The Labour party leader Mr Ruairí Quinn today launched six key policy pledges which he says will be at the heart of the programme his party puts before the people at the forthcoming general election.
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Mr Ruairí Quinn
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In one of its pledges on health, Labour wants to deliver a free GP health care for all.
He added that "Labour would not participate in any Government not committed to achieving them". We’ve no interest in being in Government just for the sake of being in Government...we’re only interested in changing Irish society," he said.
The pledges are in the areas of health, education, welfare, childcare, caring and housing.
Mr Quinn said that Labour had costed these pledges and found that they are affordable.
"With the American economy showing some signs of recovery and the ESRI predicting a return to higher than average levels of growth from 2003 onwards, the next administration will have perhaps the last opportunity to put in place a social framework commensurate with our economic success," he added.
Labour’s six pledge for the next five years;
- Health Pledge: Free GP health care for all. As Labour delivers a high quality health system based on need, not continued health apartheid.
- School Pledge: A properly funded schools system. As Labour invests in our children not forcing parents and teachers into endless fundraising.
- Poverty Pledge: Tackling the growing gap between the rich and the poor. As Labour index-links welfare payments to wage increases not inflation.
- Children's Pledge: Provision of pre-school and childcare places for our children. As Labour supports the family, not victimises hard-pressed parents.
- Carer's Pledge: An end to the means testing of carers allowance. As Labour recognises the central role played by all carers.
- Housing Pledge: A right to good quality secure homes at an affordable price. As Labour delivers radical solutions not favours developers over families.