Budget

Proposal
2015
Contents
Introduction 3
Department of Agriculture 4
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht 5
Department of Children 5
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 5
Department of Defence 6
Department of Education and Skills 6
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government 8
Department of Finance 10
Department of Foreign Afairs and Trade 11
Department of Health 11
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation 14
Department of Justice and Equality 15
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform 15
Department of Social Protection 16
Department of An Taoiseach 18
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport 19
gra Fianna Fil Budget Proposal 2015 20
Introduction
Over the last seven years the Irish people have seen a dramatic change in their standard
of living. Cuts in public spending on health care, social protection and education have
impacted every family in the country. Our young people are faced with little prospects of
a decent job in their area of qualication or local community. Faced with a long spell of
unemployment, many are forced to emigrate and seek a better future.
Ireland can, and must, rise to the challenge of tackling our public nances and debt burden.
We must do so in a fair and compassionate way to help create an Irish economy for the
next generation. gra Fianna Fil believes any budgetary adjustments must be progressive
and should aim to minimise the impact on those who can least aford it.
Fine Gael and Labour have reneged on their commitments to the Irish people. They
promised a fairer way, more jobs and to protect the vulnerable. Instead, they have sought
to slash spending on health, hike up fees for college students and force unemployed people
into poorly thought out training schemes, such as JobBridge. Budgets 2013 and 2014 were
regressive budgets, taking most from those who could least aford it. They were a smack
in the face to those who voted for Fine Gael and Labour.
Irelands economic future cannot be secured with the false promises and pseudo-
economics of Sinn Fin. Our future will not be secured by adopting their eurosceptic
stance, by penalising enterprise and pursuing socialist policies. Cynically, while adopting
an anti-austerity stance in the Republic, they have supported slashing budgets in Northern
Ireland. They oppose water charges in the Republic, but have supported water metering
while holding the Regional Development ministry in Northern Ireland. They protested
against reductions in welfare rates in the Republic, while at the same time, were happy to
impose similar cuts on people living in Northern Ireland. They talk about devolved powers
for Northern Ireland, yet blame the British Government for imposing any cuts.
We believe a fair, honest and sustainable approach can be adopted in 2015. gra Fianna
Fil believes the adjustment in Budget 2015 should be signicantly less than the 2 Billion
adjustment planned. Our costed alternative budget proposals include an 970 million
adjustment. Our alternative budget seeks to create growth, secure jobs, invest in education
and protect services.
The Irish economy must be reorientated to serve the needs of society. Creating jobs through
innovation and enterprise, building new schools and hospitals, protecting our environment
and growing our agricultural output must be priorities for the next ten years. We believe
the Government must commit to a National Development Plan for the period 2015 to 2025.
This plan would outline an investment strategy for Irelands regions and a medium term
outlook for Ireland. In addition, a new NDP would outline how Ireland intends to reduce its
national debt to 100% by 2020 and 90% by 2025.
Department of Agriculture
REPS: REPS is to be replaced by a new agri environment scheme called GLAS. The new
scheme provides for maximum payments of 5,000. This is signicantly less than the
12,000 available to farmers under REPS 4. gra Fianna Fil are proposing the maximum
payment under GLAS be increased to 7,500 for qualifying participants. This increased
investment in our farmers will help sustain Irelands agricultural industry and project rural
employment.
Forestry: gra Fianna Fil supports continued investment in Irelands forestries. We believe the
Government must commit to maintaining Forestry Premium Payments at existing levels for farmers
who have already committed their land to forestry. In addition, we believe the Forest Road Scheme
must be protected to improve access to forests and the economic potential of Irelands rural areas.
Increased funding for the Forest Road Scheme should be provided in 2015 to meet future timber
supply demands.
Currently, Irelands forest cover is approximately 10% (mainly coniferous trees), well below
the European average (circa 40%). The forest industry in Ireland employs over 15,000
people, predominantly in rural areas. Apart from the economic value of forests, they also
reduce our carbon footprint, help clean our air supply, provide habitats for Irelands ora
and fauna, and provide a valuable amenity for the public recreation. gra are proposing
the introduction of a National Forestry Strategy to create sustainable biodiverse forests
across the island. This strategy would seek to double Irelands forest coverage by 2030
and be funded through an allocation of 10 million per annum.
Rural Social Scheme: The Rural Social Scheme provides employment in communities
worst hit by the recession. Young farmers and shermen/women avail of the scheme to
supplement welfare payments by 20. gra Fianna Fil are proposing to expand the Rural
Social Scheme by increasing the 20 top-up to a 25 top-up (for a 19.5 hour week). In
addition, we a proposing to expand the RSS to provide for a 50 top-up for a 39 hour
week (bringing it in-line with other Government supported programmes). Furthermore,
the type of work/training carried out by participants should be expanded to include
activities aimed at upskilling farmers and shermen/women.
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Ireland 2016: 2016 marks a signicant year in Irish history. gra Fianna Fil believe the
Government should provide funds to each local community to mark the 1916 Rising, with a
national festival taking place in Easter 2016. The necessary preparations and arrangements
should be made for this festival in 2015. Funds to provide for Ireland 2016 should be
made available through the Dormant Accounts Fund.
20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language: gra Fianna Fil supports the Irish language and
eforts to ensure its survival and revival across the island of Ireland. We are concerned that the
Government is giving less priority and focus to An Ghaeltacht and the Irish language. We are calling
on the Government to commit the necessary funds to complete the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish
Language. An allocation of 10 million should be made to pursue the objectives of the strategy
in 2015. Increasing resources will be needed in the following years to help grow investment in the
language and Gaeltacht regions.
