YFG Summer School 08 leading to thoughts on Social Partnership

At the weekend I attended Young Fine Gael's annual Summer School which took place in Carlingford in County Louth a beautiful location.

It was a different summer school then normal with motions being discussed after a welcome from the local Councillor, Cllr Terry Brennan. Mairead McGuinness MEP chaired this session. We had 6 motions to be discussed and exactly half passed with the others failing.

The motions that passed were allowing Provisional Drivers to drive unaccompanied between 6am and 9pm and a curfew between 9pm and 6am; a motion backing staggered nightclub closing times; and a motion praising the Civil Partnership Bill.

The Moions that failed were on Removing God from Bunreacht Na hEireann; restricting free legal aid to repeat offenders; and the banning of Hijabs and Burkas in public buildings (including schools)

After we had a session on Social Partnership which was chair by Leo Varadkar TD. In this part we had Jim Power, of Friends First, arguing against Partnership and John White of the ASTI arguing for it. I went in with an open mind on where I stood on it, but no without an understanding. I knew what was involved since we had to study it at Uni. I came out with a clear impression that we do not need partnership "at any cost" like some in Government seam to be looking for. If there a partnership agreement it needs to be sensible, we are heading into uncertain times and we cannot afford frivolous agreements.

While partnership has played some role since the late 80's in where we are today it is not be all and end all. There were many contributing factors. We can survive without partnership look at the number of countries that do use it to the level that it is used here.

Of course I will wait to see the new agreement before I will see whether or not I think it should continue!

YFG Posters to "Excite Electorate on Lisbon Treaty"

So remember the competition that I mentioned John over at Semper Idem blogged about? Well we have the results of it.




And the press release accompanying them claims the following

YFG President, Barry Walsh said: “Young Fine Gael does not propose the young people of Ireland support this Treaty purely on the basis of past economic and social benefits to Ireland. Rather, we believe it should be supported because of the real potential it offers to further improve the prospects of the young people of Ireland and Europe. The benefits to young people are clear.

My Opinion?
I dont like them! I prefer the posters we had for Nice, they were more sutle and interesting and werent so blatant! I know this was a open competition but come on people get your mind out of the gutters!

Some other reactions to the poster campaigns.

Green Ink has a fantastic pic over on IrishElection. Damien Mulley has a few interesting links on other peoples opinions and rejigs on it!

---
Links:
Young Fine Gael Aim to Excite Electorate on Lisbon Treaty - YFG PR

In defence of Fine Gael

Its not very often I disagree with Damian Mulley, but I think in one of his latest posts "On why Fine Gael as a party can go fuck themselves", he's gone a bit wide of the mark.

Damian is currently being harrased by two people who claim to be FG'ers from UL. Now I am not doubting that this is the case, but I think Damian went a bit overbaord by throwing the entire Fine Gael party and organisation in the same bucket as these gobsheens.

Firstly, YFG is an autonmous organisation and you must apply seperately to join Fine Gael senior party.

Secondly, FG and YFG has no control over what indivual members do in their spare time and can only reprimand them when they misrepresent FG (or YFG)

I dont blame Damien for making his twitter private but lumping all blueshirts into one basket cause of two bad apples is a bit OTT.

I know and like Damien, I truely hope he follows trough with contacting the Gardai and the UL authorities about these two trouble makers.

Harassement, whether online or not, is not acceptable.

I had my own brush with this kind of thing from a student in UCC. Once the college authorities were contacted, it stopped.

I don't expect or want an apology from Damian, just hope in future he won't bandy all blueshirts into one label cause of two people.

I wish Damian the best and know this kind of stuff affects his health. I hope the blog awards will without a hitch on Saturday.

Please Damian remeber some of us Blueshirts aren't half bad!

Work Thursday, Vote Saturday!

Well FG have jumped on the band wagon here, but I know we in YFG have been calling for Weekend voting for quite awhile, I know it was in the 'YOUR FUTURE COUNTS, STAND UP AND BE COUNTED' campaign we did earlier this year to get people, especially young people registered to vote.

