Pirate Party of Ireland

partyinformation

Name (abreviation):

Pirate Party Ireland/Páirtí Foghlaithe na hÉireann (PPIE)

Country:

Ireland/Éire

Status:

Inactive

Founded:

July 2009

Registered:

Not yet registered

Foundingplace:

Athlone

Slogan:

Saor-chultúir, saor-eolas, saor-phobal
(Free culture, free knowledge, free people)

Chairman:

n/a

Vice-President:

n/a

Treasurer :

n/a

Secretary General:

n/a

Political Secretary:

n/a

International Coordinator:

n/a

Members:

343 (2010)

Percentage of women:

uncounted

Campaign finance:

€0.00

Subdivision:

Headquarters:

phone:

eMail:

Pirate Party Ireland (official abbrevation: "PPIE") is the pirate party of Ireland.

Officials

The Irish Pirate Party has no elected officials.

Programme [here: Constitution]

Party Constitution The current draft of the constitution is not the final form it will take. You can help improve it by going to the forum and discussing it here.

Name The name of the party shall be Pirate Party Ireland, hereinafter referred to as "the Party".

Principles The Party attests that all information of a non-sensitive nature should be freely and proactively made available to the public at large without application to government body.

The Party, in accordance with the goals of the International Pirate movement, abides by the European Convention on Human Rights and asserts that all people should be treated in a fair and just manner in all aspects of life.

Foundational Concepts Reform of patent law Recognising that patents are rightly government-granted monopolies, and with a view to gradually abolishing all patents over time, the Party seeks that much more stringent control be exercised over the admission of current and future patents, including but not limited to:

(a) No patents on software, this field being adequately governed by copyright; (b) No patents on living beings or biotechnologies; (c) Regulation and shortening in duration of pharmaceutical patents, with adequate provision in place to ensure that these products are readily available to developing nations and/or in the event of global pandemic events; (d) Reduction in duration of all patents to an amount of time that can be considered reasonable in modern society. Protection of individual privacy In keeping with the right to privacy afforded in Bunreacht na hÉireann and the European Convention on Human Rights, the Party seeks a complete abolition of public monitoring without proper warrant or consent, including but not limited to retaining internet access logs, emails, telephone calls (including mobile and VoIP communications).

(a) For the purposes of this article, the term "proper warrant" refers to those filed in accordance with the Criminal Law Act, 1997 and/or the European Arrest Warrant Act, 2003. (b) Upon vindication of a suspect, private information gathered shall be disposed of in a reasonable time and manner. Reform of copyright law Copyright legislation continues to strive to achieve a balance between the rights of the author of an original work to receive adequate consideration, to control its publication, its commercial distribution and its adaptation, against the guiding principles of fair, non-commercial dissemination and use in the public sphere.

(a) Copyright legislation must reflect the doctrine of fair use: non-commercial activity, including private file sharing, being conducted without intent of financial remuneration shall not induce civil or criminal proceedings. (b) The Party encourages the legalisation of the non-commercial culture and dissemination of legitimate derivative works including, but not limited to; freeware, shareware, open source and promotional distribution. (c) Duration of copyright must be amended to reflect the participatory nature of the development and design of information technology, with guiding principles to ensure it remains relevant in the future. (i) Copyright protection shall be afforded for a fixed number of years after the date of publication. (ii) Copyright protection shall expire at the end of the calendar year in question. (d) Any technology that limits the gathering, use, derivation, or spread of culture or knowledge that would otherwise be allowed by law should not be permitted. At the very least, individuals must be allowed and permitted to circumvent such technology. (i) For the purposes of this section, "any technology" includes, but is not limited to; Digital Rights Management and all current or future forms of access control technologies. Economic Principles Green Economics The current global quandary stems from the corrupt and ageing dominant economic system. Financial instability, unrestrained globalisation and climate change, inter alia, should be combated by a new Green Economic Policy recognising the limits and possibilities of planetary resources and their effect on taxation, social and political development, welfare and trade.

