Policies for Parents
Here's what the parties would do for you.
Affordable Housing Programme
75,000 affordable homes on state land. Under €300,000 in Dublin. Under €260,000 elsewhere.
Hundreds of thousands of younger adults are stuck living in the family home, unable to move out and move on with their lives because they …
Why this matters to you: Affordable homes under €300k in Dublin so families can stop renting and own
€1.3 billion/year + €290m capitalA Public Model of Childcare
Childcare fees cut by €200/month immediately. Cap of €200/month by 2028.
Ireland has some of the highest childcare costs in Europe. Parents are paying more for childcare than for their mortgage. Many mothers are effectively working …
Why this matters to you: Childcare fees cut by €200/month immediately, capped at €200 by 2028
Phased to 2028Education: Truly Free and Inclusive
Fully fund school books and transport. Cut third-level fees by €1,000. Specialist counsellor in every school.
Irish families spend hundreds of euro every year on so-called 'free' education - books, uniforms, transport, voluntary contributions. The Social Democrats would make primary and …
Why this matters to you: Make primary/secondary truly free — no more voluntary contributions or book costs
€1,000 fee cut + school funding package40 Measures to Cut the Cost of Living
40 costed measures: freeze rents, cap childcare at €250/month, free GP care, €1 off-peak fares, solar panels on 500,000 homes.
Ireland is now the most expensive country in the EU after Luxembourg. The price of goods and services is 38% above the EU average. Once-off …
Why this matters to you: Childcare cap €250/month, free GP care, hot school meals
Mental Health: Funding, Access and Reform
10% of health budget to mental health by 2030. Fully staff CAMHS. Expand to age 25. Counsellor in every school.
Mental health funding is just 5.8% of the total health budget, despite a promise to reach 10%. CAMHS teams are understaffed. Waiting lists are growing. …
Why this matters to you: Fully staffed child mental health teams, early intervention
Supporting Families: Leave, Poverty and Flexible Work
13 weeks paid parent's leave each. €350/week benefits. Eliminate child poverty by 2030. Right to flexible work.
Ireland lags behind other countries on paid leave, childcare and family supports. 188,000 children are living in poverty. The Social Democrats would ensure the first …
Why this matters to you: 13 weeks paid leave each, €350/week benefit, eliminate child poverty by 2030