Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Simon Harris and Micheál Martin RollingNews.ie

Programme for Govt: Transport security, cheaper childcare and 'open the Children’s Hospital’

The programme for government sets out the roadmap for Irish political decisions over the next five years.

FIANNA FÁIL, FINE Gael and the Regional Independents Group have agreed a draft programme for Government after five weeks of negotiations.

The programme will be ratified by members of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over the coming days. 

The document is essentially a to do list for the government, setting out its policy commitments for the next five years. It will guide all of the government’s priorities over the coming years.

It is made up of a mix of policy proposals set out in the election manifestos of the contributing parties. A lot of these pledges did not make the cut.

Here are the main points from it broken down by area.

The document sets out how the rotating Taoiseach arrangement will work, with Micheál Martin holding the office until 16 November 2027. 

It also commits the government to delivering five Budgets with a general election called no sooner than after the enactment of the principal measures to be announced in the Budget in late 2029.

Housing

  • Launch a ‘starter home’ programme – there are few details on what this would entail 
  • Retain and revise the Help to Buy scheme, but no commitment to increase it to €40,000 as pledged by Fine Gael
  • Work with the banks to expand the First Home scheme to first time buyers of second-hand homes.
  • Extend the vacancy and dereliction refurbishment grants to 2030
  • Enhance the enforcement powers of the RTB
  • Establish a Rent Price Register
  • Build over 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030
  • Create a land price register
  • Set binding targets for the use of modern methods of construction in at least 25% of all State-backed housing
  • Promote the use of timber in new buildings
  • Expand the role of Credit Unions in the housing market
  • Strengthen the Land Development Agency’s compulsory purchase powers
  • Actively recruit construction sector workers abroad through state agencies and embassies.

Childcare and parents

  • Progressively reduce the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child
  • Explore the establishment of a managed savings account for newborns with an initial once-off contribution by the State, ensuring lower income families benefit most from the scheme
  • Explore options to cap costs for larger families
  • Reduce the administrative burden on providers
  • Provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned childcare facilities
  • Reduce the administrative burden on providers
  • Provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned childcare facilities.
  • Plan the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme.
  • Explore making available an extra hour of ECCE each day in the second year of preschool.
  • Evaluate options to amend the ECCE eligibility criteria.
  • Extend the National Childcare Scheme to childminders working in the family home.

Disability

  • Continue to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government.
  • Consider the development of a multi-annual approach to for disability service funding, staffing and operations.
  • Reform the Disability Act 2005.
  • Create a dedicated National Therapy Service in education, beginning in special schools.
  • Establish an annual Children’s Therapies Grant Fund.
  • Double the number of college places for speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, psychologists and social workers.
  • Expand programmes like WorkAbility, Employability, and the new Work and Access Programme.
  • Increase personal assistance hours.
  • Increase Disability Home Support hours and work towards aligning Disability Home Support pay with rates for Older Person Services.
  • Work to end the practice of placing young people with disabilities in nursing homes
  • Dedicated funding stream for assistive technology.
  • Expand the Travel Assistance Scheme nationally.
  • Extend the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme.
  • Work to reduce the 24-hour notice requirement for disabled users of rail services.
  • Increase number of neurology nurse specialists and neurology consultants.

Tax

  • Maintain a broad tax base to guard against the event of a downturn
  • Implement progressive changes in taxation if the economy remains strong, including indexing credits and bands
  • Managing the public finances in the event of a downturn is a subhead in the Pfg. The government promises to: Maintain capital spending to support growth in the economy; postpone changes to income tax credits or bands; work to protect the funding of existing level of public service delivery.

Social Protection

  • Maintain the State Pension Age at 66 and progressively increase weekly pension payments
  • Examine improvements to Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Living Alone Allowance to support vulnerable groups such as those in receipt of the Working Family Payment
  • Examine what modifications or changes may be made to support women who currently fall outside the existing schemes to qualify for a State Pension
  • Increase core welfare payments, ensuring that resources are also targeted at people who are unable to work
  • Progressively increase the Child Support Payment.
  • Explore a targeted Child Benefit Payment and examine how it might work alongside other supports to reduce child poverty

Energy Costs

  • Acknowledging the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses, the Government pledges to bring forward taxation measures to help contain energy costs, including with regard to VAT.
  • Commission an independent review into the speed and level of passthrough from wholesale prices to retail prices.

