde (Wexford / East); Michael Power (Waterford / by the Chairperson. The them sharing thoseConventionwith us Chairperson may ask a delegate may put a limit on the number of South); Ben Ryan (Mayo / North West). Vacant (at present): and if they delegates. Cathaoirleach to leave the meeting with all ourspeaking opportunities a delegate North West and Northern Ireland.
repeatedly fail to respect decisions of the Chairperson. 5. The Chairperson may suspend the meeting if, in his or her opinion, may request. If not all speakers can be accommodated in the time available, the Convention Subcommittee may give some

SHOW TIME: Killkennys Set Theatre

Running order
FRIDAy 18 MAy 2012: Focus on Local Government 7.00 pm How do we engage women in the Green Party? 7.45 pm Green Party Councillors the work of a Councillor 8.30 pm Presentation of the new Local Government Policy followed by debate, discussion and Q&A session. 10.00 pm Friday evening session closes. Adjourn to Langtons where discussion will no doubt continue! SATURDAy 19 MAy 2012: AGM, Focus on Economic Reform and Europe 9.00 am Registration 9.30 am Treasurers Report 9.45 am National Council Report 9.55 am Young Greens Report Adam Douglas 10.10 am Chair of NEC Report Catherine Fravalo 10.25 am Motions 11.00 am Coffee Break 11.15 am Debate on Fiscal Compact Treaty. Motions and speakers. 12.30 pm NEC Elections Candidates address delegates 1.00 pm Distribution of Ballot Papers for votes on: Fiscal Compact Treaty Position NEC Elections Ballot Box opens LUNCH Delicious quick lunch options in Langtons 2.00 pm Ballot Box Closes 2.00 pm Cathaoirleach Address Roderic OGorman 2.10 pm The Future of Europe. Guest Speakers: Jean Lambert, MEP Manuel Sarrazin, German Greens Spokesperson on European policy. Discussion and Q+A 3.10 pm New models for work Basic Income. Contributors: Michael Taft and Anne B. Ryan. Discussion and Q+A 4.10 pm NEC Election Results 4.30 pm Deputy Leader speech Catherine Martin 4.35 pm Party Leader speech Eamon Ryan 5.00 pm Motions 6.00 pm Session Ends Adjourn to Langtons to enjoy the Heineken Cup Final on the big screen. Saturday Night Social: Relaxed, social gathering for dinner in Langtons at 7pm. Pre-booking is essential. Adjourn to Harrys Bar in Langtons for ceoil agus craic! SUNDAy 20 MAy 2012 Join us for a truly special session in the auditorium of the Camphill Community at Castalia 10.30 am Meet at Kilkenny Castle for bus to Castalia (dont forget your packed lunch!) 11.00 am Overview of the Castalia Project Patrick Lydon CEO of Castalia 11.15 am What is our Agenda 21 now? Discussion with contributions from Michael Ewing and Jeremy Wates plus Q&A. 1.00 pm Time at leisure to view the project and the Anaerobic Digester LUNCH bring a picnic basket and enjoy the beautiful space and atmosphere of Castalia. 2.30 pm Bus returns to Kilkenny Convention 2012 | Page 3

Catering
Delicious quick lunch options will be served in Langtons on Saturday lunchtime, while there will be a special Convention Dinner on Saturday evening. Book your place for dinner at our Registration Desk
Dinner Menu Homemade Vegetable Soup served with fresh Brown Bread Langtons style Salmon Stuffed Mushrooms Crispy Bacon and Pineapple Salad *** Thai Green Vegetable Curry Pasta of the day Oven Baked Salmon with House Mash, Lemon and Dill Cream Sirloin Steak with Onion Rings and Pepper Sauce Traditional Turkey and Ham with Stuffing and Pan Jus *** Apple Pie Langton Style Cheesecake Baileys and Brown Bread Ice Cream Gateaux *** Tea and Freshly brewed Coffee

NEC elections
Nominees will have one minute each to address voting delegates from the stage. All members who are paid up for 2012 and not probationary are entitled to vote. Ballot papers will be distributed on Saturday and delegates should vote immediately. Please note: the following profiles appear in chronological order, while the ballot paper is randomised by order of names drawn by lot. The National Executive Committee (NEC) is comparable to the board of a company. It meets on a bi-monthly basis and is made up of the Party Leader, Party Deputy Leader, Party Chairperson, Party Treasurer, a young Greens representative and ten Party members elected annually at convention.