Department of Children
Tax Deductible Childcare: Childcare in Ireland is one of the most expensive in Europe.
The cost of using child care acts as a disincentive for many people to return to work after
having children. gra Fianna Fil support calls for childcare to be made tax deductible.
Rather than providing for a second year of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Scheme as proposed by the Government, the Department of Children and Department of
Finance should seek to make childcare for all children under 7 tax deductible. A phased
introduction over 3 years is required to ensure the success of this scheme.
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources
Rural post ofces: Against the backdrop of bank branch closures, increasing demand to
use direct debits, rising postage costs and retiring postmasters, many rural post ofces
are closing their doors. Yet, in many communities around Ireland, the local post ofce
plays an essential role. gra Fianna Fil believe Government should take the necessary
steps to ensure rural post ofces remain open across the country. Steps should be taken
to ensure that people are not forced into non cash payment methods when paying bills.
Furthermore, the Government must commit to allowing welfare payments, pensions and
government levies (TV license, Property Tax, Water charges etc) be collected or paid at
local post ofces. In addition, An Post and the Department of Communications should
work to agree a Service Level Agreement with the Irish League of Credit Unions to provide
services where local post ofces have already closed or are not available.
National Broadband Plan: The National Broadband Plan, announced by the Government
in 2012, is an ambitious plan to provide broadband services to everyone in Ireland by 2016.
The failure of previous national rollout schemes to provide broadband to rural communities
is a cause for concern. gra Fianna Fil are concerned the Government has not provided
the necessary resources to ensure the success of the scheme in 2015 and 2016.
Department of Defence
Retraining and Re-allocation: gra Fianna Fil recognise the important role played by the Irish
Defence Forces, both at home and overseas. Currently there are 9,500 persons in the Permanent
Defence Forces. We believe that the Government should introduce a new voluntary scheme for up
to 1,000 members of the Defence Forces to re-train as members of An Garda Siochana. This time-
limited scheme would allow ofcers under the age of 45 to leave the Defence Forces and join An
Garda Siochana at the corresponding grade and salary band. Members of the Irish Defence Forces
who undergo a short re-training in Templemore would be allowed to serve close to their home area
and would be allowed to retire with full pension entitlements two years earlier than their current
planned retirement age.
Department of Education and Skills
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: gra Fianna Fil believe there should be no further deterioration in the
pupil/teacher ratio at Primary or Secondary Level. The increasing in-take of students over the
next few years means that the Department of Education must be granted additional
resources to ensure pupil/teacher ratios are maintained in all schools.
IT in Schools: gra Fianna Fil believe the use of technology and online learning must be a core
part of primary and secondary school learning. We support the introduction of e-books and tablet
based learning as a means of replacing school books and heavy school bags. We believe that
parents should not be burdened with entire cost of purchasing tablets and that the Government
should introduce a tablet loan and purchase scheme in the same manner as current school books
loan scheme. gra believe that 10 million should be provided to purchase tablets in 2015,
with the aim of ensuring every primary and secondary school student has use of a tablet
by 2020.
Entrepreneurship in Schools: gra Fianna Fil believe an Entrepreneurship in Education
subject should be taught during the Transition Year of secondary schools in 2015 and
2016 on a trial basis, with the expectation of extending the subject material to junior
and senior cycle students upon feedback and recommendations from educators, students
and employers. Introduction of this subject would require additional modules in Teaching
Colleges and the course structure and content would need consistent review in order to
ensure it keeping in step with the changes of the commercial and creative world. gra
Fianna Fil believe the Department of Education should dedicate 10 million towards
the advancement of entrepreneurship in education in 2015, with increased funding in
subsequent years.
Modern Languages at Primary Level: Business and trade in Modern Ireland is not conned
to the domestic market. Ireland is an open economy that has placed international trade at
the core of its economic model. The ability to uently speak a foreign language is a key
skill required by many multinational corporations and, as such, it is imperative that Irish
students are taught a foreign language from an early age. It is a European Union objective
to increase the number of citizens able to speak 2 languages in addition to their mother
tongue. In line with this, gra call for the reintroduction of the Modern Languages Initiative
at primary level and for the learning of a foreign language to be mandatory. We believe
that 10 million should be provided for the Modern Languages Initiative in 2015/2016.
Qualication Allowance for Teachers: Teachers should be continually encouraged to up-
skill and increase their knowledge of both their subject and of education practice as a
whole. With the removal of the Qualication Allowance, there is no incentive for well-
trained individuals to join the teaching profession or for current members of the profession
to improve their own skills. This is especially detrimental for young teachers and for those
wishing to become teachers in the future. As such, gra calls for the reintroduction of this
allowance to encourage those with Level 9 or Level 10 qualications (as measured by the
National Framework of Qualications) to join the teaching profession.
Career Guidance Teachers: gra Fianna Fil opposed cuts to Career Guidance supports by the
Minister for Education in Budget 2013. This was a backwards step in the education system that
should be reversed. Making informed decisions regarding options when nishing Second-Level
education helps ensure young people enter the right college course or seek the right employment
opportunities. gra Fianna Fil are proposing the Department of Education adequately fund Career
Guidance in all Second Level schools, either through the hiring of new teachers, or retraining of
existing staf.
