O’Brien Welcomes Programme for Government

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed the publication of the Programme for Government.
Deputy O’Brien, a key member of the Fianna Fáil negotiation team, has been engaging alongside colleagues, with Fine Gael and Green Party negotiators since formal talks began on May 7th.
 
“I was honoured to be part of our party’s negotiating team and I am very happy with the finalised text. I firmly believe that this plan is a radical departure for our country that will guide Ireland through this pandemic and on to economic recovery.
 
“Our core policies and beliefs are strongly contained and reflected in this document. On housing we have ensured that home ownership will now be central to the new governments housing strategy. We have secured an affordable housing scheme which will give our young people a chance to own their own home at an affordable price, a policy which I have pursued on behalf of Fianna Fáil for several years now.
 
“This housing plan is radical and bold and has the capacity to transform our country for the greater good. It will be the largest state investment in housing in generations, led by Fianna Fáil.
 
“On transport, working with your councillors, I have ensured that Metro Link is included in this programme for government along with the much-needed DART expansion to Balbriggan. There’s a significant increase in funding for walking and cycling, which will help deliver the Fingal Way and Broadmeadows Way along with a national school streets programme.”
 
The Draft Programme for Government will play a vital role in improving the education of children with special educational needs if implemented.
 
“Supporting learners with special educational needs has been a key priority for Fianna Fáil in negotiations. I believe that a number of really important measures have been proposed working with Fine Gael and the Green Party which could see real improvements in educational outcomes if implemented over the next five years,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.