NEC Candidates for 2012

Member Dil Constituency Group Dublin South Region

Michael Bermingham

Dublin

Catherine Fravalo

Dublin South

Dublin

Danny Forde

Wexford

East

Tom Kivlehan

Dublin South

Dublin

Clare Bailey

NI South Belfast

Northern Ireland

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Thomas Bibby

Limerick

South

Damon Matthew Wise

Clare

North West

Roger Lamb

Dublin North

Dublin

Sharon Waters

Dublin South East

Dublin

Darcy Lonergan

Cavan/ Monaghan

North West

Miriam Hennessy

Roscommon

North West

Zoe Nelson

Dublin North

Dublin

Clona Kimber

Dublin South East

Dublin

Convention 2012 | Page 5

Standing orders
(as passed by National Council 2 December 2006)
Cathaoirleach 1. Convention will be chaired primarily by the Cathaoirleach who may appoint substitutes to chair parts of the meeting, minute takers and tellers. Adoption of the agenda 2. At the commencement the Chairperson shall propose the Agenda for adoption. Convention may also consider taking Emergency Motions that relate to events or changes in circumstances that prevented them being submitted in time for inclusion, and may consider where they should be placed on the Agenda. Conduct of the meeting 3. Those attending may speak only at the invitation of the Chairperson. The Chairperson may take into account if a person has not spoken before or has spoken too often, and immediate replies or points of order may be allowed at the Chairpersons discretion. 4. The decisions of the Chairperson shall be respected by all those present. Any dispute in relation to voting procedures will be decided by the Chairperson. The Chairperson may ask a delegate to leave the meeting if they repeatedly fail to respect decisions of the Chairperson. 5. The Chairperson may suspend the meeting if, in his or her opinion, there is grave disorder. Motions 6. A Motion must be proposed at
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Guest speakers

the meeting by a representative of the body proposing the Motion and seconded by another delegate; failing this, the Resolution falls. 7. Amendments will be taken in the order in which they occur in the text of the motion and will be decided on before the final motion is put to a decision. 8. Amendments which have not been submitted in advance shall be taken only if they are compromises and do not cover new matter. 9. The Chairperson may request that all delegates who wish to speak on a motion must give their names in advance, stating whether they want to speak in favour of or against the motion. Delegates must be informed of the deadline to submit their names when circulated with the list of motions. The Convention Subcommittee may put a limit on the number of speaking opportunities a delegate may request. If not all speakers can be accommodated in the time available, the Convention Subcommittee may give some priority to elected representatives and election candidates but some other delegates must be included as well. The number of speakers chosen to speak for or against a motion must reflect the overall balance of those requesting to speak.

Manuel Sarrazin MdB

Manuel become a Member of the German Bundestag in 2008 from the Hamburg State List. Since 2009 he has been a spokesperson for European Policy. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council and is Chairman of the Alliance 90/The Greens in the Bundestag.

Jean Lambert, MEP for London

Jean is one of the UKs two Green MEPs and brings a radical Green perspective to European debates. She is a hugely active participant within the European Parliament structure. and sits on the Employment and Social Affairs; and the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committees.

Michael Taft
Michael is economic researcher with the Unite Trade Union. He is a regular contributor to the Irish Left and TASC as well as being a sought after commentator on a range of economic issues.

Anne B. Ryan
Anne has been researching and writing about the philosophy of enough for many years. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars on sustainable living, positive futures and balanced living. She is currently employed as a university lecturer in adult and community education at NUIM and is author of the acclaimed book Enough is Plenty.

Michael Ewing
Michael Ewing is the Coordinator of the Environmental Pillar, a coalition of 27 national environmental NGOs and of the Irish Environmental Network. He has also worked as a facilitator and as an consultant in the fields of environmental governance and ecology.

Jeremy Wates
Jeremy Wates is the Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau, Europes largest federation of environmental organizations. Prior to this, Jeremy served as Secretary to the Aarhus Convention. In the 1980s, he founded the Irish environmental organization Earthwatch, the Irish member of Friends of the Earth International.

The proposer of the When the time for debate motion will speak first, has, in the opinion of the followed by proposers Chairperson, elapsed, the of any amendments. The Chairperson may put the proposer, or another question. member of the proposing 10. The Chairperson may group, will have an decide to put a motion opportunity to sum up. to the meeting without

debate. If no delegate has declared a wish to speak against the motion. Suspending standing orders 11. Any of these standing orders may be suspended by a 75% majority.

