The programme for government agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independent Group promises hundreds of thousands of new homes, cheaper childcare and a ‘Year of the Invitation’ tourism drive.
Alongside a pledge to deliver 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030, the programme for government promises a new national housing plan to succeed Housing for All, brought in by Darragh O’Brien in the last administration.
It also outlines plans to progressively increase the rent tax credit and to help renters seeking to buy with “a series of targeted measures through the tax system and the First Home scheme”.
Key reads:
- Ministers, super juniors and chief whips – what jobs are filled in the cabinet?
- Programme for government main points - all you need to know about the new government’s plans
- Listen: Inside Politics podcast - Does a junior ministry dilute the Healy-Rae brand?
That’s it for today’s coverage, thanks for reading and see you tomorrow for news, analysis and more on the new government as it prepares for office.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin, meanwhile, has described the programme as “very ambitious”.
“The fundamental objective and task will be delivery, and public service reform to enable delivery of more houses faster for people, particularly to enable young people to be in a position where they can afford to buy homes,” he said.
Mr Martin said he wants the next government to be a “defining government in respect of disability” in providing services in a “seamless way” within a “comprehensive approach to disability right across the board at all ages”.
In relation to climate change, he said the programme is “as ambitious” as the previous one regarding “the need to address climate change and the challenges of biodiversity.”
Speaking on RTÉ's Six One news, he said he is “absolutely committed to serving out the term because there’s an agenda of change”.
Mr Martin, who is set to become taoiseach for the next three years, described speculation in recent months that he may run in the presidential election as “frustrating”.
“When you go forward as leader of the party, you want to be taoiseach,” he said adding: “Hopefully, next week, that will happen, I don’t want to count my chickens before they’re hatched.”
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has labelled the programme for government as “a tired and stale document that is completely devoid of the ambition and big ideas our people need and deserve.”
The commitments made, he said, are “devoid of realistic or serious timelines for delivery.”
“It will not lay a glove on dealing with the crises we see in housing, health and the cost of living,” he said adding: “It is short on specific commitments, and full of aspirations, platitudes and proposed reviews.”
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett, meanwhile, has labelled the programme for government as an “abject failure to offer solutions to the housing emergency and health crisis”.
“The programme for government acknowledges the need to double housing output but is only promising a tiny increase in the targets for new social housing and makes no commitment whatsoever on increasing targets on new affordable housing.
“Critically there is no plan to significantly increase state capacity to build social and affordable homes, meaning that the government’s housing targets are completely aspirational,” he said.
Separately, Mr Boyd Barrett described plans to give effect to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism as “an extremely dangerous move”.
He argued that the definition “collapses the distinction between anti-Semitism and legitimate criticism of Israel’s apartheid regime and occupation of Palestine.”
Under plans to combat racism and discrimination, the programme for government has pledged to give effect to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism.
Under the IHRA definition, “anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
According to the IHRA, manifestations might include “the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.”
“However, criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic. Anti-Semitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for ‘why things go wrong’.”
Ireland is one of just two EU member states yet to give effect to the working definition, alongside Malta.
The programme separately pledges to implement the EU declaration on fostering Jewish life in Europe.
These are alongside a pledge to continue training programmes within the education system to address racism and unconscious bias, “fostering a more inclusive environment for all students and reducing susceptibility to extremist views.”
The inclusion of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce recommendations in the programme for government is a “big win” for the capital, according to Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan.
The former lord mayor of Dublin said the capital funding for regenerating some of the city’s main streets including Parnell Street, Talbot Street and Gardiner Street is “essential to delivering a safe city”.
“The latest Dublin Economic Monitor shows a strong economic growth in Dublin driven by employment, retail spend and private sector activity.
“We need to ensure, however, that Dublin city receives the necessary levels of public and private investment to reduce vacancy and dereliction in areas which have become a hive for illegal activity and antisocial behaviour.
“Increased garda presence in Dublin city has seen much higher levels of detections, arrests and prosecutions, but we need the multi-agency approach of the Dublin City Taskforce to deliver the level of change that is needed over the next number of years,” he said.
On media, the Government will “ensure stable, sufficient funding for RTÉ and other public service broadcasters to maintain quality programming and public trust.”
It will “respect RTÉ's independence while ensuring that necessary reforms are carried out in tandem with funding” and enact new legislation “to ensure that the corporate governance model in RTÉ is open, transparent and appropriate to its public service mandate.”
In sport, meanwhile, the government will consider measures, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, to encourage gym membership and active participation in sport and exercise.
Separately, it plans to promote at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children of all abilities.
Meanwhile, the government will promote an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events including supporting the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Euro 2028, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2030, the Open Championships and bidding for major competitions.
In relation to the arts, the programme for government promises to assess the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme “to maximise its impact”.
There is to be increased capital investment in national arts infrastructure through the review of the National Development Plan.
