Fine Gael today promised to provide more support for families if elected by introducing tax reliefs.
The party promised an extra €1,000 relief for those who stay at home to care for children or the elderly and an extra €5,000 tax relief for single-income families.
Fine Gael also plans to change how the €1,000 child allowance is administered, and it promised health insurance for all children under the age of 16.
Party leader Enda Kenny said: "We'll provide access to a year's pre-school education for every child and a refund of €1,500 a year for those who use quality-assured childcare.
"We'll increase the Old Age Pension to €300 per week and expand access to the carers' allowance.
"Lastly, we'll provide free GP visits for all children under five, free health insurance for all children under 16, and confront the tragic rise in suicide we've seen in recent years," he said.
The party also accused Fianna Fail of negative campaigning. Education spokesperson Olwyn Enright said: "We've found that the people at the door want to talk about real issues. We want to discuss Ireland's future. Fianna Fáil have only offered the politics of fear".
Senator Brian Hayes said that the "writing was on the wall" for Fianna Fáil in the election. "They know they're losing. They're involved in sham politics. We're not going to get involved in that."