Reform of Irish language curriculum: gra Fianna Fil believe the Irish language curriculum at
primary and secondary school level must be reformed and modernised. Rote learning of verbs and
passages of text have no place in a revival of our national language. In 2015 the Government must
start the process of reforming the curriculum of the Irish language. We believe the Irish language
must not be conned to textbooks but must be a living language, spoken and used throughout
the island. Reforming the way we learn Irish and implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for the
Irish Language is essential to ensure its survival.
Student Contribution Charge: The increase in the Student Contribution Charge by the
government has put third-level education out of reach of more and more people. Any
further increase will lock the gates to higher education for all but the most privileged.
gra oppose any further increase in the Charge. We believe students and their families
must have certainly regarding college fees. We believe the Department of Education must
guarantee each new Third Level student a set rate that will apply throughout their primary
degree. This will allow students and their families to plan better, without the uncertainty
of rising costs. In addition, we support the introduction of a deferred payment method
through a student loan scheme.
gra are also disturbed by the continued reduction in overall funding levels for higher education
institutions which has resulted in overly stretched resources and lower standards (as reected in
the falling positions in the world rankings). gra believes that a properly structured loan scheme
is the only long-term solution to the nancing of higher education institutes.
SUSI Grant: Rising costs have hit families with Third level students particularly bad. Rising
rent, transport and education related costs, along with a lack of appropriate part time
and weekend employment opportunities have caused signicant hardship over the last
number of years. gra Fianna Fil believe a 10% increase in the maintenance rate should
be provided for in 2015 to help tackle rising education related costs.
Third Level Student Loan Scheme: gra Fianna Fil are opposed to the reintroduction of
college fees for undergraduate students. We believe education should be accessible to all,
regardless of background, wealth or social status. Furthermore, we believe students should be
able to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate studies without nancial worries. Given the
current state of the banking sector, the level of youth unemployment and outward migration; gra
Fianna Fil are proposing the government ensure everyone has sufcient access to funds to attend
a graduate course or further training in Ireland. The Department of Education should establish a
National Education Loan Fund, allowing students to borrow funds directly from State institutions
at a reasonable rate of interest. The loan scheme would allow for deferred payment of 12/24
months and be available to everyone for educational purposes. Students will be eligible to
borrow up to a maximum of 30,000.
Department of Environment, Community and Local
Government
Deposit Protection Scheme for rental properties: Many young people are renting
properties for long periods of time before deciding to buy a house. In most cases, they
and their landlords have no problems and the monetary transactions occur without any
disagreements. This is not the situation in all transactions however. Many deposits are
quarrelled over when the tenant decides to move on. gra therefore propose a Deposit
Protection Scheme for rental properties modelled on the UK. This would lead to deposits
no longer being held by the landlord and we would instead view the Private Residential
Tenancies Board (PRTB) as being the ideal body to take hold of this mechanism. It would
have the added benet of forcing many rogue landlords to register with the PRTB due to
pressure from tenants.
Social and Afordable Housing: The last two years has seen a signicant increase in the
numbers seeking social and afordable housing. In addition, rent allowance has failed to
keep up with increases in property prices, forcing many families out of privately rented
accommodation and onto the social housing list. gra Fianna Fil believe the Government
must tackle this situation head on through the creation of a Social and Afordable Housing
fund. Working with NAMA, private developers and local authorities the Social and
Afordable Housing fund will seek to provide accommodation in an appropriate manner
and suitable location. NAMA should release appropriate land and existing housing stock
to developers and local authorities to cater for local needs.
In addition, gra Fianna Fil believes Rent Allowance should be scrapped by the end of 2015 and
replaced with a support scheme that does not distort the property market. Such a scheme should
include payments being made directly to landlords in an attempt to decrease the number of private
landlords who do not accept rent allowance tenants under the current scheme. In the interim, rent
allowance should be increased by 7.5% to keep up with the pace of rent price increases.
Local Authority Housing Improvement Schemes: The failure of the Government to invest
in improving and modernising the local authority housing stock has resulted in a backlog
of families seeking grant assistance to improve their Local Authority owned home. There
simply is not enough money being made available to Local Authorities at this time to carry
out necessary improvements.
gra Fianna Fil recognises that energy efcient homes mean lower energy bills homeowners. The
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) currently awards grant aid for works that improve
the BER rating of a home to homeowners only. gra proposes that the grant be opened up to
tenants of Local Authority (County or City Councils) homes, in order to progress waiting lists for
these works to improve the BER of a home.
In addition Ogra believes that Local Authority tenants should be able to use their own
funds to provide for essential home improvements not covered by the SEAI schemes but
which are covered by existing, over-subscribed Local Authority Schemes. Monies paid for
these improvements by the tenant would then be written of of the rent due to the Local
Authority over time (up to a maximum of 10,000).
Rental Accommodation Modernisation Incentive Scheme: gra Fianna Fil are proposing
a time-limited change to the Section 23 relief (Countrywide Refurbishment Scheme) available
to landlords for the refurbishment of rental accommodation. Currently landlords can deduct the
allowable part of refurbishments to be deducted from Irish rental income over a period of seven
years. For any refurbishment works carried out in 2015 and 2016, gra are proposing the
expenditure can be deducted from Irish rental income over a 4 year period. The aim of
this incentive is to improve Irelands rental accommodation and alleviate Irelands housing
crisis.