Education

  • Aim to reduce the general Pupil Teacher Ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of government
  • Expand the School Transport Service to include 100,000 additional students by 2030
  • Create a dedicated National Therapy Service in Education, beginning with special schools
  • Reform the Drumcondra Tests which are used to gauge student learning to include assessments for dyslexia.
  • Increase the take-up of foreign languages in our schools and expand the teaching of modern foreign languages in primary schools.
  • Invest in ICT (Information and communication technology) and the development of appropriate digital skills in our schools, and embed ICT and coding in the curriculum
  • Develop a new curriculum for Irish Sign Language for primary and post-primary students up to Leaving Certificate level.
  • Continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme
  • Provide free schoolbooks to all children in the free education system and introduce changes as needed to the operation of this scheme

Health 

  • Expand free GP services to children up to at least 12 years, and keep its further extension under review
  • Possible ban on energy drinks for kids
  • Consider further reductions in the Drugs Payment Scheme
  • Explore further ways to reduce hospital car parking charges
  • Continue to extend access to free contraception
  • Seek to further increase medical card income limits
  • Ensure that the planned rollout of free HRT medicines is available at no cost for the drug/product.
  • Increase the number of healthcare college places in nursing, medicine and other healthcare professions
  • Increase the number of public-only consultants
  • Increase capacity by between 4,000 and 4,500 new and refurbished inpatient hospital beds across the country
  • Increase ICU bed capacity by at least a further 100 beds.
  • Provide more community beds
  • Build four new elective hospitals (Cork, Dublin (2 sites) and Galway).
  • Establish six surgical hubs in Cork, Dublin (2 sites), Galway, Limerick and Waterford, and explore the provision of an additional surgical hub for the NorthWest in a timely manner
  • Open the Children’s Hospital
  • Increase staffing and resources for children’s spinal surgery, as well as coordinating spinal services across hospitals
  • Increase the number of consultants in emergency medicine by a further 50%
  • Hire more public dentists
  • Agree a new Dental Treatment Service Scheme for medical card holders.Dental Treatment Service Scheme for medical card holders
  • Expand access to the orthodontic scheme for children and strengthen the School Dental Programme

Justice

  • A new Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is to be set up
  • Introduce Garda Hubs at major bus and train stations to respond to incidents on public transport
  • Ban the wearing of face coverings at protests and potentially ban protests outside private homes
  • Construct a new prison at Thornton Hall in North County Dublin
  • Bring in electronic tagging for some prisoners
  • Increase the use of ASBOs to tackle anti-social behaviour
  • Bring in live facial recognition technology for cases of missing people, terrorism and national security, and allow gardaí to use AI in criminal investigations
  • Expand the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau and give it the power to publish a list of tax defaulters
  • Provide funding for recruiting at least 5,000 new garda recruits over the next five years
  • Roll out a ‘see something, say something’ messaging system across the country to help address crime

Climate Change

  • Set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
  • Publish an annual Climate Action Plan, placing a focus on a smaller number of strategic actions across all sectors, and publish a quarterly progress report.
  • Recognise the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane, as described by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and advocate for the accounting of this Greenhouse gas to be re-classified at EU and international level.
  • Complete a review of greenhouse gas emissions on a consumption basis, with a goal of ensuring that Irish and EU actions support the reduction of global emissions, as well as on our own territories.
  • Implement a Whole-of-Government Strategy to fully integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into national policies and initiatives, ensuring that each goal is actively pursued across all levels of government.
  • Ramp up targets to deliver more B2- equivalent home retrofits each year from 2026 to 2030, with a focus on lower income households.
  • Revise and improve the provision of grants and financing models for homeowners who wish to retrofit, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs.
  • Deliver 9GW of onshore wind, 8GW solar and at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030.
  • Move to holding at least one Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction per year to ensure that Ireland continues to bring renewable energy projects onstream at a fast pace.
  • Allow data centres that contribute to economic growth and efficient grid usage, such as prioritising waste heat capture for district heating systems and other local uses.
  • Enhance data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions, such as waste heat capture to reduce their carbon footprint.

