Our focus is on increasing taxes on wealth rather than income, but that if income taxes are to rise, it should be borne by those on the highest incomes. Ireland is a relatively low-tax country compared to our European counterparts. - source: party

Labour would phase out tax credits on incomes over €100,000 and introduce refundable tax credits for low earners. We would also index tax credits and bands to an average of inflation and wage growth, to protect salary increases. - source: party

Sinn Féin would introduce Solidarity Tax of 3% on individual incomes above €140,000 and remove tax credits on a tapered basis on individual incomes over €100,000. - source: party

People on the highest incomes should contribute more. The Social Democrats would phase out tax credits for the highest earners, beginning with those who earn in excess of €108,000 pa. - source: party

People on huge salaries should not be taxed at the same rate as those earning €44,000. They can afford to pay a higher proportion. - source: party

We do not believe that there is a need to increase the tax rate on those over 100,000 at this time. This may change at a different stage of the economic cycle. We do need to look at the range of tax reliefs that are used by those with assets of over €10m. - source: party

A National Party government will phase out USC, and abolish carbon taxes, inheritance tax and local property tax. These changes will be applicable across all tax brackets, and will not require conservative-style austerity in order to achieve. - source: party

Fianna Fáil’s tax policy supports low- and middle-income earners. The top 10% of earners pay 60% of all income tax. OECD data shows our tax and social welfare system contributes substantially to income redistribution and reductions in income inequality. - source: party

Ireland’s income tax system is already one of the most progressive in the world – those who earn most pay the most in taxes. But we also need to ensure that we are rewarding work and that high marginal tax rates don’t discourage skilled workers or impact on our competitiveness. - source: party

While Fianna Fáil supports helping people through tax reforms and reductions, abolishing USC would narrow the tax base and remove €5 billion revenue, which is essential to fund public services. - source: party

Last year, the USC raised €5.4bn. It is an important source of revenue for the State which is used to pay for the services on which we all depend. However, Fine Gael will continue to cut taxes, including the USC, for workers and employers. - source: party

The USC remains an important part of a broader Irish tax base. - source: party

Labour will turn USC into a health contribution and ringfence it for our health service but increase bands in line with inflation, to protect workers. Major cuts to the USC will put the public finances at risk. - source: party

The USC raises approx. €5 billion in tax revenue every year, which is critical for the provision of important public services. Those calling for its abolition should say where the €5 billion needed to replace it would come from. - source: party

Aontú seek to significantly reduce the USC over the lifetime of the next Dáil. - source: party

Strongly disagree. The Irish State existed before USC, and it will exist long after it. Unlike Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, the National Party will not break its promises on this issue - we will get rid of USC. - source: party

This tax is a legacy of Fianna Fáil crashing the economy. Sinn Féin would abolish USC on the first €45,000 of every workers income. - source: party

We want to replace the USC for those earning under €100,000 with a millionaires tax and a wealth tax,. - source: party

Inheritance tax is an important source of income for the State but it already raises more than the international average. Fine Gael is committed to cutting the inheritance tax rate and increasing tax-free thresholds. - source: party

Tax on inheritance should be reduced in line with inflation. House inflation has significantly increased and Tax on inheritance needs to reflect this. - source: party

Inheritance Tax should be abolished in its entirety as a point of principle, however this would not necessitate public spending cuts or higher taxes elsewhere in order to achieve. - source: party

The inheritance tax thresholds in place need to be reviewed in light of the increases in property prices in recent years and we will be doing that regularly. Under no circumstance would public services be cut to fund it. - source: party

Inheritance tax in Ireland is in line with that in other OECD countries and is an important equality measure. - source: party

The inheritance tax threshold thresholds are now generous, and further increases will benefit the wealthiest households most – around 3% of the population. Reducing it will take money away that could improve public services which Labour wants to improve first. - source: party

Sinn Féin would maintain the current threshold of €335,000 for capital acquisitions tax. - source: party

Less than 3% ever pay inheritance tax – it is only paid by a minority who inherit relatively large sums. There’s no good reason to tax inheritance, which is received by accident of birth, more favourably than productive activities like work. - source: party

We would not remove child benefit from families, which is an important universal payment. However, the Social Democrats have always called for energy credits to be more targeted at those who needed it most – low and middle income earners. - source: party

Child benefit as it currently exists should be universal. There should be a second child benefit which is targeted towards children in low-income families. Electricity Credits are a fraud. Electricity cost in Ireland is the highest in the EU. We need to reduce the cost of electricity asap. - source: party

Fine Gael provides universal supports, such as the energy credits, because the increases in the cost of living – brought about largely by the Covid-19 Pandemic and the war in Ukraine – impact every household in the country. - source: party

We believe that while the greatest support should be directed to those most in need, the social welfare system should have broad application. - source: party

Universal payments are important supports. Labour will maintain those and increase the rate. We will introduce a new targeted second tier of child benefit to drastically reduce child poverty, reduce electricity prices, invest in retrofitting and cut energy poverty. - source: party

Fianna Fáil in Government has introduced targeted measures for the less well off, including the Working Family Payment, and have broadened eligibility criteria for payments such as the fuel allowance. - source: party

The parents of children who are financially more or less well off should be treated equally by the state regardless of their upbringing. No parent should be deprived of state supports based off of their immediate need. - source: party

