Fianna Fáil to outline economic plans

Fianna Fáil will today become the first political party to launch a major pre-election economic document when it publishes its…

Fianna Fáil will today become the first political party to launch a major pre-election economic document when it publishes its plans for the future of the State's economic policy.

The senior coalition partner's multi-billion euro Securing Prosperity - The Next Steps Forward will be unveiled by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

"The document will contain the economic and budgetary details of Fianna Fáil's election programme and will set out the next steps for Ireland's economic development," a party spokesperson said.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen and parliamentary party chairman Seamus Kirk will also attend the launch at Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel.

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Proposed cuts in the lower tax rate and PRSI, announced by Mr Ahern at his party's árdfheis last month, will be outlined in full but no details are expected at this stage on the contentious issue of stamp duty.

Today's package is expected to be followed by up to 15 other policy announcements in coming weeks on health, education, crime, transport, the environment, and science and innovation.

During his árdfheis address on March 24th, Mr Ahern promised 4,000 additional primary teachers, an increase in pensions to €300 a week, 2,000 more gardaí, 2,000 new hospital consultants and €300 million for 1,500 public hospital beds.

Personal health checks, new local injury clinics, reductions in secondary school class sizes and new schools were also pledged.