Sign The Petition

WHEN WILL OUR GOVERNMENT 'RETHINK' MENTAL HEALTH - YFG

Young Fine Gael (YFG) have today called on the Government to implement a proactive nationwide campaign modelled on the Northern Ireland 'Rethink' campaign addressing the stigma and taboo relating to mental illness, depression and suicide.

"Rethink, which is mainly Government funded, uses a TV advertisement with a high profile celebrity from Coronation Street ('Steve McDonald' / Simon Gregson) to show that mental health is an illness like any other and should not be stigmatised", according to YFG President, Elizabeth Munnelly.

"A high profile campaign here will encourage young people to seek help and advice. One in four Irish people will suffer some form of mental illness during their lifetime. Suicide accounts for 3 out of every 10 deaths in the 15-24 age group and is the most common cause of death in young males. In 2004 11,200 presented at A&E having deliberately self-harmed.

"Every 45 minutes another Irish person attempts suicide. Our Government needs to wake up and realise that young people's issues are not trivial but serious and need to be tackled urgently," said Munnelly.

Video Here

Its is an excellent campaign.

Posters and pictures of the campaign:

Young Fine Gael Conference Video

Really disappointed to have missed it, thank god I didn't go though as I ended up sick!

Advance Notice, Young Fine Gael Pre-Election Conference,

Preparations are underway for the YFG Pre-Election Conference and 30th Anniversary Banquet 2007. This will be the main event in the YFG calendar before the next election and our last chance to get together to set out what we will deliver for young people at the election.

This year also marks 30 years since Ireland’s largest political youth wing was established, we will be marking this with a special celebration.

What: YFG Pre-Election Conference and 30th Anniversary dinner 2007.
When: 10am Saturday 3, February 2007.
Where: Jury’s Hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Deadlines:

Submission of motions relating to the areas of The Environment, Health and Education: Friday 16 January 2007.

Submission of nominations to contest Senate elections on behalf of YFG on the NUI Panel: Tuesday 23 January 2007. All those nominated and voting must be members of YFG in accordance with the FG Constitution and rules. They do not have to be Graduates of NUI.

Banquet: A limited number of tickets for the 30th Anniversary Banquet are available from the National Youth Officer at the details above. Price €30 for YFG members.

Accommodation: A limited number of rooms are available in Bewley’s Hotel, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Phone: 01 668 1111, quoting reservation reference 503 649 11. Rooms are available on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd February. Price €99 per room, which can accommodate three people.

UCC YFG - Youtube!

Found this over on Semper Idem



Brilliant work from the lads, and i feature in it a few times!!

YFG Cork policy

I posted this up on Forum UCC nand i thought their might be other YFG'ers who wanted to get on the act

Hey all,

I am currently writing a discussion document for YFG's Policy for Cork City and Council. I would appreciate any input whatsoever.

I am currently looking at the Current area's


Transport
Health
Education
Environment
Housing
Enterprise and Employment
Natural Heritage and Local Development
Planning
Community Development
Recreation
Justice and Crime



if you have suggestions for further areas or suggestions in general please dont hesitate to contact me at spiller2@gmail.com

Cork is going to me a major battle ground and I will be asking local candidates, councillors, TD's and Sentaors for their input to it.

Your starting early!

God if i heard that one more time yesterday I was going to freak. I was out canvassing with Cllr. Deirdre Clune in Carrigaline and Douglas shopping centres, and we did a walkabout in town afterwards. Great day, good weather for a change. But people were general shocked that we were out canvassing before Christmas. Sure we have to be. We dont know when the election is going to be it could be at any time between March and June next year.

Also the question I hate been asked. Why did I join YFG? Let me say it here and now.
I became aware of my political leanings around the time that John Bruton was Taoiseach. I can remember being in History class in Deerpark CBS, with Mr. O'Halloran teaching us about communism, and he could tell from the look on my face and my answers that I was not a fan of such forms of Government. So we came to the Blueshirts in Irish History and then he saw me liven up and know lots about things! So from then i was know as the Blueshirt when I was in School. Then logically I joined YFG when I started college!

Also people ask why I blog and I found this image which kinda sums it up for me.


I like to post my thoughts on issues and also raise issues as most of my friends check my blogs so therfore what I post up does get read!