Property Taxes: gra Fianna Fil are opposed to the current Property Tax scheme. We believe any
property tax must be fully used to fund local services. It should be administered by local authorities
and help pay for the upkeep of local amenities, emergency services and local infrastructure. We
also believe greater clarity should be given around the property tax to be paid in the following
year. The property tax to be paid by many households is expected to increase in 2017 when house
values are reassessed. Given the recovery in the property market in many parts of the country,
rising house prices will means large increases in property taxes for many people.
In addition, we believe that a fairer property tax should account for not just property value,
but also income and the square footage of the property.
Water Charges: The introduction of water charges has been a disaster. A lack of clarity
around the proposed charges, the scale of free allowances for children and elderly people,
and the lack of transparency surrounding Irish Water has created a nervous fear amongst
many people. Unsure about how much households might have to pay, many people have
lost condence in Government.
gra Fianna Fil believe that charges for water should have been postponed until 2016. In 2015,
each household should have been provided with an accurate reading for their water consumption
in that year (if they have a water meter installed). This would have allowed families assess the extent
of charges before charges are introduced. It would also have allowed families make decisions
about water consumption before being charged.
Instead, the Irish Government will collect almost 450 million from water charges in 2015.
We believe 25 million of this amount should be allocated towards water conservation
measures and grants to retrot homes. The Government should also make available funds
to retrot Local Authority houses to help reduce water charges. Such funds can be used
to install low-ush toilets, water harvesting, shower units and improved plumping. The
Department of Social Protection and Department of Environment should also provide
retrot funds for the elderly to cover the cost of water conservation methods.
Refundable Levy on Aluminium Cans and Glass Bottles: Discarded aluminium cans and
glass bottles form a large part of our litter and household waste. A refundable levy on drink
cans and bottles would have positive impact on our environment by providing an economic
incentive for people to keep our public spaces clean. gra Fianna Fil are proposing the
introduction of a 5 cent refundable levy on an aluminium can (drinks can or food can) and
a 10 cent refundable levy on a glass bottle or jar. Local Authorities should be responsible
for opening refund centres. In addition, people should be allowed to donate refunds to a
charity of their choice. This measures incentives local groups and schools to encourage
conservation, recycling and charity. We believe that 5 million should be provided in 2015
to establish this levy.
Department of Finance
USC: We believe high earners should be asked to contribute more to Irelands recovery.
gra Fianna Fil are proposing that all workers (employees or self employed) that have
incomes over 100,000 be liable for a surcharge of 3% for all income above 100,000.
This measure will bring high earning PAYE workers in line with self-assessed payers.
In addition, gra Fianna Fil are opposed to bonus payments to public sector workers
and employees of the main (state supported) nancial institutions. Such bonus payments,
whether paid directly by the State or not, should be charged the USC at the rate of 45%
on the full amount where the bonus exceeds 5,000 in a single tax year.
9% VAT Rate: The lower 9% rate of VAT should be retained for 2015 and 2016. This lower
rate has helped to grow jobs in the tourism sector. We believe the lower rate should be
extended to help solidify jobs in this sector.
Income Tax: We believe the Government must commit to increasing the threshold at
which the top rate of tax is paid on all income. As a stimulus to the Irish economy over the
coming 3 years, the Government should set out to increase the standard rate cut-of from
32,800 for a single person back to its pre 2010 rate of 36,400. Corresponding increases
should be made for single parent families and married couples/civil partners with one or
two incomes.
Taxation on Wine and Tobacco: We are proposing a 50c increase in taxation on a bottle
of wine and pack of 20 cigarettes. This increase in taxation will raise 100m in 2015.
Gambling and Betting Tax: gra Fianna Fil support the introduction of a tax on gambling and
betting. We believe any betting and gambling tax must be levied on all forms of gambling, including
online betting. The Government should introduce a 1% turnover levy for all remote betting, rising to
1.5% in 2016 and 2% in 2018. In addition, we believe Betting Exchanges must be properly regulated
under the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013. We support the introduction of 15% tax on Gross Prots
in Betting Exchanges. Furthermore, we believe the Government must examine the scope for VAT
being levied on transactions in Betting Exchanges.
Green Investment Bank: gra Fianna Fil propose the creation of a Green Investment Bank
in Ireland. Such a bank would be dedicated to greening the Irish economy in the next 10
years. Government should support the creation of a Green Investment Bank with funds of
1 Billion over 4 years, provided from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the
Governments Levy on Private Pensions Funds. The Green Investment Bank will invest in
environmentally-friendly business ideas which other banks are unwilling to support. These
ideas can include ofshore wind power generation, local waste-handling plants, harvesting
of biofuels and biomass, marine energy and renewable heat generation.
Department of Foreign Afairs and Trade
Overseas Development Aid: gra Fianna Fil oppose any further reduction in Irelands Overseas
Development Aid (ODA). We do recognise however the need for this spending to be put to the
best possible use for both Ireland and the recipients. As such, gra Fianna Fil believe that 10%
of Irelands ODA should be ring-fenced for use with grassroots groups like Urban Poor Fund
International to help people in disadvantaged countries help themselves. Enterprise Ireland
and IDA Ireland should be involved in this initiative to provide guidance as well as links to
Irish businesses.
In addition, the Government should commit to increasing ODA funding to meet the UN
target for ODA by 2020.
Department of Health
Mental Health: A Vision for Change is the basis of the Irelands mental health strategy.