Motions and Policy

Friday 18th May: 8:30-10:00 PM
Debate on First Draft of Local Government Policy and one relevant motion
This policy document will be presented to Convention, with areas where there is some element of disagreement highlighted. The chair of the session will then take contributions from the floor. The chair may take indicative votes to gauge delegates views on the contentious elements of the document. so that the districts centering on them would have a much larger population. Districts would have a minimum population of about 20,000.It is calculated that the number of districts to be formed by this method would be less than 100 and that most existing town councils would be the focus of a new district council.Some districts might be composed of the whole of a small county.OPTIONAL ADDITION TO THIS: Provision should be made for the formation by local referendum of community or parish councils with control over a certain amount of locally-raised taxes. ALTERNATIVE: Districts would have a minimum population of about 10,000. It is calculated that the number of districts to be formed by this method would be in the order of 150 and that almost all existing town councils would be the focus of a new district council. 5. Districts in the Dublin region would have larger populations and the Dublin regional council would exercise some powers that would be at district council level elsewhere. The existing city council and 3 county councils would be replaced by this system. 6. District councils wouldas a minimum have 9 members. This number would rise for districts with larger populations: 13 members for 40,000 people, 17 for 60,000, 21 for 80,000, 25 for 100,000. ALTERNATIVE (NOT APPLICABLE TO THE ALTERNATIVE IN PARAGRAPH 4, i.e. districts of 10,000 people): District councils would as a minimum have 15 members. This number would rise for districts with larger populations: 19 members for 35,000 people, 25 members for 50,000 people,

33 members for 75,000 people, 39 members for 100,000 people. 7. County councils would be phased out over a number of years. In the interim they would be composed of representatives of the district councils elected for a five-year term. 8. In some cases the formation of districts on the basis of taking in the suburbs and hinterland of a town would indicate the crossing of county boundaries. In these cases there would be local plebiscites to determine the extent to which this would happen. The entire district thus formed would be come under only one of the residual county councils. 9. The ending of administrative counties would not affect the continuing existence of geographical counties for cultural, sporting, etc. activities. 10. Regional councils would absorb the roles of the present regional assemblies and regional authorities, would take some powers from central government and, over time, some powers from the existing county and city councils. 11. District councils would absorb the roles of town councils and, over time, the remaining powers of county and city councils. District councils based on large towns and cities might exercise some functions which would normally be at regional levels. Districts might decide to continue to share functions through joint committees even after the elimination of the county council structure. 12. Local elections would take place on the same day throughout the country. ALTERNATIVE: Regional council elections and district council elections would take place on different days. ALTERNATIVE: Local elections would take place twice a year on a staggered basis, each individual council being elected for 5 years. 13. Subject to certain criteria,

local referendums could be held on the petition of a certain proportion of the electorate. LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT 1. The present managerial system should be replaced by a system based on putting decision-making power into the hands of elected people. This needs to be accompanied by certain provisions guarding against the misuse of power. 2. Each local authority, whether regional council, district council, or residual county council in the process of being phased out, should have a full-time cathaoirleach or mayor, chosen for five years and with the duty of proposing policy to the council. Councils could decide to have a local referendum whether the cathaoirleach/mayor should be elected by the council or directly elected by the voters. The cathaoirleach/mayor would chair a corporate policy group whose members, also chosen for five years, would head departmental committees. 3. The position of present managers and town clerks would be transformed into that of chief executive. The chief executive would be chosen by the Local Appointments Commission with the participation of the cathaoirleach/mayor, and would have control over staffing and administration and the awarding of contracts.There should be a high degree of transparency on contracts and accounts.The reporting role of the Local Government Audit Service should be strengthened to ensure greater accountability for public expenditure to the Government and Oireachtas and the authority itself.The chief executive would be obliged to carry out council decisions which were in accordance with the law, provided for by the budget, and not contrary to an adopted policy. 4. The power of the Minister to abolish a local council for not adopting a budget should be Convention 2012 | Page 7