Economic growth Unrestricted economic growth must be replaced with a measured approach to the economy. We will strive to introduce legislation that, inter alia, will prevent the economy exceeding a pace which cannot be sustained.

Poverty We believe that something must be done to combat poverty and its causes in the State.

Social & Political Principles Equality Equality is of utmost importance. All people should have equal rights irrespective of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual preference or sexual identity where such rights are allowed by law. The rights afforded by the state shall never impede the most basic human rights of any individual. The Party recognises the legislation currently present in Section 2(1) and Section 5 of the 2003 European Convention on Human Rights Act obliging the legislative and judiciary to follow the ECHR as closely as possible in the application of statutory provisions or laws. We advocate that any legislation contrary to the ECHR is contrary to natural laws afforded in Bunreacht na hÉireann.

Decision making (a) Decisions made on a national level should be made in accordance with the social, economic and political interests of the peoples of the State. (b) Decisions made on a supranational level should be made in accordance with the social, economic and political interests of the citizens of the European Union. Consensus Decisions should be as far as possible on the basis of public consensus and respect for all peoples within the nation.

Society Society should be guided by self reliance and co-operation at all levels.

World peace Commercial interests can no longer dictate the involvement of the world in conflict. This State shall strive to promote peace through diplomatic channels and it's people shall take up arms in defence of the State only.

Violence There is no place for the threat of violence in any facet of society or government.

Minorities The majority makes decisions but any single person must have the right to have their views available to all.

Objective The objective of the Party shall be to promote the Principles listed in Article 2, by means which shall include:

(a) Active participation in the political process, and (b) Informing, educating and involving the public. Membership The Party aims to enable the maximum number of persons possible, wishing to promote a sustainable society, to participate in the political process through its membership.

Membership of the Party Membership of the Party is open to all persons over the age of sixteen years who:

(a) Accept the Principles and Objectives of the Party as stated in this constitution. (b) Are not members of any political party outside the State other than one which is acceptable to the Party, and are not members of any other political party in the State. Rules Rules regulating categories of membership and subscription rates shall be made by the Party Council. Provision shall be made in these rules for youth membership.

Records The membership records maintained by the party will be regarded as the definitive list. The officials of Dáil Constituency Groups will be entitled to full access to the party records of their members. The party's elected representatives and nominees for selection as party candidates will be entitled to full access to the records of the members in their constituency. Rights of access for other members of the party will be covered by guidelines agreed by the Party Council.

Probationary period Members shall be subject to a 3 months period of probation before being permitted to vote at National Convention. Voting rights shall be acquired automatically 3 months after being registered as a member.

Probationary period waiver A person who wishes to be a full member of the Party does not have to serve a three month probationary period if the Party Council agrees to his/her immediate [full] membership. Application for waiver of this probationary period shall be made in writing to the Party Council by the person in question and must first be signed by at least one full member.

Expulsion or suspension of members The Party Council may expel, suspend for a specified period, or deprive of office within the Party any ordinary member or officer of the Party who, in the opinion of the Party Council, has behaved or is behaving in a manner which has caused, or is likely to cause, harm to the Party.

Council motion Suspension or expulsion of a member or officer shall be by means of a Motion passed by the Party Council at a meeting in the relevant constituency in accordance with rules of natural justice and with Rules and Procedures.

Appeals procedure Every person expelled from the Party, suspended from membership or office in the Party, or deprived of office, shall have a right of appeal to the Appeals Committee in accordance with rules of natural justice, and with Rules and Procedures.

Expulsion or suspension of groups The Party Council may expel, or suspend for a specified period, a Dáil Constituency or Local Group which, in the opinion of the Party Council, has behaved or is behaving in a manner which has caused, or is likely to cause, harm to the Party.