Universal payments are very important and can complement targeted measures. Sinn Féin propose increasing Child Benefit and €450 worth of electricity credits this year. - source: party

We should keep universal benefits but impose higher taxes on those earning more than €100,000. - source: party

Aontú would delete VAT on housing products. We would delete connection charges and utility charges. We would reduce the cost of credit to construction. - source: party

Labour will build over 50,000 homes a year with at least 10,000 of those affordable (and cost rental) priced at up to €400,000 and introduce targeted supports so people on low to middle incomes can buy their own home. - source: party

‘Help to buy’ is driving record house price increases and should be phased out, while investment in the provision of genuinely affordable housing is massively increased. The Social Democrats have a fully costed plan to provide 75,000 genuinely affordable homes. - source: party

We should do both. Government schemes for first-time buyers have supported the viability and affordability of new housing developments. We will continue doing this while we ramp up supply to improve affordability. - source: party

Both policies can exist concurrently. The National Party would provide supports to young Irish couples buying their first home, while simultaneously making housing much more affordable by building social housing and tackling demand by ending the mass-immigration crisis. - source: party

Sinn Féin's priority is increasing the delivery of affordable homes. But we would also support first time buyers financially by exempting them from stamp duty and retaining a more targeted Help to Buy support while we ramp up affordable housing delivery. - source: party

This is a false choice. We believe in building more homes, reducing costs and supporting people aiming to buy their first home. - source: party

Helping people to buy or build their first home is a priority for Fine Gael. The Help to Buy Scheme, introduced by Fine Gael, has supported more than 52,000 people and families to buy or build their first home. - source: party

People have a right to apply and gain permission for one-off housing where they grew up and we will protect that right. This is critical in rural Ireland and does not conflict with balanced planning. - source: party

Fine Gael supports vibrant communities across Ireland – urban and rural. In order to have vibrant communities we must enable people to build well-designed, energy efficient homes, subject to sensible conditions, in their local communities. - source: party

Local people should be allowed to build and live in their own houses in their own local communities, instead of being forced into ever expanding concrete jungle housing estates by excessive and choking government red tape. - source: party

Planning reform is an important aspect of solving the housing crisis, both in urban and rural areas. Sinn Féin would increase resources to planning authorities to speed up decisions. - source: party

There are clear controls on one off housing. These should be applied and the NPF updated to provide for more compact and clustered development, while allowing those that qualify to build homes on their own land as currently provided for. - source: party

We should continue to support the development of the centres of our towns and villages, as set out in the Town Centre First policy. We want to focus on supports to ending dereliction in towns and villages. - source: party

Planning guidelines currently already allow for people to build in an area to which they have a legitimate connection. We do not propose to change the rules. - source: party

Rents in Ireland have risen 27% since 2021, well above the rate of inflation and it is having a knock-on effect in other areas of our economy, as key workers cannot afford to live in many areas of the country. - source: party

There needs to be a short-term freeze on rents while housing supply is increased substantially. Sinn Féin would freeze rents for three years. - source: party

Rent Pressure Zone legislation is not working, with the rules routinely being flouted without consequence by some landlords. We need a temporary three-year freeze to provide relief to renters and allow supply to increase. - source: party

Rents are already too high – mainly because this government has deliberately created loopholes which allow landlords to increase their rental income. - source: party

It should be introduced. The ESRI then need to measure scientifically if it does indeed lead to a reduction in rental properties. If it does then it should be reversed. - source: party

We effectively already have a rent freeze in real terms, due to the Rent Pressure Zone capping increases to inflation or 2% per year. This balances the need to both protect renters and encourage supply. - source: party

A rent freeze would directly reduce the number of homes for rent. The best way to reduce and stabilise rents is to increase supply and accelerate delivery of housing for the private and social rental sectors. - source: party

A rent freeze should only be used in emergency situations – such as during Covid-19. In all other times, rent freezes – not to be confused with rent controls – reduce the number of homes available to rent and do not benefit anyone. We are in favour of rent pressure zones. - source: party

A rent freeze would lead to tenants being evicted from their rented properties en-masse. It would also lead to an exodus of small landlords from the market, with large vulture funds monopolising the market. Instead, build more housing and ban vulture funds and tackle the mass-immigration crisis. - source: party

Councils should be funded adequately from central government. Income tax is more progressive than a Home Tax. - source: party

The Local Property Tax flies in the face of the idea of private property as a concept. As the party of private home ownership, the National Party will scrap this ludicrous tax. - source: party

Sinn Féin propose abolishing LPT and replacing the monies lost with Exchequer funding for local councils. - source: party

The government cut back on funding for local authorities and wants us to pay a tax on the family home instead. We are in favour of a wealth tax on muti-millionaires. - source: party

Property taxes form part of balanced tax systems in all advanced economies. Ireland’s far left is the only one in the world which opposes this tax. - source: party

Funding our city and county councils so that they can provide the services which we all need is crucial. The Local Property Tax raises more than €550 million per year. Following a review of the LPT in 2021 by Fine Gael, the majority of householders saw either a decrease or no change. - source: party

This is an essential factor in allowing Local Authorities to provide services to people around the country, and is the closest thing Ireland has to a tax on wealth, albeit at a very low rate. - source: party