Local Government Policy - First Draft

Proposed by Local Government Policy Group LOCAL GOVERMENT STRUCTURE 1. The Green Party advocates the replacement of the present structure of county, city and town councils by a new structure based on elected regional and district councils. 2. There would be 5 to 8 regions. Each region would include at least one of the gateways in the National Spatial Strategy. 3.Regional councils would have 1 member for every 15,000 to 20,000 people. Regional councillors would be full-time. ALTERNATIVE:The Cathaoirleach/Mayor and a number of other members such as members of the corporate policy group would be full-time; chairs would be distributed proportionally among the parties. 4. Other than in the Dublin region, districts would centre on a town and include the hinterland of the town, in such a way that all parts of the country would be part of some district. The largest towns and cities would not be broken up

replaced by a provision allowing the chief executive to adopt a budget where the council failed to do so. LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE 1. Local authorities should be responsible for raising a large part of their income. They must have the power to adopt a high-tax high-services policy or a low-tax low-services policy. 2. Local authority taxation would be limited by any national policy on public sector finance. 3. As local areas do not have equal economies, an equalisation fund is necessary. The purpose of an equalisation fund is not that taxes should be equal, but that each authority should have the same starting point from which to adopt its policies. Thus, areas with a low tax base would receive a subsidy which would not be received by areas with a high tax base. 4. Government grants given to local authorities should in general not be linked to specific projects, but be available fordividing among the various local authority functionsat the option of the authority. 5. The Green Party advocates that the principal local tax should be one on site value. Example of the proposal for regions: five-region option (see Local government structure paragraph 2)

Policy Motion 1: Local Government policy and traditional boundaries

Proposer: Tipperary South That the Green Party in its proposal on local Government Reform is very aware of local and regional boundaries and the loyalties that they hold in the populace. Explanation: What I have noted in the white paper is the fingerprints of the civil service all over it. We are a political party first and the
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paper must reflect political issues and views. The working of administrative functions is a job for the civil service and they will make it very convoluted and opaque without any encouragement. To get the public buy in the reform of local government must grab attention andkeep itso it must be simple the (kiss principle). It must be based on already accepted boundaries and I suggest that the Green Party take a leaf out of the Northern Ireland Assembly as follows There is room for 4 assemblies with broadly similar powers to our friends further North The assemblies could be knowncuige ie Cuaige Muhain; Cuaige Ulad agus Connaught ; Cuaige Laighean ; Cuaige BaileAtha Liathand follow established boundrieswith the county structure left intact Each Assembly has a sufficent population base to function as a , fire authority, water authority, sanitation authority, planning authority,industrial development authority and the list goes on and on. (Sweden,Poland, Denmark etc) Excise, taxation, defense, justice, education,off shore fishing, agricultureetc should remain with the central government The design issomewhat similar to afederal system and this will ensure buy in as the county structure is maintained and local identity is enhancedand it nto the Northern Ireland developments also. From a rural perspective the sporting and county organisational identification is huge and any political party ignores it at their peril No one will sing songs

or wave flags in support of a dogs dinner of half counties and abscure river basin districts it is optics and loyalties always and not size.

Saturday 19th May: Motion Debates 10:25-11:00am and 5:00-6:00pm Technical Motions
Technical Motion A: New Rules and Procedures for Policy Groups
Propos er: NEC 1. Policy Group Convenor and Lead Spokesperson 1.1 The method of appointing the Convenor will be determined by the body which has created the Policy Group. 1.2 As some policy areas may cross a number of Spokespersons responsibilities, the body which creates the Policy Group will identify which Party Spokesperson will act as the Lead Spokesperson for the Group. 1.3 The Convenor will act as chairperson for the Policy Group. In the event that the Convenor is unable to take the chair for all or part of the meeting, s/he will appoint an Acting Chairperson. In the event that the Convenor has failed to appoint an Acting Chairperson for a meeting, that meeting may elect an Acting Chairperson for the meeting. 1.4 At least three members of a Policy Group may seek a vote of no-confidence in the Convenor by means of a written request to the Chair of National Council. The Chair must inform the Convenor as soon as possible but must not disclose the names of the members involved. If a date has already been set for the next Group meeting, and the Convenor has been informed of the request at least one week before that date, the matter may be discussed and a vote taken at that meeting. Otherwise, the Chair of National Council will set a date for a meeting to deal with the matter. The Chair will appoint a Returning Officer to oversee the vote. The vote shall be conducted amongst those present or teleconferencing in such a manner to ensure that nobody, other than possibly the Returning Officer, will know how any member voted and the Returning Officer will be bound by confidentiality. 2. Policy Group Membership 2.1 An e-mail will be circulated to members informing them of the formation of a new Group and how to apply to be a member. The composition of the Policy Group shall be subject to acceptance by National Council or the Policy Steering Committee. 2.2 A Policy Group may decide to close its membership if it is in the process of drafting policy. This is to avoid a situation where new members might join a group to sway a particular debate that has arisen. If a decision is made to close the membership, the Convenor must inform the Chair of National Council. The Policy Steering Committee or National Council can overturn such a decision if it wishes. Any member who is refused membership may write to the Policy Steering Committee outlining their reasons to join and the PSC may instruct the Convenor to admit the person to the Group, if they believe that there is a sufficiently good reason. 2.3 The list of members of a Policy Group will be maintained