Transport

  • Create a Transport Security Force under the National Transport Authority, which would operate and have similar powers to the Airport Police and Customs officers.
  • Roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and keep fares low and affordable.
  • Commission an independent feasibility study into continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
  • Examine the further expansion of free public transport for children.
  • Ensure each metropolitan area has a tailored transport strategy including frequent bus services and light rail where appropriate
  • Mandate the NTA to run a number of pilots enabling ride-sharing platforms to operate to improve rural connectivity
  • Develop sustainable transport options in the commuter belt, including provision of shuttle buses to train stations from surrounding towns and villages
  • Offer a bike scheme specifically for third-level students, mirroring the bike-to-work scheme, and coordinate bike and e-bike rental programmes across further and higher education campuses
  • Increase funding for new roads as part of the NDP review and the maintenance of existing roads
  • Introduce new road safety cameras to automatically detect mobile phone use and non-wearing of seat belts.
  • Review a graduated penalty points system

Enterprise

  • On VAT for businesses, the document says the government will acknowledge the “increased energy cost pressures” on home and firms and bring forward taxation measures to “help contain energy costs, including with regard to VAT”. It has been widely reported that the rate of VAT on energy will remain at 9%.
  • Create 300,000 new jobs by 2030 and a develop a 10-year plan to support the growth of and job creation in the SME sector
  • Publish an action plan to boost competitiveness and productivity in Ireland – in line with similar schemes in the EU – within the first 12 months of the government’s term
  • Scale and grow Irish firms to attract foreign direct investment by scaling back and reducing costs of doing business in Ireland.
  • Make Ireland the most-secure country in Europe for data protection
  • Boost Ireland’s participation in common infrastructure projects in the EU and ratify the EU-Canada free trade agreement for Irish businesses
  • “Rigorously implement” the SME test on every new piece of legislation and regulation impacting small businesses
  • Provide on-the-job training and apprenticeship schemes and published a new national strategy for local business within the first year of the government’s term

Higher Education

  • Continue to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government
  • Increase maintenance grants and reform SUSI
  • Develop a multi-annual plan to urgently deliver new student accommodation, including through state financed purpose-built student accommodation on public or private lands.
  • Enable Technological Universities to borrow funds to provide for on-campus student accommodation.
  • Introduce a ‘Second Chance’ to ensure students going through a ’repeat year’ or changing courses on one occasion can access the Free Fees Initiative to avoid them being penalised and having to pay higher rates of fees.

Agriculture

  • Increase scheme supports for suckler farmers over a five-year term in office and ensure straightforward measures to encourage uptake.
  • Increase scheme supports for sheep farmers over a five-year term in office and ensure straightforward measures to encourage uptake.
  • Increase scheme support to the Dairy Beef scheme over a five-year term in office and ensure straightforward measures to encourage uptake.
  • Fight at EU level for a fully supported CAP with an increased budget.
  • Reward farmers for producing energy for their private use or by selling excess energy to the electricity grid to diversify their income.
  • Examine community-led ownership models for renewable energy production as an additional income stream for farmers.
  • Assign funds from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to the agricultural sector.
  • Establish a Cabinet Committee on Water Quality chaired by the Taoiseach to coordinate water quality improvements across all sectors.
  • Work with farmers and industry to secure Ireland’s nitrates derogation at EU level, by implementing the Nitrates Derogation Renewal Plan in support of retention.
  • Examine potential barriers for women farmers within the taxation system to ensure greater inclusivity and fairness.
  • Ensure the continued support to the Horse and Greyhound Fund, considering the vital economic and social contribution generated by these sectors in rural areas.

Arts and Culture 

  • Assess the Basic Income for Artists pilot to “maximise its impact”.
  • Enact legislation to update licensing laws to allow for later opening hours, but it adds that this should be “reflective of local needs”.
  • Commits to the 481 film tax credit and says it will examine the feasibility of a minor capital works grant scheme to support arts and cultural facilities that are not funding through the Arts Council.
  • Introduce a Culture Card for 16- and 17-year-olds is also to be looked at to give them access to theatre, music and art events.
  • The government says it will “redevelop the GPO as a historic landmark” and “enhance its role as a key cultural landmark”.
  • Establishing and funding an Irish Town of Culture programme to “support local creative projects”.
  • Continue the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme.
  • During the lifetime of the government, commemorations will be held to mark the 250th anniversaries of the birth of Daniel O’Connell (2025) and the US Declaration of Independence (2026).
  • Other commemorations of note will be the birth of Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington and the death of Constance Markievicz (2027).
  • The birth of the Irish pound in 1928 will be marked, as well as the 150th anniversary of the Land League in 2029. 