ATTN: UCC Graduates! Vote Richard Hammond for Governing Board

Richard is hard working and has huge experience in Poltics.

For more information contact spiller2@gmail.com for his leaflet.


At a recent UCC YFG meeting Richard was endorsed by unanimous vote.

COWEN GIVES TWO FINGERS TO FIRST-TIME BUYERS

“Young Fine Gael President, Elizabeth Munnelly, has slammed the Minister for Finance for again displaying his contempt for first-time buyers.


“This Government does not care about young people. There is no point in giving interest relief to somebody who can’t afford to buy a house in the first place”, said Munnelly.


“For those who already own property, doubling mortgage interest relief will save €15 per week, which will disappear with the next interest rate rise. This effort to patronise young people by believing they will be fobbed off with this half-hearted initiative will fool nobody.


“By not abolishing stamp duty for first-time buyers the Government has ensured young people can only get on the property ladder by buying small apartments with large management fees; furthermore they are in direct competition with buy to let investors.


“Young people have no option to buy second hand housing in areas with established communities and amenities, without incurring a huge tax liability. Of course the Government can spin a ‘give away’ budget - they are giving away our money!” said Munnelly.

Votetube.org

Found this website on Irishblogs.ie. I think its an excellent idea and I might even enter the competition they have running or I might get UCC YFG to enter! mmmm ideas

Competition Details

CIE Fare Increase – Tip of Rip off Ireland iceberg: Young FG

This weekend’s call by CIE for an increase of 9% in fares for bus, Dart and rail users has been slammed by Young Fine Gael President, Elizabeth Munnelly, as a “cynical and self serving attempt to rip off young Irish people”.

“This fare hike is completely unwarranted and unreasonable and will penalise thousands of young people who use public transport.

“Third level students are particularly vulnerable to this fare increase. It comes at a time when they face increased accommodation costs and an escalating cost of living. Mainline and Commuter Rail together with Dublin Bus are the most popular means of transport for young people, it will be impossible for young people to avoid being hit in the pocket as a result.

“The proposed fare hike is particularly hard to accept coming as it does at a time when international fuel prices are down by about 10% and is hard to justify when this current Government’s Transport 21 strategy is already running behind schedule”, added Munnelly.

“Young people have been crucified with stealth taxation and soaring prices in the lifetime of this government. The government is fuelling inflation and has increased prices in sectors which it has responsibility for by a rate of 52% over the last five years. The proposed CIE fare hike represents the latest tip of the Rip Off Ireland iceberg” added Munnelly,

A Bad Deal for Young Ireland – Young Fine Gael call for the rejection of ‘Toward 2016'

Young Fine Gael (YFG) President, Elizabeth Munnelly, has today called for the rejection of the social partnership agreement, “Towards 2016”, characterising it as a bad deal for the young people of Ireland.

“Across a wide number of areas, this is a bad deal for Young Ireland, in particular in the areas of suicide prevention and housing. In most aspects of the agreement, the concerns of young people have been ignored; in the few areas where they have been addressed, it is very difficult to attach any credibility to those promises.”

“Looking at suicide prevention, the proposed agreement speaks of “Ensuring implementation of the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014”. An admirable promise, however, we must remember that in the last partnership agreement, a commitment was made to implement the recommendations of the 1998 Task Force on Suicide. This was not delivered upon. Why then, should we take this new promise at face value without definite guarantees on resources and funding?”

“This issue is far too important to be put on the long finger once more.”

“The housing aspect of the agreement, whilst long on rhetoric offers little to young people trying to get on the housing ladder. Although the document carries reference to the needs of First Time buyers, nothing of substance is offered to help alleviate the financial strain they are under, either by way of: increasing the stamp duty exemptions; a first time buyers grant; mortgage relief; or any other mechanism.

In addition to this, the failure to include a review and evaluation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2004 is deeply disappointing. So far all the evidence from around the country suggests that it has been implemented in a haphazard, inconsistent and illogical manner. It needs an urgent review to ensure that affordable housing is provided to those that need it most.”

