Fine Gael has unveiled a rich bag of electoral promises to appeal to all sectors of the electorate, writes Mark Brennock, Political Correspondent
The Fine Gael Programme for Government provides more detail on commitments in the party manifesto, but does not give specific timetables for the implementation of the party's proposed tax concessions.
However, it does pledge to produce a timetable within three months of taking office for completion of the National Development Plan. It aims to have 25 per cent of the capital programme funded by the private sector by 2006.
The party is again promising a national spatial strategy - talked abut for several years but not so far produced - in order to create strong regional centres outside Dublin.
They are offering an education development authority to give technical support to schools. A carers' grant of up to €2,540 per year will be introduced and will not be means-tested.
There are no new details concerning the timing of the introduction of the party's tax concessions. The minimum wage - €250 per week - will be exempted from income tax by means of a rebate system, to be introduced in the party's first budget.
There is no timetable for the introduction of the new 30 per cent tax rate and the extension of this new tax band; or the reversal of the individualisation policy which gives double-income couples advantages over single-income couples; or the reduction of the top tax rate from 42 to 40 per cent.
The party is offering significant increases in third-level education grants and in the means test limit for such grants. They would give subsidised loans of up to €7,600 to post-graduate students.
The programme also proposes a cabinet minister for ensuring delivery of government targets, and a new minister for transport.
Fine Gael would also "re-allocate responsibilities among departments, ministers and ministers of State to ensure that our priorities are implemented in the day-to-day work of the government".
A National Housing Agency would assist local authorities to meet targets to expand the output of social housing.
A new House Deposit Savings Scheme would give up to €7,500 to people saving for a house deposit for at least two years. Fine Gael would double mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers in the first five years of the mortgage.
On the healthcare issue, the programme repeats the commitment to providing free GP services for those under 18, the over-65s, the lowest-paid 60 per cent of the population and those with chronic disabilities.
They would appoint a surgeon-general to investigate and report to the Oireachtas on the adequacy of the health service.
They also propose to introduce an insurance-based system of access to elective healthcare based on medical need.