National Security and Defence

  • The Government will preserve and protect Ireland’s policy of active military neutrality but said it will not be politically neutral
  • Reform of Triple Lock mechanism which is directly related to how Ireland deploys troops abroad. Currently the system requires a UN mandate, Cabinet approval and a vote in the Dáil – the Government plan is to remove the need of a UN mandate.
  • In regard to the capability planning which arose out of an Action Plan following the Commission on the Defence Forces the incoming parties state that they will move from the Level of Ambition Two to highest rating of Level of Ambition Three. This level will involve the purchase of fighter jets for instance and a greater, more modern Defence Forces.
  • Retain the Special Criminal Court
  • Consider the report on the Offences Against the State Act
  • Enact new Data Retention and Interception laws

Occupied Territories Bill 

  • On the Occupied Territories Bill, this is the only mention: “Progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

Drugs

  • Commit to a health-led approach to drug addiction and divert those found in possession of drugs for personal use to health services.
  • Re-establish the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drugs Use and ensure that the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration work collaboratively on any recommendations issued by the Committee.

Rejuvenating Dublin City

  • Implement the Dublin City Centre Taskforce; apply this taskforce model to other regions, starting with a taskforce for Cork City which will launch shortly.
  • Significantly boost Garda numbers in Dublin.
  • Introduce improved security measures in the city centre with increased CCTV coverage and a targeted response to reduce open drug use.
  • Support the designation of O’Connell Street as a Urban Development Zone to fast track planning and mixed use development.
  • Honour the historic significance of the GPO with a redevelopment plan; provide funding and resources to the National Concert Hall
  • Collaborate with cultural institutions to offer more late-night events and extended opening hours throughout the year by enacting the Night-time Economy Bill
  • Launch an Urban Communities Initiative to revitalise disadvantaged city areas with focused community development and youth programmes delivered by all State agencies

The Gaeltacht

  • Introduce special development plans for Gaeltacht areas and specific housing targets
  • Resource Údarás na Gaeltachta to offer Gaeltacht businesses effective levels of financial support and advice
  • Increase the dedicated Irish-medium teacher training programmes
  • Restore direct elections to Údarás na Gaeltachta
  • Resource the provision of services that support families and provide family supports through Irish
  • Support expansion of broadcasting licences for mainstream Irish language radio stations which focus on young listeners
  • Continue to support the growth of TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
126 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:40 PM

    Surprised & disappointed at this announcement. She always appeared as a sensible & dedicated Minister. Down to earth & straight talking, commodities sadly often lacking in today’s political leadership. But if she feels her work ‘is done’ & doesn’t have the heart for the ‘fray’ it’s a logical & honest decision. I wish her all the best in her retirement & thanks for her service.

    495
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve White
    Favourite Steve White
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:34 AM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: Heather Humphreys abused her Ministerial powers to appoint a party member to a state board in order to burnish his credentials for the Seanad/General elections

    362
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian McDonald
    Favourite Ian McDonald
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:53 AM

    @Steve White: let he who is without sin etc…..

    84
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Gorry
    Favourite Paul Gorry
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:19 AM

    @Ian McDonald: Jesus Mary and Joseph ian. Keep the false religious beliefs out of it.

    81
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Gorry
    Favourite Paul Gorry
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 3:43 AM

    @Tired Jim: Is your da? I appreciate that’s a hard question ,jim.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Buster Lawless
    Favourite Buster Lawless
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 6:54 AM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: she must be punished for he bad work.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute K P
    Favourite K P
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:26 AM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: good riddance. Wasted opportunity to bring in meaningful reform and align Ireland social welfare system with most of Europe on a get out what you pay in principle. Instead of someone on a decent wage loses their job they get 450 for 3 months. In Germany you get 75% of your wage for 2 years. Also her approach on XL bully dogs was a carbon copy of the UK where it’s been shown to fail. Waste of space. Next

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute J N
    Favourite J N
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:52 AM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: your deluded. She is ad bad if not worse than the rest. Poison

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Maguire
    Favourite Paul Maguire
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:54 PM

    What does this say when Humphreys along with many high profile FG politicians, have now decided not to seek re-election on the upcoming GE, is it the leadership. Or is it the makeup of the current government, and the many blunders, that seems to keep on giving

    298
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:01 AM

    @Paul Maguire: READ the article maybe, she’s 64??- I took my pension at 53, tbh, it just wasn’t ‘doing it’ for me anymore so said ‘adiue’

    128
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:06 AM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: pension at 53? So you are an ex government employee.

