The leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party have signed off on an historic government deal.
The Programme for Government, published this afternoon, includes plans for a rotating Taoiseach and commitments on transport, climate, housing, health and more.
The three parliamentary parties will meet this evening before sending the programme to their party members for approval.
Here’s a breakdown of what the plan includes for the next five years.
Transport
The next government will spend twice as much on public transport as it will on new road infrastructure.
Meanwhile, €360m per year has been set aside for new walking and cycling infrastructure.
In Dublin, the Bus-Connects plan will move forward and there is major investment planned for Metrolink, Luas and DART services.
On transport - committment for 20% of the transport capital budget for walking and cycling. A million euro a day on it pic.twitter.com/AoQ8CvDJAk
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) June 15, 2020
Environment
A 7% annual reduction in carbon emissions, with legislation committing Ireland to carbon neutrality by 2050.
A new carbon budget system will set out emission targets for all sectors of the economy.
A new deposit and return scheme is to be introduced for cans and glass – with a ban on single-use plastics on the way.
The government will not support plans to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Shannon and all fossil fuel exploration is to end.
Over 500,000 homes are to be retrofitted to improve energy efficiency by 2030.
New petrol and diesel cars phased out from 2030. Supports to ‘Green’ the taxi fleet pic.twitter.com/St9fpe1Kvj
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) June 15, 2020
Economy
A National Recovery Plan to be announced by October.
A new jobs stimulus plan will begin next month and focus on assisting SMEs and the hospitality sector.
A Cabinet committee on insurance reform will examine rising premiums and a Garda insurance unit will be created to tackle fraudulent claims.
A permanent pay review will also be established for the Defence Forces.
New petrol and diesel cars phased out from 2030. Supports to ‘Green’ the taxi fleet pic.twitter.com/St9fpe1Kvj
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) June 15, 2020
Housing
The programme promises 50,000 new social homes over the lifetime of the government.
The Land Development Agency will be used to increase the supply of affordable housing and local authorities will now be allowed to spend €6m on social housing developments without government approval.
The document also promises a referendum on the right to housing.
Health
The programme commits the parties to implementing the cross-party Sláintecare plan, with the aim of creating a single-tier health service.
Free GP care is to be extended to more children and to people receiving carers’ payments.
A new State homecare scheme is to be established for the elderly and respite services are to be expanded to reduce waiting lists.
Childcare
The deal promises increased investment in childcare and supports for parents.
It also commits to a further reduction in primary class sizes and funding to help schools prepare to reopen in a safe manner.
There is also increased funding for university research and a promise to address third-level funding challenges.
A review of SUSI supports will be carried on and the €3,000 student contribution charge will not be increased.
Direct Provision
The document commits the government to the abolition and replacement of the Direct Provision system.
The new system will be not-for-profit and will include plans for streamlining and speeding up the asylum process.
A new anti-racism strategy is to be launched, along with increased efforts grow diversity within the Gardai.
Rural Ireland
Two new schemes will be established to help farmers make a profit through environmental protection projects.
A new ombudsman will be established to examine production chains and the prices offered to farmers for their produce.
The National Broadband Plan is to be prioritised with regional development to focus on remote working.
