5 key points from the Sinn Féin election manifesto

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that people do not feel better off compared to five years ago.

She was speaking at the launch of her party's election manifesto, which commits to running €15 billion in budget surpluses over the next five years.

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

1. Economy

A €37.2 billion budget package over the next five years, and €31.9bn of capital investment.

Run budget surpluses that will accumulate to €15bn by the end of its term in office.

Abolish the USC on the first €45,000 that any worker earns.

Increase the entry point of the higher rate of tax by €4,000.

Abolish the Local Property Tax.

2. Housing

Deliver 300,000 new homes between 2025 and 2029.

Of these, 75,000 would be social housing, 25,000 for affordable rent and 25,000 for affordable purchase.

Phase out Help to Buy over five years.

100% redress to everyone effected by building defects.

Hold a referendum to enshrine housing rights in the Constitution.

3. Health

Deliver a universal healthcare system, free at the point of delivery.

A public GP contract employing 250 public GPs.

Abolish prescription charges for medical card holders.

5,000 hospital beds by 2031.

A job guarantee for Irish health graduates and doubling CAO entry places for nursing, medicine and social care.

4. Cost of Living

Deliver €10 a day childcare, including childminders in the scheme.

An activity card scheme providing €130 to afterschool sports, arts or cultural activities.

Abolish college fees.

No more carbon tax increases.

Ban rent increases for three years.

5. Education

End schools' reliance on the voluntary contribution by increasing core funding.

Reduce the pupil teacher ratio.

Deliver 100,000 extra places on school transport.

Make the oral exam worth 40% of the Irish exam for junior cert.

Increase SUSI grant by 15% and abolish apprenticeship fees.

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