Alongside continued tax breaks for film production, the government will also “examine options to introduce sector-specific measures for the visual effects sector.”
It will also examine the introduction of a “Culture Card” for 16 and 17-year-olds to access theatre, music and art events.
There is to be the promotion of later opening hours at museums, galleries, and other cultural venues.
The document notes commemorations that will fall during the lifetime of the Government including the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell and the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence “highlighting Ireland’s connection to that story”.
‘Fair but firmer’ migration system planned
The programme for government promises “a fair but firmer system” for migration.
The government is to introduce a new International Protection Act to implement the EU Migration and Asylum Pact “which will strengthen and integrate key EU policies on migration, asylum, border management and integration.”
New domestic legislation, meanwhile, will be enacted in 2026 to provide for faster processing of applications, stronger border security, and a more efficient returns system.
There will be “stronger border security, including increasing the collection of fingerprints and photographs from new arrivals, enhancing our ability to verify identities”.
Separately, the document promises “a fair, efficient, and sustainable model of accommodating [international protection] applicants”.
The government plans to move away from the emergency use of hotels for accommodation towards putting in place facilities for those seeking protection on state land while international protection applicants will be required to contribute towards their accommodation costs.
There is also a pledge to ensure meaningful consultation with local communities and plan more effectively for delivery of increased public services.
There is a commitment to ensure applicants are provided with accommodation with restrictions on their movement to ensure the integrity of the process.
Those who arrive in Ireland from safe countries, with false or no documents, or who have crossed borders illegally, meanwhile, are to be subject to an accelerated processing system so that decisions are made quickly.
Any applicant whose international protection application has been refused in another EU member state will be subject to an accelerated hearing under an inadmissibility procedure.
There is a separate commitment to ensure anyone convicted of a serious crime can be rapidly removed from the jurisdiction.
There will be support for applicants or unsuccessful applicants to return to their own jurisdiction with charter deportation flights being used when necessary.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal is to be replaced by a new, faster appeals system.
Responsibility for international protection accommodation and integration is to be returned to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Overall, the programme for government promises more staffing at every stage of the international protection system.
The programme for government promises to fully implement the current Zero Tolerance plan for tackling domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence and develop a new plan for 2026–2030.
It will deliver at least 280 refuge spaces by 2026 and set new targets in the successor strategy and ensure that there is a refuge in every county.
The Government will work with An Garda Síochána to ensure a person in an intimate relationship can be informed of a serious risk to them where a new partner has a history of domestic violence.
Existing prison capacity to be expanded by 1,500 spaces
A new prison is to be built at the Thornton Hall site in North Dublin under the new programme for government which will also see existing prison capacity expanded by 1,500 spaces.
The need for a new Women’s Open Prison will also be considered.
Meanwhile, electronic tagging for “appropriate categories of prisoner” is to be implemented under the programme, while advanced X-ray body scanners for visitors to prisons will be introduced.
Separately, the government is to enact legislation to establish minimum tariffs for any crime that carries a life sentence. An employment strategy for former offenders is also to be implemented.
Some 20 additional judges are to be appointed within 12 months and the government will “plan for further increases to meet growing demands and timely access to justice”.
There will be a new power for the minister to ask the Judicial Council to draw up sentencing guidelines for a particular crime area within a certain time frame.
A regional office for the Director of Public Prosecutions will be established under the programme while the passing of the Defamation Bill will be “a priority”.
In relation to national security, the document commits to retaining the Special Criminal Court.
It will bring the National Centre for Cyber Security and the National Security Authority under the remit of the Department of Justice “to ensure proper alignment of national security infrastructure.”
Here is the Regional Independent Group as it stands ahead of its entry into government, pictured at Leinster House. From left: Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, who is expected to receive a junior ministerial position; Noel Grealish, who is expected to become a ‘super junior’; Gillian Toole; Michael Lowry; Marian Harkin, anticipated to be a junior minister; Barry Heneghan and Seán Canney, another super-junior.
Verona Murphy, formerly a member of the group, was elected Ceann Comhairle.
A new Unit for Future Planning is to be established to forecast demographic changes and produce estimates of demand for services and employment.
In the wake of controversies over State spending, it is promising to review the public procurement process to make it more transparent - and to ensure the OPW deliver best value for money on its projects.
A new public sector pay deal will be “linked to a reform agenda”.
It is promising a new National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2025, and to tackle broadband and mobile phone blackspots, while increasing the number of remote working hubs and providing schools with high speed internet broadband.
While there will be no Department of Infrastructure, there will be a dedicated Infrastructure Division in the Department of Public Expenditure. A cabinet committee on infrastructure will also be created and the remit of the NTMA and the National Development Finance Agency will be broadened to provide expert advice for major infrastructure delivery.
On social protection, the State pension age will be maintained at 66. Weekly pension payments will be “progressively” increased.
On carers, the government has promised to “significantly increase the income disregards for carer’s allowance in each budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government.”
