'Ambitious' programme for government with Martin as Taoiseach until November 2027 

Smaller class sizes, cheaper childcare, and no change to pension age are among the measures agreed by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Independents

Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is set to lead the next government, in the office of Taoiseach until late in 2027. Picture: Damien Eagers

Smaller class sizes, gym membership tax credits, a new transport police, cheaper childcare, and the retention of the pension age are among the measures a new government led by Micheál Martin has committed to.

The draft programme for government sets new housing targets that will see an average of 60,000 units built each year; commits to set up a rent price register; promises to fund 5,000 new gardaí; and plans a phasing out of means-testing of carers.

Mr Martin is now expected to be voted in as taoiseach when the Dáil reconvenes next week and will remain in place until the role rotates in November 2027, reflecting the 10 extra TDs that Fianna Fáil has over Fine Gael.

Similar to the arrangement during the previous Government, the party leaders will meet each week ahead of Cabinet, with Independent TD Sean Canney now attending this on behalf of the Regional Group.

Shake-up of departments

A shake-up of some government departments has been agreed, with the Department of Foreign Affairs, which Mr Harris is tipped to take on, to be bolstered with the addition of trade.

The Department of Public Expenditure will see the areas of infrastructure and digitalisation added to it, while Gaeltacht will return to the Department of Rural and Community Affairs.

“It’s a very ambitious programme for government,” Mr Martin said.

“I want this government to be a defining government in respect of disability in particular, that will provide services for people with disabilities and in a seamless way for carers.”

He said public service reform will be at the heart of policy to ensure housing is delivered faster and at scale.

Mr Martin told RTÉ News that there will be a focus on the development of offshore renewable energy and the delivery of infrastructure including roads and rail.

Among the key measures contained in the 162-page document, which has been agreed with both party leaders as well as the Regional Independents and the two Healy-Rae brothers, are:

• A promise to keep the pension age at 66;
• A retention of the lower 9% Vat rate on gas and electrical bills;
• A new public transport security force modelled on the existing airport police force;
• A reduction in the monthly cost of childcare to €200 per child;
• Construction of a new prison at Thornton Hall to house 1,500 inmates; consideration will also be given to building a second garda training college;
• Reform of the triple lock legislation in keeping with the existing policy of active military neutrality;
• A retention of the help to buy scheme up to 2030;
• A ban on the sale of cigarettes to those under the age of 21;
• A reduction in the pupil teacher ratio to 19:1 in primary schools and moves to further reduce third level fees.

A taskforce aimed at rejuvenating Cork City will be formed “soon” according to the document, which will follow the model laid out by a recent scheme to improve Dublin.

The document also commits to working to complete the Cork event centre, as well as building an elective hospital and surgical hub in the city.

It says that building the long-delayed events centre would “enhance Cork’s cultural landscape and boost the city’s regeneration”.

There is also a commitment to review the country’s aviation strategy in order to maximize the use of Shannon, Knock, and Cork airports.

The €13bn-plus Apple tax money will be spent on energy, transport, water, and housing as had been flagged. However, health digitisation has also been added to this list to transform and bring the health system up to date.

The incoming government is to take a health-led approach to drugs.