The Programme for Government has set a target to create 300,000 extra jobs by 2030, supported by strategic investments, supportive enterprise policies, and a focus on fostering a vibrant economy.
It pledges to assess all elements of labour market policy that impact on the viability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The new government said it will recognise the work of the independent Low Pay Commission, ensuring fair wages whilst also supporting the viability of SMEs.
Voluntary sector
There is no specific reference to Section 39 workers in the Programme for Government.
However, there is a pledge to "work with the voluntary sector through industrial relations mechanisms and other processes to progress pay issues that affect the delivery of disability services and the long-term viability of organisations within the sector."
The incoming government says it will also consider measures to attract and retain staff in the disability sector, as well as developing a new workforce plan to address immediate staffing shortages and longer-term needs.
Industrial relations
According to the document, the new government will support the central role of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court in industrial relations and employment rights.
It will promote flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers, ensuring a balanced approach.
It will publish an action plan for collective bargaining in 2025 in line with commitments under the EU directive.
The Government pledges to "work to promote a diverse and equal workforce for all sections of society, including from minority or disadvantaged communities."
There is also a commitment to develop a code of practice to support the hiring of workers with a disability.
Working age payment
There is a pledge to introduce a new working age payment in order to ensure that people on jobseekers payments always see an increase in income when they work or take on additional hours.
"The working age payment will remove inconsistencies and anomalies in the current jobseekers allowance scheme which discourage people from taking up employment."
"We will publish draft proposals for full consultation with stakeholders in advance of Government agreeing the final design of the working age payment," the document states.
Pensions
The Programme for Government pledges to maintain the state pension age at 66.
It also commits to progressively increase weekly pension payments and to safeguard the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund by fully implementing the PRSI Roadmap 2024 – 2028.
Public sector
The incoming Government says it will continue to focus on a reform agenda, ensuring that the public and civil service evolves to meet the needs of modern Ireland facilitating the delivery of improved public services.
"This Government will negotiate a new public sector pay deal, linked to a reform agenda, to succeed the existing deal which recognises the central contribution of workers in the delivery of better public services," the programme states.
It also pledges to review the civil service blended working policy framework and to consider how the implementation of this approach best delivers public services and supports the productivity of the public sector.
