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Gerben Uunk

Gerben Uunk

Party for Animal Welfare

I desire to be a voice for all voiceless animals, people, and the planet. Party for Animal Welfare (PAW) is part of a worldwide movement of likewise animal advocacy parties from Australia to Spain, Germany to Portugal, and beyond.

  • Priority: Social issues and education

    Stop government grants to horse and greyhound racing. Ban hare coursing, foxhunting, sulky racing, and puppy farming. No more breed-specific laws.

  • Priority: Housing

    Not enough affordable housing is being built, including student accommodation. Landlords should not be allowed to disqualify pet owners from renting.

  • Priority: Environment, energy, agriculture

    Incentivize a gradual shift away from animal-based agriculture, towards sustainable farming. And a clear NO against Shannon LNG import of fracked gas.

These answers were provided by the candidate

Taxes and spending
1 of 32 questions
Money that is currently being saved for future policy challenges (such as climate change and an ageing population) should be spent now on things like housing and healthcare.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "As we are in a housing crisis I think it's appropriate at this time to use some of the money saved towards housing. However, we must also have a fund to address climate change, as failing to do so will have severe consequences for humans and animals alike. "

- Gerben Uunk
Taxes and spending
2 of 32 questions
Taxes on people earning over €100,000 a year should be increased.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Reducing Income Inequality has been a growing concern in Ireland. High earners have seen significant increases in their income over the past decades while wages for middle- and lower-income earners stagnated."

- Gerben Uunk
Taxes and spending
3 of 32 questions
The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a necessary source of revenue and should be kept.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The USC was brought in as a temporary measure and should be removed. Income tax for high earners should be increased to make up the difference."

- Gerben Uunk
Taxes and spending
4 of 32 questions
Tax on inheritance should be reduced, even if it means cutting back on public spending or increasing other taxes.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Receiving an inheritance is a right. However, reducing inheritance taxes could lead to wealth inequality. As it might widen the gap between the rich and poor in the Irish society. "

- Gerben Uunk
Taxes and spending
5 of 32 questions
Universal payments, such as child benefit and energy credits, should be replaced with more targeted measures aimed at the less well-off.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Especially around child benefit as it is paid to the mother, and just because a couple is earning a lot it can happen that the mother doesn't have access to those funds."

- Gerben Uunk
Housing
6 of 32 questions
The government should focus on making houses more affordable rather than providing financial supports to first-time buyers.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While financial support for first-time buyers can provide immediate relief, but can also lead to yet higher house prices. Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable housing, whether through buying or renting, should be a central goal of housing policy."

- Gerben Uunk
Housing
7 of 32 questions
Planning guidelines should be relaxed to allow for more one-off rural housing
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "It would be more beneficial to change guidelines within cities so we could build up. We need to ensure that new developments do not harm important ecosystems. And no building in sensitive floodplains, please. That's a recipe for future flooding desasters. "

- Gerben Uunk
Housing
8 of 32 questions
A rent freeze should be introduced across the country, even if it risks landlords leaving the market
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "A rent freeze could provide much-needed relief to renters, especially in areas with rapidly increasing rents, and it could help mitigate issues of economic inequality and homelessness in the short term. "

- Gerben Uunk
Housing
9 of 32 questions
The Local Property Tax should be scrapped, even if it means less money available for local councils
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While local funding is beneficial, since the introduction of LPT there has been a drop in funding available to local authorities, which needs to be addressed. The LPT should ideally be means-tested. "

- Gerben Uunk
Transport
10 of 32 questions
The provision of public transport (trains, light rail, buses) should be prioritised over building roads
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Trains are cheaper to maintain than roads, and roads last longer with less traffic. Investing in buses instead of maintaining car-heavy roads is more cost-effective. Reducing congestion and air pollution also benefits both human and animal welfare, creating a healthier environment for all."

- Gerben Uunk
Transport
11 of 32 questions
The passenger cap at Dublin airport should be lifted
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Lifting the passenger cap could lead to increased air traffic and also have severe environmental impacts on carbon emissions and local noise pollution. "

- Gerben Uunk
Environment, energy, agriculture
12 of 32 questions
Carbon taxes should continue to increase each year
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Carbon is a primary contributor to greenhouse gases so we need to become less reliant on it."

- Gerben Uunk
Environment, energy, agriculture
13 of 32 questions
Ireland should give up its exemption under the EU Nitrates directive
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The EU Nitrates Directive aims to protect water quality by preventing water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. It could lead to stricter controls that better protect water quality and reduce the environmental impacts of intensive farming."

- Gerben Uunk
Environment, energy, agriculture
14 of 32 questions
The government should introduce measures to significantly reduce the extent of livestock farming in Ireland
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "To protect biodiversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we should encourage a shift from animal-based agriculture. We propose mixed organic regenerative farming, where crops are integrated with limited livestock. Where animal welfare is prioritized. "

- Gerben Uunk
Environment, energy, agriculture
15 of 32 questions
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals should be allowed in Ireland, to improve security of supply
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The Party for Animal Welfare (PAW) is firmly against the development of a storage and import gas facility by Shannon LNG, as it would result in more dependence on fossil fuels when the country is supposed to be moving away from these fuels. Ireland banned fracking for good reasons after all. "

- Gerben Uunk
Social issues and education
16 of 32 questions
Abortion should be allowed in a wider range of circumstances.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Abortion should be allowed in a wider range of circumstances to protect women’s health and address diverse situations such as financial hardship, health risks, or cases of rape. Ensuring access respects a woman's control over her own body and her reproductive choices."

