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.
Document says there will be 10 missions as part of prog for government that "seeks to build on ideas from all parties and none" pic.twitter.com/TdpxfEo0U4
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 15, 2020
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.
Health section of the FF/FG document. Move towards universal healthcare. All new consultant contracts to be public only pic.twitter.com/90lLBXque0
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 15, 2020
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.
Housing section of the document high on goals but a little vague on how to get there. Expanding LDA to deliver social and affordable housing. Leaves open idea of referenda on housing to reduce site costs pic.twitter.com/Mbg925TsoE
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 15, 2020
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 ...
