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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We want free public transport to get people out of cars, reduce traffic chaos and emissions. - 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 need to happen in tandem. One of the big weaknesses of this government has been the inability to build transport infrastructure. - 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We want to modernise Ireland’s incitement to hatred legislation. - 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 are against hate speech but there are problems with the way this legislation was drafted. - 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We oppose far right attempts to scapegoat asylum seekers. - 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland should unilaterally impose a boycott of Israel. The Central Bank should not be facilitating the sale of Israeli war bonds. - 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 should not join in new superpower conflict. Removing the triple lock will mean more Irish soldiers in future wars, - 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

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

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

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 should remain neutral - 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

It is a basic democratic right. - 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

To have any prospect of winning a referendum, priority must be building understanding and tackling division. Peace, reconciliation, unity by consent are core Fianna Fáil values. We introduced the Shared Island initiative, building a reconciled future, working with all communities. - source: party

This is not a decision for the Irish Government to make. However, we support the need for preparations for Irish unity, such as cross-border infrastructural development, and for working towards achieving consensus on the future of our shared island. - source: party

As the United Ireland party, Fine Gael is committed to Irish unity. Fine Gael has always sought to build connections with both communities in Northern Ireland. Securing peace on our island was the first momentous step. The Shared Island Initiative is now building on this. - source: party