Council motion Suspension or Expulsion of a Dáil Constituency or Local Group shall be by means of a motion passed by a majority of the Party at a national conference in accordance with rules of natural justice and with Rules and Procedures.

Appeals procedure The Dáil Constituency or Local Group so expelled or suspended, or any individual member thereof, shall have a right to appeal to the Appeals Committee in accordance with rules of natural justice and with Rules and Procedures.

Rules of natural justice Rules of natural justice shall be understood to imply:

a) The right to be furnished with details of allegations made against a member or group within a reasonable time before a decision is taken; b) The right of a member or group to be heard in his, her or its own defence; c) The right to have the complaint and the defence heard by a committee, appointed by the Party Council, from which parties to the complaint are excluded; d) The right to be furnished with any documentation which may be proffered in evidence against the member or group at a hearing; e) The right to appeal the decision to an appeals body. Group Affiliation Groups may become affiliated to the Pirate Party at the discretion of the Party Council. Each affiliated group must have a party contact person, treasurer and chairperson.

The affiliated group must hold an Annual General Meeting during which two people are appointed representatives from the group. These two 'representatives' must be over 16 years of age.

There will be no minimum age for affiliated group members.

Organisation Constituency Groups The Party shall consist of Individual Members, who shall where appropriate be organised into Dáil Constituency Groups, subdivided where appropriate into Local Groups. The primary unit of organisation is the Dáil Constituency Group.

Rules The rules governing the relationships between the Party and Dáil Constituency Groups and associated Local Groups shall be as laid down in this Constitution, supplemented by such rules as may be passed by National Convention or Party Council directive.

Balance The Party shall aim to achieve balance in all committees of the Party and in the selection of candidates for public office. Balance is to mean that any candidate put forth shall have equal status to any other regardless of any factors such as gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or sexual identity

Imbalance The Party Council shall monitor balance. If any problems arise the Party Council has full authority to rectify said problems in whatever manner is necessary.

Periods of Office All provisions limiting the length of time members may hold party positions will be suspended. This suspension should be reviewed at each National Convention.

Dáil Constituency Groups Recognition A Dáil Constituency Group must be recognised by the Party Council according to Rules and Procedures. Each Dáil constituency shall have a managing committee of no more and no less than 5 members.

Group Membership Members of the Party resident in a Dáil Constituency should ideally register with the Dáil Constituency Group for that Constituency but membership of any Group shall be at the discretion of that Group subject to ratification by the Party Council. Where there is no Dáil Constituency Group, he or she may register with an appropriate neighbouring Dáil Constituency Group.

Local Groups Where a Dáil Constituency Group already exists, Local Groups may be formed on a geographical basis subject to the approval of the Dáil Constituency Group. Such Local Groups shall consist of 3 or more members. Where there are Local Groups, the Dáil Constituency Group may be set up on a delegate basis, in accordance with Rules and Procedures.

Party Council There shall exist a Party Council which shall meet at intervals between National Conventions.

Each member of the Party Council shall have one vote.

Council Meeting Schedule There shall be at least 3 Party Council meetings between Annual Conventions, and the interval between them shall not exceed 4 months.

Council Meeting Conduct Meetings of Party Council, shall be convened and conducted according to Rules and Procedures. Minutes shall be kept by an elected recording secretary having responsibility for their accurate maintenance.

Tasks of Party Council The primary task of Party Council shall be the development of policy, within general guidelines indicated by National Convention. Where there is conflict between policy as developed by Party Council and policy contained within Convention guidelines, Party Council policy shall prevail.