“These are just some of the examples of how this partnership agreement fails young people. While there are some improvements in this agreement for young people such as in the area of motor insurance, on the whole this agreement is a bad deal for young Ireland.”

“We call on all those people with a vote in the process to reject this deal”

*Note: As members of the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) Young Fine Gael will be voting no in the internal vote on whether the NYCI accepts or rejects the partnership agreement.

YOUNG FG PROPOSE EDUCATION AS SOLUTION TO ROAD CARNAGE

44% Of Fatalities are Under 30

Young Fine Gael (YFG) will this weekend discuss long term solutions to the issue of road carnage for young people on Irish roads at their eighth annual Summer School in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry from July 28 – 30, 2006.


Speaking in advance of the Summer School, YFG President, Elizabeth Munnelly stated; “the situation on Irish roads has reached crisis point, the number of deaths continue to rise, 44% of the 231 people who have died this year have been under the age of 30. The number of road deaths has increased since the introduction of penalty points, clearly showing that this measure is failing, due to the under re-sourcing of the Gardaí. YFG are calling for the area of driver education and reform of the driving test to be addressed immediately,” she stated.


Delegates will discuss how best to introduce a comprehensive programme of driver education and an overhaul of the mechanism of driver testing in Ireland with a view to increasing the competency of drivers on Irish roads.

“In order to drive a car in the republic of Ireland, one simply has to answer 36 out of 40 questions in a multiple choice theory test. You are not required to have spent any length of time taking formal instruction before you drive on the open road. All testing is carried out during daylight hours and the handling of roundabouts, multiple lanes, motorways, night time driving or driving in various road conditions are not tested” Munnelly explained. “Ironically you can repeatedly fail your test i.e. be deemed unfit to drive and still continue to drive on Irish roads.”

Proposals can be read here

YOUNG FG CALL FOR FUNDING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT TREATMENT UNITS

Young Fine Gael (YFG) will this weekend discuss the lack of Sexual Assault Treatments Units (SATU’s) in Ireland at their eighth annual Summer School in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry from July 28 – 30, 2006.



Speaking in advance of the Summer School, YFG President, Elizabeth Munnelly, stated; “Currently there are four SATU’s existing in four HSE regions, Eastern, South Eastern, Southern and North Western. These four centres serve a population of 4,234,925 with all but the unit in Cork in operation without funding from the Department of Health. The lack of funding caused the closure of the Tralee unit in 2004”.

SATU’s carry out forensic examinations on victims of rape/sexual assault. “The lack of provision of adequate numbers of SATU’s and the lack of funding for those in existence, acts as a deterrent to victims in reporting the crime. There can also be up to a 12 hour delay between the time the crime is reported and the victim is seen for a forensic examination.

“In addition there is a 40% acquittal rate for rape cases and figures reveal that the number of rape/ sexual assault cases brought to trial at the Central Criminal Court has fallen from 130 cases in 1999 to 37 in 2004.

YFG are calling for:
· The immediate funding of those SATU’s currently in operation (200,000 Euro per unit)
· The re-opening of the Tralee unit with full Department of Health funding.
· The provision of a SATU in Limerick, Galway, Mullingar and the north eastern region
· The provision of a Forensic Nursing Higher Diploma in conjunction with the current nurse training centres in the country. (This would allow nurses to be trained to carry out forensic examinations).

Proposals can be viewed here

YFG to Launch Voter Registration Campaign in Cork

Tomorrow (Thursday) Young Fine Gael will launch its Voter Registration Campaign in Cork at 1pm on Patrick's Quay. All are welcome.

See http://yfg.ie/register for more details on the campaign

KENNY TO LAUNCH YFG VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD will today (Wednesday) launch a Young Fine Gael (YFG) campaign to encourage youth voter registration. The campaign will be launched at 12.00 noon at the Merrion Street entrance to Leinster House.

Speaking ahead of the launch, YFG President, Elizabeth Munnelly, said, “It’s not apathy, but bureaucracy, that stops many young people from voting. 46% of 18-19 year olds, 43% of students and 30% of 20-24 year olds did not vote in the 2002 General Election because they were not registered.”