    233
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michale Kane
    Favourite Michale Kane
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:34 AM

    @David Cotter: He’s definitely part of her pr and spin team

    120
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian McDonald
    Favourite Ian McDonald
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:55 AM

    @Paul Maguire: it’s the ungrateful moaners on TheJournal

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:12 AM

    @David Cotter: haha, nope invested wisely

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Gorry
    Favourite Paul Gorry
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:43 AM

    @Ian McDonald: Considering you’re one of the biggest said moaners ian that comment is very funny. Although you’re probably a grateful moaner so I could be wrong..

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute BarryH
    Favourite BarryH
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:51 AM

    @Paul Maguire: It says that that FG are prepared to place the future of Ireland in the hands of a bunch of novices. They will need to get at least 20 new TD’s to get into Govt and 10 of those novices will be junior or senior ministers. If that ain’t a disregard for Democracy, I don’t know what is. Leave the country in a mess and just walk away and leave people who know less about what they are doing clean it up.

    94
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Christopher Fealy
    Favourite Christopher Fealy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 4:46 AM

    @Paul Maguire: it’s all about the corruption that’s going to come out soon in this fg and ffg ect . Just look back at the broadband 25 year contract awarded by fg ect ,and who was made a director in 2020 of that company .shit to hit the fan soon. ,but been held back till election called . ,yet all walk away in big fat pension ect

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Blaine
    Favourite Dermot Blaine
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:48 AM

    @Christopher Fealy: yeah, just like the scandal in Washington that forced Leo to step down. That never happened.
    She’s 64, in a tough time consuming job and has lost her mojo. That’s perfectly understandable, no matter what you think of her. I happen to think she mostly did a good job and she brought in several improvements in her area.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian McDonald
    Favourite Ian McDonald
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 9:24 AM

    @Paul Gorry: not me Paul, only you. Only you. Staying awake all night to have a go at every comment

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Blaine
    Favourite Dermot Blaine
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 11:26 AM

    @jak: there is no scandal, that’s my point. Not everything is a conspiracy.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sean weir
    Favourite sean weir
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:46 PM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: AHH public servants

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pork Hunt
    Favourite Pork Hunt
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 6:02 PM

    @David Cotter: cop or ex nut nurse

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:38 PM

    Praise the lord…..dreadful lightweight politician

    294
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:42 PM

    @David Cotter: nonsense, she carries a fair deal of ‘clout’ at the top table, a great ambassador & speaker on behalf of her constituents.

    202
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Lyons
    Favourite Tony Lyons
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:44 PM

    @David Cotter: please elaborate

    46
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:59 PM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: nice polished soundbite frank ..would you like to declare your position in professional politics?

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:02 AM

    @Tony Lyons: we’ll Tony the latest one is when child benefit is still going to millionaires she said to give it back…..Jesus wept what a clownish thing to say..

    89
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:05 AM

    @David Cotter: oh I’m HAPPILY RETIRED with a big bunch of rescue doggies ( NOT inc Mrs Mc Cathy)

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevvy kerrr
    Favourite Kevvy kerrr
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:08 AM

    @David Cotter: maybe you should run in the election, obviously, you know-it-all-all, sure we’d be lucky to have you

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:10 AM

    @Kevvy kerrr: not corrupt enough buddy

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian
    Favourite Ian
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 3:16 AM

    @David Cotter: At least she put herself up for election and got elected. Unlike you. Professional fkin whinger.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sean weir
    Favourite sean weir
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:49 PM

    @David Cotter: she also said it couldn’t be means tested!!
    Yeah they can means test the carers allowance!
    FG don’t care about the vulnerable people in this country

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joseph Fitzgibbon
    Favourite Joseph Fitzgibbon
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:00 AM

    I think part of the reason so many politicians are leaving nowadays is the abuse they get from the general public. I know some of them are in it for their own benefit and egos, but it is a very difficult job and they are an easy target. The advent of social media in the last few years has hugely increased the ease in which to anonymously attack people. It’s fair to criticise but some of the things you read and hear about are outrageous.

    201
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:09 AM

    @Joseph Fitzgibbon: common joe there’s way more difficult jobs out there with abuse assaults and dreadful pay….

    192
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute qffaffaf affrafrfraf
    Favourite qffaffaf affrafrfraf
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:14 AM

    @Joseph Fitzgibbon: Absolute nonsense. Extremely prvileged high paying job, they should feel honoured to be representing their constituents.