The Party Council shall be responsible for the administration of the Party, for ensuring the development and expansion of the Party, and for enabling the Party to react rapidly to issues. The tasks of the Party Council shall include the following:

(a) To take decisions on matters that require immediate action in accordance with the policy of the Party. (b) To administer the Party office and employ staff, including a General Secretary, who may be supported by administrative staff. The General Secretary shall attend and keep the minutes of meetings, and implement the decisions of the Party Council, carry out such functions as the Party Council may direct, and where necessary refer enquiries to the Party Council or to appropriate specialists e.g. Policy Development and Implementation Group Conveners. (c) To obtain information about the performance of functions or tasks entrusted by the Party to individual members or affiliated groups, who shall attend by arrangement when relevant issues are on the agenda. The Party Council may provide guidelines to individual members or affiliated groups for the execution of these functions and tasks. (d) To formulate proposals for the Party to consider, and to prepare the agenda of full Party meetings. The agenda shall include topics submitted in good time by Dáil Constituency Groups and other Party bodies, in accordance with Rules and Procedures. The Party Council shall have the power to negotiate the compounding of resolutions, in consultation with their proposers. (e) The meetings of the Party Council shall be minuted and the minutes shall normally be accessible on demand to Dáil Constituency Groups. The Party Council may however decide that certain matters are confidential and refuse access to minutes. Any member aggrieved by such a decision may refer the matter to the Appeals Committee. (f) To prepare an Annual Budget for, and to present audited annual accounts to, the Annual Convention. (g) To organise election campaigns. The quorum of any meeting of the management committee shall be five.The members of the Party Council shall make themselves available whenever possible to meet any and all parties to discuss strategy and party issues.

Party Council Composition The National Executive Committee shall comprise:

a) Party Leader; b) Deputy Leader; c) Cathaoirleach; d) Treasurer; e) Three other Party members which shall become trustees for the Party. Party Leader Election The Party Leader shall be elected at National Convention.

Duties The duties and responsibilities of the Party Leader will be :

(a) To act as chief spokesperson of the Pirate Party/( Pártaí Foghlaí Mara) (b) To manage the day to day operation of the Party as part of the Party Council. (c) To appoint and regulate a negotiation team, with the approval of the Party Council, in the event of discussions on possible political arrangements with other parties. (d) To act as a focal point of inspiration and encouragement for party members and supporters. (e) To direct the functions of the party General Secretary in consultation with the Party Council. Term of office The term of office of the Party Leader shall be no more than 3 years at which time a new leader must be elected at a National Convention.

Motions of confidence A Motion of Confidence or a Motion of No Confidence in Party Leader can be proposed in a pre-submitted motion to any National Convention. Such a motion will be carried by a simple majority vote. Passage of a motion of no-confidence or failure to win a motion of confidence will require the immediate resignation of the Party Leader. In such a case the Deputy Leader shall become the interim Party Leader until a new Party Leader can be named as outlined below.

Nomination The Party Leader is chosen at National Convention by way of a special vote requiring a simple majority. Any Party member can run for the position of Party Leader but must be endorsed by at least one other member. Outgoing Party Leaders may run for re-election without endorsement.

The Dáil Party Meetings of Teachta Dála Following an election Pirate Party T.D.'s shall meet at a time arranged by the Party Leader to discuss a negotiating strategy.

Coalition The Dail Party shall have the power to negotiate with other parties following a general election and to decide on all possible political arrangements with other Parties, subject to ratification by a Special National Convention of any decision to participate in a government.

Oireachtas positions All positions in the Oireachtas shall be decided by Oireachtas members, with the approval of the Party Council.

Appeals Committee There shall exist an Appeals Committee.

Committee Members The Appeals Committee shall consist of a panel of ten members. The Party Leader shall appoint the appeals committee chairman who shall then pick members to join the committee. Each Appeals committee member must be at all times impartial to any decision being appealed to them and it is the responsibility of the Appeals Chairman to pick members as such. To hear an appeal three members of the Appeals Committee shall be drawn by lot to form an Appeals Tribunal. The Appeals Tribunal shall have no direct organisational involvement in the decision appealed against, nor any other conflict of interest.

Appeals deadlines Appeals must be commenced within 3 months of the decision which is being appealed against.