The introduction of a Pay Related Carer’s Benefit will be examined for individuals who have to give up work suddenly in order to provide full-time care.
A permanent annual cost of disability support payment will be set up. The plan commits to exploring a “targeted child benefit payment.”
Dates have also been given for new initiatives in social welfare. Pay related benefit linking unemployment payments to previous earnings will be rolled out this March, while the pensions auto enrolment scheme will be rolled out in September.
There is also a pledge to “scale up control measures in order to tackle abuse of social welfare payments.” There will also be a “comprehensive review of means tests across the social welfare system.”
Housing
On housebuilding targets, the programme for government recommits to a goal of 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030 - and promises a new national housing plan to succeed Housing for All, brought in by Darragh O’Brien in the last administration.
It pledges a new Compulsory Purchase Order Bill which it says will streamline and strengthen CPO powers, while introducing a range of planning reforms such as a pre-planning meeting for significant developments, continuation of the land value sharing, residential zoned land tax and vacancy taxes.
It promises a new procedure for large developers building more than 100 units where they can meet local authority planners and Uisce Éireann to “iron out issues”. Additional capital for Uisce Éireann is promised
It LAO promises a new towns and cities infrastructure fund, under which the government will create a new strategic fund to invest in infrastructure, acquire land, assemble sites and “de-risk” other sites.
It promises land activation units in each local authority and to create a land price register, as well as a “new investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing”.
The programme commits the government to capitalise the LDA out to 2040 and increase its housing delivery targets, strengthen its CPO powers and to accelerate state lands transfer suitable for homes into the LDA.
It also promises to mandate the LDA to provide a “cost rental back stop” for these developments “to increase viability of apartments for sale”.
It is promising a new “starter home programme” to deliver an average of 15,000 starter homes per year, driven by expansinos to the First Home scheme, which will now include second hand homes, and the Help to Buy support. Both those schemes will be extended to 2030.
The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme will also be folded into the starter home programme and the Local Authority Home Loan will be overhauled.
It promises a “homebuyer help” package including an eight week conveyancing target, and to reduce the time taken by the probate office. It is also promising an expert group to make the home bidding process “clearer and more transparent”.
It promises an average of 12,000 new social homes annually and to review the Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector. It will also restrict the ability of local authorities or AHBs to bulk purchase developments at the end of the construction process.
For renters, it promises to progressively increase the rent tax credit and to help renters seeking to buy with “a series of targeted measures through the tax system and the First Home scheme”. It also promises a rent price register, more powers for the RTB, and to continue landlord tax credit while reviewing the effectiveness of Rent Pressure Zones. It says it will earmark some cost rental units for “key local workers”.
Vacancy and dereliction grants will be extended to 2030, continuing to review the grant levels and expand the targets.
It is promising to establish a Building Standards Regulatory Authority while continuing with schemes targeting defective apartments, concrete blocks and to extend eligibility for the purite remediation scheme.
Local authorities will be told to find suitable sites for housing for older people and to “make it easier to convert houses into separate living spaces” which allow older people to continue living in familiar surroundings.
It promises to “continue to support one-off rural housing”, to support one off self builds and to support group water schemes and private well grants.
In relation to drugs it appears that the programme for government stops short of committing to Fianna Fáil’s election pledge to decriminalise cannabis possession for personal use.
The document commits to “a health-led approach to drug addiction and divert those found in possession of drugs for personal use to health services.”
It promises to support An Garda Síochána “to dismantle criminal gangs and tackle the drugs epidemic”.
“Innovative law enforcement technologies” including unmanned drones to patrol the coast and ports and detect the trafficking of illegal drugs are to be funded to supplement the work of air and naval services.
The Government will explore the possibility of requiring social media companies and online communication platforms to provide An Garda Síochána with information they have on their platforms relating to the supply of illegal drugs.
On disabilities, the government has promised to publish and fund a new National Disability Strategy, “setting out a vision to 2030.”
A “national implementation and monitoring committee” with enhanced political oversight will be set up to ensure the delivery of the strategy.
There is a promise to “support families who are waiting too long for an assessment of needs to procure assessments privately.”
There are also promises to increase investment in adult day services, increase personal assistance hours, and increase disability home support hours.
The programme for government also promises to expand the network of autism one-stop shops and to legislate to place an autism strategy on a statutory footing. Home care hours and the housing adaptation grant will be increased.
There is also a promise to set up 20 new dementia-specific day care centres.
There is to be a ban on the wearing of face coverings at protests and the Government will ask the Joint Oireachtas Committee to consider a ban on protests outside private homes, under the new programme for government.
There is also to be increased funding local authorities to install new CCTV schemes. The Government promises to ensure gardaí have sufficient powers to tackle the misuse of E-scooters and scramblers.
It will expand the list of offences leading to permanent disqualification for transport drivers and enhance safety by supporting the provision of CCTV in taxis.
