Main points of draft ‘Programme for Partnership’ between FG and Independents

Fine Gael and Independent TDs are discussing a 150-page draft “Programme for Partnership” document which will see a number of Independents support a Fine Gael-led minority government.

The document is based on a five-year timeframe and outlines a number of planned measures in areas such as housing, health and job creation.

It also commits to appointing a minister for housing and an action plan for housing.

The document has not yet been finalised.

The main points of the draft “Programme for Partnership” include:

Jobs and community

The establishment of a new model of community banking

County specific targets for job creation and a €500 million regional jobs fund

An Atlantic economic development corridor as well as an additional €100 million to be set aside for the Wild Atlantic Way

A commitment to look at whether post offices could be “one-stop shops” for government services

County councils must publish the breakdown of how they spend commercial rates

Increase the State pension and the living alone allowance above the rate of inflation

Increase the minimum wage to €10.50 an hour over the next five years

Housing and homelessness

Finance for councils will be linked to their ability to deliver in terms of housing.

Increase the roads budget by 50 per cent

Incentives for developers to build and lease homes to housing authorities and associations

Incentives for tenants and landlords to agree long-term leases as well as an increase rent supplement by 15 per cent

A commitment to use the post-2018 Nama surplus to fund affordable housing.

The development of a “cost rental” option for low income families and an increase in the number of cost rental units available

A new “Help to Build” funding scheme for the development of affordable housing will be set up

Legislation to force banks to offer split mortgages to householders in mortgage distress

End the use of hotels and B&Bs for homeless families and introduce enhanced family mediation services, services to victims of domestic abuse and community mental health services to tackle homelessness

Health

Place an annual cap on the drugs payment scheme and reduce prescription charges for medical card holders

Cut number of patients waiting longer than six hours in emergency departments from 32 per cent to less than 7 per cent by 2021

Increased payments for those with disabilities while an additional 10,000 children will receive medical cards

Annual funding increases for homecare packages and home help

Parliament

Relaxation of the whip system but all parties will operate on the basis of “good faith” and “no surprises”