Mediation The Appeals Committee may nominate one of their members to act as mediator, to explore the possibility of resolving the dispute without resort to the Appeals procedure.

Committee powers When considering appeals, the Appeals Committee shall hear all relevant evidence and shall have power to lift or confirm the suspension or expulsion of a group or suspension or expulsion of a member, or deprivation of office of an officer. Its decisions shall be announced within seven days of being reached and shall be final.

Other issues The Appeals Committee shall hear cases relating to other issues as provided for in this Constitution.

Party Cathaoirleach Party Cathaoirleach shall be elected at National Convention. The duties and responsibilities of the cathaoirleach shall be

(a) to chair meetings of the national convention (b) to chair meetings relating to electoral and party strategy Decision making and policy development Consensus Decisions, whether at meetings or conventions, shall where possible be made by consensus.

Voting In circumstances where, in the view of the participants, all reasonable efforts to achieve consensus have failed, the time available for debate is exhausted and the matter is too urgent to be deferred, the decision may be made by vote.

Voting majority Except where otherwise specified in this Constitution, where the choice to be made is a decision between two options, a vote shall require a two-thirds majority of those present and entitled to vote excluding abstentions.

Voting on amendments If a vote is taken on a proposed amendment to a motion, the decision to accept or reject the amendment will require only a simple majority of those present and entitled to vote excluding abstentions.

Procedural vote In order to decide whether a vote may be taken, the chairperson may be called on to take a procedural vote, which he/she must do. If this is passed, the question shall be put to the floor with no further discussion.

Preferenda Where there are more than two options involved, a preferendum (that is, a multiple choice referendum) may be taken instead of a vote in accordance with Rules and Procedures.

Media Spokespersons Media Spokespersons shall be appointed by and accountable to the Party Council and shall be briefed accordingly.

Policy papers Policy position papers and accompanying action-oriented resolutions shall be circulated to all Dáil Constituency Groups and public representatives who shall have the right to propose written amendments to National Convention meetings at which the policy is to be considered, in accordance with Rules and Procedures.

Resolution adoption A substantive resolution, with or without amendments, adopted by National Convention, shall then become the policy of the party.

Group specific policies Policies for specific Dáil Constituency Groups and Local Groups shall be adopted by the Dáil Constituency Group or Local Group concerned, within the general policy constraints as defined by Convention and elaborated by Council.

National Conventions National Conventions shall be of two types:

(a) Annual and (b) Special. Annual Conventions Annual Conventions shall take place at intervals of not less than 9 months and not more than 15 months and shall be called by the Party Council.

Special National Conventions The Party Council shall call a Special National Convention if requested by three or more Dáil Constituency Groups.

Convention entitlements At all Conventions, all members of the Party shall be entitled to attend. Each member is entitled to speak and vote.

Public awareness The Annual Convention shall take steps to make the members of the Party and general public aware of Party policies by means which shall include:

(a) Presenting Pirate issues to the public; (b) Discussing and passing resolutions on matters of concern; (c) Enabling Party members to meet and interact with others in the Party; (d) hearing, discussing and accepting reports from the Party Council and Local Government Groups. (e) debating resolutions in context relating to the contents of the foregoing reports, as referenced in 7.4(d). These resolutions shall form part of the policy development procedure, for subsequent elaboration by Party Council. The Annual National Convention shall also:

(f) hear, discuss and accept, with or without amendments, an annual financial report and budget for the coming year; (g) elect all members of the Party Council; (h) revise this Constitution, according to the procedures in Section 10; (k) adopt Rules and Procedures; The Auditor and Party Council members take up their positions at the conclusion of the National Convention and remain in office for a period of 3 years for Party Council members and 1 year for the Auditor.

Issues at Special Conventions Special Conventions shall consider only the issue or issues for which they were called, which shall be set out in documentation circulated in advance by the Party Council, subject to Rules and Procedures.

Convention Rules Conventions shall be conducted according to Rules and Procedures.