However, under the current Minister, the implementation of it has been allowed to drift and
the services envisaged in the document are not coming to fruition. A high-level committee
including representatives of the HSE, the Department of Health, the health spokespeople
of the Opposition parties and representatives of the Oireachtas Health Committee should
be formed to oversee implementation of the strategy and guarantee that appropriate
funding for its implementation is maintained.
Hospital Budgets: gra Fianna Fil are opposed to further reductions in budget allocations to
the Department of Health and HSE. We believe the Government must do more to control spending
within budget, while also completing the introduction of a rostering system that complies with
the European Working Time Directive. We oppose reductions in services available in hospitals and
believe the Government must do more to tackle waiting lists and emergency response times.
gra Fianna Fil do not support the planned introduction of Universal Health Insurance (UHI).
Without the necessary reforms before UHI is introduced, this added layer of bureaucracy will lead
to an undue burden on families and increase costs in the health service.
We believe there are savings to be made in hospital Drugs Budgets in 2015 through a wider
use of generic drugs. We believe a 25 million saving can be realistically be achieved.
STI and Sexual Health Clinics: gra Fianna Fil believe the Department of Health must do
more to increase awareness and knowledge of sexual health and STIs. The Department of Health,
together with the Department of Education should allocate funds to create free STI screenings on
college campuses and run a nationwide sexual health and STI awareness campaign.
Prescription Charges: Fine Gael and Labour committed to scrapping the 50c Prescription
Charge introduced by Mary Harney in 2010. Instead they have increased the charge by
500% since 2011. The charge currently stands at 2.50 per item. gra Fianna Fil oppose
any further increase in the Prescription Charge and propose the charge be xed for a 5 year period.
Voluntary Healthcare Savings scheme: The failure of the Government to tackle rising
healthcare costs and health insurance premiums has forced many families to abandon
their private health insurance. gra Fianna Fil note that some pharmacies now ofer a
saving scheme to help cover any prescription costs that might be incurred. gra Fianna
Fil call for the Department of Health to introduce a Voluntary Healthcare Savings Scheme
to allow people to divert a set amount from their gross salary (up to a set maximum per
annum) every week/month into a personal or family healthcare savings fund. Money from
such a savings fund could be used to pay for healthcare costs without paying income tax,
PRSI or USC. Withdrawals from the savings fund for non-healthcare costs or expenses
would be continue to be subject to income tax, PRSI and USC.
Carers: Carers in Ireland provide a vital service to the nation. Their actions save the state
money and resources. gra Fianna Fil is calling for no further reduction in benets or
allowances paid to Carers.
Sugar, Fatty Foods and Salt Tax: The dangers of excessive sugar, saturated fats and salt
consumption are widely known, but often ignored. gra Fianna Fil support calls for the
introduction of a tax on sugary, fatty and salty foods and drinks. Such a tax should be levied
on both producers and consumers to change attitudes and behaviours regarding sugary,
fatty and salty foods. Food and drink producers should be incentivised to reduce the
levels of sugar, saturated fats and salt in products. Consumers should also be incentivised
to choose healthier foods and drinks. The introduction of a sugar, saturated fats and
salt tax helps improve overall general public health and reduce future spending by the
Department of Health.
Smoking Ban and E-Cigarettes: gra Fianna Fil note the rapid growth in e-cigarettes
in Ireland over the last year. While noting that e-cigarettes do not contain many of the
harmful substances that traditional cigarettes do, we are concerned about the lack of
regulation and health advice relating to their usage. gra Fianna Fil is calling on the
Minister for Health to commission a study into the use and health efects of e-cigarettes.
Furthermore, we are calling on the Minister for Health to bring e-cigarettes and vaping
products under the Smoking Ban, introduced 10 years ago. In addition, we believe the
Department of Finance should commission a study into the future taxation of cigarettes,
tobacco and e-cigarettes.
gra Fianna Fil are proposing a range of measures to tackle the rise of e-cigarettes. These
measures include:
Bringing e-cigarettes under the Smoking Ban (Tobacco Smoking (Prohibition)
Regulations 2003). This includes banning the use of e-cigarettes on public
transport, in the workplace and bars/restaurants.
Banning the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18.
Banning of promotions or deals involving e-cigarettes.
Banning the sale of e-cigarettes online.
Restrict point of sale advertising of e-cigarettes in the same way as cigarettes.
Introduction of plain packaging of all cigarettes and e-cigarettes, with clear labels
outlining health risks associated with use.
Require all e-liquid packaging to come under ISO 8317 and ISO 13127 (Child-
resistant caps similar to those on medicines).
Excise Duty of 6 on 10ml of e-liquids (and corresponding alternatives) used in
e-cigarettes. With this proposal. the price of 20 e-cigarettes should remain below
the cost of a packet of 20 cigarettes.
In addition, gra are proposing to lower the rate of VAT on Nicotine patches from 23% to
the 0% rate. This measure should help reduce the cost of nicotine patches and bring the
price in line with prices charged in Northern Ireland.
Sunbeds: Research by the Irish Cancer Society suggests that use of sunbeds by people
(especially younger people) is very dangerous. 28,000 people under the age of 25 use
sun beds in Ireland every year. Many young people are putting their lives and health at
unnecessary risk by using sunbeds. The ICS also reports that 140,000 people in total use
sunbeds regularly. The result of increased exposure to the sun and use of sunbeds is the
rise of skin cancer in Ireland.