    197
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joseph Fitzgibbon
    Favourite Joseph Fitzgibbon
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:22 AM

    @David Cotter: I didn’t say it was the most difficult job, I said it was a very difficult one. Sure, the pay is very good, but you could lose it in the next election. I don’t understand when people criticise them in such terrible ways, who puts them in these jobs anyway!!

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trump 24
    Favourite Trump 24
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:34 AM

    @qffaffaf affrafrfraf: Its not a high paying job in the slightest unless you think a 100k job is high paying. If so I presume you are a peasant

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:36 AM

    @Joseph Fitzgibbon: so…it’s not a difficult job
    There’s staff for you..a party machine..a dail staff to help also
    A big payout if you loose your seat.
    A lobbying job if you do loose your seat or a seat back on the council or media work and so on…
    They give it the poor me all the time joe but thousands of people run every election ..

    68
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joseph Fitzgibbon
    Favourite Joseph Fitzgibbon
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:50 AM

    @David Cotter: Not sure what world you live in. For those that have families, you basically give up the vast majority of the time with your family. Where I live, very few people wanted to stand in the local elections, partly due to the abuse they get. Women politicians seem even more open to anonymous threats and nonsense. All of them don’t have party machines as you say, a lot of Independents now and smaller parties. As I say, not all politicians are very good, but many go into it with good intentions.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:15 AM

    @Joseph Fitzgibbon: ah yes time with the family
    We’ll why then are so many seats inherited…..
    Independent and small parties still employ a staff.(taxpayer funded obviously)
    And we’re not talking about local elections..thousands stand for the dail
    And by the way the only assault I’ve heard of lately in politics was by a politician…on his sister

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Kelly
    Favourite Joe Kelly
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:02 PM

    @qffaffaf affrafrfraf: you mean moaners and self opionated mo€#ns.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute qffaffaf affrafrfraf
    Favourite qffaffaf affrafrfraf
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:13 AM

    Some good news finally, delighted

    160
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy
    Favourite Tommy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 3:24 AM

    When the permanent damage is done, they all jump off the sinking ship with illegal emigrants coming in left, right and centre and they walking the streets at night in groups with hoods up and NO ONE knows who these people are.

    163
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Garry Coll
    Favourite Garry Coll
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:06 AM

    So many standing down, not contesting.
    People who have basically destroyed others to reach the level of political success that they have attained.
    How many FG or FF aspirants have they trod over to keep themselves in a lifestyle that they’re comfortable with.
    And now they say, can’t be bothered any more.
    Doesn’t pass the smell test, never mind the laugh test.
    What do they know that they’re not telling us.

    126
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Willie Marty
    Favourite Willie Marty
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:15 AM

    A huge loss to the lads on benefits .

    110
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:21 AM

    @Willie Marty: tbh, I liked her, I respected her…..BUT that bowing down to the long term unemployed with benefit hikes & double bonuses…. gotta say that left a bad taste in mouth, in an era of full employment….sent out the wrong/ a weird message

    154
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Kenny
    Favourite Andrew Kenny
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:35 PM

    Didnt see that coming. Will be difficult for FG to retain her seat.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trump 24
    Favourite Trump 24
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:41 PM

    @Andrew Kenny: Won’t be difficult at all.

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phillip Smyth
    Favourite Phillip Smyth
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:44 PM

    @Andrew Kenny: credit union trustee

    22
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Keogh
    Favourite James Keogh
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:47 PM

    @Andrew Kenny: A huge loss not only to FG but to the Country ! Best wishes to her in whatever she chooses to do in the future.

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevvy kerrr
    Favourite Kevvy kerrr
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:50 PM

    @Phillip Smyth: evening Phillip, you have a point … Or was that just a post for ‘postings’sake?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phillip Smyth
    Favourite Phillip Smyth
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:53 PM

    @Kevvy kerrr: never post for posting sake should know that by know thoughts prevail(Kev)

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phillip Smyth
    Favourite Phillip Smyth
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:54 PM

    @Kevvy kerrr: and good evening to you Sir.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevvy kerrr
    Favourite Kevvy kerrr
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:57 PM

    @Phillip Smyth: well, not much good about it really, Newcastle, Arsenal and Munster all losing today, blast it!!!!

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phillip Smyth
    Favourite Phillip Smyth
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:04 AM

    @Kevvy kerrr: tomorrow is the day I suppose I shall really enjoy my evening (kev) Liverpool will sound bite the season.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevvy kerrr
    Favourite Kevvy kerrr
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:10 AM

    @Phillip Smyth: for some reason….. Methinks that mouth watering game has DRAW written all over it……. It’ll be a point each in Anfield tomorrow afternoon

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phillip Smyth
    Favourite Phillip Smyth
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:32 AM

    Micheal Martin is when I’m sixty four he’s the one that needs to go and call it for the rest of his party.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PhiBo
    Favourite PhiBo
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 2:32 AM

    Really won’t be missed.

