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5 key points from the Fine Gael election manifesto

Taoiseach Simon Harris speaking as Fine Gael's General Election manifesto was launched at the Horse & Jockey Hotel in Co Tipperary
Taoiseach Simon Harris speaking as Fine Gael's General Election manifesto was launched at the Horse & Jockey Hotel in Co Tipperary

Fine Gael have launched their General Election manifesto in Co Tipperary.

Speaking at the manifesto launch, the party leader Simon Harris said one of his party’s key priorities is increasing services and reducing waiting lists for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

At the launch, Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe said he could "confidently" say that such financial promises being made by the party can be afforded.

Here are some of the main points from the Fine Gael election manifesto, covering five key policy areas:


1. Economy

Ensure the average worker does not pay a higher rate of tax.

Continue to reduce the Universal Social Charge.

Increase Capital Acquisitions Tax thresholds.

Inject €100bn in capital projects across the country.

Put €2bn each year into the Infrastructure Climate and Nature Fund and €4-5bn annually into the Future Ireland Fund.


2. Disability

Invest €1bn in services and training.

Create 300 new special school places.

Deliver 400 new special classes.

Double training places for speech and language therapists.

Additional special education teachers and special needs assistants.


3. Housing

Deliver 300,000 homes by 2030, at a cost of €40bn.

Build 9,000 affordable homes for purchase by 2030.

Construct 12,000 new social homes annually by 2030.

Raise relief under Help To Buy scheme to €40,000.

Deliver 2,500 new student beds each year.


4. Justice

Fund the recruitment of 6,000 new Gardai over five years.

Roll out body-worn cameras for all Gardai and introduce facial recognition technology.

Expand Garda Reserve to 3,000 personnel.

Build a new prison at Thornton Hall and add 1,500 spaces to existing prisons.


5. Health

Extend free GP services to all who are under the age of 18.

Reduce the monthly cost of prescription drugs.

Implement Slaintecare.

Increase 5,000 impatient hospital beds by 2031.

Double therapy programme places.

Open the new National Children's Hospital.


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