In addition to the recently introduced regulation of sunbeds, gra Fianna Fil proposes
that a rate of 50% of the value of the treatment should be placed on all sunbed treatments.
This measure, coupled with long overdue regulation will help reduce the use of sunbeds
and in turn reduce the incidence of costs arising from the treatment of skin cancers and
related instances.
National Drug and Alcohol Strategy: gra Fianna Fil believe the Government must fully
commit to the creation of a single Nation Drug and Alcohol Strategy. gra have called for a single
Drug and Alcohol Strategy since 2010. We believe Local and Regional Drug Task Forces should be
properly funded and empowered to tackle the scourge of drugs and alcohol abuse in the areas
they serve. in 2015, we believe an additional 10 million should be provided to Local and Regional
Drug Task Forces.
Alcohol Consumption: gra Fianna Fil note the failures of the voluntary Drink Aware advertising
campaign to connect with many sections of society. We have called on the government to take a
tougher stance on alcohol advertising and promotions. gra Fianna Fil support the introduction
of a mandatory code of practice and rules for the advertising and promotion of alcohol. In addition,
we oppose the minimum pricing of alcohol as it seeks a race to the bottom among suppliers of
cheap beer and spirits. In addition, gra Fianna Fil believe a strict ban on the below cost selling
of alcohol should be introduced.
gra Fianna Fil believe the Department of Health and Department of Justice should work together
to introduce a 50 cent levy on all alcoholic drinks sold after midnight. Such a levy would help
alter the behaviour of many drinkers and help alleviate binge drinking. Funds raised
from this levy should go towards alcohol addiction services and the creation of family-
orientated events and festivals.
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Youth Guarantee Scheme: gra Fianna Fil believe every young person should be guaranteed a
bright future in Ireland. Keeping people in their local communities must be a priority for Government.
gra Fianna Fil are calling for the national commitment (with funding) from Government
to guarantee all young people a meaningful future in Ireland. A revised and meaningful Youth
Guarantee Scheme should be introduced nationwide which aims to bring Youth Unemployment
below 15% by 2018. Our proposal for a reformed National Youth Guarantee will ensure that every
person under 26 is guaranteed a place in education, training or employment. In addition, every
person under 26 would be guaranteed access to funding to advance their education and training
by introducing a National Education Loan Fund.
Embassies as Business Conduits: Foreign investment and international business is
integral to Irelands economic success. Both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have been
hugely successful in attracting investment into Ireland and building up links between Irish
companies and international markets.
With the global economic upturn well underway, it is imperative that Irish businesses have
contacts globally to connect with growing markets and create new trade links. In line with
this need, gra calls for Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to provide training courses to
staf in every Irish Embassy. This would allow staf act as structured business conduits
for both Irish businesses seeking opportunities in the relevant country as well as for local
businesses seeking opportunities in Ireland.
Urban centres and vacant Land: gra Fianna Fil believe the Government must tackle issues
relating to empty retail units and undeveloped sites in urban centres. We oppose large scale
out-of-town retail developments that seek to build retail units outside of town centres.
Such developments draw people away from the existing urban centres, contribute to urban
sprawl and increase local trafc congestion.
gra Fianna Fil also support the introduction of a Vacant Land/Buildings Levy for urban centres.
Vacant commercial buildings that are not capable of occupation or benecial use in its current
state pay no Rates or levies of any kind. This has the potential to incentivize property owners to
render buildings unusable (e.g. by removing lifts or blocking access). The owners of vacant
development land in urban areas also pay no Rates or levies of any kind.
The cost of vacant buildings/land is largely borne by other rate-payers. Owners of vacant
land in urban centres, which could be redeveloped for commercial/residential use, should
be liable for a levy for every year they continue to allow the building or land go undeveloped.
Introducing a levy would encourage the optimal use of urban lands and vacant buildings
and help renew city centres.
We are proposing the introduction of a Vacant Land/Building levy to raise 50 million in
2015.
Department of Justice and Equality
Impact of Garda Station Closures: The Government has recklessly sought to close down a
number of Garda stations across the country. This move will undoubtedly have an impact
on the ability of An Garda Siochana to police efectively. Many people, particularly the
elderly and vulnerable, feel the Government has efectively abandoned and forgotten
about them.
gra Fianna Fil oppose the closure of Garda stations. We also oppose the sale of any Garda
stations that have closed. We believe these buildings should be held in trust by local authorities
and eventually re-opened as Garda stations when resources allow.
In addition, many people depend on their local Garda station to sign and stamp ofcial
forms and passport applications. gra Fianna Fil recommend that the ability to sign and
stamp applicable forms that is currently reserved for a member of An Garda Sochna be
extended to Postmasters and Peace Commissioners.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Reform and amalgamation of household charges: Given the signicant increase in
household related levies people pay for and the burden these can place on families, we
believe the Government must introduce a single billing and payments scheme. This single
bill system would incorporate the property taxes, water charges and new broadcasting
charge into a single bill, payable monthly in arrears or via salary payments. This scheme
would allow better nancial planning and compliance with new charges.
Value for Money: gra Fianna Fil believe the Department of Public Expenditure and
Reform must undertake a new Value for Money exercise across all Government Departments,
State Bodies and Local Authorities. Such an exercise should focus on resources, wasteful
expenditure, the use of consumables and legacy spending issues. We believe that 100
million can be found through a VFM exercise across the entire public sector in 2015.