Saturday 19th May: 11:15am-12:30pm

Debate on the Fiscal Treaty
The NEC has put two motions, to be debated together, on the agenda of the Annual to determine if the party should support or oppose the referendum Motion i) The Green party advocates a yes vote in the referendum on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union. Motion ii) The Green Party advocates a No vote in the referendum on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union. Note: These two motions may not be amended Format: There will be two Principal Speakers for each motion - one to propose and one to sum-up. The speakers in between will be drawn by lot. The timetable for the debate will be as follows: 0.00 0.02 0.12 0.22 0:54 0:57 1:00 Chair introduces. Proposer for motion A 10 mins Proposer for motion B 10 mins Speakers drawn by lot max 2 mins each (16) Sum-up from proposer of motion A 3 mins Sum-up from proposer of motion B 3 mins Vote

by Head Office. The Convenor must inform Head Office of any changes to the membership. Head office must inform the Convenor if any member of the Group leaves the Party. 2.4 Members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the partys Policy on Dignity and Respect. If the Convenor is unhappy with the conduct of a member of the Policy Group and all of their efforts as chairperson of the group to get the person to comply with the Policy on Dignity and Respect have failed, the Convenor may ask the Policy Steering Committee for permission to remove the person from the Policy Group membership. The PSC will give the person an opportunity to make their case, in writing as a minimum, and can decide itself how much time and effort to give the matter. The decision of the PSC will be final. 2.5 Only members of the Policy Group are entitled to attend its meetings or committee meetings. Other members of the Party may observe subject to practical considerations. Non-members of the Party may be invited to make one-off presentations. In such cases, the Convenor or Subconvenor must agree with the non-member on the level of confidentiality that applies. 3. Policy Group Meetings 3.1 The date, time and venue for meetings will be decided by the Convenor. S/he will

consult Policy Group members before deciding and will make a special effort to accommodate the Lead Spokesperson. S/he will include on the agenda any items requested by the Lead Spokesperson. 3.2 It is recommended that a regular date, time and venue be established. It is also recommended that teleconferencing be made available if practicable. Any costs of teleconferencing will have to be met by the members using it, unless the Policy Group establishes its own fund to pay for it. 3.3 If the Policy Steering Committee is concerned that the Policy Group is not meeting as necessary to make progress, it may authorise the Chair of National Council to call a meeting of the Policy Group. The Chair of National Council may appoint an Acting Chairperson if the Convenor is unavailable for such a meeting. 4. Steering Committee and Sub-committees 4.1 A Policy Group may establish its own Steering Committee which can meet between meetings of the full Group to ensure that work is progressed. It is strongly recommended that all members of such a Steering Committee should have particular tasks e.g. drafting, minuting, researching. 4.2 A Policy Group may establish Subcommittees to work on policy on a particular area within their overall

responsibilities. A Subconvenor will be appointed by the main Policy Group and the Subconvenor will be responsible for maintaining the membership of the Subcommittee and communicating with them. 5. Decisions 5.1 The rules that apply to decision-making for all Green Party / Comhaontas Glas meetings are outlined in Section 6.1 of the Party Constitution. 5.2 The Policy Group should operate within Terms of Reference and any other guidance given by National Council and the Policy Steering Committee, for example using standard policy templates or formats if so instructed. 6. Disputes The Group and its members should make every attempt to resolve any differences internally. If however, a member of the group is unhappy that they are receiving fair treatment they may write to the Policy Steering Committee. The PSC will decide itself how much time and effort to give the matter and their decision will be final. Explanation: There are currently no rules & procedures for the establishment and operation of policy groups. The NEC, having consulted with the National Council is seeking Conventions approval for these as it feels they cover the main elements of appointment and operation of policy groups.

Technical Motion B: Changes to Green Party Constitution to allow for greater clarity as to how policy is drafted and how spokesperson and policy groups interact
[SEE INSERTED DOCUMENT]

Policy Motion 2: Public Ownership of Water Supply

Proposer: Dublin South East The Green Party of Dublin South East, acknowledging the fundamental importance of a clean and guaranteed water supply calls for Green Party Policy to ensure that our public water network remains owned by the people of Ireland through Government, never to be privatised or used as financial security, and that Bunreacht Na hEireann should be amended to ensure this protection.