    86
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MonkeyTarmac
    Favourite MonkeyTarmac
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:43 PM

    Don’t blame her. Must be a horrible job given the current climate, national issues and consistent blunders by her own party.

    109
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James O'Grady
    Favourite James O'Grady
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:07 AM

    Totally shocked but I can understand why. A person of great talent, a marvelous Minister, a very kind and human person. She will be missed by her constituents, by her party and by us all. Many thanks and good health

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trump 24
    Favourite Trump 24
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:42 PM

    She well deserves her retirement that you for your public service

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevvy kerrr
    Favourite Kevvy kerrr
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:47 PM

    @Trump 24: nobody can say say she didn’t give it her “all”, there are so few politicians nowadays we can say this about but Heather H wasn’t in it for the fame or money……. As a society we owe her a debt of gratitude. Happy retirement

    128
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony Curran
    Favourite Anthony Curran
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:02 AM

    @Trump 24: Trumpbot malfunction on aisle 3

    44
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Cotter
    Favourite David Cotter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:04 AM

    @Kevvy kerrr: are you drunk

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trump 24
    Favourite Trump 24
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:31 AM

    @Anthony Curran: Silly child she was a fantastic politician

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michale Kane
    Favourite Michale Kane
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:14 AM

    @Kevvy kerrr: She ended up with 3 to 4 million all the same, not bad for not being in it for the money !

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michale Kane
    Favourite Michale Kane
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:18 AM

    @Trump 24: as fantastic as Trump ?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Byrne
    Favourite Stephen Byrne
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 6:21 AM

    Well well she won’t have to wait till 66 for state pension. Massive payday and another big pension for the taxpayer to pay.it all adds up.didnt have to put in many years to get it.meanwhile the rest of us will collect about 300 euros less a kick back on our pensions after 35 years. Legislation by the legislators for the legislators.is she due any other pensions like a teachers

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andre Rafter
    Favourite Andre Rafter
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:19 AM

    Everyone of them running away from the mess their leavining this country of ours in. They know they have gotten the migration issue’s completely wrong. The overspending on the childrens hospital, security hut, bike shed, and the housing for these migrants are only the tip of the iceberg. But of course, they can run off into the sunset with their huge pensions and leave some other unfortunate to try sort it all out. What a total and utter shower this government has been.

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal Tully
    Favourite Fergal Tully
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:49 AM

    Woke people and the opposite of woke people wondering how can I blame heather for my life. The exact reason the comments are left open. She is a great politician who just did her job. Enjoy the gardening and bargain hunt you deserve it

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michale Kane
    Favourite Michale Kane
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:25 AM

    @Fergal Tully: Yes great, was great at getting an Animal Abuser off the hook, demolishing historic buildings and jobs for her mates..

    “Although Humphreys said John Nulty was selected “on merit”, she later admitted she regretted the decision.”

    92
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Byrne
    Favourite Peter Byrne
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 3:56 AM

    @Michale Kane: why dont you run next election, I am sure you will make a great TD, I bet the job is dead easy, you should give it a go as you obviously have all the answers

    30
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Gorry
    Favourite Paul Gorry
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 4:29 AM

    @Peter Byrne: Why don’t you offer anything useful to say peter? You’re quite frankly the worst fffg troll to never make sense in the journal comments!

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Leahy
    Favourite James Leahy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 7:00 AM

    @Fergal Tully: I doubt very much she will have to bargain hunt. I’d say she’ll be going for the top end- designer etc….

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Breezer
    Favourite Mary Breezer
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 3:01 AM

    Great news Won’t have to lisen to that terrible voice

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MarkR
    Favourite MarkR
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:11 AM

    As a member of her constituency I am really sorry to see her go but completely understand. There is so much abuse and crap thrown at politicians these days and who needs it at the age of 64.

    84
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Mc Dermott
    Favourite Joe Mc Dermott
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 2:25 AM

    @MarkR: and deservedly so.. FG melting down from the inside out,

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve White
    Favourite Steve White
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 3:18 AM

    @MarkR: has unregulated hate and violent speech online contributed to that toxicity?, now who could have done something about that?