Fraud Prevention: In addition to the existing fraud prevention measures used by Government
Departments, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform should establish a Fraud
Prevention unit to tackle fraud across Government Departments and State agencies. in
2013, the Department of Social Protection identied 632 million in fraud and abuse of
welfare supports.
gra Fianna Fil believe fraud and abuse of public services must continue to be tackled. We are of
the view that 200 million can be recouped in 2015 from fraud prevention across the public sector.
Creation of 10,000 graduate/youth placements in public sector: gra Fianna Fil are calling
on the Government to open up the Public Service to young people and recent graduates. Under
our proposal, each Government Department and each Public Body would be required to support
the placement of a young unemployed people or recent graduates within their allocation of staf.
Each Department and public sector body would required to introduce an internship programme
that meets certain criteria. The selection of participants would be the responsibility of the Public
Appointments Service following an interview process.
Placements would last 12-18 months on a full time. Participants must be unemployed
for last 3 months or a recent graduate.
The Scheme lasts for 3 years in total.
Those on placements are eligible for an annual gross wage (subject to tax) of
16,000pa
Departments, Public Bodies and Agencies allocation of placements is based on 2.5%
of existing staf numbers (allocations to be determined by Vote)
Resource allocations must come from within existing budgeted allocations
Placements would be aimed at graduates area of interest or education background
Placements would be based on geographical need (with placements weighted
towards areas with youth unemployment problems).
Cost 36 million (net per annum). This is based on a full year of 3,300 participants.
Department of Social Protection
Consolidation and Restructuring of various training and workplace schemes: gra
Fianna Fil are proposing the merging and simplication of all training and workplace schemes in
Ireland (including CE Schemes, FAS Schemes and JobBridge). We are proposing an unemployed
person shall be eligible to apply for any training and placement scheme after a 1 month period of
unemployment. Under our Labour Activation Scheme (outlined above), those entering a full-time
training or education placement would receive 210 per week while undertaking the scheme.
Further to this, gra Fianna Fil are proposing an overhaul of exploitative and poorly
thought out schemes such as JobBridge. These jobs are not real jobs, but are rather often
used as a means of hiring someone for below the minimum wage. Training placements
which do not provide the adequate support and training necessary should be withdrawn
by the Department of Social Protection. Such placements are exploitative and hamper the
ability of young people to nd a stable job.
Living Wage: The Living Wage is the minimum income necessary for a worker to aford
the basics for quality of life, food, utilities, transport, healthcare, and a decent standard of
living. The Living Wage should be the amount of money a family needs to remain above
the poverty threshold.
gra Fianna Fil are calling on the Government to commission an independent study to establish
what the Living Wage is in Ireland. Such a study would be undertaken every three years to inform
public policy and budgetary matters. In addition, we believe that the minimum wage and social
supports should be adjusted to reect changes in the Living Wage.
Proposal on Unemployment Benet/Assistance
gra are proposal a radical shift in unemployment assistance. Currently unemployment benet/
allowance is set at a rate of 188 per week with lower rates for those under 26. Under our proposals
this will change, as follows:
Once someone is made unemployed, they will apply to their local social welfare
ofce for Unemployment Assistance Benet. This payment is guaranteed to all
unemployed people and will be paid out within the rst 2 weeks of any claim. The
rate is set at 230 per week.
After 3 months of job seeking, the Department of Social Protections full range
of assistance programmes become available to all unemployed individuals. At
this stage the weekly rate of benet will drop by 20. This is designed to keep
unemployed people as close to employment market as possible. A case ofcer from
the Department of Social Protection is assigned to assist the unemployed person
with nding a new job, enter a training course or apply for an education placement.
After a further 3 months of job seeking, the unemployed person should have either
obtained a new job (full time or part time), entered into a training place or returned
to education. Where a person has failed to do, their rate of benet will be cut by
a further 22 to 188 per week. Where they enter a full-time education or training
placement, their payment will be retained at 210 per week. Where someone nds
an unpaid work placement they will continue to receive their benet payment (up to
a maximum of 12 months).
After a further 6 months, the inactive unemployed person is not considered to be
actively seeking work. The rate of allowance for such people, unemployed for at
least 13 months, will be set at 160 per week.
Furthermore, for those people seeking unemployment assistance without the necessary
PRSI contributions, the weekly rate will be start at 188 per week and reduce in a similar
manner to 160 per week by month 12. The above proposal will be revenue/cost neutral
to the State.
Proposal on Employers PRSI
gra Fianna Fil are proposing the re-introduction of a simplied Employers Job Incentive Scheme
which ended in mid 2013. Under the simplied scheme all employers who create new and additional
jobs will receive an Employers PRSI rebate of 80% (where gross salary is less than 40,000). We
are also proposing that Employers PRSI contributions for existing employees does not revert back
to the higher rate of 8.5%, but rather stays at the lower rate of 4.25% introduced in July 2011.
Protection of Child Benet: gra Fianna Fil believe there should be no further cuts in Child
Benet payments.
Benets package: gra Fianna Fil believe the Government should seek increased savings from
the cost of the benets package (without any corresponding reduction in the benet). These
allowances should be put out to tender for all households in receipt of the benet. The
Government should seek a 10% reduction in the overall cost of benets package.
gra Fianna Fil believe the Government should seek increased savings from the Free TV license
scheme. We proposed a 20% reduction in payment to RT by the Department of Social Protection.
