Sinn Féin will outline proposals to support parents of new babies as the party also launches its childcare policy (File image)

Focus on newborns, pensioners as election enters week two

16 Nov 2024, 07:21 by Mary Regan, https://www.facebook.com/rtenews/ · RTE.ie

Newborns and pensioners will be the focus of political parties today as the election campaign enters its second week.

Nominations for the election will close at midday. Hundreds of people have already declared their candidacy across the country.

Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are promising to raise the pension to €350.

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris will be canvassing in Kerry later, where he will announce a range of policy proposals focused on older people.

Among them a pledge that thousands of more pensioners would be helped with household bills if Fine Gael is returned to the Government.

The party is promising that the household benefits package which contributes €420 annually to heating bills and provides a free TV licence to over 70s, would be available to those over 66.

Fianna Fáil is also promising a €350 increase in the state pension, an increase in the living alone allowance and abolishing the means test for the carers' allowance.

Sinn Féin will outline proposals to support parents of new babies as the party also launches its childcare policy.

Labour will be calling for a review of defence force pay and pensions.

The cost of living will be the focus for People Before Profit-Solidarity who will call for price caps on certain goods and energy.