Finance Only the Party nationally shall have the right to use a bank account in the name of the Pirate Party of Ireland / Páirtí Foghlaithe na hÉireann. Other Party bank accounts shall always be named explicitly with the name of the Dáil Constituency to which it belongs.

Primary sources The primary sources of funds shall be:

(a) annual membership subscriptions paid by members; (b) profits of fund-raising events organised internationally, nationally, at constituency level or locally; (c) donations and bequests; (d) contributions from the salaries of elected representatives; (e) such funding as may be available from the Oireachtas or European Parliament. Allocation (a) The proportional share of these sources to be allocated to national, constituency and local activities shall be laid down annually in the form of a Budget. The Budget shall be introduced in the form of a resolution to National Convention by the Treasurer. (b) The Party Leader's Allowance shall be used exclusively for party research and publicity, both nationally and locally. The allocation of these monies shall be a matter for the Party Council in consultation with the TDs. Where agreement cannot be reached with the TDs on the allocation of such monies, the final decision shall be with the TDs. Accounts audits The accounts of the Party shall be audited annually by an Auditor or firm of Auditors chosen by the National Convention for that purpose, and presented to Convention in a Financial Report, which shall have been circulated in advance, according to Rules and Procedures.

Trustees (a) The untitled elected members of the Party Council shall be the Party Trustees. (b) The property and assets of the Party shall vest in the Trustees on their appointment for the period of such appointment and, in the application of such property and assets, the Trustees shall be subject to, and comply with, directions of the Party Council. (c) Where property is held by a Dáil Constituency Group or Local Group such property shall vest in Trustees appointed by the relevant group who shall be elected in accordance with the relevant group's rules and procedures and who shall hold such property on such terms and subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the relevant group or council. Role of Dáil Constituency Trustees Dáil Constituency Trustees, where these exist, shall receive relevant agendas and minutes, and may attend relevant meetings where financial matters are discussed.

Public Representatives Selection Meetings A Selection Meeting shall be called by the Local Group if it covers the entire electoral area concerned. If it does not, then it shall be called by the Dáil Constituency Group. If neither covers the entire electoral area concerned, it shall be called by the Party Council

Selection Rules The procedure, timetable and basis of representation for the selection of Party candidates shall be subject to Rules and Procedures.

Candidate approval Any Party member wishing to stand as a candidate for the Party in a Local, General or European election in a constituency where there is no Dáil Constituency Group of the Party must have been approved by resolution of Party Council, which may lay down such conditions as it sees fit.

Appeal of rejection The Party Council may add a candidate for acceptance at selection meetings, or reject a candidate supported locally. A candidate so rejected may have recourse to the Appeals Committee. The procedures of the Appeals Committee shall conform to the principles of natural justice and the decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final. Specific reasons in writing must be given by the Party Council to the Dáil Constituency Group(s) for rejection of a selected candidate.

Membership status of candidates Election candidates standing for the Party must be members of the Party not in their probationary period. An elected representative may go forward for selection for as many terms of office as he/she sees fit.

Accountability Public Representatives if and when elected shall be accountable to the Party directly at Local or Constituency level whichever is appropriate to their electoral standing, through representation at National Convention, and at Party Council.

Connection to Constituency Public Representatives should where possible live in, work in, or have some other relevant connection with the Constituencies which they represent.

Policy briefings Public representatives shall accept briefings from Party Council regarding Party policy, and shall make use of the latter in support of press conferences and other public events where relevant and feasible.

Lifestyle A public representative should demonstrate Pirate Party ideals by his/her style of life as well as by the spoken word.

Matters of conscience In clear matters of conscience, an elected representative who is at variance with Party policy previously agreed upon shall be free, with the assent of the Party Council, to abstain on that issue. He/she shall be free to express his/her personal views while stressing the Party position.

