The party launched its manifesto saying it is not credible to suggest tax cuts and improved investment in public services

5 key points from the Social Democrats election manifesto

by · RTE.ie

The Social Democrats party has launched its General Election manifesto.

Unlike the larger parties, the Social Democrats party is not proposing any cuts to income tax if it is elected to government.

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan has said it is not credible to suggest that tax cuts can be made alongside improved investment in public services.

Here are the main points from the party's manifesto, covering five key areas:

1. Housing

50,000 affordable purchase homes, 25,000 affordable rental homes and 70,000 social homes over the next five years.

Replace rent pressure zones with a rent reference system.

Use Compulsory Purchase Orders to acquire development land for housing.

End no-fault evictions.

Three-year rent freeze.

2. Health

Senior Minister for Disability.

€1.1billion a year additional funding for disability services.

Introduce a €30 a week cost of disability payment.

Abolish means test for carers.

Ensure mental health receives 10% of overall health budget.

3. Childcare

Extend paid parental leave to a full year.

Increase the payments to €350 a week.

Introduce a public childcare scheme to deliver affordable and quality early years care.

Cap childcare fees at €250 a month while rolling out that public model.

Give a €150 sport and cultural activity voucher to all children aged 6-18.

4. Climate

Create a revised Climate Action Plan.

Restore the Electric Vehicle Grant to €5,000.

Phase out "environmentally harmful subsidies" for farmers.

Developer "wildlife corridors" across the country.

Use the tax code to encourage repair shops and second-hand markets.

5. Economy

Prioritise investment in services over tax cuts.

Put an end to "once off gimmicks" and invest in the long term.

Increase employer PRSI rates.

Wealth tax levied at a rate of 0.5% on assets above €1 million (net of liabilities), excluding the family home, business assets and farmland.

The levy would rise to 1% on assets over €2 million.

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