A new Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will be established, under the new programme for government. At least 5,000 new Garda members are to be recruited over the next five years also.
The Garda Training College at Templemore will be expanded and the Government will consider the establishment of a second training college.
The Garda training allowance is to be increased to make joining more attractive to new recruits. There will be the introduction of deployment targets to improve Garda visibility on the frontline.
There is to be increased Garda visibility on public transport and the introduction of Garda Transport Hubs based at major bus and train stations.
There is a promise to legislate to give gardaí the authority to request passwords for electronic devices when executing a search warrant.
The Public Order Acts will be reviewed and updated, including in relation to sentencing, and there is a commitment to ensure Gardaí have the power they need to manage public order situations effectively.
The powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) are to be expanded including the ability to publish a list of tax defaulters.
There will be investment in Garda equipment and technology, including in body armour, additional vehicles, water cannons, and air capacity.
All frontline Garda members are to be equipped with body-worn cameras to improve accountability and safety.
There will be the deployment of facial recognition technology (FRT) for serious crimes and missing persons, with strict safeguards.
The introduction of live FRT in cases of terrorism, national security, and missing persons, “with strict safeguards” is included in the document.
Further measures to penalise those who assault emergency workers in the course of their duties are to be examined.
On healthcare, a number of promises are made in the programme for government, including:
- Reducing waiting times so that all patients are seen within the Sláintecare target of 10 and 12 weeks
- Increasing capacity by between 4,000 and 4,500 new and refurbished inpatient hospital beds across the country
- Increasing ICU bed capacity by at least a further 100 beds
- Building four new elective hospitals made up of one in Cork, two in Dublin and one in Galway
- Establishing six surgical hubs made up of one in Cork, two in Dublin, one in Galway, one in Limerick and one in Waterford
- Increasing the number of consultants in emergency medicine by a further 50 per cent and ensuring more senior staff are rostered in emergency departments during weekends and public holidays
- Expanding free GP services to children up to at least 12 years
- Exploring restrictions on the sale of high- caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children
On transport, there is a plan to progress “all key public transport infrastructure in the National Development Plan and consider new public transport projects in the review of the NDP.”
The document also commits to rolling out contactless fare payments on all public transport.
In a nod to Fianna Fáil demands, the programme for government commits to setting up a “transport security force” under the National Transport Authority, which would operate and have similar powers to the Airport Police and Customs officers.
The NTA to will be mandated to run a number of pilots enabling ride-sharing platforms to operate to improve rural connectivity.
On roads, the Government will “invest in all road projects in the current National Development Plan and consider additional important road projects as part of the NDP review.” This will involve an increase in funding for new roads.
Distinct budgets will be established for road maintenance and new road construction starting in 2025.
On aviation, the government will “work with stakeholders to achieve our objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible.”
On agriculture and food, the programme promises to increase schemes supporting suckler farmers, to increase supports for sheep farmers, invest “significantly” in the tillage sector and increase scheme support for dairy beef while increasing market access for poultry and pig products.
It promises to continue a range of income supports while reviewing payment rates on others, while working to simplify the CAP at an EU level - and “fight” for a fully supported CAP with an increased budget.
It commits to examianing young farmers financing options, including low interest loans while reviewing the tax free threshold for capital acquisitions tax. It also promises to ensure the Fair Deal scheme does not impede succession planning while promising a scheme for what it calls “Forgotten Farmers”.
On the nitrates derogation, it promises to do “everything within its power” to make the case in the EU for the retention of the nitrates derogation, and to establish a cabinet committee on water quality while working with farmers and industry on the derogation renewal plan which seeks to support retention.
It promises to “stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal” - and to “accelerate work” in opening up new markets for Irish food products and to enhance the powers of the agri-food regulator, and also to protect live export markets while committing to maintain animal welfare standards.
It promises to support the sector in becoming a “world leader” in carbon efficient food production, while ensuring that all measures under the Nature Restoration Law be “completely voluntary for farmers”. It promises a National Framework for Carbon Farming and to examine a new “income volatility taxation measure” to safeguard against markets rising and falling and impacting farm incomes.
It also promises to continue support for the equine sector and make additional resources available for animal welfare here and within the greyhound industry. It will assess the requirement for an additional veterinary education college, while committing to re-establish a Minister of State for fisheries and the marine.
In relation to Dublin, the Government is “committed to transforming Dublin City Centre into a vibrant, safe, and attractive destination for living, working, business, and tourism.”
The Dublin City Centre Taskforce’s recommendations will be implemented through the Department of the Taoiseach.
There is to be a “significant boost” in Garda numbers in Dublin. The planned new Transport Security Force is to play a central role on Dublin public transport.
Improved security measures in the city centre are to include increased CCTV coverage and a targeted response to reduce open drug use.
The designation of O’Connell Street as a Urban Development Zone to fast track planning and mixed use development is to be supported.
