Fine Gael pledges to 'put money back in pockets' in upcoming budget
Is Will A And Money Picture: Simon Real That Living Your Sasko That 'put Say Lazarov/rollingnews Is To Issue Taoiseach Of Ie Back Aware Voters Harris Pockets' In For Cost He Pledged More
Fine Gael will place childcare at the heart of its election manifesto by pledging to build a publicly funded early learning and childcare system.
Taoiseach Simon Harris is expected to make this commitment as the party gathers in Co Offaly today for their think-in.
The plan aims to create an affordable and accessible childcare model that will reduce the reliance on the private sector.
The ongoing crisis in childcare has long been flagged by both parents and providers with many calling for the state to take on a greater role.
Last month, the National Women's Council said that a state-run childcare sector is the "only common sense" solution to the issue.
The proposed plan is part of Fine Gael's strategy to "deliver for families across the country".
In his opening address in Tullamore later today, Mr Harris is expected to focus on housing, migration, and cost of living.
Looking to the upcoming budget, working families can expect a number of measures targeting them, with the promise of cutting the cost of raising a family through reduced taxes, assistance with the cost of school and college, and helping with bills including energy, transport, and rent.
Mr Harris will also highlight building homes, delivering homeownership, supporting farmers and businesses, building infrastructure, investing in disability services, investing in An Garda Síochána, and ensuring the migration system is "more efficient".
As more than 70 Fine Gael politicians and general election candidates gather, Mr Harris is expected to say: "As I travel around the country, people do not ask me the election date.
Mr Harris will say that is he aware that cost of living is a real issue for voters and pledged to "put more money back in your pockets".
Fine Gael will strive to reduce bills and taxes so that families and workers can keep more of their hard-earned money, the Taoiseach is expected to say.
"We will stand up for working families who feel they pay for everything and get nothing in return. That will remain our focus in this year’s Budget," Mr Harris will tell his first think-in as Fine Gael leader.
Speaking on the looming election, Mr Harris will point to the 16 women who have been selected so far out of the 47 chosen to date.
This brings the party to 34% of the gender quota with 13 constituencies still to hold their conventions.
Of the 47 candidates, six have never run for public office while 23 are running for the Dáil for the first time.
Mr Harris will speak of the new energy that the slate of Fine Gael candidates will bring something which party members are expecting the Taoiseach to bring to proceedings over the two days in Tullamore.
Other issues expected to be on the agenda include how to spend the Apple tax funds, mental health supports, and investment in education.