A broad tax base and secure funding for local government is vital, and LPT is a key part of achieving that so local authorities can fund community investment and local services and ensure those with most contribute a fair share. - source: party

Property Tax is an important part of a broad tax base in all developed countries, and local authorities need it to provide important services and amenities. Property ownership is a manifestation of wealth, which is impossible to move offshore. - source: party

Ireland has had decades of focusing on unsustainable roads development without a consequent investment in public & active transport to provide people with real choice. We need to continue to invest in it. - source: party

Investment in public transport should be prioritised to reduce our dependency on cars, cut harmful emissions and improve connectivity, particularly for people in rural areas. The road maintenance budget should be increased to improve safety rather than increase capacity. - source: party

We need a strong modal shift in transport use to create a more sustainable society and to meet our climate targets. Directing infrastructure investment towards public transport is the most equitable way to help people move around. - source: party

We want free public transport to get people out of cars, reduce traffic chaos and emissions. - source: party

Both need to happen in tandem. One of the big weaknesses of this government has been the inability to build transport infrastructure. - source: party

An effective transport system in Ireland involves both roads and public transport. Fine Gael is committed to expanding our public transport system – trains, luas and buses – as well as improving connectivity through new strategic roads and maintaining existing ones. - source: party

Both are possible and desirable. Ireland needs increased rail links, high speed rail as well as an end to single rail lines. We also need a metro system for Dublin city, as well as a proper public transport connection with Dublin airport. Bus lines also need to begin serving rural villages again. - source: party

The provision of public transport is vital to the green transition and to developing rural Ireland. We need better connectivity and capacity of public transport. This should be the priority, but maintenance and improvement of roads is extremely important also. - source: party

There is a pressing need to develop public transport infrastructure, which is vital to curbing emissions and placing us on a sustainable path. However, investment in roads is essential. It is not a case of one over the other. - source: party

Our objective is to ensure that connectivity to/from Ireland continues to grow, including via Cork and Shannon airports, which can take more passengers. We will continue meeting with stakeholders and explore fresh proposals to resolve Dublin airport cap impasse. - source: party

As an island nation, air connectivity is vital for jobs, employment, investment, tourism and transport. - source: party

Further options for the decentralisation of Irelands aviation traffic should also be explored. Furthermore, a National Party government will end the process of fraudulent asylum seekers flying into Dublin Airport and dumping their passports, which will significantly reduce unnecessary traffic. - source: party

As an island, air travel is important to our economy and tourism sector. Capacity should be built up in our regional airports, but we should not limit Dublin airport’s potential. - source: party

Aontú are not opposed to the passenger cap being lifted but, Ireland exists outside the M50 and hundreds of thousands of passengers using Dublin are coming from the hinterlands of Cork, Shannon and Knock airports. We need more flights into these international airports. - source: party

The cap is a planning matter due to traffic concerns and will be addressed through that process. We want Metrolink, balanced regional development, enforcement of noise rules and sound insulation for local residents, and an aviation emissions reduction plan. - source: party

This is a live planning issue and a decision for Fingal County Council. - source: party

There is significant capacity in Shannon and Cork Airports that is going unused, while the infrastructure around Dublin Airport is not sufficient to allow for huge expansion. This is a great opportunity to encourage more balanced regional development. - source: party

Monies raised by the Carbon Tax fund vital just transition measures. Budget 2025 allocated a record €469 million from the Carbon Tax for residential and community energy upgrades, including the Warmer Homes Scheme for those at risk of energy poverty. - source: party

The carbon tax mechanism has delivered significant incentive and revenues for the green transition in Ireland, providing a clear signal from government regarding our direction of travel towards a sustainable future. - source: party

We need to phase out fossil fuels and carbon taxes ensure those who generate most emissions contribute more. Labour will invest the proceeds to support households by extending the fuel allowance and introduce a €400 refundable carbon income tax credit. - source: party

Carbon taxes can be an important policy to encourage behavioural change, but government must provide accessible alternatives in transport and energy, otherwise such taxes just become penal for people who have no options. - source: party

Carbon tax helps promote a move away from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy. Fine Gael has ensured that money raised by the Carbon Tax is ring-fenced for measures like retrofitting, the fuel allowance, and farmer environment schemes. All these matters should be considered every year. - source: party

Carbon taxes should not be increased when fuel prices are so expensive. The cost of fuel on the consumer must be taken into account. Also many people still have no public transport alternatives. Carbon Tax increases without alternative transport are punitive. - source: party

Strongly disagree, and the National Party will abolish this insane totalitarian money grab, and will opt out of paying any self-imposed EU fines for not meeting it's arbitrary and undesirable "goals". - source: party

Sinn Féin would revoke all further planned increases to carbon taxes because they simply punish ordinary people for whom the alternatives are unavailable and/or unaffordable. Instead we will extend the reduced rate of Excise Duty for petrol and diesel, bringing forward new proposals on energy use. - source: party

Carbon taxes do not discourage car usage in the absence of a real alternative. We need free public transport instead and taxes on big polluters. - source: party

Ireland’s waterways are in an appalling condition and agricultural pollution is the main reason. Government has been leading Irish farmers off a cliff by pretending the nitrates derogation can continue indefinitely. Farmers must be supported to farm more sustainably. - source: party