” YFG will be making the point to our peers that if they do not vote they are less likely to have their views taken into account in the Country’s decision making processes.”

“At the last election, just over 40% of young people aged 18-25 voted. Only 6 members of the Dáil elected in 2002 were under 30 (five of those being Fine Gael TDs).”

“YFG are calling for automatic voter registration at 18, through use of the RSI system and election day registration for students and young people living away from home.”

YFG will be campaigning and using ad mobiles at concerts and festivals, such as ‘Electric Picnic’ and ‘Hi:Fi’, throughout the country over the summer and autumn with the aim of increasing the number of young people voting in the next General Election.

Download the YFG policy document on Youth participation at http://www.yfg.ie/downloads/Youthparticipation.doc.

Young Fine Gael's Submission to the Working Group on Domestic Partnerships

Since 1998, the issue of Domestic Partnership has been on the agenda for Young Fine Gael, whilst Fine Gael has been calling for legislation on the subject since 2001. In response to the government's belated moves in the direction towards legislative action, Young Fine Gael has made a submission to the recently appointed working group on the subject, giving on views on the issue.



Young Fine Gael broadly supports Fine Gael's policy document in this area. These proposals create the legal framework for same and opposite sex couples to create civil partnerships, with rights in a numbers spheres including taxation, next of kin, and inheritance. In addition to these areas, Young Fine Gael calls for Domestic Partnerships to be included in the scope of family adoptions, whereby registered partners would be able to, like a step-parent, adopt their partners children. We believe that these proposals will allow many loving, monogamous couples to have their relationship protected by the state, and in some form of security which has been previously lacking. We urge the government to legislate quickly in this area. Our proposals are outlined in full below.

Young Fine Gael Submission to the Working Group on Domestic Partnership established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Introduction
Young Fine Gael is fully committed to the creation of legal provision for a system of Domestic Partnership, which allows for committed, loving, monogamous couples to have their relationship recognised and protected, regardless of their sexual orientation. We strongly support a rapid legislative effort in this area, as it will help relieve hardship in key areas such as rights in relation to property, taxation, inheritance and the right to be treated as next of kin.

Primarily, these domestic partnerships would apply to same sex couples. However, there exists a large proportion of opposite sex couples who are in committed, loving, monogamous relationships, who for a variety of reason, cannot or do not avail of the facility of marriage. We believe these couples too, should be able to avail of Domestic Partnership provisions.

We view Domestic Partnership as being generally akin to civil marriage, albeit lacking the same level of constitutional regulation and protection. We therefore view the inclusion within the scope of Domestic Partnership legislation of relationships between certain groups of relatives as inappropriate. This is an area where measures do need to be taken to reflect the hardships endured by many people, however there inclusion within legislation on Domestic Partnerships seeks only to dilute and confuse the issue at hand.

The Working Group and Government Inaction
Whilst welcoming the progress offered by this working group towards state recognition of Domestic Partnership, Young Fine Gael must express its concerns at a number of aspects of this process. Firstly, we are concerned about the length of time it has taken for the process to reach this early stage of public consultation. The issue of civil partnership has been on the public agenda for a number of years at this stage, and the fact that the process has only reached this stage must be considered an indictment of this governments commitment to actually putting through legislation on civil partnerships. Secondly, the scope offered by the working group’s terms of reference must be considered deeply disappointing, and represent a limitation of the scope of choice and vision that the working group can offer. One must contrast the Minister for Justice’s seemingly positive rhetoric on this issue, with the strait-jacket that has been imposed on the working group.
We are doubtful of the current government’s commitment to achieving progress in this area, particularly this side of a general election. However, we believe that the general scope of public opinion and civil society is in favour of reform in this area and that as a result of this we believe that the momentum towards reform in this area is too strong to be ignored in the short to medium term.