There will be a redevelopment plan for the GPO that will honour its historic significance and reinforce its role as a central landmark.
On education, the programme for government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools, while the government will also “aim to” reduce the general pupil teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the next five years.
A workforce plan for the education sector will be developed, while the minor works scheme payment for schools will be increased.
There is also a promise to “establish a new DEIS Plus Scheme to support schools with the highest level of educational disadvantage to improve educational outcomes, particularly in literacy and numeracy.”
The document commits to providing “free schoolbooks to all children in the free education system” and to “introduce changes as needed to the operation of this scheme.”
The government is also promising to increase the number of special schools and special classes, hire more special education teachers and special needs assistants, and double the number of college places for speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists and any other specialists that are needed
In higher education, the programme commits to reducing the student contribution fee “over the lifetime of the Government” and increasing maintenance grants.
There is also a plan to introduce a “second chance” scheme to ensure students going through a repeat year or changing courses on one occasion can access the Free Fees Initiative to avoid them being penalised and having to pay higher rates of fees.
Also under “Thriving Communities” there are plans for tackling vacant buildings and regenerating towns and villages and a goal of increasing the number of people living in rural Ireland.
There is to be an increase the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
Increased Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grants and the introduction of a new Town Centre Living ‘Above the Shop’ Grant are included.
There is also a section on Unlocking Rural Ireland’s Tourism Potential including the development of a connected network of greenways and cycle routes across Ireland and more blueway projects for water-based tourism.
There is to be an expansion of Local Link bus services in rural areas.
Retained firefighters are to be supported to ensure conditions are sufficient to attract new entrants to the service and there is to be investment in new fire stations and refurbishing existing ones.
In relation to the Irish language the Government will work with Údarás na Gaeltachta and others to ensure there is adequate provision of housing and community services in Gaeltacht communities and restore a scheme to improve the non-county roads in Gaeltacht communities.
It will increase the dedicated Irish-medium teacher training programmes.
There will be support for the expansion of broadcasting licences for mainstream Irish language radio stations which focus on young listeners.
Home building in rural and Gaeltacht communities will be protected. There will be continued support for one-off rural housing including through the Help-to-Buy and First Home Scheme.
In Tourism, the programme for government promises a new version of 2013′s “The Gathering” tourism initiative, labelled the “Year of the Invitation”, as well as a new national tourism policy, development of tourism on state lands and a strategy to promote “Ireland of Islands” to encourage offshore island tourism.
It promises a review of National Aviation Policy and to expand greenways and water-based “blueways” while enhancing and upgrading the Wild Atlantic Way and developing a new coastal route along the East and South coast.
On the public finances, taxation and the economy the programme commits the next government to increase public sector investment to address infrastructural deficits, to build up the two long term savings funds, to run budget surpluses and progressive budgets and to reduce public debt as a share of national income.
A new medium term fiscal plan will be submitted to Europe, published alongside the Summer Economic Statement in July.
It promises a “pro-enterprise tax policy” and to expedite an early review of the National Development Plan in July - this will encompass all public capital and will address the Apple cash, AIB share sales, and the use of the broader state funds. It flags housing, including the funding of the LDA, water energy, transport and health digitalisation.
It commits the government to a new national wage deal once the existing agreement expires.
When it comes to taxation, it commits the government to maintaining a broad tax base to guard against the need for cutbacks and tax hikes in the event of a downturn and to implement progress taxation changes “if the economy remains strong” - this would continue indexing tax credits and bands.
In light of energy cost pressures, it promises to bring forward taxation measures to help contain these costs, including with regard to VAT.
If there is an economic downturn, it promise sto maintain capital spending, postponing changes to income tax credits or bans, and to work to protect public service delivery.
On financial services, it promises to introduce a “right to be forgotten” for cancer survivors whcih would require insurers to disregard a cancer diagnosis after once treatment has ended more than seven years prior to application
It promises to examine an “SMS scam filter” that functions like email spam filters to reduce scam messages.
On multinational investment and export overseas, it promises a new IDA Ireland five year strategy and to target at least half of IDA investments outside Dublin, as well as to examine options to enhance the R&D tax credit, to progress the National Semiconductor Strategy and to target a 50 per cent increase in large Irish exporters and 2,500 additional Irish owned exporters by 2030.
It commits to reviewing and to consider expanding the IDA land bank, including new advanced manufacturing facilities in strategic locations.
For consumers and workers a potential splitting of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is hinted at, arising from an independent review of its role, including the potential to strengthen of legislation
When it comes to workers rights, it promises to publish an action plan for collective bargaining this year.
For small business and start ups , the document says the government will bring forward measures for the small business sector, including changes to VAT, PRSI and other measures as part of the budget process. It will also establish a new small business unit in the Department of Enterprise and a cost of business forum, while promising to cut red tape through a “look-back” exercise identifying regulations that are “redundant”
It also pledges to examine the regularity of SME reporting and filing requirements.