It’s not something to ‘give up’. The Nitrates Derogation will come to an end at some stage. We should prepare for that eventuality by increasing resources and schemes to advise, guide, support and enforce the Nitrates Action Programme. - source: party

The nitrates derogation will only be retained if supported by EPA data showing measurable improvements in water quality status. This requires changes to grassland management, lower stocking rates in some places, more use of protected urea, LESS and multi-species swards. - source: party

Ireland is a special case, and the Irish People know far better than politicians in Brussels how we should be treating our land. Measures to control and reduce nitrogen losses should be domestic laws, climate friendly, and would only be necessary in certain parts of Ireland. - source: party

Fianna Fáil is absolutely committed to working in every way possible to retain the derogation. We are robustly advocating the valid geographical reasons why Ireland’s derogation should be continued and the work underway on farms to ensure water quality improves. - source: party

Fine Gael will work to keep the Nitrates Directive which is important for Ireland’s grass-based farming model. We will work with stakeholders to develop practical solutions that benefit farmers and food businesses and will set up a new Cabinet Committee on Water Quality. - source: party

Sinn Féin in government will protect and improve our water sources and Ireland’s family farmers, including defending the Nitrates Derogation. - source: party

The herd must reduce in size to meet climate obligations. Pretending otherwise harms, not helps, farmers. We would use financial incentives to encourage voluntary herd reduction over time in line with environmental targets and the carrying capacity of the land. - source: party

But there must be a just transition especially for small farmers. - source: party

Green Party policy focuses on all aspects to improve the sustainability of Irish farming, such as new practices like silviculture, mixed farming, and organics, as well as reductions in emissions from fertiliser. - source: party

Farm incomes are on the floor. The market is distorted. Factories and supermarkets are making massive profits while pushing down farm prices. This forces farmers to stock higher. A fair share of food profits will make farming more economically and environmentally sustainable. - source: party

Agriculture emissions are falling steadily (down 2.6% in Q1 2024 on Q1 2023). Our focus is on implementing the other measures, such as ACRES; an agri-environment climate scheme, a results-based scheme which rewards farmers for the good work they do. - source: party

Fine Gael is committed to supporting farmers and agri-businesses to provide safe and nutritious food for home and abroad. Moreover, we’re committed to helping farmers do this in environmentally-friendly ways, recognising that farming is dependent on a stable climate. - source: party

Meeting our climate targets means working closely with farmers who must be supported to diversify and produce food sustainably with a just transition. We support CAP reform and policies that protect the family farm model and that reward small farmers. - source: party

Strongly disagree. A ridiculous, dangerous concept that should have no place being implemented in this country, and will only continue to drive farmers out of the profession. - source: party

Sinn Féin is committed to working with farmers in Ireland to tackle the challenges of climate change. We will ensure that farmers are assisted with taking action to meet environment and biodiversity targets - source: party

Ireland is the only country in Europe without a gas reserve, The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shown how dangerous this is. Aontú does not support fracked gas. - source: party

The threat to energy security was laid bare when Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, causing supply disruption across Europe. We are not switching back to commercial LNG facilities. Any facility would be temporary, security, State-led and could not breach climate policies. - source: party

Natural gas is a transition fuel to help us on our journey to net zero carbon emissions. To ensure energy security, some infrastructure such as an LNG terminal, may be necessary in the short to medium term. - source: party

Agree, however all gas fields in Irelands territorial waters should be publicly owned and not sold off to foreign investors. - source: party

Sinn Féin is opposed to commercial LNG infrastructure resulting in fossil fuel lock-in. The state must ensure energy security. Transitioning to renewable energy must be the priority. - source: party

We will always stand firmly against the development of a commercial LNG facility in Ireland. We will seek to secure our electricity supply not with LNG backup, but with increased renewable energy generation, interconnection, and long-duration storage - source: party

LNG is a dirty fuel that will increase our emissions and harm public health. It is a step backward for Ireland’s environmental goals, and we need to invest in renewable energy and phase out fossil fuels, not build new infrastructure. - source: party

Investment in energy infrastructure should focus on exploiting our reserves of wind and solar energy, not locking in fossil fuel-dependent technology long term. We must significantly ramp up renewable energy and become world leaders in clean energy and its storage. - source: party

There should be a ban on LNGs and future fossil fuel exploration - source: party

We have consistently advocated against the three day waiting period as unnecessary and unkind. - source: party

Many women are still forced to travel for terminations many due to the overly restrictive nature of the 12-week rule and 3-day waiting period. Labour would implement the recommendations of the O’Shea report to address gaps in our abortion services. - source: party

An expert report into our abortion law, published 18 months ago, recommended a number of reforms. The Government sat on this report. We would implement its recommendations in full as a priority. - source: party

We need to get rid of the insulting 3 day waiting period, change the rules around fatal foetal abnormality and decriminalise the provision of abortion. - source: party

Fianna Fáil allows all its representatives to decide their own position on matters such as this which raise many deeply personal and ethical questions. - source: party

This issue is currently under consideration following a review of the legislation which was introduced following the referendum on the 8th amendment. - source: party

Aontú supports the right to life for everyone. 85% of abortions are for socio economic reasons. Many mothers feel that they do not have a choice to have their children. Aontú seek to ensure that all mothers have the economic confidence to be able to raise their children to their full potential. - source: party