Matters of strategy In matters of strategy, such as agreements with other parties, elected representatives shall follow the decisions of the Party Council, except as covered by section 9.6.4.

Behaviour Elected representatives shall be expected to adhere to all agreements reached, to attend votes as appropriate and to behave themselves in a manner becoming a Pirate Party elected representative. Failure to abide by Pirate Party procedures shall result in losing all party privileges, for a specific period, this shall include de-selection as a Party Candidate for the next election. Such losses of privileges shall be dealt with as a suspension or deprivation of office in accordance with section 4.5.

Contribution to Party funds A Pirate representative shall be required to remit whatever portion of his/her remuneration to Party funds as is decided beforehand by Convention in the Budget Resolution, subject to the principle of equity and opposition to careerism and political profiteering. A Pledge shall be signed to this effect on adoption as candidate, as drafted by the General Secretary and approved by the Party Council.

Political donations A Pirate public representative shall not accept any money, gifts or benefits in kind in connection with his/her political work without the knowledge and approval of the Party Council.

Revision of the Constitution and Standing Orders Amendments 10.1.1. Any provision of this Constitution may be amended, whether by way of variation, addition, or repeal, in the manner provided by this Article.

10.1.2. Every proposal for an amendment of this Constitution shall be initiated during National Conventions and shall be expressed to be a "Motion to amend the Constitution".

10.1.3. A Motion containing a proposal or proposals for the amendment of this Constitution shall not contain any other proposal.

10.1.4. A Motion to amend the Constitution shall be made available for consideration by all Dáil Constituency Groups and associated Local Groups where these exist in advance. The Motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at National Convention in order to be ratified.

Standing Orders, Rules and Procedures 10.2. All bodies within the Party may initially adopt their own Standing Orders, Rules and Procedures, keeping the Party Council informed. When specific Rules, Procedures or Standing Orders are adopted by Convention, they will become binding. Standing Orders, Rules and Procedures that have been previously in use shall remain in force under this Constitution to the extent that they are compatible with it, until explicitly revised. The Rules and Procedures referred to anywhere in this Constitution shall be the Rules and Procedures adopted by Convention and, to the extent that such Rules and Procedures are silent, the Rules and Procedures adopted by the appropriate body within the Party and, to the extent that these are silent also, the Rules and Procedures previously in use insofar as they are compatible with this Constitution.

Amendments to Standing Orders 10.3. Amendments to Standing Orders, Rules and Procedures may be introduced in the form of Convention resolutions.

Interpretation 10.4. The Party Council shall interpret the terms of this Constitution, all Standing Orders and Rules and Procedures in operation within the Party, and any interpretation given by the Party Council shall be final and binding on the membership of the Party unless and until same is overruled by National Council or National Convention. In this context National Council or National Convention, if properly requested to do so under Standing Orders and/or Rules and Procedures adopted for the conduct of National Council or National Convention meetings, may overrule any interpretation given by the Party Council and thenceforth the interpretation given by National Council or National Convention shall prevail; provided always that nothing in this clause shall invalidate or be deemed to invalidate the interpretation of the Constitution, Standing Orders or Rules and Procedures given by the Party Council or any action taken by any member of the Party in compliance with that interpretation up to the time of the overruling decision of National Council or National Convention.

Operative Date This Constitution shall come into full force and effect at the conclusion of the proceedings of the Convention at which it is adopted. Any amendments to this constitution must come into effect upon their ratification by the Party at the conclusion of the Convention in which the constitutional amendment is put to a vote unless otherwise stated and supported by a 75% majority of the Party.

INDEX There is no general heading for "Rules and Procedures" : it is used as a sub-heading under several headings. It should be understood as including Standing Orders where relevant.

References are as literal as possible, e.g. all the sub-headings under "Dáil Constituency and Local Groups" apply to both, except the sub-heading "Dáil Constituency Groups", which covers matters not involving Local Groups. References given in a sub-heading are additional to those listed under the more general heading.