In enterprise policy, the new government will publish a new action plan for competitiveness and productivity within the first year in office, covering industrial policy, reducing costs and regulatory burdens on business and infrastructure investment among other things, reports Jack Horgan-Jones.
The document outlines plans for a new National Digital Strategy - and to support a new US-based economic advisory panel made up of senior Irish or Irish-linked decision makers in “key business sectors”
It commits the government to creating 300,000 extra jobs by 2030.
On data centres, it says the incoming coalition will recognise the “central role” they play in contributing to economic growth, that they will ensure “efficient grid usage” and that waste heat capture for district heating system.
Meanwhile, a full report from a tetchy exchange between government kingmaker Michael Lowry and reporters earlier, from Cormac McQuinn:
Michael Lowry has lashed out at the media, accusing it of seeking to undermine his electoral mandate after he was asked about the Moriarty Tribunal on Wednesday.
A press conference of Independent TDs set to support the next Government was cut short after the issue was raised.
The Tribunal made adverse findings against Mr Lowry - which he disputes - and the issue has resurfaced in recent weeks as he took the lead in Government formation talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, on behalf of the Regional Independent Group.
Its TDs have now signed up to support the next Government and four of their number - though not Mr Lowry - will take up junior ministerial roles.
The group held a press conference at Leinster House in the wake of the deal.
Tipperary North TD Mr Lowry was asked to offer an assurance that he would not engage in the type of behaviour that saw him end up before the Moriatry Tribunal now that he was involved in Government again.
In response Mr Lowry accused the media of being “overconsumed by this” and argued it was “trying to undermine my position”.
He added: “You’ve also tried to undermine the mandate that I’ve got, the very strong mandate that I got from the people of Tipperary and North Kilkenny.”
He claimed the media had been “ranting for the last month in your publications”.
Mr Lowry added: “I enjoy the confidence of my group and I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the negotiations that I had because unlike you they respected the mandate that I have from the people.”
RIG colleague, Galway West TD Noel Grealish, said Mr Lowry had been appointed by the group to lead its negotiations and “Michael did an absolute excellent job of that.
“Michael has always been elected and topped the poll in every general election in his constituency and that has to be acknowledged. He has a mandate to come here”.
Mr Lowry also said: “When you come in here you can only come through those gates, you can only sit in your seat in the Dáil if you have a mandate form the democratic electoral process.
“I’ve been elected, I’m serving my mandate. I’m serving the people that represented [sic] me. Unfortunately if it doesn’t please some of you that’s your problem not mine.”
The Moriarty tribunal, formally called the Tribunal of Inquiry into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters, undertook an investigation into the 1995 awarding of the State’s second mobile phone licence to Denis O’Brien’s company, Esat Digifone.
Mr O’Brien has always rejected outright the tribunal’s 2011 report and its conclusion that he gave money to Mr Lowry, who “secured the winning” of the second licence for him. Mr Lowry, then a Fine Gael minister, also dismissed the tribunal’s report and its findings on one of the most lucrative State licences ever awarded.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin have both said in recent weeks they were happy to work with Mr Lowry despite the findings of the Moriarty tribunal pointing to the mandate he has received from the people of Tipperary.
It emerged last week that the a file being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) arising from the Garda investigation into the findings of the Moriarty tribunal.
It is not known whether there is any recommendations in relation to specific individuals in the file submitted to the DPP.
Mr Lowry has said he is fully confident there is no basis for a case against him.
On children and childcare, the programme for government commits to “progressively” reducing the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child through the National Childcare Scheme, and also commits to exploring options around a cap on costs for larger families. There is also a pledge to review and increase core funding, Jennifer Bray reports.
The document states that capital investment will be provided to build or purchase state-owned childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists.
There is also a pledge to “explore” making available an extra hour of ECCE each day in the second year of preschool.
As previously promised, the National Childcare Scheme will be expanded to childminders working in the family home “with sensible regulations that fit home- based care.”
There is a commitment to “set an ambitious child poverty target ensuring a focus on inequality.”
A Fine Gael scheme promised during the election campaign has also made an appearance - the programme commits to “explore the establishment of a managed savings account for newborns with an initial once-off contribution by the State, ensuring lower income families benefit most from its inception.”
There are also commitments to introduce paid surrogacy leave; increase the Foster Care Allowance; examine pension provision for foster carers; examine the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance eligibility criteria to allow flexibility for foster carers.
There is much focus on balanced regional development, investment in roads infrastructure and rural Ireland in a section entitled “Thriving Communities”, updates Cormac McQuinn.
There is a commitment to support 50:50 balanced population growth between the Eastern and Midland region, and the Southern and Northern and Western regions combined.
A review of the National Development Plan NDP is to be completed by July 2025 and this will underpin balanced regional development as a key objective.
The Government is to invest in all road projects in the current (NDP “and consider additional important road projects as part of the NDP review.”
There will be increased funding for new roads and the maintenance of existing roads.
Continued upgrading of the bus fleet and work to act on the recommendations from the All-Island Strategic Rail Review “to improve connectivity across the island of Ireland” are also included.
There will be a widening of the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Affairs to include the Gaeltacht
The roll-out of high-speed broadband is to be completed by 2026.
There is a promise to promote flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers and review how blended working happens in the civil service to consider how the public sector can adopt a coherent approach.
The remit of almost 400 Connected hubs around the country is to be expanded to “unlock new opportunities in rural communities, enabling remote work, e-health, remote learning and digital engagement.”
The Government will work with IDA Ireland to spread foreign direct investment across the country ensuring that at least half of IDA investments are located outside of Dublin.
Locating new State agencies in cities and towns outside of Dublin will be a priority.
The Irish Times has now seen the agreed programme for government document in full. We’ll bring further updates on what the parties have agreed over the course of the afternoon.
On climate, the government has recommitted to a 51% reduction in emissions to 2030 and net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and to publish an annual climate plan., Jennifer Bray reports.
On retrofitting, the programme for government commits to “ramping up targets” to deliver more B2 equivalent home retrofits each year from 2026 to 2030 - although actual targets are not contained in the document.
The document also says that the government will develop a mechanism to allow private homes in social housing estates to opt into retrofitting projects at an adjusted cost, “creating a fair opportunity for all residents.”
In terms of offshore wind, the programme commits to fast-tracking offshore wind development by prioritising the publication of Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs).
The document says the parties will allow data centres that contribute to economic growth and efficient grid usage, such as prioritising waste heat capture for district heating systems and other local uses.
The document pledges, however, to enhance data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions, such as waste heat capture to reduce their carbon footprint.
The parties have also committed to commissioning research on delivering zero carbon cement and look at international best practice.
As expected, the government will also continue with the planned carbon tax increases.
There is also a promise to increase penalties to deter littering and illegal dumping, and develop an extreme weather event assistance scheme for homes, community organisations, farmers and businesses.
The programme for government will new national parks and increase funding to the NPWS to support its operation and visitor experiences.
The programme for government commits to exploring the establishment of a managed savings account for newborn babies with an initial once-off contribution by the State, reports Jack Horgan Jones.
Political Correspondent Jack Horgan Jones outlines what we know so far about the new programme for government here.
Independent TD Michael Lowry has told reporters that the Regional Independent Group are “a team” and are “in this for five years”.
Sean Canney will lead the group and attend leaders meetings every week before Cabinet, Mr Lowry told reporters this afternoon.
The doorstep opportunity was cut short after questions about Mr Lowry’s role in government and his past with the Moriarty Tribunal arose, reports political editor Pat Leahy.
Mr Lowry also said he enjoyed the confidence of the people of Tipperary, of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.
Political Editor Pat Leahy reports: It is expected that the programme for government will include a commitment to continue to reduce the third level student registration fee.
The Taoiseach’s position is likely to change hands after the incoming coalition’s third budget is agreed in 2027, senior sources have said.
That would make a changeover likely to take place around November 2027, once Budget 2028 has been agreed, reports political correspondent Jack Horgan Jones.
This timeline, sources said, would give Micheál Martin more time in the Taoiseach’s office, reflecting the ten seat advantage secured by Fianna Fáil in the election, and would allow Simon Harris two full budgetary cycles, if the government goes full term and passes five budgets - which is said to be explicitely included in the programme for government - signing off the tax and spending plans for 2029 and 2030.
It would also mean that the handover would not interfere with the drafting the budget, if it takes place in the usual October window.
Jennifer Bray and Jack Horgan-Jones tell Hugh Linehan what this all means in today’s episode of Inside Politics
Does a junior ministry dilute the Healy-Rae brand?
Jack Horgan-Jones and Jennifer Bray join Hugh to talk about the composition of the new Government and what we now know about the policies that will form the Programme for Government. They also discuss the decision by the Healy-Raes to demand a junior ministry. Will it dilute the essence of what the dynasty offers to the people of Kerry?
Fianna Fáil’s James Browne has rejected reports that Independents were promised either cabinet positions or constituency concessions.
“I have to acknowledge the Independents who came to the table who were anxious to get a government in place because that is what’s in the interest of the country. And they were very much focused on policy and understanding that, you know, getting policy into the programme for government, adding value to our programme for government, would result in a benefit for their constituency – and every constituency, for that matter. So, you know, it was a very positive approach from those Independents.
It never came down to “promises”, he told RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show on Wednesday.
Independent TD Seán Canney also denied such an agreement. “I was there over the last three weeks and we never had a discussion around that, nor was it a question of it’s this or that.
“Just to set out what we did in the regional Independents – we’ve prepared a programme for government which was over 40 pages, prepared across all of the 19 departments. We presented that to Fianna Fáil, the Fine Gael negotiators and to the leaders, and they went through that with us. We looked at how we could positively impact upon a new programme for government, and that’s what we’ve done.”