Strongly disagree. Abortion is the wilful dismemberment and murder of a human being. A National Party government will ban this barbaric practice and reinstate the right to life of the unborn. - source: party

The priority should be ensuring access to abortion is available for the range of circumstances currently legally provided for. That is what the public voted for in the 2018 referendum. - source: party

Gender quotas for political parties with financial penalties for failure to reach arbitrary targets are a discriminatory power play by larger political parties. They also dismiss a woman's qualifications or suitability for a role and instead place all importance on her biology. - source: party

50% of Aontú’s candidates are women. Which is the best record of any party. We achieved this on the basis of merit. We do not agree with quotas. - source: party

Fianna Fáil supports the gender quota for party’s general election candidate selection. - source: party

Fine Gael introduced gender quotas to support a more diverse and inclusive Dail, which better reflects Irish society. - source: party

We want equal representation in our politics. We are proud to have the highest female representation in this General Election, with female candidates accounting for 53% of the total. - source: party

Women remain underrepresented in politics which should reflect the makeup of our society, and there remains significant barriers to their participation that must be addressed. - source: party

Sinn Féin would build incrementally on the gender quota in Dáil elections towards 50% and ensuring at least 30% of Ministers and Junior Ministers are female in line with gender quotas. - source: party

Democracy is more effective and more relevant when it is better representative of the diversity of the population it serves. Current low levels of representation of women (and of many minorities) are proof that more needs to be done. - source: party

We welcome targets for women candidate sand will meet them. - source: party

Freedoms of expression and of belief are important but so too is the ability to live without fear of oppression and intolerance on the basis of one’s appearance, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, etc. Government must strive to balance these rights. - source: party

We want to modernise Ireland’s incitement to hatred legislation. - source: party

We need robust hate speech legislation with protections in place for freedom of speech. Ireland is an inclusive country but there is a worrying trend of a small but vocal cohort using hate speech to target vulnerable cohorts, particularly online. - source: party

Hate speech laws are necessary so incitement to hatred, which has proliferated online, can be tackled. We can enact laws with strong safeguards for free speech in order to tackle extremist hate speech that results in minorities being targeted. - source: party

We are against hate speech but there are problems with the way this legislation was drafted. - source: party

Aontú support freedom of speech. We are the only Dáil party that has opposed all elements of the Government’s censorship laws. The competition of ideas is the engine of a democracy. The best ideas percolate to the top. We abhor hate. We call on everyone to engage with one another respectfully. - source: party

This has been addressed by the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Bill which provides for higher sentences for certain crimes, where hatred is the proven motivation or is demonstrated. - source: party

The National Party has, is and will always oppose Draconian speech laws which are thinly veiled tools for political domination. - source: party

Sinn Féin oppose censorship. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental to democracy. Sinn Féin would not introduce hate speech legislation and we opposed the government’s bill which sought to silence public dissent and debate. - source: party

Many NGOs do good work. But Aontú believes that there should be a review of all funding to all NGOs to ascertain the cost benefit for citizens. Many are nearly completely dependent on government funding. This leads to group think. This was seen in the family and care referendums. - source: party

Strongly agree. The National Party will defund all politically charged unelected NGOs that seek to influence Irish society while leaching off the Irish taxpayer. - source: party

NGOs have a role to play in policy making but they are no substitute for elected representatives and community groups and some NGOs have shown themselves to be out of touch with the public and with the people they purport to represent. - source: party

Fianna Fáil recognises the importance of civil society organisations and their work in communities. Those with a direct democratic mandate must decide policy, but wide consultation is reasonable. - source: party

NGOs and representative groups from civil society play an important role in our democracy, raising issues and problems and suggesting solutions. Transparency and openness are crucial, however, which is why Fine Gael has introduced the Lobbying Register and strengthened laws on ethics. - source: party

NGOs provide a strong voice for their individual cause and carry out research and advocacy that informs our response to social and economic issues. It is the public representatives elected by the people and the government who make decisions. - source: party

Corporations have too much power. - source: party

We want to amend legislation to require schools to ask parents to opt-in to religious instruction, ensuring that families do not feel pressured to opt-out. - source: party

Religion belief is a personal decision and instruction should take place outside school hours. We would implement more ambitious patronage divestment to multi-denominational bodies like Educate Together and ETBs to provide more choice to parents and recognise our growing diversity. - source: party

The Irish education system, with more than 90% of schools run by one religious denomination, does not reflect the diversity of modern Irish society. - source: party

Our primary schools should not be run by nominees of the local bishop - source: party

As republicans we advocate the separation of church and state. Parental choice is critical when it comes to the education of children. The transfer of patronages must be sped up to ensure the option of secular schools is available to more children. - source: party

Education should be based on science and fact. Ethos is also important to many families. Ethos is the value framework through which factual information should be communicated to children. Politicians should not be allowed to force their ethos on families with a uniform education system. - source: party

Under Article 44 of the Constitution, parents have a right to have their children opt out of religious instruction classes. This right applies in all schools, regardless of the denomination or ethos of the school. - source: party

Parents are the primary educators of their children and can enrol their children in a school with an ethos of their choice. Insofar as possible, arrangements should be made to teach religion without excluding any children, e.g. before the start or at the end of the school day. - source: party

