Switching programmes -- what the Green Party got
Related Articles
Monday October 12 2009
Taoiseach Brian Cowen described the new coalition deal between Fianna Fail and the Greens as a "vibrant, pragmatic and comprehensive" plan.
Green Party leader John Gormley yesterday said the new coalition deal was "radical, real and transformational".
The 40-page programme for government document covers every section of government policy. The main areas covered include:
- The economy and public finances
The coalition promises to revise the capital investment programme to take account of new budget realities and the need for us to meet our emissions' reduction targets.
It also pledges to introduce new targeted and efficient taxation policies which encourage the green and smart economy. And it will introduce a single 30pc rate for tax relief on private pension provision, while the employee PRSI ceiling will also be abolished.
The carbon tax will be introduced in Budget 2010 and it will move to introduce a site valuation tax for non-agricultural land.
A new system for financing local government and the introduction of water charges are also included. Water charges will be based on a system where households are allocated a free basic allowance, with charging only for water use in excess of this.
- Enterprise, jobs and the green economy
The Government says 127,000 jobs will be created in the green and smart economies over the next decade.
A €500m Innovation Fund Ireland will be finalised this year with tenders issued early next year and the coalition will roll out the €100m Enterprise Stabilisation Fund to secure viable but vulnerable export-led businesses.
The Government also promises to take on 1,000 third and fourth-level graduates in government departments and provide valuable work experience.
- Education
The agreement says there will be no third-level fees, 500 teaching posts at primary and secondary level to be provided over the next three years and funding for 28 additional NEPS psychologists so that every school in the country will have access to the National Educational Psychological Service.
The Government commits itself to no further increase in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools over its lifetime.
Capitation grants to schools will be maintained and there will be extra allocation to provide grant assistance for books.
- The environment
The document pledges to develop a national climate change adaptation strategy.
It says the Government will ensure uniform planning enforcement across all local authorities and continue with record levels of investment in water infrastructure.
- Social Welfare
It says the strongest emphasis will be placed on protecting basic payments in Budgets.
On political reform, the Government promises to set up an independent electoral commission, with enhanced powers of inspection, to make recommendations for changes to the electoral system for Dail elections, including the number of deputies.
The coalition will end corporate donations to individual politicians and political parties and reform the system of expenses for members of the Oireachtas to ensure the system is vouched.
Legislation will be brought in for a more open and transparent system for appointments to public bodies
- Transport
It says the ratio of spending will be 2:1 in favour of public transport versus roads from 2011 and the eastern bypass will not go ahead in Dublin.
- Banking
On banking reform, the document says if NAMA makes a loss over time, a levy will be imposed to recoup the cost to taxpayers and a percentage of lending will be guaranteed to SMEs.
- Health
On health, the Government said it will take further steps towards building universal health services that provide high quality care, fair access and affordability for all.
- Equality
It promises to ensure the introduction of the Civil Partnership Bill before the end of 2009 and its early passage and implementation and to bring in legal recognition of acquired gender of transsexuals.
- Animal welfare
It promises to phase-out fur farming in three years and end stag-hunting.
- The arts
It says the Government will undertake an assessment of the GPO complex, with a view to locating the Abbey Theatre there in time for the centenary of 1916 Rising.
There is also a commitment to ensure the supports provided by the Film Board are maintained to realise the potential of Irish film-making.
- Fionnan Sheahan
Irish Independent
