If elected... what the party promises on key issues

THE needs of crime victims will be put at the centre of the justice system if Fine Gael gets back into power, the party leadership pledged.

Law and order spokesman Jim O’Keefe outlined a four point initiative to ensure those on the receiving end of violence and theft feel their rights matter.

A proposed victim’s charter would enable the Director of Public Prosecutions to make a “plea of prosecution” at the sentencing stage which would emphasise why a criminal needed to be given a stiff punishment in the same way a defence team’s mitigation plea was used to claim leniency.

A wider use of restorative justice where offenders are forced to face up to the consequences of their crimes on the lives of individuals would put victims centre stage, Mr O’Keefe said.

And better compensation packages for victims and the right to be kept up to date with information on the progress of a case against an alleged perpetrator would also form part of the plan.

“We will ensure that victims and their families know in advance if a person who injured them was about to be released — they should not read about it in the papers or meet that person on the street,” he said.

Health

Party spokesman Dr Liam Twomey accused the Coalition of trying to “privatise” public hospitals. He warned against Health Minister Mary Harney’s plans to co-locate private medical care facilities on public land as a “stealth” bid to undermine the public sector.

Dr Twomey said Fine Gael would bring in free GP care for all children under five and ensure patients gain more protection under a new charter of rights. A Patient Safety Authority would be set up to maintain standards and probe complaints if FG won power, he told delegates.

Consumers

Enterprise spokesman Phil Hogan pledged to end Ireland’s “rip-off” culture.

He promised Fine Gael in office would limit any Government or regulator controlled price increase to the level of inflation and also review every State set levy. He accused the Coalition of bringing in 50 “stealth taxes” and promised an FG/Labour Government would bring competition to every sector of the economy to ensure more choice for consumers.

Education

Providing pre-school learning would be a priority for an incoming Rainbow administration, FG education spokeswoman Olwyn Enright pledged.

She said that it would cost €160 million year to ensure children get a better start. Action would also be taken to tackle overcrowding in classrooms and assisting pupils with special educational needs, said Ms Enright.