The details of Ireland's new government programme, outlining its five-year agenda, are set to be revealed this Wednesday. Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Regional Independents, and the Healy-Rae brothers will form the coalition, with Micheál Martin becoming Taoiseach. Key insights include the allocation of two Super Junior Minister positions to the Regional Independents, a commitment to explore a savings account for newborns, and a potential review of the VAT rate for hospitality and food services.
The eagerly anticipated government programme, outlining the direction and policies of the incoming administration, is set to be published this Wednesday afternoon. The programme, the result of five weeks of intensive negotiations, will solidify the power-sharing agreement between Fine Gael , Fianna Fáil , the Regional Independents , and the Healy-Rae brothers. Micheál Martin will take the helm as Taoiseach when the Dáil convenes for the first time following the Christmas recess next Wednesday.
Prior to its official release, details of the programme were fiercely guarded, with senior negotiators emphasizing the importance of TDs within each party scrutinizing the document firsthand rather than relying on media reports. However, glimpses into the programme's content have emerged. A significant development is the allocation of two Super Junior Minister positions to the Regional Independent Group, a concession marking a prominent role for this group in the coalition. Sean Canney and Noel Grealish will assume these roles, while Marian Harkin and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran will serve as junior ministers.The Healy-Rae brothers had initially sought a Super Junior Minister position, but this was ultimately denied. However, they have secured a Junior Minister position in exchange for their support, bolstering the government's majority to 95, comfortably exceeding the nine-seat threshold required to form a government. While speculation abounds regarding the specific portfolios and ministerial assignments, Micheál Martin's appointment as Taoiseach and Simon Harris's appointment as Tánaiste remain the only confirmed positions. It is anticipated that Fianna Fáil will hold eight ministerial positions, while Fine Gael will have seven. The programme for government is expected to commit to delivering five budgets, culminating in an election scheduled for November 2029. A rotation of Taoiseach roles is anticipated around September 2027, potentially extending Martin's tenure. Sources indicate that Harris is poised to take on the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs, with trade functions expected to be integrated into the department.Infrastructure will be a key focus within the Department of Public Expenditure, although a standalone department, as advocated by Fine Gael, will not be established. Similarly, Fianna Fáil's aspiration for a dedicated Department for Domestic Affairs will not materialize, but a section within the Department of Justice will address these matters. In a victory for Fine Gael, the program for government indicates a commitment to reviewing the VAT rate for hospitality and food services. While there is no explicit pledge to lower the rate to 9 percent in the document, sources suggest that a reduction is anticipated in the upcoming budget. The programme for government is also expected to include a commitment to abolishing the carer's means test over a five-year period, although this is contingent upon the prevailing financial situation. James Lawless, a Fianna Fáil minister, indicated that the 2:1 spending ratio on roads, a stipulation within the previous programme for government championed by the Greens, will not be maintained. He also seemingly confirmed the establishment of a new transport police force. The Irish Mirror has further learned that the program for government will include an exploration of the idea of a savings account for newborns, a policy proposed by Fine Gael during the election campaign. The ratification process will commence following the presentation of the programme for government to both parties this afternoon. Fianna Fáil will hold a special Ard Fheis in Dublin on Sunday, while Fine Gael will conduct five regional meetings starting Friday. Fine Gael TDs, Senators, and MEPs will vote on the programme on Monday.
Ireland Politics Government Programme For Government Micheál Martin Simon Harris Fine Gael Fianna Fáil Regional Independents New Government Coalition Elections
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