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance: gra Fianna Fil oppose any reduction in
the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance in Budge 2015
Winter Fuel Allowance: gra Fianna Fil are proposing a 5 per week increase in the Winter
Fuel Allowance. This reverses some of the cuts to the scheme over the last number of years and
seeks to alleviate fuel poverty. gra Fianna Fil also call for the payment to be paid out
monthly rather than weekly installments. This would help those people in receipt of the
Winter Fuel Allowance to pay heating bills or purchase home heating oil.
School Meals Scheme: gra Fianna Fil support the School Meals programme, providing meals
to students in almost 1,000 schools nationwide. gra Fianna Fil are proposing a large increase
in this scheme, with the aim of providing the School Meals Scheme to all primary and secondary
schools by 2018. We are proposing the scheme be expanded by 10m in 2015.
Department of An Taoiseach
Salary and Pension benets of Politicians: gra Fianna Fil support the abolition of salary
top-ups for the Ceann-Comhairle, Leas Ceann-Comhairle, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and
Oireachtas committee chairs. While we note that salary levels and pension entitlements of
politicians have decreased since 2008, gra Fianna Fil believe the Government must go
further. Salary levels of national politicians should be set following a general election, with
no increases provided for during the Dil term. Politicians should not receive any pension
or lump sum payments while serving in any public role, regardless of age. In addition,
appointment as Minister or Minister of State should not entitle a TD to an additional pension
benet above that of a Dil deputy.
Expenses: gra Fianna Fil believes that in order to further restore condence in the
Oireachtas that all allowances and payments to politicians (whether at national, european
or local level) must be vouched. The Department of An Taoiseach should draw up plans for
the Public Representation Allowance (PRA) and Travel and Accommodation Allowance
(TAA) to be fully vouched, payable in arrears. The current TAA bands should be scrapped
and replaced with a fully vouched payment to cover the most economically efective
means of travelling to and from Leinster House. Accommodation rates should be agreed
with hotels through a competitive tendering process.
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Public Transport Prices and Funding: gra Fianna Fil note that many of our public transport
providers are in nancial difculty. We believe this is partially due to a failure to reform and
modernise services. In addition, price increases in rail and bus services have turned people away
from using public transport.
gra Fianna Fil believe that public transport prices should be xed for the next 3 years. Any
further increase in prices will cause a reduction in passenger numbers. In addition, we believe
the price of many public transport services should be reduced to reect willingness to pay. Public
transport providers should make better use of varied pricing and early booking prices. Better
standards and performance metrics must be introduced for public transport, with increased nes
for failures to meet set targets.
Dublin City Centre Congestion Charge: Fine Gael and Labour in government have failed
to ease Dublins congestion and parking crisis. Signicant sums of money has been wasted
over the last number of years, without a corresponding improvement in rush-hour trafc
congestion. In 2013, 54,458 private cars entered the inner city between 7am and 10am.
gra Fianna Fil support the introduction of a Dublin City Centre congestion charge. This charge
would be xed for a 5 year period at 4 per day per car. We believe such a levy could
raise 37 million next year. Funds raised from this charge would contribute towards the
nancing of better (and cheaper) public transport, improved cycle and bus lanes, road
widening etc.
Rural Transport: Currently Irelands national bus transport network (operated by Bus
ireann) is focussed on connecting main urban centres. gra Fianna Fil support the
creation of a truly national public transportation network. Creating such a network would
involve integrating public rail and bus services (including subsidised bus services, e.g.
school bus services) with private bus operators to help connect small communities and
villages to populated, urban areas. We support the creation of integrated ticketing and an
improved ticket pricing scheme to encourage greater use of the public transport network.
We believe an allocation of 15 million should be provided for in 2015 to support the
creation of a Rural Transport network.
gra Fianna Fil Proposed Budget for 2015
( millions)
Expenditure millions Reductions & Taxation millions
Policy initiatives as set out in Document 441 Reduced Expenditure 595
Increased Taxation 818
Total 441 Total 1413
Net Reduction 972
Expenditure millions Reductions millions
Irish language Funding 10 Savings from Benets package 20
Increased GLAS Scheme Funding 75 Prescription Drugs Budget 25
National Forestry Strategy 10 Continued savings from Haddington Road 150
Rural Social Scheme 30 Full Year Savings from 2013 (estimate) 100
Modern Languages at Primary Level 10
VFM & Fraud prevention measures across
Public Sector
300
SUSI Grant 20 Total 595
Qualication Allowance for Teachers 5
Career Guidance Teachers 5
Proposal on Unemployment Benet/Assistance 0 Taxation Measures millions
School Meals Scheme 10 10% USC on incomes over 100k 170
Winter Fuel Allowance 50 Sugar, Fats and Salt Tax 188
Rent Allowance Increase (7.5%) 30 Vacant Land/Building levy 50
Rental Accommodation Modernisation Scheme 20 Dublin City Centre Congestion Charge 37
Levy on Cans and Glass Bottles (Start-up costs) 5 Taxation on Wine and Tobacco 100
National Drug and Alcohol Strategy 10 Water charges in 2015 450
STI and Sexual Health Awareness Campaign 5 Increasing Standard Rate Cut-of -177
Entrepreneurship and IT in Schools 20 Total 818
Water Conservation measures 25
Public Sector Youth Placement Scheme 36
Increased provision for Social Housing 50
Rural Bus Transport 15
Total 441
Fianna Fil Headquarters
Aras De Valera 65-66
Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 6761551