- Gerben Uunk
Social issues and education
17 of 32 questions
Policies to increase the representation of women in politics have gone too far
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "A democratic society is more inclusive and representative when all groups, including women, have a voice in decision-making. Just like we also want a voice for all voiceless including animals. "

- Gerben Uunk
Social issues and education
18 of 32 questions
New laws on hate speech should be introduced to protect vulnerable communities
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Laws on hate speech should be updated to include sex and gender identity."

- Gerben Uunk
Social issues and education
19 of 32 questions
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have too much power in Irish policy making
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "NGOs play a key role in shaping public policy on issues like human and animal rights. However, it's crucial to ensure these organisations are credible and have merit in their advocacy to effectively influence change."

- Gerben Uunk
Social issues and education
20 of 32 questions
Religious instruction should only take place outside school hours in Irish primary schools
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While schools should teach about different religions, they are not the appropriate setting for religious instruction. Education should focus on understanding and respect, rather than promoting specific beliefs."

- Gerben Uunk
Social issues and education
21 of 32 questions
Gender diversity and transgender issues should be taught in Irish primary schools
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Teaching children about gender diversity and transgender issues helps acceptance and respect for differences. It can reduce stigma and bullying related to gender identity, and ensure that children grow up understanding and respecting people with different gender experiences."

- Gerben Uunk
Immigration and asylum
22 of 32 questions
More resources should be given to improving conditions for asylum seekers
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Improving the conditions for asylum seekers is not just about fulfilling a humanitarian obligation; it also has long-term benefits for Irish society. Governments should also invest in reforms that streamline the asylum process, making it more efficient, fair, and humane. "

- Gerben Uunk
Immigration and asylum
23 of 32 questions
Communities should be obliged to take their fair share of asylum seekers, even if there is local opposition
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The Irish Government can provide better financial and social support to communities hosting asylum seekers, helping with housing, education, and employment where possible. This can make the process of welcoming refugees smoother and more beneficial to both the newcomers and the host population."

- Gerben Uunk
Immigration and asylum
24 of 32 questions
Accommodation centres for asylum seekers should not be located in economically disadvantaged areas
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "In economically disadvantaged areas, social and ethnic tensions can sometimes be higher due to competition over limited resources Careful planning and transparency is vital."

- Gerben Uunk
Immigration and asylum
25 of 32 questions
Rules on immigrant work permits and student visas should become more restrictive
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Stricter immigrant visa and work permit rules can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, such as refugees, or people from less privileged backgrounds. We need a balanced approach. "

- Gerben Uunk
Crime and policing
26 of 32 questions
The solution to anti-social behaviour lies in tackling poverty and disadvantage rather than tougher policing
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "We noticed a large increase of anti-social behaviour towards animals such as dogs and horses. We would suggest each garda station gets a trained garda to deal with anti social behaviour towards animals. "

- Gerben Uunk
Crime and policing
27 of 32 questions
Gardaí should take a more robust approach to dealing with political protests
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The Irish Constitution guarantees the right to assemble peacefully and without arms. Shocking, most recently there were dozens of politically motivated violent attacks towards women and migrants, for example during the local elections in June 2024. "

- Gerben Uunk
Foreign policy and defence
28 of 32 questions
Ireland should continue to provide financial and political support to Ukraine in response to the ongoing war
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Absolutely. The Party for Animal Welfare for example supports UAnimals a Ukrainian organisation rescuing many pets and other animals from the Russian aggression. "

- Gerben Uunk
Foreign policy and defence
29 of 32 questions
The EU should suspend its trade agreement with Israel
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Ireland should suspend trade with Israel to protest human rights violations and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. Taking this stance supports Palestinian rights, and demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to justice and peace in the region."

- Gerben Uunk
Foreign policy and defence
30 of 32 questions
Ireland should retain its ‘triple lock’ rule for deploying troops abroad
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The triple lock ensures a clear commitment to neutrality and democratic oversight on 1) UN Mandate; 2) Government Approval 3); and Parliamentary Approval. Ireland’s neutrality is vital. "

- Gerben Uunk
Foreign policy and defence
31 of 32 questions
Ireland should collaborate more with other EU member states on defence and security
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Ireland’s neutrality is vital. And vital for peace, and offering an independent voice in international relations. However, collaborating with the EU on defense ensures we are stronger together."

- Gerben Uunk
Irish unity
32 of 32 questions
A referendum on Irish unity should be held in the next five years
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The Party for Animal Welfare is an all-Ireland political party. Among other laws, consistent animal welfare policies across the island will ensure better protection for animals."

- Gerben Uunk

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