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eileen Kelly
    Favourite Eileen Kelly
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:18 AM

    I think very many of todays politicians should consider their own positions . It seems so many stay in politics as a life long career even when their health, commitment and input , no longer sustain the demands required in political life to act for the electorate. It is honest for Heather Humphreys to access her position and I respect her for recognising it is time. The pity is many such as Michael Martin and others , cling to power despite changing and challenging times when such changes call for new thinking by empowered, educated and informed politicians who have defined resources to meet changing demands.

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SV3tN8M4
    Favourite SV3tN8M4
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:52 AM

    Her Auto Enrollment Pension legislation has a.section in it that allows the State to tax those same pensions up to a rate of 47%< this was sneakily put in & is there so people's pensions can be raided when things go tits up. Her gold plated Ministerial Pension & that of her other 17 colleagues will be exempt of course. She knew she was leaving & dished out a massive Social Welfare package, rewarding those who don't work or contribute anything, nothing for those paying for it all. Another poor Minister who abandoned working people & forgot the bread & butter issued, that's her legacy. Mc Entee, Harris, ROG & Martin are going to pull every stunt before they leave, so controversial legislation like the Hate Speech legislation are going to be rail roaded through.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Lambe
    Favourite David Lambe
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 4:16 AM

    Pity very effective minister thanks for your service heather

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Kennedy
    Favourite Alan Kennedy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 7:23 AM

    Ah now! Ffg in absolute freefall! A scandal like this deserves a 24 page pull out from the s*n or a November election!

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gary Kearney
    Favourite Gary Kearney
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:13 AM

    Not my favourite politician, but respect where it is due. She worked hard for the people who voted for her and her party.
    She was too Tory for me!!!!!

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute steve grehan
    Favourite steve grehan
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 5:25 AM

    Me oul mate Sadiq Khan looks depressed in this photo, did he just hear that climate change toppled another camera in Hillingdon.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Hayes
    Favourite Jack Hayes
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:44 AM

    No one’s ever happy. Give me a break. Blame the
    Government but don’t grow balls. Take some responsibility people. Really. Too many want hams outs. And they’re the first to cause division. L

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian McDonald
    Favourite Ian McDonald
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:56 AM

    @Jack Hayes: well said !!!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michale Kane
    Favourite Michale Kane
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:21 AM

    @Jack Hayes: Yeah Jack, because ordinary folks all have wealthy friends who financially back them and/or physically help their campaigns in return for state contracts.

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis
    Favourite Denis
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 2:02 AM

    I wonder will she run for president….

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Séan Ó'Múrchú
    Favourite Séan Ó'Múrchú
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 7:55 AM

    Huge loss after all her amazing positive contributions

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan Murphy
    Favourite Dan Murphy
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 7:07 AM

    Hmm, I wonder has she enough energy to run for the Áras?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute micheal duff
    Favourite micheal duff
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 1:36 PM

    One of the better T.D’s so much understanding of live. Sad to see her go.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry
    Favourite Gerry
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 12:12 PM

    Her background in a border county and her proven ability to perform well in several ministries should qualify her as a credible candidate should FG decide to run someone for the Presidency. Her biggest legacy will probably be Pension auto enrolment although it will be many years before this is fully recognised. She was the only minister able to astutely and effectively share with the public some of the billions of Euro this country is awash with.
    The terrible state of Health, Education, Security ,Housing etc give no hint at the enormous funds available to a government who have failed to act.
    But Ms.Humphries through fortune or otherwise acted decisively and effectively.
    She will be a loss to the state.
    P.s. I’m a floating voter with no political allegiance.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Mccabe
    Favourite Sean Mccabe
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:30 AM

    Regardless of her been 64 why on earth would she decide to step down now

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Willie Marty
    Favourite Willie Marty
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:45 AM

    @Sean Mccabe: because shes 64. “Will you still need me will you still feed me when i’m 64- The Beetles.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Blaine
    Favourite Dermot Blaine
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 8:49 AM

    @Sean Mccabe: what a daft question.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute kiemur1
    Favourite kiemur1
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 10:14 AM

    FG candidate for President in 2025?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phillip Smyth
    Favourite Phillip Smyth
    Report
    Oct 19th 2024, 11:41 PM

    In whom we serve

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean O
    Favourite Sean O
    Report
    Oct 20th 2024, 7:29 PM

    Excellent news that 18 now rats leaving sinking ship ⛴️

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds