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Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Spell Out Coalition Goals

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have released the framework document spelling out their goals for a coalit...
Michael Staines
Michael Staines

2:50 PM - 15 Apr 2020



Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Spel...

News

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Spell Out Coalition Goals

Michael Staines
Michael Staines

2:50 PM - 15 Apr 2020



Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have released the framework document spelling out their goals for a coalition government.

The Framework Document, agreed by negotiators last week and given the green light by Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin yesterday, contains 10 "missions" outlining their aims for a five-year term in Government.

The opening focuses heavily on the impact of the Coronavirus and securing an economic recovery when the health crisis is over.

It promises targeted sectoral plans and also commits to no income tax or USC hikes and no social welfare cuts during the recovery to come.

The health section promises a move towards a universal healthcare system with all new consultants to be offered public only contracts.

It is short on specific climate change targets – but says the government would be committed to a New Green Deal, and a Citizens Assembly on biodiversity.

On housing, it says the Land Development Agency would be empowered to deliver affordable and social homes and leaves open the door to a possible referendum on housing to lower land prices.

It also commits to reduced childcare costs, a living wage and to set up a unit in the Department of the Taoiseach to look at a united Ireland.

It is a much more left wing document than what the two parties were offering during the election, but much of it is short of specific targets as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil's parliamentary parties prepare to debate it this evening.

Reporting from Sean Defoe ...



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