Programme for Government Our Shared Future 1 2 Programme for Government – Our Shared Future Contents Our Shared Future - Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 6 Ár dTodhchaí Le Chéile - Réamhrá .......................................................................................................................... 8 Mission: A Better Quality of Life for All .........................................................................................................11 New Measures of Wellbeing and Progress Town Centres First A National Clean Air Strategy Better Work-life Balance Transport Mission: Reigniting and Renewing the Economy ...........................................................................................17 A Jobs-led Recovery National Economic Plan Public Finances and Taxation National Development Plan Aviation and Ports Tourism Insurance Reform National Digital Strategy Mission: A Green New Deal ..........................................................................................................................31 Emissions Climate Governance Energy Retrofitting Just Transition Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Water Mission: Universal Health Care .....................................................................................................................43 Delivery of Care in a COVID-19 Environment Implementing Sláintecare Promoting Women’s Health A Healthier Future 3 Programme for Government – Our Shared Future Mental Health A Health-led Approach to Drugs Misuse An Age-friendly Ireland Mission: Housing for All ................................................................................................................................53 Homelessness Affordable Home Ownership Public and Social Housing Rental Land Development Agency Planning and Reform Mission: Balanced Regional Development ....................................................................................................59 Rural Development Agriculture and Food The Marine Broadband Mission: A New Social Contract ....................................................................................................................73 Social Protection Pensions Family Carers4 Equality4 Direct Provision Disability Children and Family Support Mission: Building Stronger and Safer Communities .......................................................................................83 Policing Online Safety Arts and Culture An Ghaeilge Sport Community Development, Social Inclusion and Public Participation Mission: Better Opportunities through Education and Research ...................................................................93 Primary and Post-Primary Education Higher and Further Education and Research Apprenticeships Mission: A Shared Island ............................................................................................................................103 A Shared Island Brexit British-Irish Relations 4 Programme for Government – Our Shared Future Mission: At the Heart of Europe and Global Citizenship ..............................................................................109 Ireland at the Heart of Europe An Island at the Centre of the World Strengthening our Relationship with the Diaspora Defence Overseas Operations and International Cooperation Mission: Reforming and Reimagining our Public Life ...................................................................................117 Local Government Political and Public Service Reform Social Dialogue Media Functioning of Government ........................................................................................................................123 Formation of Government Rotation of Taoiseach and Nomination of Government Office of An Tánaiste Green Party Leader4 Cabinet Committees and Government Coordination Committee Ongoing Cooperation Government Departments Unanticipated Concerns Ratification of the Programme for Government 5 Programme for Government – Our Shared Future Our Shared Future - Introduction This is a defining moment for our country. We face urgent the best thinking from three distinct parties, which differ challenges which touch every community. In the space of a few fundamentally in terms of history. It creates a vision for reform short months our world has turned upside down. Lives have and renewal that can help Ireland recover and thrive. It will been lost and hearts broken, and our lives and livelihoods have not be easy, and this Programme does not offer easy solutions. been changed utterly. In striving together against something Not everything will be achieved within the lifetime of this which threatens us all, we have shown we can surprise ourselves Government. But, as we begin to make some transformative – adapting quickly, building new alliances and collaborating in changes for our country, we recognise that these steps have ways we never expected – all to realise a common purpose: our the potential to deliver radical change. This Government will common future. be a genuine partnership between all involved and the policies outlined reflect a shared desire to work together and a mutual COVID-19 has presented the global community with a terrible respect for each other’s policies, beliefs, and values. set of challenges to add to the ongoing climate and biodiversity emergency. In this Programme for Government, we are asserting The actions taken over the next five years will define this our ambition to meet these challenges, repair the damage that nation’s future direction for decades to come. Our objective is has been inflicted by the pandemic, and take the renewed spirit to contribute positively towards a wider global response to how arising from these challenging times and translate it into action we shape the post-COVID recovery and also to how we lead as – action that can deliver a better quality of life for all, equality an exemplar in decarbonising our economy. within society and a deeper sense of connection to the natural We recognise that the task is immense. Some of the biggest world around us, and each other. tasks include achieving social solidarity and equality of The world was approaching a climate crisis long before COVID-19 opportunity, reaching ecological harmony and economic equity, hit our shores. The pandemic has acted as a catalyst, enabling us securing good livelihoods from our land and housing for all, and to implement radical policies that were considered impossible embracing our cultural diversity. It is a task we will not shirk before; it will not and must not be used as an excuse for failure from. to take immediate action to deliver on all that is needed to build The new Government will make every effort to get people back a better society and a secure future for all living things. This to work, to reopen businesses, while developing the strategies is a Programme to recover our economy, rebuild our society, and the policies to drive this forward. We will stimulate the renew our communities, and respond to the challenges we face economy through investment in public infrastructure, and both nationally and internationally. This will be a Government critical areas such as housing, health care, transport, and energy. of enterprise, creating new jobs, preparing for the jobs of the future, driving our economic recovery, and improving the The wellbeing of our nation, however, goes beyond the narrow quality of life for all our people. confines of economic growth. Over the next five years, the Government will use wellbeing indicators as well as economic This Programme shows that it is possible to bring together 6 Programme for Government – Our Shared Future indicators to point out inequalities and help ensure that policies and the letter of the Good Friday Agreement are protected. We are driven by a desire to do better by people. will work to protect the island of Ireland from the worst effects of Brexit, as we develop a new relationship with the United Our economy must recover in a way that is fair and balanced, Kingdom (UK). By continuing to build a close relationship with leaves no one behind, and is futureproofed against shocks. Northern Ireland, the new Government will also look forward Embedding resilience within our economy must become a way to how we can share this island together. of life, recognising our strength as a home for international business, and crucially how our own indigenous small This Programme outlines a vision of an Ireland for all ages, and medium-sized enterprises can trade in a supportive where the arts and culture thrive, the Irish language is nurtured environment. and developed, and sport inspires us to lead healthier and better lives – This is a vision for Ireland that seeks to move beyond division and discord and find shared solutions. Nowhere is this more an Ireland that is a welcoming place to all visitors, whether they evident than in the area of Climate Action, where we show that are here on holiday, to learn, to seek refuge, or for business; an it is possible to move beyond politics and deliver transformative Ireland for people of all ages. The Programme therefore includes change that benefits our agriculture and fisheries, our society, policies to help people raise their children in all circumstances our economy and our planet. with real care, encourage youth political participation, promote digital safety, and value our older people. This Programme seeks to deliver a better life for