Martin and Harris confirm draft programme for Irish government

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris have confirmed a new draft programme for the Irish government.

The deal paves the way for the next government following November's election.

The government will be formed with the support of a number of independent TDs.

This includes seven from the Independent Regional Group and brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae, TDs in County Kerry.

The draft programme for government has been presented to the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parliamentary parties.

It will now be the subject of approval by party members over the coming days.

Fianna Fáil has organised a special convention on Sunday in Dublin for certain members, while Fine Gael will hold a series of meetings.

This will then clear the way for the nomination of a taoiseach (Irish prime minister) when the Dáil (Irish parliament) returns on 22 January, and the formation of the 35th government of Ireland.

Micheál Martin will return as taoiseach, with Simon Harris taking the role as tánaiste (deputy prime minister), as well as minister for foreign affairs.

It is expected regional independent TDs will receive an assortment of junior ministries in transport and agriculture.

Much of the programme focuses on childcare and housing.

Key takeaways include:

• Childcare costs are to be cut to €200 (£168) per month per child
• Means test for carers to be phased out under next government
• First Homes Scheme to be extended to second-hand homes
• The retention of the pension age at 66
• A retention of the lower VAT rate on gas and electric bills
• A new public transport security force
• Reform of the triple lock legislation in keeping with the existing policy of active military neutrality

In Northern Ireland, targets include:

• Improving connectivity with the north west by working with the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver the A5 road upgrade
• Collaboration on healthcare, research, training and education to achieve improved health outcomes for everyone on the island of Ireland
• Boost funding for the Touring of Work Scheme to facilitate regional presentations of professional productions and extend access to arts organisations and venues in Northern Ireland
• Fund Northern Ireland students to participate in the Erasmus programme in Ireland and across the EU

The controversial Apple Tax windfall is to be spent on energy, water and housing.

The document says that "the Good Friday Agreement is the blueprint for unlocking the full potential of our island and sets out the three strands necessary to do so: the relationship between communities in Northern Ireland, the relationship between north and south, and the relationship between Ireland and Britain".

But the new document also notes health digitization investment will transform and bring the health system up to date.

The government adds it will "advocate for a meaningful interpretation of Israel's human rights obligations under the EU-Israel association agreement at European Commission level and continue to advocate a review of the EU Trade Agreement".

The progression of legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories following the July 2024 International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion will also be commenced.

The document also says the government will work "with partners in the EU to introduce further sanctions against illegal settler activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem".

The agreement follows negotiations by teams from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Regional Independent Group.

If agreed, the leaders said that "the two parties will work together – along with their independent colleagues – to deliver for families and tackle the challenges facing the country".