Election 2024: Social Democrats will not back any tax cuts

At the launch of their manifesto, which includes a rent freeze and an end to 'no-fault evictions', the SocDems blast other parties' promise to boost services while cutting taxes 

'You cannot have improved public services and have tax cuts at the same time' said Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan (centre) as he and party colleagues launching their manifesto on Tuesday. Picture: David Young/PA

The Social Democrats will not be offering any tax cuts, saying that other parties’ pledges to expand public services while cutting taxes were “not credible”.

The party launched its manifesto, saying that it had a number of red lines for entering any coalition.

The party’s deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan said they are the delivery of 50,000 affordable homes in the lifespan of the next government; full implementation of Sláintecare healthcare reforms; bolstering investment in disability services led by a senior minister for disability; a public childcare system; and a revised climate action plan.

“These are our deal-breakers and making sure that these are in the next programme for government is absolutely key for us,” said Mr O’Callaghan.

The party’s manifesto calls for the end of 'no-fault evictions', and the introduction of a temporary three-year rent freeze, replacing rent pressure zones with a “reference rent” system in housing.

In health, the party wants to provide for salaried GPs and increase the mental health budget to 10% of the overall health budget, as well as an increase in funding for disability services by an additional €1.1bn a year, to include a €30-per-week cost of disability payment and the abolition of the means test for carers, and the introduction of a statutory right to homecare.

The Social Democrats also want a new public model of childcare; paid parental leave extended to the first year of a child’s life; and maternity, paternity, and parent’s benefit increased to €350 per week.

However, Mr O’Callaghan said that his party would be advocating for better services and not lower taxes, saying it was not possible to do both.

"It’s absolutely not credible when you look at what a lot of the other parties are promising,” he said.

We are being very upfront, saying that you cannot have improved public services and have tax cuts at the same time.

“They’re promising huge investment in public services and very costly tax cuts at the same time.

“We are being very upfront, saying that you cannot have improved public services and have tax cuts at the same time.

“Now the two, you know, it’s not compatible. I think most of the electorate know that.

We had a situation back in 2007 where we eroded the tax base and that caused huge difficulties in terms of the economic crash.

“So looking to erode the tax base while promising increased spending doesn’t add up.

“So we’re being honest and upfront with the electorate on that. And I think a lot of people do appreciate that. 

"They know that some other parties are overpromising and will not be able to deliver on what they’re promising.”