Catholic primary schools have every right and duty to teach our nation's children the faith of their patents in line with their wishes for their child to learn. - source: party

Life in Ireland has changed greatly over the years. We must consider the relevance of the curriculum and how it can be supported into the future. Students, teachers and parents were consulted on the proposed curriculum. - source: party

We support the age-appropriate implementation of the new curriculum. These make up a very small part of the curriculum. - source: party

Transgender people have always existed and face significant abuse and harm because of their identity. Education on gender issues should be objective and inclusive and promote understanding and compassion for vulnerable groups. - source: party

It is important for children to have a comprehensive and fact-based education and learn about diversity and inclusion. - source: party

People should not be put off by scare stories from those who never opposed the sexual abuse of children by priests. - source: party

It is vital that our school curriculum reflects Irish society and gives children a broad education, including academic subjects but also health and social subjects. This should be done in consultation with teachers and parents. - source: party

We should not teach children counter-scientific misinformation, e.g. that men can give birth to babies. People are entitled to believe gender ideology and to present themselves in any manner that they wish. But gender ideology is leading to great harm to the rights of women and children. - source: party

Strongly disagree. Children should be allowed to express themselves and grow, instead of being sexualised by thinly veiled propaganda masquerading as education. - source: party

Primary school SPHE curriculum should simply focus on encouraging children to be kind and inclusive of others. - source: party

Since November 2022, safe country applicants receive first instance decisions within 3 months. We have doubled the number of staff at the IPO office and trebled the number of decisions issued. Accelerated decisions free up accommodation, reducing need for tents. - source: party

Accommodation for asylum seekers, who have travelled to Ireland in search of assistance, should be of a good standard. It is also important that decisions on asylum applications are made speedily and efficiently. - source: party

We want to ensure that those requesting international protection receive a high standard of accommodation, and of psychosocial and integration supports, with a particular emphasis on supports for the most vulnerable. - source: party

Ireland has an obligation to protect the rights of refugees seeking internation protection. Direct provision should be replaced with suitable state-owned accommodation to allow IP applicants live with dignity, integrate well and contribute back to communities. - source: party

It is disgrace that, in a wealthy country like ours, any human being should have to live in the conditions we have seen many international protection applicants endure over the past year – denied even a place a pitch a tent. - source: party

It is a scandal that asylum seekers are forced to live in tents. We should open up unused public buildings for both asylum seekers and the Irish homeless immediately. - source: party

Government must speed up decision making on IP applications. Welcome those that are deemed to be entitled to protection and ensure that those who are not are safely returned to their country of origin because our accommodation system is overwhelmed. - source: party

We need to quickly differentiate between those who need help and those who don’t. Those who don’t need help must be returned to their home country. This process would significantly save the state money and allow the state to treat those who do need help, more humanely. - source: party

Strongly disagree. Direct Provision is a bottomless money pit that only serves to enrich gombeen hoteliers at the expense of flooding their local communities with economic migrants and asylum scammers, with a tiny minority of genuine refuges mixed in. - source: party

This statement is badly worded, but all communities should be treated fairly and equally in this manner. Fianna Fáil will progress use of State-owned land to accommodate applicants and will avoid using community facilities where possible. - source: party

No community has the right to exercise a veto on who lives where. However, we should ensure every community is supported in providing a welcome and in building links between those seeking asylum and those welcoming them. - source: party

No one has a veto over where other people live, but communities accepting asylum seekers should be provided with more resources appropriate to the needs of the people living there and ensure local services are adequate to provide for all. - source: party

Communities should be resourced properly if international protection applicants are being housed in the area, but no one should have the right to veto who lives near them. - source: party

We oppose far right attempts to scapegoat asylum seekers. - source: party

The planning process needs to be returned to the asylum accommodation. People are entitled to have a say over the development of their communities. That is what the planning system is for. Not consulting with communities has created a vacuum which is a Petrie dish for rumour and hate. - source: party

Engagement and communication with communities is important. The location of accommodation should be spread across the country with the impact on existing services in an area taken into account when making decisions on locations. - source: party

A National Party government would vastly reduce the number of asylum seekers permitted to temporarily stay in Ireland down to negligible numbers that would not necessitate their placing all over Ireland in every community. - source: party

Accommodation should only be located in areas that have the capacity and resources necessary to support them. - source: party

The government has placed far more asylum accommodation units in disadvantaged areas or rural areas with few resources. There needs to be a real and immediate dividend provided to communities who accept asylum accommodation. This includes housing, doctors, teachers, transport, and Gardaí. - source: party

These centres should only be located in areas that have the capacity and resources necessary to support them. - source: party

Asylum seekers should be accommodated in appropriate accommodation regardless of location. It’s the quality of the accommodation that should determine its use. - source: party

All areas should be treated fairly and equally in this manner. The Government is doing everything it can to accommodate the increase in asylum seekers and must accept any and all offers of accommodation that it receives. - source: party

People in need of international protection should only need to stay in accommodation centres for a short while as decisions are made quickly on applications. Accommodation should be spread throughout the country with additional resources provided to communities. - source: party

To the greatest extent possible, asylum seekers have to be located in areas with the greatest capacity for accommodation and services. Extra supports are provided by central Government, such as the Communities Integration Fund. - source: party

There should be a fair distribution of IP applicants and firstly located in well-serviced areas. That will not always happen due to a lack of suitable and available accommodation. Areas accepting asylum seekers should be provided with extra resources. - source: party

It makes sense to accommodate asylum seekers where there are good services and infrastructure, but no area should automatically be ruled in or out. No community should have an outright veto. Engagement with communities is a key precursor to integration. - source: party

The government is adding the population of Galway city to the country each year without providing the necessary schools, houses, hospitals etc. The process must be sustainable. It currently is not. Migrants on work permits make a significant contribution to Irish society. - source: party

Any job shortages that necessitate immigration can be satisfied by returning Irish 1st generation emigrants or members of our vast exiled Irish diaspora, anything beyond that through the EU. Low-skilled non-EEA workers that undermine Irish labour and wages are not needed nor wanted. - source: party

For those seeking international protection here, we do not advocate changing the rules on access to work. The current system of work permits and students visa should be reviewed to ensure it is fit for purpose. - source: party

With their talent and skills, migrants heal the sick in our hospitals, look after our elderly in our nursing homes and fill labour shortages in our essential industries. Immigrants enrich our nation, making us socially and economically wealthier. - source: party

Fine Gael is committed to a migration system that is fair but firm and for clear and legal routes for migration, like work permits and visas. Migration is good for Ireland, especially for sectors like healthcare, IT, among others. - source: party

Given the tightness of the labour market, it is important that we can maximise the economic benefits of migration. A shortage of skilled workers is holding back almost every sector of the economy. - source: party

Ireland currently has full employment and businesses are struggling to find staff. Migrant workers are essential to fill the gaps in our workforce, such as those in construction and the health service, and ensure the proper functioning of our economy. - source: party

Businesses have been highlighting skills shortages in the Irish economy for years, there is no good reason to restrict people from coming to Ireland to work. Our health service, for example, would collapse without migrant workers. - source: party

They are already quite restrictive. Ask health care staff who are campaigning for family re-unification. Ireland needs more workers to build houses and staff our services. - source: party

We support both a systematic tackling of poverty and tougher policing. Individuals are responsible for their actions and a stronger response is required to tackle behaviour which disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities. - source: party

Fine Gael is committed to stronger, safer communities. This involves a mix of supporting and resourcing our gardaí as well as investment in communities, including Community Safety Partnerships, Youth Diversion programmes, among others. - source: party

Strengthening communities is the best way to address the root causes of socio-economic disadvantage. We support a community work-based approach to help the public access the services they need. - source: party

We need high visibility community policing but root cause of anti-social behaviour is more often poverty and disadvantage due to a historic lack of investment in communities. Labour would put more gardai in our communities but also invest in education. - source: party

While an increase in garda numbers - particularly around community policing - is needed, the root causes of much of crime could be reduced by measures that target poverty and disadvantage. - source: party

A dynamic strategy is needed. Increased educational supports, a stronger more professional Garda force, as well as the deportation of all foreign criminals. - source: party

The solution to anti-social behaviour lies in both tackling poverty and disadvantage and better policing. Sinn Féin will invest in communities to reduce poverty and disadvantage and commence the largest garda recruitment drive in the history of the state. - source: party

The solution includes both. We do need to tackle disadvantage, but there must also be a cost to crime and anti-social behaviour. There must be enforcement of the law. This cannot be done with falling Garda numbers. It cannot be done with without proper prison capacity. - source: party

People have the right to protest but not threaten other people’s safety. Attacking public building, vehicles and Gardaí is not legitimate protest in a free and democratic society. - source: party

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for day-to-day policing operations. While peaceful assembly and protest is an important part of our democracy, it is crucial that situations are monitored and managed in the interests of public safety. - source: party

We believe that when protests turn violent, Gardaí must enforce the law to protect people, and that threats and intimidation towards public representatives undermine democracy. - source: party

We have seen a number of anti-immigrant protests that have turned violent, with people being injured and property being set alight or damaged. Violence and arson are not legitimate forms of protest and Gardaí should have a robust response. - source: party

Political violence is not acceptable and should be tackled. Where the law is broken enforcement should happen. But peaceful protest is a human and democratic right. Gardaí must also ensure that they don’t make martyrs unnecessarily of those who seek to provoke for political gain. - source: party

The right to peaceful protest is non-negotiable, but threatening, abusive or violent behaviour should not be tolerated. Each incident should be managed on a case-by-case basis by Gardaí to ensure it can’t be exploited by extremist or far right activists. - source: party

The Gardaí have already become a highly politicised disgrace through their heavy-handed approach of brutalising peaceful native Irish protestors who object to their ethnic replacement. We would depoliticize the Gardaí, sack the current Garda Commissioner and get the Gardaí back doing their jobs. - source: party

The right to protest is fundamental to democracy. Gardaí should of course respond to violence and should be properly resourced to do so. - source: party

The Gardai treat far right protests differently to those inspired by the left. Protestors at Rossport, for example, were physically assaulted while far right protestors were allowed to block an airport. - source: party

Russia’s war has appalling consequences Ukraine, as well as wider security implications for Europe. We support EU sanctions which financially/diplomatically punish Russia and limit its ability to wage war. We will continue political, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. - source: party

Fine Gael will ensure that Ireland stands by Ukraine for as long it takes. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has brought war and suffering to our continent and while Ireland is militarily neutral, we support the strongest sanctions at an EU level against Russia. - source: party

We will continue to provide non-lethal military aid for Ukraine, with a particular focus on demining and cyber defence. We stand ready to support physical reconstruction and institution-building in Ukraine. - source: party

We condemn Russia’s brutal invasion and war crimes against Ukraine and will provide political, humanitarian, financial and other support to the Ukrainian people, continue to support Ukrainian refugees in Ireland and Ukraine’s membership application of the EU. - source: party

Sinn Féin condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine and calls for a coordinated and concerted effort by the international community to secure an end to the hostilities and build peace. - source: party

It is clear that Russia is the aggressor in this war, and supporting Ukraine with non-lethal aid is the correct policy for Ireland. - source: party

The Western imperialist alliance is pouring in money that is prolonging a war. As a neutral country, Ireland should be a voice for peace. - source: party

Aontú believes in the two-state solution. We abhor the violence of Hamas and call for all hostages to be released. We completely oppose the disproportionate response from Israel. Pressure must be brought to bear to being Israel to real peace negotiations. - source: party

We have consistently called for review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs the trade relationship. The Agreement allows trade suspension due to serious/persistent violation of human rights. If this is not possible, there is scope for national action. - source: party

In light of the senseless deaths and destruction in Gaza and Lebanon, Fine Gael has called for a review of the EU Trade Association Agreement which includes respect for human rights among its terms and conditions. - source: party

We will continue to push for the European Commission to review Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations in the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and act accordingly to amend or suspend the agreement. - source: party

The EU is Israel’s biggest trading partner, and continuing trade is a tacit acceptance of their ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. The EU should suspend trade to take a meaningful step towards ending Palestinian suffering. - source: party

Sinn Féin supports the suspension of the EU-Israel Association agreement and other preferential arrangements with Israel for so long as that state continues to breach international law. - source: party

What we are witnessing in Gaza is a genocide. There must be sanctions at every level – domestically and internationally – in response. - source: party

Ireland should unilaterally impose a boycott of Israel. The Central Bank should not be facilitating the sale of Israeli war bonds. - source: party

Ireland should not participate in military alliances. We would have no influence over their decisions, yet we would have to send our young men and women to war. Ireland has no military competency. We do have a competency in peace keeping and peace negotiations. These should be our objectives. - source: party

Labour will retain the Triple Lock for approval of UN peacekeeping missions with changes to allow for larger, short-term deployments of personnel for emergency evacuations and protection missions, up from the current limit of 12 to protect our military neutrality. - source: party

Sinn Féin in government will maintain the triple-lock neutrality protection and ensure that our neutrality is protected so that Ireland can continue to play an important and progressive role in international affairs. - source: party

The Triple Lock has served Irish neutrality well since its inception and it should not be removed. - source: party

We should not join in new superpower conflict. Removing the triple lock will mean more Irish soldiers in future wars, - source: party

We are in favour of a modernised Triple Lock, which ends the practice of giving other countries the power to veto our peacekeeping operations. This would involve the Dáil, Seanad and a regional/international organisation’s approval. - source: party

We do not support Putin’s regime, China, or indeed the other permanent members of the UN Security Council, having a veto over the deployment of the Irish defence forces to peace keeping missions. - source: party

The decision of where and when to deploy Irish troops is one for the democratically-elected Government of Ireland and the Dáil. The current ‘triple lock’ gives Russia, China and others a say over Irish troops and this should be removed. - source: party

Defence and security collaboration is not confined to military activities. The European Defence Fund supports research and has funded projects in Maynooth and NUI Galway on cybersecurity training and medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. - source: party

Given the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, the cyberattack on the HSE, and other issues, Fine Gael is committed to strengthening our security and defence capabilities, which involves working more closely with our EU partners. - source: party

We will continue to oppose Ireland joining NATO. Where it is effective and does not impinge on our neutrality, we will support limited engagement in PESCO and other structured cooperation initiatives on a case-by-case basis. - source: party

We would maintain our position of military neutrality and are against any deepening militarisation of the EU when NATO already provides those structures, but cooperation with EU partners on issues like cybersecurity and emergency planning may be necessary. - source: party

Ireland should oppose an EU Defence Union. This would turn the EU into a military block and it would lead to Irish troops being involved in military actions. This would be a dangerous step for Ireland. - source: party

Strongly disagree. The National Party will continue to oppose any further EU integration, and a National Party government would immediately withdraw from PESCO. - source: party

There are areas where co-operation is necessary especially modern cyber and hybrid threats. Sinn Féin’s starting point is always what impact will it have on our neutrality. We advocate recognition of neutrals in the EU treaties. - source: party

A certain level of co-operation, for example in cyber-security, is appropriate and common sense. But, we do not agree with any attempt to co-ordinate defence spending or make the EU a defence union. - source: party

We should remain neutral - source: party

Ideally a referendum on Irish Unity should be held in 2030. Brexit and demographic changes have increased the likelihood of Irish unity. All Ireland self-determination is in Ireland’s economic and political interests. We need to start to prepare for this eventuality now. - source: party

Strongly agree. The occupied 6 counties of Ireland should and must be reunited to fulfil the National Idea of an Ireland both Gaelic and free. - source: party