Proposals for the Working Group
In general terms, Young Fine Gael is supportive of the Fine Gael policy document on Civil Partnership published in 2004.
“Under our plans, a framework- called a Civil Partnership Register - will be created to allow for two people of the same sex or of opposite sex to formally register their partnership with the State. Officers appointed by the Registrar-General will be empowered to conduct Civil Partnership ceremonies in Registrar Offices throughout the country.
The two individuals will be required to publicly declare in the presence of at least two witnesses that they fully understand the agreement they are entering into, the rights and responsibilities that come with this agreement and that they are entering a lifelong commitment to their prospective partner.
Civil Partnership will not be awarded to anyone who is married (and not yet divorced) or who has entered into another Civil Partnership (and has not yet been granted a dissolution of that Partnership).
Rights and Responsibilities
This “Civil Partnership” will award that “registered couple” a range of rights and responsibilities. These will allow that couple the protection of the law in a range of issues, providing them with a sound footing in a number of legal areas.
Succession
Should a partner die intestate, the surviving partner will be entitled to his/her entire estate, and will not be liable to inheritance tax. If the deceased partner has children (perhaps from a previous relationship) this automatic entitlement is reduced to two thirds. Should a partner die, leaving a will, the surviving partner will be entitled to at least one half of that estate regardless of what that will states. Again, the estate will not be liable to inheritance tax.
If the deceased partner has children (perhaps from a previous relationship) this automatic entitlement is reduced to one third.
Next of Kin
Civil Partnership will bestow next of kin status upon a registered partner. This will primarily affect the area of health care and ensure that a registered partner is entitled to full hospital visitation rights and is consulted in the areas of medical treatment as well as those of organ donation and funeral arrangements should his/her partner die.
Beneficiary of Pensions
In the event of the death of a registered partner, the surviving partner will be entitled to benefit from the pension provisions that have been made in the same way as are available to married couples under the same State or private scheme.
Last Name
Both partners will have the right to share a last name should they wish. It will be up to the two individuals to decide what that name should be.
Residency
The right to residency in Ireland will automatically be conferred on a foreign registered partner of an Irish citizen.
Tax
The equivalent of the married tax-free allowance and married mortgage allowance will be conferred on registered couples.
Social Welfare Benefits
For the purposes of social welfare benefits, including medical cards and social housing, registered couples will be considered Adult Dependents and will be assessed according to their joint income.
Workplace Entitlements
Registered partners will be entitled to compassionate leave from employers in the event of serious illness or the death of their partner, along the lines granted to married couples.
Property
Although it is almost universal practice that new homes are bought in the name of both partners, the Family Home Protection Act will be widened to include Registered Couples in order to avoid any chance of a ‘secret sale’ of the home of a registered couple that may be in the name of only one member of that couple. This is particularly relevant in cases where the home has been owned and lived in by one partner prior to the registering of that partnership.
…
Dissolution of a Civil Partnership
Should a registered couple wish to dissolve their civil partnership, a court-based process will apply. The appropriate financial arrangements for a registered couple seeking a dissolution will be drawn up as the Courts see fit.
No dissolution will be granted to a registered couple unless they have lived apart for a period not less than four of the previous five years.”
In addition to those policies, Young Fine Gael urges for the inclusion within the scope of Domestic Partnership and the amendment of the Adoption Acts, the ability for the other partner to adopt their partner’s children as currently is allowed to step-parents and relatives.
We would also encourage the working group to consider the possibilities of back-dating survivor pension rights for couples on the introduction for Domestic Partnerships. Although difficulties would exist within this, we note that such a scheme has been successfully introduced within the United Kingdom.
We differ from the Fine Gael policy document in our belief that the scope of Domestic Partnership to include relationship between relatives is best dealt with on other, more specified legislation.


Conclusion
Whilst the limitation imposed on the working group are unsatisfactory, Young Fine Gael does not believe those limitations actually impact on the possibilities of reform in this area, nor do these changes impact on the existing constitutional protections of marriage. The proposals contained within this submission, impact in no way on the institution of marriage, an institution which we fully support. We believe that the primary threat to the institution of marriage is a long period of debate, and hap-hazard and piece-meal legislation on the issue of Domestic Partnership. We believe that the most productive outcome from this process is comprehensive legislation on this issue, which takes into account the widest possible circumstances, and therefore prevents returns to amend the legislation in the future. If Domestic Partnership as proposed is implemented, those who avail of it, will deserve the right to have certainty govern the process and the rights associated with it.