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae will take a junior minister post in the next government, but has declined to say in which department.
He said that it was a matter for the incoming taoiseach and also declined to confirm any deals for his constituency but said the people of Kerry will see the benefits of having him and his brother Danny in government over the coming years.
Michael said he and his brother “want to be on the other side” after many years in Opposition.
Speaking to reporters this morning, he said they would now be “fighting from within government, using the structures of government to better the case of the people in Kerry and throughout rural and urban Ireland, and that’s the way we want to work”.
The Kerry TD said the reason why negotiations went on so long last night was because they wanted to make sure that “our stamp and our views are in the programme for government”.
Danny Healy-Rae said he wanted the new government to “get back to basics and basic things that the people need”. He also said they were well placed to bring “a common-sense view” into government.
When questioned about climate action, Michael Healy-Rae said the 2030 climate targets had been voted on and agreed and that “what’s in place, is in place”.
He also said that there was no “future in history” and no point in looking backwards at what “went on in the past”.
He said they would be looking forward in a “bright and positive way” and ensuring money was spent in the right way and not wasted.
Michael also said that people may be happier with this government than any other government in the past.
“I would certainly hope that,” he added.
There will be a substantial reorganisation of government departments, focused mostly on the break-up of some functions in departments formerly steered by the three Green Party cabinet ministers, reports Jack Horgan Jones. This will be outlined in the programme for government later today.
Despite consideration being given to moving the energy functions of government into the Department of Enterprise, they look set to stay where they are. The communications function of the departments led by Eamon Ryan will switch to the Department of Media, where Catherine Martin held the minister’s chair.
Meanwhile, the tourism part of her portfolio will switch to the Department of Enterprise. There will be one minister over the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, as was the case with Ryan.
There will be no new stand-alone departments created, with the dual campaign trail promises from Fine Gael (infrastructure) and Fianna Fáil (domestic affairs) catered to by giving extra prominence within the departments of Public Expenditure and Justice, as well as extra resources. Integration will be stripped out of the Department of Children led by Roderic O’Gorman and transferred to the new domestic affairs section of the Department of Justice.
Political Correspondent Cormac McQuinn reports: The draft programme for government includes proposals for multiannual funding for the health service.
There is also to be a focus on digitalisation, including e-records for patients and telehealth services.
The document is also understood to include plans for a statutory home care scheme.
Political Correspondent Cormac McQuinn reports: Ramping up Garda recruitment and exploring the possibility of opening a second Garda college are understood to be among justice measures in the draft programme for government.
There is also expected to be a commitment to implement the proposals for safer streets put forward by the Dublin city centre taskforce.
There are also proposals for a new transport security force, outside the Garda, but which would have powers of arrest.
Political Editor Pat Leahy reports: The Healy-Rae brothers have confirmed Michael will take a junior minister post in the next government, but declined to say in which department and that it was a matter for the taoiseach.
They also declined to confirm any deals for their constituency but said the people of Kerry will see the benefits of having them in government over the coming years.
Asked about comments by Fine Gael’s Jennifer Carroll MacNeill this morning, who said no constituency deals were done with Independents, Michael Healy-Rae said that “anyone is entitled to say what they like”.
Also speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland was Fine Gael’s Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who said the new programme for government will focus on infrastructure spending, disability support and renewable energy – areas that were not as emphasised in the outgoing Government’s agenda.
The Dún Laoghaire TD said the Government acknowledges the challenge of meeting Ireland’s climate change targets and plans to invest heavily in renewable energy and public transportation to address this.
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland earlier, Fianna Fáil’s James Lawless said the negotiations with regional Independent TDs to form a coalition government were challenging but reflected their determination to be part of the government.
Mr Lawless said the new government plans to provide support for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, through measures such as a VAT cut.
He also said public safety and security, including the introduction of a transport police force, is a priority for the new government.
Political Correspondent Jack Horgan Jones reports: The programme for government is expected to commit to introducing childcare capped at a rate of €200 per month per child over a number of years. It will also outline a commitment to roll out a larger public childcare sector.
Kerry Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are expected to support the incoming government after talks between them and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on Tuesday.
Fianna Fáil negotiator James Lawless told RTÉ radio that they are included among nine independents expected to back the government and he understands they will also be offered a junior ministry.
What we know so far: Two Independent TDs will sit at cabinet as “super junior” ministers in the new coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The Regional Independent Group will also have two junior ministers.
The super junior jobs are expected to be filled by Noel Grealish and Sean Canney, with Marian Harkin and Kevin “Boxer” Moran taking the two junior, or minister of state, roles.
The programme for government is understood to be largely a synthesis of the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael manifestos. It is understood there is political agreement for VAT on energy to stay at 9 per cent and fall from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent for food, hospitality, hairdressers and entertainment in the next budget.