Motions continue >>>>>

Convention 2012 | Page 9

Policy Motion 3: Constitutional Convention

Proposer: Dublin West The Green Party calls on the Government to widen the scope of the proposed Constitutional Convention to include a review of all elements of the Constitution. In particular, we believe the Constitutional Convention should look at issues such as: Reforming the Seanad in conjunction with the Dil Enshrining socio-economic rights such as health, housing and a right to environment

Policy Motion 6: Retention of a modified Seanad

Proposer: Waterford To reflect our Republican Democracy, all senators should be elected by the people. It is important that the checks and balances that the Senate provides be retained and enhanced.

Policy Motions 9: Upgrading of Septic Tanks

Proposer: Mayo That public funding should be provided for upgrade and inspection of all sewage systems, including septic tanks and municipal systems, provided there had been conformity withplanning stipulations at time of installation. This would ensure compliance with EU legislation, improving our water quality, while at the same time creating employment. Explanation: Current policy discriminates against those who use a septic tank system, in favour of those on a municipal system. Owners are reluctant to register septic tanks, as they are fearful of future costs. Public funding would ensure that repairs are carried out, even where owners cannot afford to pay, and so encourage compliance with EU legislation on registration of septic tanks. This would also ensure inspection of all systems, public and private, and would therefore improve standards of effluent and wastewater treatment throughout the country. Lastly, it would create much needed jobs, many in rural areas. It is suggested that revenue from carbon tax be used for this purpose.

Policy Motions 10: Use of Heavy Fuel Oil

Proposer: Waterford Ban the combustion of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) containing chemical waste and used lubricating oils. Explanation: Most residual crude oil fuels, as imported and burnt in our old HFO power generating stations, are blended with such wastes torender them fit for purpose by increasing their calorific value and reducing their viscosity. This is imported hazardous waste incineration by stealth. A measure of heavy metal contamination and increased levels of dioxin in the vicinity of such stations is documented by EPA and HSE Environmental Health (Naas). The vicinity of our old local ESB station, Great Island, Co. Wexford, a sister to Poolbeg power station, (now owned by Endessa) can boast of the highest dioxin levels in the nation from measurements taken in the 1980s. The Wexford HSE Environmental Health Section will confirm the very high levels of heavy metals in the area, as presented at a recent public hearing on the proposed new Endessa Gas Turbine plant to commence soon on the site. Waste lubricating oil burners are openly advertised for sale in Ireland. This practice should be regulated in the interest of public health and safety, as lubricating oils contain additives such as chlorine, sulphur, phosphorous, sodium etc. as anti-scuffing and viscosity thermal stabilising agents.

Policy Motion 7: Recommendations of Mahon Report

Proposer: Dublin West Green Party calls on the Government to publish a report, within one year of the date of the publication of the Mahon Report, outlining the measures it has taken to respond to each of the recommendations contained in Chapter 18 of the Report.

Policy Motion 4: National Childrens Hospital

Proposer: Dublin South West The Green Party Comhaontas Glas calls for the consideration of the Tallaght Hospital site for the new National Childrens Hospital.

Policy Motions 8: GMO Free Status

Proposer: Dublin South Central

Policy Motions 5: Independent Planning Investigations into Local Authorities

Proposer: Cork South Central While the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley received complaints of malpractice in local authorities planning practices, in response to which he initiated an external enquiry into six authorities. Convention : Reaffirms this investigative action Condemns Phil Hogans statement that it didnt happen Calls on Minister Hogan to reopen the external investigation

The Green Party/Comhaontas Glas recognises that the maintenance of Irelands Genetically Modified Organism Free Status is critical to fully developing Irelands potential as an exporter of clean food. Explanation: On 27 February 2012, Teagasc made a formal notification to the EPA requesting consent for a 4-year field trial of GMO potatoes that have been genetically modified. The Dublin South Central branch feel that this could be damaging to the reputation of Ireland as a clean food island.

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you can make a difference

Hopefully this years 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 misison to make Ireland a better, fairer, greener place for everybody especially as we prepare to contest European and local government elections in 2014. This is where you come in. Here are three simple things that you can do to make a difference: 1. Attend your local group meeting 2. Make a donation today at greenparty.ie 3. Find and convince two people to join the party in the next 12 months.