The Green Party is to propose providing universal free pre-school childcare, the abolition of VRT on cars and the reform of stamp duty on houses.
In its pre-budget submission, to be published today, the party will outline a series of taxation and other spending measures, which are expected to be similar to those it would seek to have implemented if it forms part of a coalition government next year.
The party has proposed a free, universal childcare system where every pre-school child would receive 17.5 hours of care every week. The €1,000 a year early childhood payment would be replaced by a €150 a month tax credit, while child benefit payments would be increased from €150 to €160 a month. Maternity leave should be extended to six months, with both fathers and mothers being able to avail of it.
Stamp duty should also be reformed to provide additional tax relief to elderly people downsizing their properties, first-time buyers and disabled persons.
The Green Party document suggests a major change in the pension tax relief system, which it states should be replaced by a "tapered" proportional contribution system from Government, which would also be of benefit to low-paid workers.
As part of a package of proposals aimed at tackling the potential energy crisis and climate change, the Green Party has suggested personal tax relief for investment in renewable energy projects, grant aid for eco- friendly house construction, and grant aid for insulating existing houses.
The party has also proposed a radical reform of the motor taxation system. Vehicle registration tax and annual motor tax would be abolished under its proposals, to be replaced by additional excise duties and carbon levies on fossil fuels.